Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, September 24, 2018
In Memoriam:
Volume 99 Issue 3
CU honors ROTC graduates
Photos by Drue Watkins
Drue Watkins
memorialized soldiers attended in front row seating. The entirety Co-Managing Editor of the Cameron ROTC cadre At 12 p.m. on Sept. 14, the also made an appearance, Cameron University Military marching in formation through Science Department unveiled the front and back doors of its newest addition to Burch Burch Hall during the initial Hall—the ROTC Wall of welcoming. Heroes. ROTC Public Relations cadet The Wall of Heroes holds Audrey Shifflet personally knew the names of four Cameron one of the fallen soldiers on the ROTC graduates who were Wall of Heroes, First Lieutenant killed in action during their Brandon Landrum. She said she service in the US Army as knows the memorial would mean officers, as well as the two a lot to Landrum, and that he Medal of Honor recipients who won’t be forgotten. came from Cameron. “I feel as though Brandon The event allowed public would be proud to know admittance, who included Cameron University is students on campus or citizens memorializing him, as well as the others, for their ultimate of the Lawton community; family members of the sacrifice,” she said. “I can
remember him always looking out for and taking care of everyone, even though he knew he would have to take care of himself last. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off of his back as long as he knew you would be okay, and I would definitely say he was a natural leader. “While I would much rather have him here with us, I am grateful to have known him and that he is being honored in this way.” The presentation of the Wall of Heroes lasted for one hour, with the first portion consisting of four individual speeches given by Department Chair Seth Hall, Senior Military Science Instructor Benny Campbell,
Battalion Commander for photographs and closer Laura LeForge and Cameron inspection by the public. University President John As an individual in a position McArthur. of leadership, LeForge said she LeForge said the memorial the inclusion of the Wall of continues to build the Heroes had a profound impact unification of the local on her. community. “As a ten-year combat veteran “This is my third duty station of the Army, it reminds me to since being in the Army, and I be thankful every day,” she said. have never seen a community “Regardless of the fact that I and military installation as didn’t have the opportunity to tight knit as the Lawton-Fort know those honored, they are Sill area,” she said. “There were my brothers in arms. We all many VIPs take life for present granted most from both of the time. Cameron “In less University than a and Fort Sill. year, many “I think of us will that is a big commission deal for the as Second families of Lieutenants,” the honored LeForge because it said, “and it shows them is very likely that their that we will loved ones be deployed. will always be The reality remembered is, that could for their be any of my sacrifice and classmates on service.” that wall. Following “My heart the speeches, goes out to the curtain the family —Laura LeForge members of enclosing Battalion Commander those who lost the Wall of Heroes lifted, their lives.” revealing the For memorial for the first time and more information on the allowing the family members of Wall of Heroes, contact the the soldiers to approach first. Department of Military Science After the families’ initial at 580-581-2340 or visit the interactions, the Wall of memorial at Burch Hall in the Heroes became available main, first floor hallway.
“I think that is a big deal for the families of the honored because it shows them that their loved ones will always be remembered for their sacrifices and service.”
What’s inside CU Administrative Assistant retires Page 2
CU PRIDE hosts colorful showcase Page 5
CU Tennis: Mind over Matter Page 6
News
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September 24, 2018 www.aggiecentral.com
Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service
CU Wellness Center gains new partnership By Samuel Brewer
however, students will have to fill out a new piece of paperwork. Staff Writer “We’re very happy with them,” she said. “We have a During the 2018 fall semester, Cameron lot of students who their pediatrician may be the only University’s Wellness Center partnered with doctor they’ve ever seen, and it’s nice to have a young Southwestern Medical Center (SWMC) to bring female who can relate to them. I think having a female better care and service to students on campus. doctor is beneficial for your first ‘adult, coming-to-theSWMC put forth a strong bid to establish the doctor-yourself ’ experience. contract with Cameron in an effort to branch out to “I think they’re going to connect better. We’re here the community. to take care of your physical and mental health needs This new partnership brings SWMC Physician whether that’s a band-aid and some first aid, or needing Assistant Liz Tomichen to the Wellness Center staff to see the doctor and get some lab work done. It’s a good to help provide additional care and ensure consistent, thing for Cameron Students.” high-quality professionalism for students. Director of Marketing for SWMC Mary Towe Director of the Wellness Center Jill Melrose, said she was very excited for the new partnership, LPC, said the Wellness Center was in need of a new emphasizing the fact that it will be good for the contract, which is why the partnership opened up, and community and for the success of students. that she favored SWMC’s bid and overall presentation. “The main purpose is that we understand the She also said this will not affect costs for students; importance of health and wellness for the success of
students,” she said. “They’re not having to be concerned about either having access to care or even having care when it’s needed. A well student is a successful student, and we feel that Cameron is a great benefit to our community. “We’ve seen Cameron growing a lot in the last five to ten years. We think that establishing a relationship in helping Cameron be successful, we want to be a big part of that. Cameron can expect to have the highest quality care available.” Towe also said she’s looking forward to seeing what Tomichen can bring to the table. “I know she’s very excited to be over there,” she said. “Being young, she’ll know the latest and greatest care that the students will be able to get.” Cameron University’s Wellness Center will also be providing free flu shots for all students with student ID. The shots are available all day from Oct. 9 – 10 in the Shepler Ballroom.
Long-time staff member retires after 30 years Fulfilling career: Department of Communication, English and Foreign Languages Administrative Assistant Norma Schmall retired after more than 30 years. The department threw Schmall a surprise retirement party on Sept. 14, which consisted of cake, refreshments and guests from across campus. Schmall received a personalized award from Department Chair Dr. Christopher Keller for her services to the faculty and students. During the handing of the award, Keller also spoke about his experiences with Schmall and how important she was to the faculty. After receiving her award, Schmall thanked everyone for her time in the department. Photos by Stacie Larsen
A&E
September 24, 2018 www.aggiecentral.com
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A Week in Book Reviews Celeste Powell Staff Writer
Spoiler alert: Can truly intimate connections only be fostered between girls? “The Girls” by Emma Cline explores this question by centering the novel around a fictional girl’s entanglement with a cult loosely based on Charles Manson’s. At age fourteen, Evie Boyd becomes hyper-critical about appearances. Specifically, other girls. Evie finds herself judging her long-time friend, Connie, noticing her too-tight shorts leave an angry red rim on her thighs. Evie is seeking a form of existence larger than the lethargic small town of California where her next year of school will be spent in an all-girls boarding school.
‘The Girls’ by Emma Cline
Seeing her parent’s divorce first hand, Evie craves a connection—a type of connection different from her father’s formal conversations that fail to hide his newfound happiness after the divorce, different from Connie’s dull loyalty. At a community barbeque, Evie catches her first glimpse of Suzanne. Evie describes her as not beautiful in a conventional way, but striking. Suzanne is with a few other girls, and although they are obviously not sisters, their closeness surpasses that of a simple friendship. As Evie watches Suzanne and the other girls, collect food from a dumpster. Evie wonders what situation these girls are in to reduce themselves to dumpster food.
Courtesy photo
When Evie’s friendship with Connie ends in turmoil, Evie’s saving grace is seeing Suzanne again. This time Suzanne is reprimanded by a shop owner for stealing. Suzanne leaves, unable to buy the toilet paper she needed. Evie chases her into the parking lot and promises she’s steal the toilet paper for her. But before Evie leaves the shop, she puts money on the counter. When Evie meets the Manson-like Russell, she sees how presence affects his family. Russell is placed on a pedestal as an allknowing and wise individual. One of his many talents include his artistry that has guaranteed him a record deal from famous artist Mitch Lewis. Evie gets closer to Russell’s family and spends time on their farm. Her first personal encounter with Russell, the family’s leader, happens at their Summer solstice party where she is invited to his room. Evie isn’t a prude she’s done some things, even if they were never quite sex. She’s experienced the rough, impersonal way a teenage boy pushes his hand down her shorts. She’s gone through the motions with boys, the motions of what are supposed to bring pleasure to girls. But none of those actions come close to what she imagines by herself. In her father’s adult magazines, her favorite is a naked girl with a ribbon around her neck tied in a bow. Evie describes her plight of accepting her sexual orientation as a repentant who shows sorrow for their obvious wrongdoings. She goes as far as to force herself to imagine Connie’s brother as a “corrective” to her desires. She states how this immediate reaction repulses her. There is a certain level of devotion and sincerity that cannot always be reached with boys—someone you could share your deepest thoughts and most embarrassing moments without fear of being told we’re crazy and ultimately being left behind by a boy. Evie explains how most of a teenage girl’s want for love is a willful act, “trying so hard to slur the rough, disappointing edges of boys into the shape of someone we can love.” As an adult, Evie recognizes that a teenage girl’s “love” is forced and impersonal. More of a theatrical performance then true emotions. But with Suzanne, Evie finds something deeper. Suzanne captivates Evie and puts her under a spell, making Evie willing to do
anything for Suzanne. Evie steals money from her mother’s purse and breaks into a childhood friend’s house with the girls. Evie is forced to temporarily live with her father after getting caught, miles away from Suzanne and the family. Once the want for Suzanne gets unbearable, Evie decided to hitchhike back to the ranch. Upon her arrival, Evie notices the decaying nature of the house and even the family themselves. Russell and the family were counting on his record deal to propel them into wealth and fame to spread their ideals. Mitch Lewis failed the family. Having not given Russell the record deal, the family seeks revenge and is led by Suzanne. Evie hastens to go to make up for lost time with Suzanne. Evie recounts her naïveté having known the crime the family would commit, but not wanting to believe it. Almost before it’s too late, Suzanne stops the van and forces Evie to get out. In the news, Evie will see the mugshot of Suzanne and the rest of the family charged with murdering three adults and one child. Forty years later, Evie still thinks of Suzanne who is rotting in jail. Evie’s has no regrets and escapes the family with only an ache that Suzanne once cured. Evie reflects in her borrowed house, alone, “you wanted things and couldn’t help it… how could you ever tell yourself what you wanted was wrong?” As a girl, so much of our lives are centered on having a best friend. Unlucky for me, I didn’t have the close relationships I wanted coming into college. I constantly found faults in myself for not having the best friend that other girls had. I ached for closeness. I cried wasted tears over things I could not personally change. Throughout my senior year of high school, I had the misfortune of losing two of my closest friends. The separation was not amicable. I felt tormented around our mutual friends who believed I was the one at fault. Teenagers often believe that anything bad that happens will bring the end of their world. Reading “The Girls” right after graduating high school made me realize that my experiences at age 18 weren’t isolated. “The Girls” holds a special place in my heart by opening my eyes to the fact that we all aren’t struggling alone. Emma Cline put into words the emotions I felt while I couldn’t. I rate the book 10/10.
‘Turtles All the Way Down’ by John Green Lea Killian Staff Writer
Often in young adult fiction, stories about teenagers in high school can feel all too familiar. When you read, you do not want to feel like you are reading about your own life—after all, many of us use reading to escape reality. While author John Green has not broken into the young adult fantasy genre yet, he never tells a story quite like you would expect. Green’s fifth book, “Turtles All the Way Down” following the highly praised “The Fault in Our Stars” tells the adventurous tale of Aza, a young girl from Indianapolis trapped inside her own mind. Aza deals with what every character in a young adult book deals with: drama with her friends, an overprotective mother and the stress of hunting down a 100,000-dollar treasure hidden by a fugitive billionaire who just happens to be the father of her old camp crush, Davis Pickett. You know, just regular problems. Unlike her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, there is more going on in the depths of Aza’s mind than seeking out the fortune. She is bothered. Aza questions whether or not she is truly the author of her own story, whether she is the painter or the canvas. More than that, she worries about the bacteria living inside her. Are they really the ones in control? She thinks about it when she eats. She thinks about it while she’s doing homework. She thinks about the millions upon millions of germs residing in her body. These intrusive thoughts interrupt her life, trapping her inside an ever-tightening spiral within her mind. Inspired by John Green’s very own struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, “Turtles All the Way
Down” will leave you with an unprecedented level of complex, terrifying manner, and lastly, to understand that understanding of what it is like to live with an invisible we all hurt in different ways. illness. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. In one of his popular ‘Vlogbrothers’ YouTube videos, Green asks, “If I can’t choose my thoughts, and I am at least in part made out of those thoughts, then am I actually the captain of this ship I call myself?” Similarly, despite the madness going on in her everyday life, the inescapable spiral continues to be Aza’s most difficult battle. In this story, John Green continues to be the voice of a generation. While some readers reasonably find his characters to be too similar, he never fails in capturing the spirit of what it is like to be young, and eternally full of both hope… and dread. Shailene Woodley, the twenty-six-yearold actress that played Hazel Grace in the movie adaptation of “The Fault in Our Stars” said it best when Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People issue in 2014 featured Green: “He acknowledges the intelligence and vulnerability that stem from those beautiful years when we are, for the first time, discovering the world and ourselves outside of our familial stories.” Because of John’s innate story-telling ability, not only will readers be caught in the whirlwind of treasure hunting and mystery solving, but also find their hearts hurting, and then healing, with each turn of the page. To read this book is to live a life different Courtesy photo than your own, to see the world in a more
Voices
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September 24, 2018 www.aggiecentral.com
The face of the problem: President Donald J. Trump speaks at an event during his 2016 campaign for the Presidency. Trump has been widely credited with the popularization of the term “fake news” and with being the cause of the recent popular lack of trust in the media.
The real problem with “fake news” view, then it must be “fake news.” Both sides of the political spectrum do Staff Writer this. Not just the people on the right and The first amendment gives us the right not just the people on the left. If these practices continue, it could to a free press. spell disaster for our Republic. Our government cannot take this We as a society cannot continue away from us, no matter how much of closing our eyes to information that a pain the free press has been to their makes us feel uncomfortable. administration. We have to learn that it’s important to The free press is essential to any gain information from numerous news democracy, but just as important to sources. But not only that, we have to any democracy is an educated body of become media literate once again. citizens. We have to learn how to separate Ever since President Donald Trump opinions from facts and not to blindly proliferated the widespread use of the trust somebody solely based on their term “fake news,” I’ve heard more and power, position or even relationship to more Trump supporters voice their you. distrust of the media. Just because everybody is entitled to But not all media. Only the media that their own opinions, doesn’t mean your doesn’t share their specific world view. opinions are factual. We need to form They won’t even consider those news our own opinion that is derived from the sources’ information because they feel that if something goes against their world facts.
Justin Rose
We also need to learn how to maneuver through bias. There will always be bias in the media. Journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson said it best: “With the possible exception of things like box scores, race results and stock market tabulations, there is no such thing as objective journalism.” This has been the case since the birth of our free press. When our republic was birthed from the ashes of war, our newspapers were severely partisan. Political parties would even sponsor them. This doesn’t mean the news sources like The New York Times, The Washington Post or Rolling Stone are “fake news.” Does bias creep into some of their work? Of course, it does. But they don’t make things up out of thin air. That’s what true “fake news” is, the
memes you see on your favorite social media app that claim absurd things. Like the meme that claimed Former U.S. President Barack Obama is Muslim, or even the one that claims President Trump once said in an interview that Republican voters are the easiest voters to fool. Before you share political memes on any platform, I urge everyone to do some research. A little bit of research can go a long way. We need to become media literate. This is critical in order for our republic to thrive. If we can’t separate the truth from the lies, then how can we choose who is to lead us into the future? Before you start to yell “fake news” at an article that doesn’t share your world view, you might want to take a look at your Facebook wall to see the real “fake news.”
Do Oklahomans really care about education? Payton Williams Voices Editor @YoureSoVanya
Oklahoma’s Election Primary runoffs are over, and it is time for us to answer one important question. Do we, the citizens of Oklahoma, really value education as much as we say we do? I’m sure many people would answer, “Of course.” They might even be offended by the slightest implication they think otherwise. And as much as it is generally painted as an issue that belongs to Democrats, I’m going to assume that, in this state, many if not most of the people who say they deeply care about education are Republicans. I’m not going to discount the Republicans of this state by treating them as the enemy. Instead, if you’re a Republican, and you’re reading this, I want you to know I’m talking directly to you. Kevin Stitt, the new Republican candidate for governor, does not care about education. That may sound harsh, so allow me to explain.
On Stitt’s official campaign website, he explains some key parts of his plan to reform education in the state. “I like the policy proposed by a conservative group of House legislators to give schools the flexibility to use part of their current property tax revenue on teacher pay instead of being restricted to buildings and infrastructure.” Stitt said. This comes after Stitt’s previously stated opposition to the recent tax increase to pay for a raise for teachers statewide. He has since walked back his statements on the subject somewhat, saying that he supports a pay raise for Oklahoma teachers, a matter which is already state law, but strongly opposes the raising of taxes in order to do it. Which brings us back to the plan I just quoted from his website. To any small government types, of which there are many in this state, this plan probably sounds like music to their ears. And, again, it is specifically to these types I’m talking. I understand where the sentiment. To lessen the influence and power the government has over our everyday lives is a perfectly reasonable goal.
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But Kevin Stitt is not doing this because it’s the smart way or because it’s the right way. He’s doing this to score points with Republicans, because he thinks they’re too stupid to notice that what he is really doing is siphoning money out of one underfunded part of our education system, doing a little sleight of hand, and making the money reappear in another crumbling part of our education system, like a hack magician. When Teachers marched on our State Capitol earlier this year, they did it because they wanted funding for education in this state. They wanted more money to teach the children of this state, to give them an education worth having, and a place fit to have it in. I went to school in this state, as I’m sure many of those reading this did. I saw classrooms with rotten, leaky roofs, Walls covered in holes, and exposed insulation still filled with asbestos from the by-gone era when people didn’t realize the speed with which asbestos killed a person. I’m sure many of those reading this remember that too.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
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.
COLLEGIAN
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Managing Editor - Stacie Larsen Managing Editor - Drue Watkins A&E Editor - Sarae Ticeahkie Sports Editor - Katie Livingston Student Life Editor - Maddie Lyda Voices Editor - Payton Williams Copy Editor - Destiny Gonzalez Aggie Central Editor - Jeff Larson Social Media Editor - Abby Gonzalez
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.
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Editorial Staff
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Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Celeste Powell, Jackson Miller, Mason Orso, Samuel Brewer, Justin Rose, David Perkins, Lea Killian, Bryan Arauje Photographers - Dontaye Abram, Lauren Johnson Advertising Manager - Hannah Spoon Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
Infrastructure is important. We cannot seriously talk about education funding without talking about funding for the literal schools where education takes place. But Kevin Stitt gave approval of a plan to take money out of our physical classrooms, and then acts as if he is funding those very same classrooms, and providing education funding. But to Stitt, this money is not to fund education, and it never was. It’s hush money. He’s paying the teachers off because he doesn’t want them on his lawn, and he’s doing it with money from their workplaces, which are literally falling apart around them. And you, the Republicans to which I am speaking, would apparently be happy to let him do it, so long as he promises to stay pro-life, and never, ever raise taxes. Those are the only issues that appear to matter to Republicans in this state. So, to you, the Republicans of this state, I’m saying, either you care about education or you don’t, and voting for Kevin Stitt tells me you don’t care about education as much as you said you do. Better luck next time, I suppose. 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, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
September 24, 2018 www.aggiecentral.com
Student Life
5 Graphics and photos by Madison Lyda
“The balloon fight was able to bring a smile to everyone’s face even for containing color a moment and bring us pigments. even closer together.” Individuals Cameron Pride also participating in the event hosted their general Madison Lyda brought their own white information meeting t-shirts. where individuals Student Life Editor After the event, the were able to learn of @maddilinee organization’s logo for upcoming events in the the shirts will be printed organization along with On Friday, Sept. 14, on. getting to know others in Cameron Pride came The balloons gave the group. together in a celebration students an opportunity Students in of a new semester with to showcase their attendance shared their an event that colorfully personalities by allowing personal struggles and showcased the bonds of them to design their some shared stories of organizations. organization shirts with their coming out and Located at the lawn the colors that represent how they’ve grown from in between the Shepler their personalities. their struggles. towers and the Aggie Knowing the struggles Cameron Pride Rec Center, Cameron Pride took to the campus and everyday battles that President and sophomore majoring in Pre Law together to host a tie-dye the students involved in Cameron Pride may Greyson Basham was one water balloon fight. face outside of the of many individuals who The event happened organization, Cameron shared his coming out shortly after the Pride Vice-President and story to the group. organization held Junior Art Education Basham explained his its weekly general information meeting that major Lynndon Lambert love for the organization shared that the event and why he cares so is located weekly at the deeply for the individuals Student Housing Office was a bonding exercise to relieve stress and help involved. every Friday at 6:00 p.m. build stronger bonds “There was nothing Students involved within other individuals like this where I grew up. with the organization came together to express with people within their I had nothing,” he said. community. “Pride is the only family their creativity and “We understand that I have.” collective uniqueness that life gets hard, and Basham explained by helping one another it can be difficult to that Cameron Pride is tie-dye their organization find ways to relieve all an activist organization shirts with the help of the stress,” he said. open to all individuals of water balloons
and provides a safe space for people to gather regardless of race, gender identity and sexuality. “Cameron Pride is an organization who seeks to help students and people in the community by providing educational events and giving those who need it, a second family,” Basham said. “A place where no matter what they are accepted and loved. Cameron Pride is open to everyone and it always will be.” Cameron Pride provides support, education and advocacy for all gays, lesbians, bisexuals and gay-friendly heterosexuals within Cameron University and the surrounding communities. “We are a safe place to figure out who you are or who you want to be. We will be your friends, we will be your family,” Basham said. “You are not alone.” For more information on Cameron Pride in regard to how to get involved, questions about upcoming events and meeting times or other opportunities available for LGBTQ+ students are encouraged to contact Cory Sanders at (580) 581-5901.
Speech Demo “I try not to necessarily think ‘are we going to be at the top?’ I just want us to do good work and whatever happens, happens.”
day
every day I love going to teach,” McConnell said. “I try not to necessarily the rest think ‘are we going to be at of the year, the top?’” she said. “I just Marlow has want us to do good work about three more and whatever happens, speech and debate happens.” — Paula McConnell competitions for the Not only was this a Speech Advisor year, and Gibbs has first-time experience some high hopes for for many students who those as well. competed, but also it was “I hope to do better a teaching mechanism for and succeed in the future those wanting to coach a and just to be a better actor speech and debate team in as a whole,” Gibbs said. the future. For many students, Putnam-City studentgetting to perform in teacher Ian Eastland has competitions would not be only been teaching speech possible without the help of and debate for a few weeks the speech advisers. leading up to the event, but In the case of Gibbs, was Josh Gibbs, a senior at he still has some extensive Marlow High School and a that advisor would be experience when it comes fourth-year speech and Paula McConnell, who to speech and debate debate competitor. coaches the speech and processes. debate team for Marlow Gibbs “I have been involved Jackson Miller came to compete in the competed in dramatic High School. in speech and debate since Staff Writer various speech and debate interpretation, dramatic McConnell has spent my freshman year of high categories. many years as a speech duet and monologue. school, so about eight or Starting at 9 a.m., The Cameron and debate coach, so she In the past, Gibbs won nine years now,” Eastland hundreds of students lined third place for his dramatic has seen many outperform said. University speech and debate team hosted their the doors of the McMahon interpretation at a state what is expected of them, In the short time that Memorial Auditorium, annual “Demo Day” contest and eighth place at but for her, this year is a he has been working as with anticipation of their on Sept. 13 where high different one. the same competition for a student-teacher for the long-awaited competition. his monologue. school speech teams “This is probably the Putnam City speech team, One of these students from all over Oklahoma happiest group, where Looking forward for Eastland has helped the
Graphic by Madison Lyda
team prepare for what lies ahead. “This process has been kind of off and on,” Eastland said. “We just have our speech and debate stuff integrated into our regular theater classes, so we try to mix the two in so our kids get a mix of traditional acting and speech and debate acting.” Although the Cameron University speech and debate team hosted the event, the team will not be doing any competitions themselves for the foreseeable future until they find someone to replace the former speech and debate coach, Sarah Collins. For more information about the Cameron Speech and Debate team, contact Christopher Keller at ckeller@cameron.edu.
Sports
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September 24, 2018 www.aggiecentral.com
MIND OVER MATTER Cameron University Women’s Tennis players stay focused on and off the court
Katie Livingston Sports Editor
For the Cameron University Women’s Tennis team, tennis is a game of mind over matter. Women’s tennis player Jordan Clauson was down six to one in her match at the Midwestern State Invitational in Wichita Falls, Texas. “My mind was gone,” Clauson said. It wasn’t until Graduate Assistant Coach of Women’s Tennis Ava Castiglioni told Clauson to change her mindset that things finally clicked for her. “I won nine to seven,” Clauson said. “It’s definitely a mental game.” Castiglioni knows the importance of mindset in tennis. That’s why in the coming season the women’s tennis team is focusing on more than just physical technique. During practice Castiglioni is making a point to emphasize mental toughness on the court. She knows that during a match the pressure can difficult to deal with, and that inability to adjust can lead a player to crack. “During practice you don’t have the same pressure as competition,” Castiglioni said. “So we’re going to make sure that we have it in our mind all the time. We’re going to make sure we’re working in more pressured situations.” Though Castiglioni recognizes the importance of practice, she believes that a winning mindset starts
they hold her accountable. “You need that bonding to want to fight for your teammate while you’re on the court,” Clauson said. “Because you’re like ‘that’s my friend too.’” Women’s tennis player Zhenia Shviadok also understands the
importance of mindset, but for her keeping centered is more of an internal process. Even though it can be difficult, she attempts to put everything but tennis out of her head when she steps onto the court. “It’s hard to just block everything out that’s not going well that day,” Shviadok said. “You just try to stay present and just focus on one point at a time. You just have to think about coming back and making it right.” Shviadok finds the the process stressreliving. “Sometimes it can just be a good method to relieve everything,” Shviadok said. “If the day isn’t going that well now, I’m like ‘I’m going to come out on the court and kick some a--.’” For women’s tennis player Sara Petric, being in the proper state of mind is more about adaptation than anything else. She knows factors that affect her game vary from day to day. “It really depends on how I wake up that day,” Petric said. “It also depends on who’s your opponent.” Petric feels that fluidity on the court is the key to a successful match. “You really have to adapt that day,” Petric said. “If something is not working, you have to find a way to win even without that shot.” Player Rebeka Velasova stays focused on the court by giving and receiving good energy. Velasova feels that energy is what binds her to her coaches and teammates and what gives her extra drive during a match. “You are responsible for yourself, but you’re also responsible for your teammates,” Velasova said. “If you come out here and have bad energy that’s going to affect them. You want to be this positive energy. So I’m very focused, but I’m also spreading my happiness.” Velasova can feel this energy best when she’s on the court and her teammates are cheering for her. She loves the feeling of walking off the court knowing that her teammates are happy for her and proud of her. “In college tennis it doesn’t matter if a point is played or not,” Velasova said. “You just scream. It’s much wilder and much louder than I thought. And that’s only possible at college tennis. But it makes it so beautiful. That’s what makes it so special.” Clauson also belives that energy is an integral part of staying on top of her game. It helps her stay in the right state of mind. But for her, energy is more of an abstract concept, something that she feels rather than something concrete. “When I first went out there I was trying to give energy,” Clauson said. “But it’s something you feel more than you can describe. When your whole team is cheering for you while you’re struggling through a
“Tennis is eighty-five percent mental and twenty-five percent talent. If you are the most talented person in the world but your brain doesn’t work it’s impossible to succeed.”
— Ava Castiglioni off the court. That’s why she attempts build strong relationships with her players outside of practice. She wants them to be able to come to her with any problem that they have, so that she can help them fix it. “We focus on practice and try to do our best,” Castiglioni said. “And after practice we focus on the problem and try to fix the problem.” Castiglioni want’s her players to be comfortable enough with her to remain open and honest. According to Castiglioni, those bonds affect performance on the court. “I always try to show them that I care about them and that I love them,” Castiglioni said. “Because they’re like my daughters. I know how important it is for a coach to show their players how much they mean to them because that brings so much more to practice.” Head Tennis Coach Josh Cobble also plays a key role in helping his players focus their mindsets on and off the court. “Josh Cobble, my boss, is very good at that,” Castiglioni said, “So he leads us. He knows how to talk to us.” For Clauson, as a player, the effort that her coaches put into supporting her makes a big difference. “It’s amazing,” Clauson said. “They’re people that we can just go and talk to. We can go to their office anytime. They still have the coach status, but it’s like a mentorship too.” Clauson said it’s not only her relationship with her coaches that matters, but also her relationships with her teammates. Her network of teammates offers her friendship and a support system, but most importantly,
match it brings up your energy level and your team’s energy level.” Shviadok, on the other hand, gets her energy from a mutual sense of trust between her and her teammates. For her, it’s not about cheering or positivity, it’s about a shared understanding that everyone is going to do their best as individuals. “It’s more about my internal thing,” Shviadok said. “I like to feel that the team doesn’t need to support me because they trust me.” No matter how players find their center, Castiglioni knows that it’s important for them to find it. She understands that players can’t be at one hundred percent every day, so she attempts to cultivate an environment where she can adapt to their needs. “It’s a very difficult sport,” Castiglioni said. “There are days that mentally you are not there and physically you are not there either. So we try drills and sometimes they don’t work. We stop and sometimes we try something else. We are very flexible.” Even on days when players aren’t fully there, she hopes that they can each find that energy, focus and mental clarity for themselves. That way, they can bring their best game in each match. “Tennis is eighty-five percent mental and twentyfive percent talent,” Castiglioni said, “If you are the most talented person in the word but your brain doesn’t work it’s impossible to succeed. You have to battle yourself first in order to battle your opponent.” For both players and coaches, the important thing is not how they find their focus and mental clarity on the court, but that they’re able to find it. Because for the Cameron University Women’s tennis team, tennis is a game of mind over matter. Photo by Stacie Larsen Graphic by Katie Livingston
Correction:
In Volume 99, Issue 2, on the Sports page, The Cameron Collegian incorrectly spelled Rebeka Velasova’s name on the pull quote attribution and Stacie Larsen’s name on the photo attribution. The correct spelling was Rebeka and Stacie Larsen. The Collegian deeply regrets this error.