Collegian ACADEMIC F E S T I VA L T he Cameron University
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Monday, March 5, 2018
Volume 98 Issue 5
Retired General Jack Keane on American Diplomacy Cheyenne Cole Managing Editor
“American Identities in the 21st Century” concluded on Feb. 27 with the final major Academic Festival X speaker, Retired U.S. Army General Jack Keane. Keane visited campus for a student session at 3:30 p.m. in Johnson Auditorium in Ross Hall and a lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Aggie Gym, where he discussed the theme “America’s Place in the World: Power, Diplomacy and Commerce.” A former U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Keane is currently the president of GSI Consulting, the chairman of the Institute for the Study of War and the Knollwood Foundation. Keane started by addressing how America’s dynamic on a global platform has changed and the major challenges the country is currently facing, including radical Islamic movements and North Korea and Russia acquiring stealth technology. “The United States military is still the primary military in the world,” he said, “but there has been significant erosion of our capability, and some of our adversaries have matched
that capability and certain selected areas have exceeded it.” He said the erosion can be attributed to when the U.S. cut military funding about 35-37 percent to use the money for domestic reasons after the Soviet Union collapsed. “All of your military leaders agreed with that – it made sense,” he said. “All of your national security policy leaders, by and large, agreed with it, but we do believe we cut too much into the bone.” Keane said Russia recognizes how important nuclear power is in today’s political climate and is striving for dominance over the United States among other countries. “Russia desires to be a world power once again,” he said. “Putin wants to stay in power indefinitely. He caters to his domestic audience rather significantly, and he posits to that domestic audience that the strategic problem in the world today is the United States.” A member of the National Defense Strategy Commission, Keane said he is confident in the Trump administration’s ability to discourage Russia from using nuclear weapons. “We’re going to have to build deterrence capability,” he said. “I think we know how to do this. We’ve been successful at it in the past. The truth is when you push back on Putin, he backs up.” Meanwhile, Keane said China is using the “gray zone strategy,” a plan in which shots are never fired, to accomplish regional ambitions. “[China] want[s] to replace the United States, which has been the dominant force in the Pacific,” he said, “It’s contributed to its stability and peace and prosperity. “All of the countries in the region, other than North Korea, are allies of the United States, not of China. They are grinding down our allies by militarizing the South China Sea.” He said China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to invest four trillion dollars in energy and infrastructure is an attempt to gain geopolitical influence over countries in Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. “What we have to do as the United States is let those countries know that we can help, that we’re going to be there, that they’re our allies and we work with them in partnerships,” he said. Keane said the economic sanctions the United States is imposing on North Korea due to the country’s nuclear policy changes and threats has cut off about 70 to 80 percent of their revenue. “Our main effort in the United States is the diplomatic-economic sanction effort, strengthened by a credible military option that gives credence and intensity to that economic sanction,” he said. “I think it’s one of the reasons why so many countries are now participating in cutting off trade with North Korea.” However, he believes that the United States is close to a showdown with North Korea since they are close to nuclearizing intercontinental ballistic missiles. “If you talk to diplomats, they welcome the threat of military action because it gives them leverage when they’re working with other states,” he said. “It gives them political leverage. […] It takes some of the arrows out of Photo by Stacie Larsen the quiver, so to speak, of a diplomat.”
What’s inside Students seek jobs at Career Expo Page 2
‘Black Panther’ breaks box office records
Aggie softball wins threegame series
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News
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Student success: CU Red River Career Expo
Photos by Stacie Larsen
On the hunt: From 12:30-3:30 p.m., Feb. 15, in the Aggie Rec Center, Cameron’s Career Services hosted its 21st Annual Red River Expo. The expo provided students with an opportunity to meet employers from various businesses and organizations in Oklahoma and Texas, including banks, hospitals and schools.
Cameron opens Collaboration Room Robert King Staff Writer
In the CETES building room 104, a computer lab called the Collaboration Room has opened to the campus. The room features interactive technology and demo computer models that students can try. The content is open to anyone who attends or works at Cameron University and is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo by Robert King
ITS Director Kelly McClure said the Collaboration Room used to be a computer lab for multimedia. “When multimedia moved over to Howell Hall we moved that lab to go with it,” he said. “We were trying to figure out what do with the space.” When McClure visited the University of Oklahoma’s campus, he said he noticed that they created spaces for students to be able to work in small groups with
plenty of technology to do the work with. “I found out that a lot of other universities are doing similar things,” he said. “So we decided to turn this room into Cameron’s own version of a collaboration space.” Currently the Collaboration Room features six lab computers. The room also functions as a showcase for newer cutting-edge technologies, such as the giant touchscreen monitors and a 3D imaging computer. The giant monitors can
be used like a whiteboard to take notes or work out equations. Students and faculty can also connect and extend their own personal computers capabilities by plugging them into the system, operating their desktops on a larger screen. The Collaboration Room also features a virtual reality lab. Oculus Rift is available for students and staff to play or use for teambuilding exercises. It is recommended that appointments be made
to learn how to use it. Once students know how to properly handle the equipment, they can come in on their own time. The software for the Rift includes many interactive and educational games, plus multiple virtual worlds to explore. Student Help Desk and Tech Support Phillip Stephens can help students with software or computer problems and is the main Oculus Rift guide. Stephens said some of the material for use is actually equipment they don’t own yet. “These demos are brought to us by vendors who want to interest us in new things they’re selling,” he said. “We don’t own this equipment, we’re letting the students test it out. “These computers may or may not be in other labs in the future.” One of the demo computers features a projector and scanner that looks over the front side of the monitor. Part of the desktop is projected onto a special pad that is then laid under the monitor. What is projected onto the tabletop works like a touch screen—except there is no screen. One of
the apps on the system can make digital 3D models of various small objects, such as “Funko Pop figures.” McClure said the room is adaptable to the needs of people using the space. “There’s no definitive layout for the room,” he said. “We can move things around if necessary. “Students and faculty will rearrange furniture whenever people need a space to work but don’t want to be held captive and limited like in a typical computer lab.” McClure also said the Collaboration Room can be used for student tours of the campus as well. “We have prospective students come in and get a chance to see what Cameron does,” he said. “It’s a room to experiment and try new technology that you may not have used before. “We’re trying to create some smaller semi-private space so students can work on things without being in a big open space. We’ll do that through room partitions. We’re trying to provide more connectivity for devices and more Wi-Fi power so speeds will be faster.” For more information, contact Information Technology Services at (580) 581-2453.
Student Life
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2018: The flu epidemic
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United States faces deadliest season Miranda Fritts Staff Writer
As of Feb. 17, nearly 21,279 people across the United States have been hospitalized by the flu. The flu is a contagious virus that attacks the upper and lower respiratory systems. It is typically contracted through the air, and is most likely spread when people with the virus cough it into the air. The flu is highly contagious virus because it can be spread at least two to three days before symptoms occur. According to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), this flu season reached its peak during the early weeks of February. While many might assume that means the flu season has passed, the season has the possibility of lasting well into the month of May. Federal Health officials say this season has been considered one of the worst the US has ever had, equaling infection rates of the swine flu pandemic in 2009; the CDC reports that an alarming number of adults, children and the elderly are passing away by the flu and pneumonia this season. Health officials
say that it can be quite concerning when receiving a positive flu test from the doctor and this season more than any other, but should be taken seriously. The CDC has been confirmed that at least 97 people have died from flurelated illnesses in the U.S. this season. According to the CDC’s current data, the fourth week of January had both the flu and pneumonia accounting for 9.8% of deaths that week. This percentage is at least two and half percent more than the percentage it takes to be considered an epidemic, which is 7.3%.
There are many different flu viruses, which are constantly changing. The four common strains of flu, stemming from type-A and type-B, are reviewed each year to update vaccines. The strain considered most dangerous, however, has been found in 71% of positive flu tests this season. The CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report stated that influenza A(H3) has been the most frequently identified virus subtype reported by public health laboratories. Cameron Student Wellness Center Director Jill Melrose said the Wellness Center saw roughly
75 to 80 students for flulike symptoms during their busiest time of the year. “The peak of the flu season for us was during the last few weeks of January and the first two weeks of February,” she said. “It has slowed down considerably since then.” The Student Wellness Center prepares for flu season by holding their annual two-day flu shot clinic for all students, staff and faculty every October. They keep flu tests and over-the-counter pain and fever reducing medication available throughout the rest of the season. For any concerned
students and employees, Melrose said not to worry about flu-related deaths in Oklahoma, as the deaths are not common. “If you are worried that you are getting sicker from the flu and have already come in to see us, just come in again,” she said. “Our medical provider will monitor your flu symptoms.” To prevent the spread of the virus, Melrose said she encourages all students, staff and faculty to wash their hands frequently and keep them away from the face. “We are here to take care of students and to keep you healthy so you can succeed at Cameron,” she said.
well to monitor the situation.” Mitchell said the university also stays in communication with area schools such as Lawton Public Schools to see how they respond to the threatening conditions. “It’s part of our policy that we talk to Lawton Public Schools to see what they’re doing about it,” he said. CU differs from Lawton Public Schools many Cameron students, faculty and staff travel from out of town to get here. “Our area goes from here all the way to the Red River. Then, it goes all the way west to the Texas state line. Then, goes further east past I-44,” he said. “So it’s very difficult to make a decision because some students will experience different weather conditions depending on where they live.” With all these factors in play, only the president has the authority to make the decision to cancel classes.
Mitchell said the most important thing is student safety. “We want students to know that we do care,” he said. “The decision the university wants to make is for all students. If you don’t feel comfortable with coming to class because of the weather, then that is perfectly fine.” Junior journalism and media production major Abigail Gonzales said she was relieved that Cameron cancelled classes because her commute from out of town would have been dangerous. “I was going to have to skip class anyways,” she
said. “There was no way I was going to be able to come to school, so I’m glad they closed campus so I didn’t have to take an absence.” Senior public relations major Kevin Smith said he was upset at the closing of campus, since it meant no university activities or facilities would be open. “I was kind of mad because I wanted to go to the rec center,” he said. “But of course, the rec center like everywhere else was closed. I was still happy that classes were cancelled, but I just wish I had something to go do.”
Campus officials made the decision to close campus just minutes before 11 p.m. on Feb. 20. What started off as a warm and humid Wednesday morning turned cold and icy with the passing of a cold front that brought strong north winds and falling temperatures. At 1 p.m., at the Medicine Park Mesonet weather monitoring site, the temperature read 20 degrees. The sleet started in Lawton around this time, causing roads to start to deteriorate. Throughout the rest of the afternoon of Feb. 21, sleet blanketed southwest Oklahoma, and periods of freezing rain soon followed.
When the sun rose on Thursday, the weather was forecasted to improve, but thanks to the slow-moving system, much of the day turned out to be filled with more freezing rain. The closures during this period is meant to protect its members and promote a safe, educational experience for all students. As the weather began to clear and temperatures rose, classes resumed Friday as normal.
Winter weather closes Cameron Zack Crow Staff Writer
From Feb. 21-23, Cameron University cancelled all classes and activities due to a late winter storm that took aim at much of Oklahoma. After the storm, Lawton measured up to an inch of sleet, while .10 inches of freezing rain glazed trees and power lines, making roads slick and hazardous. Cameron University’s Senior Director of Public Affairs Keith Mitchell said the university takes several different factors into consideration when determining if classes will be cancelled or not. “What we do is, typically when we know there is a possibility of inclement weather, about 48 hours out, the president will put the vice presidents, the campus police, the physical facilities crew and the public affairs office on alert of the possibility of inclement weather,” he said. “We then watch reports from the National Weather Service and local stations as
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Voices
March 5, 2018
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Graphic by Drue Watkins
Why the American motto is misguided Justin Rose Staff Writer
I have a simple request: stop placing “In God We Trust” on the back of police vehicles. Starting in 2015, some police departments put the motto on the back of their city’s police vehicles. This move by officers has been met with both praise and criticism. Critics of the placement say it violates the separation of church and state, while
supporters say that it’s our nation’s motto, and displaying it on police vehicles is patriotic. Florida Sheriff Frank McKeithen said in an interview with The Washington Post that he’s not trying to hide the religiosity of the phrase, and morals and ethics is what law enforcement is supposed to be about. Before I get into the argument about the motto, I first want to say law enforcement is not about one’s personal religious
morals or beliefs. I would argue the belief system that governs our country does not come from any religion, and it would be dangerous if it did. While “In God We Trust” is our nation’s motto, I feel like the majority of citizens don’t know the history behind how it got to be just that. In 1956, the United States adopted “In God We Trust” as the country’s motto. Nearly 200 years before that, however, three of our founding fathers (Thomas
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The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
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The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin) created their own seal and motto for the new nation. By taking a quick look at these three men’s opinions on spirituality, you can tell that this country is not founded upon religious mindsets. Franklin was a deist who didn’t believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and Adams, as president, signed the Treaty with Tripoli in 1797, which reassured the nation of Tripoli the United States was not founded, in any sense, on the Christian religion. Jefferson created his own bible, leaving out all the miracles that
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came with Christ, including the divine birth. After many debates and drafts, the three men decided on the seal we still use to this day: the American Bald Eagle clutching thirteen arrows in one talon, and an olive branch in the other. The only motto that survived the committee is “E Pluribus Unum,” which means “From many, one.” This motto also appears on the seal. Fast forward to the year 1864. This is when “In God We Trust” became first placed on U.S. coins. During this time, the Civil War rampaged its way across the country and religious sentiment reached its peak. Then, on July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially made “In God We Trust” the nation’s motto. Why would he do this? Let’s look at the midtwentieth century. The Cold War was at a fever pitch, and a witch hunt started for any government official that was thought to be a Communist; this event is called the Red Scare. Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy led the
witch hunt. McCarthy would accuse many government officials of being members of the communist party, manipulating the processes of justice in our country. McCarthy’s accusations were so intimidating that few people dared to speak out against him. Despite the lack of any proof, McCarthy’s investigation caused more than 2,000 government employees to lose their jobs. Thanks to the Red Scare, McCarthyism, and the thinking of communists as godless individuals, McCarthy led the push to add the phrase “Under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954. Two years later, “In God We Trust” became officially adopted as our national motto. By placing that motto on government vehicles, police officers are going against what our founding fathers wanted this great nation to be: an inclusive place where everybody feels welcome regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. If the government truly wants to represent every citizen and be patriotic by placing a motto on the back of police cars, I suggest doing so by using the original motto “E Pluribus Unum,” or the opening line of our Constitution, “We the People.”
Letters Policy
Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.
Editorial Staff
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.
Managing Editor - Cheyenne Cole A&E Editor - Sarae Ticeahkie News Editor - Stacie Larsen Sports Editor - Drue Watkins Student Life Editor - Maddie Lyda Voices Editor - Payton Williams Copy Editor - Drue Watkins Aggie Central Editor - Jeff Larson Social Media Editor - Kerry Schoonaert
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Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Zack Crow, Miranda Fritts, Robert King, Emily Lepien, Katie Livingston, Justin Rose, Trevin Stevenson, Markel Turrell Advertising Manager - Cheyenne Cole Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
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, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
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A&E
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Katie Livingston
these counter culture values, and that the show will largely follow the formula of counterculture Staff Writer media before it. In actuality, however, the show effectively “The End of the F***ing World” is a denounces both ideologies. It mocks the counterculture style show that uses its place in ideal of perfect teen relationships through its the genre to critique counterculture values. normalized depictions of sex and violence. Where most films with quintessentially More importantly, however, it goes against “deep” and “quirky” teen protagonists tend the values of other counterculture films by to devalue emotional vulnerability and presenting James and Alyssa’s traits as negative, relationships, “The End of the F***ing World” rather than a sign that they’re superior. hails them as the disillusioned teen’s only What the show values instead is candidacy, salvation. emotional vulnerability and genuine connection Popular media romanticizes teenagers to the with another human being. point of absurdity, depicting idealized versions When the viewer is introduced to the two of their lives, their looks, and their emotional main characters, they are stoic, emotionally and sexual relationships. detached and critical of the society in which The genre of teen fiction that appeals to they live. the masses is decidedly fake, unrealistic, and Alyssa shows a clear disdain for her unattainable. mother, who has bought into the cookie cutter In response to this depiction of teens in suburbanite lifestyle and covets the life of her popular media, another genre of teen media has father, who left her long ago. Alyssa excuses him emerged: a counterculture version. for his neglect because he “didn’t fit in” and she Shows and movies in this genre usually “doesn’t trust people who fit in.” depict angsty social outcasts who are fed up She hides her pent up rage under the facade with the system. of not caring, calling things that clearly affect The teens in these films bond over their her “bulls***t.” mutual hatred for society and their shared The world doesn’t care about Alyssa, so she sense of intellectual superiority. There is an has to convince herself that she doesn’t care underlying assumption that they are better about the world. than the airheads around them, simply because James is the opposite. Where Alyssa is they don’t chase frivolity in the same way. characterized by her rage and vengefulness, This genre of teen fiction values cynicism James is characterized by his lack of emotion. and devalues emotions as a sign of weakness. Alyssa cares too much and seeks to convince Because of how James and Alyssa, the two herself that she doesn’t care, while James feels main characters of “The End of the F***ing nothing and seeks out ways to feel something. World” are depicted in the first few episodes, Because of his emotional numbness, James the viewer gets the sense that they represent thinks he is a psychopath. As a child, he killed
several small animals and stuck his left hand in a deep fryer, leaving himself permanently scarred. This was in an attempt to evoke an emotional response from himself, all to no avail. Like Alyssa, James shows a disdain for the authority of his parents and for the system, calling school beneath him. He’s only there, he says, to find his next target. He intends to kill a person, hoping that will finally help him feel something. When James and Alyssa originally attach themselves to one another it’s in order to use one another. Alyssa, deprived of attention and often ignored, is looking for someone who will give her attention and break up the monotony of her life. Jame is simply looking for someone to kill. Their respective dysfunctions make them a perfect match. When Alyssa finally comes to a breaking point in her life, she suggests that they run away together. Seeing this as his opportunity to kill Alyssa, James agrees. Their road trip goes wrong and gets dark rather quickly. James and Alyssa soon realize they’re in over their heads, with Alyssa noting that once you step outside the bounds of society, the world becomes a scary place. Viewers are soon exposed to the stark reality that James and Alyssa’s character traits that make them endearing and “different” are actually character flaws, a result of the pain and trauma in their lives. Alyssa’s devil-may-care attitude gets the two into trouble on several occasions, especially when her demands for James to take off his
shirt while driving end in a car accident that leaves them both stranded. James’ inability to connect with his emotions makes him a dangerously passive character, willing to go along with anything that he’s told. This passivity allows for Alyssa’s volatile behavior to be magnified and get them into more trouble than necessary. Their freedom does not free them from the bondage of society, but accentuates their vices, making them slaves to their own ill adjusted coping mechanisms. It is their growing relationship with one another, however, that slowly begins to pull them from these dynamics. As the story progresses Alyssa shifts from being controlling of James to listening to him. She stops running and starts trusting someone fully. James, in turn, learns to start feeling again. They discover that the ways in which they were dealing with their problems were not effective. James didn’t need to kill someone, he needed to deal with the trauma from his past that caused him to close off emotionally, and to open himself up to feeling for someone again. Alyssa didn’t need the exhilaration of freedom or to reconcile with her estranged father. She needed to stop seeking the approval of people who didn’t care about her, and to open herself up to caring about someone who did. The End of the F***ing World closes with James saying “I think I finally understand what people mean to each other.” This line exemplifies the underlying theme of the show.
‘Black Panther’ movie review: Wakanda forever Sarae Ticeahkie
Each tribe from Wakanda has a specific color scheme and symbols. A&E Editor The costumes are detailed with reds, blues, oranges @SylviaSeeks and greens that make each tribe stand out, The highly anticipated Walt Disney/Marvel Studios’ especially with their specific face paintings film “Black Panther” hit theaters Feb. 16, exceeding box and body piercings. office expectations with an estimated $426.6 million on its The visuals throughout the film, like the opening weekend. advanced third world country that Black The 134-minute superhero film, directed and written Panther is from, follow the same element. by Ryan Coolger, stars actors Chadwick Boseman (Black For instance, in certain scenes, T’Challa Panther), Michael B. Jordan (Erik Killmonger), Lupita sees a black panther as he goes through his Nyong’o (Nakia) and Letitia Wright (Shuri). spirit dream, the Kong-skulled palace of the For a major Hollywood film, “Black Panther” boasts renegade Wakanda tribe and inside Shuri’s an impressive African American cast, including multiple (Wright) lab as she presents inventions she’s strong leading women roles. created out of vibranium for the Wakanda Based on the Marvel comic book, Black Panther, takes forces and their country. place after the events of Captain America: Civil War. Captivating fight sequences will have King T’Challa/Black Panther (Boseman) returns viewers on the edge of their seats. home to the isolated technology advanced African nation, In one scene, T’Challa must submit to Wakanda to take his place as their new leader. the sacred Wakanda ritual of blood combat When an outsider conspires with a fraction of the to retain his throne, he is challenged by his country to overthrow and destroy Wakanda, Black Panther long-lost blood cousin Killmonger (Jordan). teams up with Wakandan Special Forces and CIA agent T’Challa and Killmonger fight to the Everett K. Ross (Martin Freeman) to protect his country death on top of a waterfall. and prevent a world war. Every twist and turn from the two Coolger had only directed two films, 2013’s “Fruitvale characters and each puncture from the Station” and 2015’s “Creed” before getting the opportunity weapons makes for a suspenseful scene. from Disney to direct “Black Panther.” The combat ends with Killmonger Jordan acted in lead roles in all three of Coogler’s defeating T’Challa and throwing him off the movies. waterfall. The $200 million production budget allowed Coolger to This is the climactic moment of the film, make the superhero film in such a way that it met viewer’s where the real action begins. expectations. Following the film, the “Black Panther: Action films with such big budgets tend to focus on The Album” soundtrack has remained no. 1 mass destruction and have predictable scenes. on the Billboard album chart since its Feb. However, “Black Panther” evenly distributed the action 9 release. and fighting scenes to hold the viewers’ attention and The album features artists Kendrick contribute to suspense. Lamar, SZA, The Weeknd, Schoolboy Q, 2 The film is like all other superhero films, but with a Chainz and more. cast made up of mostly African Americans, the entire film Top Dawg Entertainment CEO Anthony emphasizes African elements. “Top Dog” Tiffith, Coolger and Lamar put
their heads together for the album, pulling artists from across the hip-hop spectrum to create a revolutionary vision with songs like “Black Panther,” “King’s Dead” and “Redemption” that are inspired by the film.
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Sports
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Cameron Softball Sweeps Series By Drue Watkins Sports Editor
On Feb. 24, the Cameron University softball team swept the UT Permian Basin (UTPB) Falcons in three games. The Aggies won the final game by a score of 5-3, and the three-game sweep has extended Cameron’s season winning streak by six games. They now sit at an overall record of 14-3 and are ranked number 18 in the NCAA Division II polls. The Falcons, however, drop to an overall record of 6-11. Head coach Dennis Furr said he likes how the team has been playing, but there are still things to improve
upon, such as mental mistakes. “As a team, they’ve played the way they should be playing,” he said. “They’re a young team with a lot of talent, but there are still some mistakes that can be fixed. “Everyone has to keep their head in the game and not get wrapped up in rankings.” In the final game of the weekend match-up, Aggies freshman pitcher Kaitlyn Alvarado, sophomore shortstop Brenna Busby and freshman Madyson Marvulli led the way in hitting, with each securing a pair of hits in the game. Alvarado and senior Annie Combs also had two RBI’s
a-piece. For UTPB, Marzita Rojas led the team with three hits, while Ashlynn Williams got two hits with two RBI’s. The Aggies opened the game with a strong offensive start, achieving five total hits and scoring four runs. Furr said getting strong starts is important to the overall feel of a game. “There has to be an established rule for the game,” he said. “The team should come out and make sure things are going the way they want them to go.” The scoring started with a two-run homer from Alvarado, with the other two coming by a
two-RBI double from Combs. However, the quick offensive start stopped after the first inning, with neither team breaking the stalemate until the fifth inning. In the top of the fifth, the Aggies struck first: Alvarado singled to left field to get on base, sophomore catcher Callie Busby walked and Marvulli also singled to load the bases with no outs. Freshman Makaylah Ramirez then came up to bat, but the Falcons’ pitcher walked her, allowing the Aggies to score one run and go up 5-0. Furr said the team needs to manage offensive consistency and try to avoid any droughts.
“We need to get more hits,” he said. “Not just in the beginning, but all game, all weekend.” However, the Falcons did not go down easily. In the bottom of the fifth, they came out swinging, scoring three runs of their own. A single from Rojas gave them their first run, with the second and third runs being scored by a Williams single. Cameron junior pitcher Rylee Willmon held off the comeback from the Falcons, giving up no hits in the final two innings and allowing the Aggies to secure the victory, 5-3. Willmon earned her
sixth win of the season after pitching seven innings, and managed to strikeout nine batters. On March 2, the Aggies will take on the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions at McMahon Field in a threegame series. The Lions are 13-1 overall, and are ranked number 21 in the NCAA Division II polls. Furr said this is one of their toughest tests yet. “They’re [the Lions] a good team,” he said, “and they will be tough to beat. What we practice needs to be put in effect on the field. We’ll prepare the best we can and the team has to do the rest.”
Dominating at McMahon Field: (Above) Sophomore pitcher Bethany Hines unleashes a fast ball. (Left) Junior utility player Abbey Warren gets set at home plate and awaits the pitch. (Below) The Aggies group up in-between innings. Photos by Drue Watkins