Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, February 1, 2016
Volume 94 Issue 2
Dr. Tony
Wohlers eight years of research comes to fruition
Dr. Wohlers earned a doctorate in Political Science from the Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, a Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude with Distinction in Political Science from Sonoma State University and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History from the University of the Saarland, Germany.
Jacob Jardel Voices Editor
@JJardel_Writing
T
he new year started with a new book for one Cameron University faculty member. Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Tony Wohlers saw eight years of research work come to fruition with the publication of his book “Setting Sail into the Age of Digital Local Government,” co-authored with Lynne Bernier of Carroll University. Wohlers also serves as the Director of Academic Enrichment, so he reserved authorship predominantly for nights and weekends. He said it feels nice to have finished his first book. “It’s a great accomplishment [after] all those years of collecting the data,” he said. “It was a very good experience, and it taught me a lot – how to approach this.” The book experience for Wohlers started in 2008, when he garnered interest in information communication technologies (ICTs) and electronic government, or eGovernment. “I started looking at ICTs, specifically eGovernment at the local level,” Wohlers said. “I quickly expanded. I had these case studies in the southwestern part of the United States, and I started taking a sample from each region in the United States. “Once that was done with the United States, I presented things at conferences,” he said. “That’s where I met Lynne Bernier.” Bernier and Wohlers began working to expand the project. Wohlers was in the process of studying Germany, his home country, particularly Nuremberg. Meanwhile, Bernier received a Fullbright scholarship to France, where she would study eGovernment in Bordeaux. The pair looked for one more cases study to complete their comparative analysis. They turned to Japan, searching for a city to add to the mix. However, this process was easier said than done. “If you approach local government in the United States, it tends
to be very open. You get somebody who will talk to you,” Wohlers said. “It seems that Japan is a very hierarchical society. If you’re not an insider within that government structure, you have much less chance of cooperation.” However, after working with their contact in Japan, they were able to talk with officials in Shizuoka. This fourth location gave them the final bits of material they needed for this unique starting point on the topic. “There is no other book that has this comparative focus,” Wohlers said. “This is novel. It’s a beginning still. There is much more that needs to be done, that’s for sure.” Alongside that work, Wohlers said that he has another potential book in the works with another publisher. This one, however, goes in a different direction from his first. “This one deals with biopolitics and genetically modified foods,” he said. “The perspective is kind of the same in that it is comparative. I have published quite a bit in that area already, too. I’m now at that stage where I have the foundation for a book.” On top of this future publication, Wohlers will also continue with new projects on the conference circuit. “That’s what I always do,” he said. “The next project I’m working on is something completely different, but it relates to what I’ve been doing for years now. That is the role of non-profit organizations.” Specifically, he is working with the Wichita Mountains Prevention Network and how they shape policies and behaviors through their works. He said he may try to turn this research into a book in the future. “That’s kind of my new pet research at this point,” Wohlers said. “I’m kind of starting the process with the conferences right now. Then it’s publication, and maybe sometime down the road there might be another book.”
An interview with Dr. Wohlers
Applying information comunication technology and eGovernment Interview by Jacob Jardel
For full conversation, visit AggieCentral.com What topics does your book address?
We have all these new technologies – we call them information communication technologies (ICTs). Of course, the Internet is the major medium to make those new ICTs possible. The private sector has been using ICTs for a long, long time to interact with the customers and provide services. Eventually, government also bought into this. It first started off at the national level. Then it kind of spread, and eventually the local governments got to use them as well. The book is really about the application of those ICTs to provide information, provide services and allow citizens to engage with their local government.
How long have you been working on this project?
This is a project that I have been working on for many years now – probably since 2008. I started looking at ICTs, specifically eGovernment at the local level. I was aware that things have already been done at the national level as far as both research and the use of it. But I noticed that, at the time, not much was actually done at the local level and what kind of strategies local governments use to implement those ICTs and what kind of services they offer with ICTs. The first one I looked at was Oklahoma. I compared it to the neighboring states – the southwestern part of the United States. I quickly expanded. I had these case studies in the southwestern part of the United States, and I started taking a sample from each region in the United States – the Midwest, the West, the Northeast, the Southeast and what have you. I ended up with about 30 states.
What’s inside Time to Zumba with Zamano Page 3
Aquarium to open this summer
Spirit Team places 3rd at nationals
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News
February 1, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Mathematical sciences receives $3,000 grant Vicky Smith
Managing Editor
@pinkwritinglady
The National Science Foundation/Mathematical Association of America (MAA) awarded the Cameron University Department of Mathematical Sciences a $3,000 grant, which will enable math, chemistry, biology, engineering and computing and technology students to participate in MAA’s Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences (PIC) program. Cameron is one of only 49 schools across the nation that MAA selected for the grant. Associate professor of mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences Dr. Narayan Thapa said PIC is a program that bridges predominantly undergraduate institutions’ math programs to business, industry and government. “The goal is to show what kind of opportunity you can have in the government sector,” Thapa said, “what kind of opportunity you can have in the industry and the business.” Thapa said there is a common misunderstanding that people with an undergraduate math degree have a difficult time finding jobs. “In fact, that is not true,” he said. “There are thousands of undergraduate mathematic majors. They are in business. They are in the government. They are in industry. “[The program raises] awareness that there are thousands of opportunities for the students.” Thapa said students who participate in the PIC program will engage in real-world research. “We as a department can go in the local industries,” he said, “and if they have some problems for the students, then we try to solve [them]. “For example, the police department – what is the crime rate here in Lawton, and which direction it is going? What are the components, would we like to do some research, [and] are they ready to release the current data?” Mathematics instructor Irene Corriette said the program ties into the mission of the department, as well as the mission of Cameron.
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“The whole point of preparing our undergrad students is more than just the knowledge base but also preparing them for real-world issues,” Corriette said. “This [program] gives them an opportunity to have a feel for what they could do and how their learning could be applied in actual industry situations.” Dr. Hong Li, associate professor of mathematical sciences, said the real-world experience the students gain is an element they may not receive in the classroom alone. “I think that would definitely help for their careers later on after they graduate,” Li said. Dr. Ioannis Argyros, professor of mathematical sciences, agreed with Li. He said when students graduate, they will be competing for job positions. “If their resume contains something that the other resumes
do not contain, such as working on live projects, then that puts them at the top of the list for getting hired,” Argyros said. “That’s one benefit that they have.” Thapa said ultimately, he and the faculty members would like to help students accomplish their goals. “Whether their goal is going through graduate school or job market – whatever it is – we would like to work with them side by side,” he said. “Every day, we’re meeting with our students, and we’re excited.” Assistant professor of mathematical sciences Dr. James Dover said he and the faculty members look forward to seeing students grow as they learn more. “We want to see fruits of their efforts and of our efforts helping them,” Dover said, “– the satisfaction of that.”
SAPA hosts voter registration drive Angela Jenkins
Tribune News Service
Hoverboards banned due to saftey issues Angela Jenkins
Commission (CPSC) is investigating more than two dozen reports of hoverboardStaff Writer related fires in the U.S.,” Naifeh said. “According to the CPSC, some models A popular gift these past holidays has caught fire while charging and others caught been reported to bring more harm than fire while in use, producing intensely hot joy to its recipients, and Cameron is taking flames.” precautions. Senior Amy Fleming agreed with Consumer reports state hoverboards catch fire due to wiring issues, so until hoverboards Cameron’s new policy. “Cameron should keep the ban until the are fixed, they will not be allowed on campus. makers of these things can prove they are no Dean of Students Zeak Naifeh issued a longer a fire hazard,” she said. statement prohibiting students from keeping Larger campuses have also taken the popular device while living on campus. measures to protect their students and “In the wake of public concern about fire property. The University of Oklahoma and safety issues,” he said, “Cameron University Oklahoma State University have also banned is temporarily banning the use and storage hoverboards. of all self-balancing two-wheeled battery Kim Dodd, a sophomore at OU, operated scooters, popularly known supported the ban, but for differt reasons as ‘hoverboards,’ on Student Housing than her school. property.” “I almost got hit by someone on a Naifeh cited the ongoing reports of hoverboard,” Dodd said, “and I’m not the hoverboards spontaneously combusting. only one, so I’m glad they got banned.” “The Consumer Product Safety
Issue 1 corrections The Cameron Collegian erroneously published a graphic without crediting the student who designed it. Katy Dayhoff designed the graphic of Ken Griffy, Jr., which accompanies the story titled “Copertown Kid: Griffey by the numbers.” We regret the error and are happy to set the record straight.
involvement through information, activities and community outreach. This year they will Staff Writer be offering a discussion series where they will discuss important political issues and their Cameron University’s new organization, Student Advocates for Political Action (SAPA) effects on students. The next discussion will be Feb. 17 about hosted a voter registration drive Jan. 25-28. the candidates for the primary election – who In order to vote in the Oklahoma primary they are and their proposed policies and issues. election, citizens must be registered by Feb. Taylor said the discussion series is meant 5. SAPA openned a registration booth to help clarify the election race for anyone for students from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the mystified by the political process. McMahon Centennial Complex. “I have learned that not every issue is as SAPA president Katie Taylor emphasized the role the organization has in the democratic ominous as it can seem and that the smaller issues need to be tended as well,” Taylor said. process. SAPA is only a year-old organization “People should register to vote because that Cameron students started with O’Dell’s it is the beginning of a journey to protect encouragement. democracy,” she said. “Students in my American government “We all have an opinion as to what is best class became interested in politics,” she said, for ourselves and everyone else, but by being “and they inspired me to encourage them to a registered voter, we can have a direct impact start an organization in which they would on things like local decisions as well as voting encourage other students to be knowledgeable people into local, state or national positions.” and involved in politics.” SAPA members directed students to SAPA meets at 3:30 p.m. every other fill out Oklahoma voter registration forms Wednesday, and they welcome by providing some basic information. Once new members. completed, SAPA mailed off the forms for students. Dr. Roni O’Dell, SAPA’s faculty advisor, said everyone should use their right to vote. “Exercising your right to vote means that you are able to influence government decisions about its provision of goods and services to your society,” she said. “Voting is your right as citizen.” SAPA’s For more information about mission is to Student Advocates for Political Action, raise awareness contact Dr. Roni O’Dell at 581-5550. of political issues and encourage
Announcements Cameron University Homecoming Week: Feb. 15-20th Forms for homecoming king and queen, as well as #1 Aggie, are due on Feb. 8. Homecoming sandwich boards are due on Feb. 11, and the top five king and queen finalists will be announced on Feb. 8. For a full listing of homecoming week activities, visit http://www.cameron.edu/homecoming/homecoming-forstudents.
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Student Life
February 1, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Zamano: Bringing life to Zumba Mary Davis
rehabilitation and therapy. Zamona is a disabled veteran Staff writer but insists that her disabilities do not define her. Sophia Zamano has In 2010, she became a found her home at Cameron member at the local YMCA University helping its staff and where she began Zumba students by leading Zumba classes. classes. “Never in a million years did Zamano is a Cameron I think that I would become graduate, certified Zumba a Zumba Fitness Instructor,” instructor and disabled Army Zamano said. veteran. In December 2008, Zumba became a stress Zamano suffered a stroke, subsequently landing her in release that gave Zamano a a coma she almost didn’t positive outlet, which impacted her health and life greatly. wake up from. She was taking many Afterwards, she prescription medications had to undergo during and after her recovery, extensive some of which included antidepressants. Zumba became a way of life, it helped her overcome the need to use antidepressants. After all that she had been through, Zamano found selffulfillment in helping others. “There is a misconception about Zumba,” Zamano said, “that it takes great dance skills in order to participate and keep up, and that is not the case. There is no wrong move in Zumba; it is about positive energy, attitude and lifting one another up.” Zumba is a full body workout. It is not only an aerobic exercise but also involves light weights for toning specific muscle groups. Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez created the program during the 1990s. He describes Zumba as “spreading freeing, electrifying joy,” and that it’s more of an emotion and a way to change the world. According to the Huffington Post, 817 calories are burned on average during an hour session. Zumba resulrs Zumba for life: Zumba instructor Sophia Zamano continues to teach zumba in reduced stress everyweek despite her disabilties. Zumba is one of the many group exercise classes levels and offers offered at Cameron during the week in the aggie recreation center located on campus. social interaction
Photos by Mary Davis
that other conventional exercise may not. Seven-Oaks Zumba conducted a survey among a group of its participants which revealed the following reasons for their joining Zumba classes: 31 percent take the classes for fun, 28 percent to keep fit, 24 percent to lose weight and 17 percent to make new friends. According to the Zumba website, approximately 10 million participants take Zumba classes every week. Cameron alum Gerald Alvin is a regular participant in Zamano’s class. “I’ve been doing Zumba since 2013, and I am in training to become a Zumba instructor. I love it because it gives me a positive outlook in life,” Alvin said. Zamano enjoys the impact that her classes have on her students which keeps her motivated to continue to learn
and grow in her profession. Aside from traditional Zumba classes, Zamano is certified to train Zumba to children aged 4-12. She is also certified to instruct in the water and teach classes using weights. Cameron University offers the Zumba classes from 7:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Aggie Rec Center. For a low-impact workout, Zumba instructor Georgia Megehee conducts Aqua Zumba classes from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Zamano also volunteers her Zumba services at Rinehart Fitness Center on Fort Sill. A majority of Zamano’s students were at one point unaware that she provides her services for free on base. “I do it because I love it,” Zamano said. “Zumba changed my life. Everybody likes different things but you will not know until you try.”
Introducing the 2016 Miss Black CU contestants Chidy Chyk Staff Writer
At 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at the University Theatre, the Black Students Association (BSA) will be hosting the 37th Dr. Valree Wynn annual Miss Black Cameron University Pageant show. Candidates have to have the personality, charisma and confidence not only to participate in the pageant but also to win the $1200.00 scholarship provided by the BSA. There are five contestants this year competing in this year’s Miss Black CU: Toluwalope Adeyemi, Reagan Williams, Sarae Simpson, Sujana Rupakheti and Alexsis Page. Taylor Thompson, coordinator of Diversity Affairs and the pageant, said she is excited to once again crown a new Miss Black Cu in honor of Black History Month. “The Miss Black CU Pageant is kind of a kick off for Black History Month for the BSA,” Thompson said, “so the pageant is sponsored by that organization and it is always held the first Saturday in February.” Thompson, who was also a winner of the same crown in 2008, said the pageant is open to all female students at Cameron.
Courtesy of Taylor Thompson
Contestant 1: Alexsis Page is a 22 year old junior majoring in Journalism and Media Production. Her platform is Suicide Awareness. She is the daughter of Allen Page. Her hometown is El Paso, Texas.
“Right now there is no defined [minimum] age limit,” she said, “but the maximum age is 27, but those rules are likely to change in the future.” She also said that a student has to be a fulltime student the semester before in order to compete in the pageant show. Page, a junior journalism and media production major, decided to join the pageant after being a long time fan of pageants. she said she feels confident about competing. “I did a pageant in high school,” she said, “and I really like watching like the Miss America pageant, so I felt like I could win, so I was like, ‘Why not try this one?’” She also said the process has been stressful, with the limited time to practice as her only complaint, but Thompson makes things really easy for all the contestants with a strict schedule she helps the girls stick to. Thompson also mentioned that the audience wouldn’t partake in deciding the winner. Rather, there would be five judges, two of which will be former winners of the pageant. She said the importance of the pageant is about sisterhood. They teach the girls to be friends with one another unlike other pageants were they sabotage themselves. Page also said being with the other contestants has
Contestant 2: Toluwalope Adeyemi is an 18 year old sophomore majoring in Medical Technology. Her platform is Preventing Child Sexual abuse. She is the daughter of Olusegun and Taiwo Adeyemi. She is from Lagos State in Nigeria.
Contestant 3: Reagan Williams is a 21 year old freshman majoring in Music Education. Her platform is The Importance of Arts in Schools. She is the daughter of Thomas and Dina Williams. Her hometown is Wahiawa, HI.
taught her how to deal with other personalities, and she will continue to talk with the other contestants even after the pageant. “We’ve all learned how to like help each other out,” Page said. “You build the friendship with these girls, I mean I feel like these girls are really cool, and I will continue to talk to them even after the pageant.” Thompson also said that they teach the girls the importance of community service; each year they do an event for girls aged 5-17. This year contestants worked together to conduct a charm school. Page said she has what it takes to win because she has the advantage of facing a crowd. “I think I have a little bit of an advantage compared to the other girls because I’m a journalism major,” she said, “so I’m okay with being in front of a crowd and being on stage. I’m a Theater minor so I really don’t mind being in front of a crowd, so I think that’s the one benefit I have but I still do have to work just as hard as the other girls to maybe even win.” The cost of admission is $10 at the door for ages 6 and up. For more information about the Miss Black CU Pageant, contact the Office of Diversity Affairs at (580) 581-2209.
Contestant 4: Sujana Rupakheti is a 21 year old junior majoring in Biology. Her platform is The Need of Animal Experimentation in Medical Field. She is the daughter of Mr. Navaraj Rupakheti and Mrs. Bishnu Maya Shrestha. She is from Hetauda, Nepal.
Contestant 5: Sarae Simpson is a 19 year old sophomore majoring in Biology. Her platform is Supporting School-Aged Children from Impoverished Backgrounds by Combatting Hunger and Childhood Illiteracy. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Simpson. Her hometown is Fayetteville, North Carolina.
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Voices
February 1, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Black History:
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Courtesy of Tribune News Service
Walking the talk: A group of protestors in Missouri prepare to march in reaction the killing of Mike Brown in 2014. People came from various walks of life to gather together for one sole purpose: to bring awareness to the systemic racism that still affects the country today. This is one way of starting the difficult but necessary conversation we all need to have when it comes to race relations, but the launching point can be as simple as a candid conversation with one’s friends and family. I love February. It’s not because today’s my birthday. It’s not because of some weird fascination with all things obscure and different. It’s certainly not because of Valentine’s Day. To be honest, a lot of it comes from the fact that February is Black History Month. This piece was originally going to be about hip-hop music as a voice of the black community. Then it was going to be about systemic racism. Then it was going to be about the reasoning behind having Black History Month in the first place. Throughout that
thinking process, though, I had one question continuously popping into my head: Who am I to talk? It’s something I’ve been thinking a long time about in the process of writing this piece. After all, I’m not black. I’m a white-passing minority from an island some people wouldn’t know about unless they already know someone from there or paid lots of attention in geography class. Needless to say, I’m probably not the most qualified person to talk about issues surrounding racism and black people. I can’t think of a case of someone being malicious
About Us
to me because of my race – let alone consistent and persistent happenings. And, as people tend to remind me when it comes to my love for hip-hop, I’m not black. So that leaves me to think why I care so much about issues pertaining to black people. The first answer that comes to mind is the fact that I have black friends. It’s an overplayed cliché, legitimizing something because you happen to be acquainted with someone of a particular background. But I care about my friends, and I care about their histories and issues. It’s simple as that, right? But there’s a line you walk sometimes when trying to relate to someone of a different race. Veer too far to one end, and it’s insensitivity. Too far to the other end, and it’s borderline patronization. The thing about walking this line is that the only people who see where you land are the people watching you walk.
It makes me think about people within it. why I latched onto black That’s part of the reason culture in the first place. why we have Black History Learning about Martin Luther Month and why I love it so King, Jr., inspired me to do much. You see just how much right by people. Listening to goes into the concept of black 2Pac made me understand history – more than you would poetry in a new light. Living see in many history classes. in California As for why gave me both we need a first- and Black History second-hand Month to do looks into gang this, that’s culture on the another story West Coast. for another It all piece. But fascinated me the point still when I was remains – younger, and there is a lot it still does. more to black But there is history and the one thing I overarching admittedly black culture have to keep than you see Jacob Jardel reminding on the news or Voices Editor others and learn in typical @JJardel_Writing myself. curriculum. When it comes to black But that won’t suddenly culture, gang life, MLK and make me an expert on black hip-hop are not the only things culture or, more importantly, included. the voice for it. So really, who Looking at an entire race am I to talk? from this perspective, even The ever-polarizing appreciatively, limits just how Macklemore brought up this much you can know about the exact topic in his song “White Privilege II.” He talks about his confusion at the appropriateness of his marching for Mike Brown. There’s a lot to dissect in the song, from its topics on white people exploiting black music to reactions to
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racist allegations. The song’s final vocal interlude includes a sound bite from a man whose words about racism and what white people can do to fight it hit home. “The best thing white people can do is talk to each other,” the man said, “having those very difficult, very painful conversations with your parents, with your family members.” And he’s right. Those conversations are difficult, especially in this weird transitional time between the Civil Rights era of the 1960s and the current time, where our generation usually interacts with racism on the inherent, systemic level. We’re still trying to shift that paradigm. What makes matters even tougher are the heavily polarizing times among us. Adolescence and emerging adulthood may be times where beliefs can shake some of the polarization, but a look at Congress shows just how divisive we the people are and can be. We have so many divides within ourselves that discourse gets problematic. So who am I to talk? I’m someone who, hopefully, can get a conversation started – maybe even lessen the divide a bit. I may not be black or an expert on the multifaceted nature of black culture. Even if I’m not white, I know I have some sort of privilege. If I could use that privilege as a voice some people would actually listen to, perhaps even learn from, I’d like to hope I helped somehow.
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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.
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A&E
February 1, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Sciences center to open soon Vicky Smith
Managing Editor
@pinkwritinglady By early summer 2016, the doors of the Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center (MPANSC) will open to residents of Southwest Oklahoma as well as tourists across the state and country. The executive director of the MPANSC is Doug Kemper, Jr., a graduate of Lawton High and Cameron University. Kemper became the curator of the New York Aquarium when he was 23 years old and the founding director of the Seattle Aquarium when he was 28 years old. Kemper is also the founding director of the Aquarium in Moody Gardens at Galveston and of the Oklahoma Aquarium in Tulsa. Having been in the profession over 40 years now, Kemper said the MPANSC has two major purposes: encourage economic development and provide an educational venue to the Southwest Oklahoma area. “One of the two-prong areas is economic development,” he said, “– to enhance our region of the Wichita Mountains and Medicine Park and Lawton area as an end-point destination for tourism. “At the same time, it’s a quality of life activity to create a
science education facility for our school kids and to create a compelling family attraction.” Kemper said currently, Southwest Oklahoma features very fine history museums, but it does not feature any zoos, aquariums or botanical gardens. “If we look at our state,” he said, “the Tulsa area has the Oklahoma Aquarium, and it’s a world-class facility. The Tulsa Zoo is a first-rate institution, [and] Sam Noble Museum of Natural History at OU is a cutting-edge university museum.” Kemper said the center’s primary footprint will be a 20-county area in Southwest Oklahoma, which is essentially the areas south of I-40 and west of I-35. “In that approximately 20-county area, there are nearly 600,000 residents,” Kemper said. “Also in that area are 111 independent school districts, … 145,000 school kids, and there are five institutions of higher learning, Cameron being the premiere one.” Kemper said he will encourage the forty-three Chambers of Commerce to sponsor their schools so that the students can visit the center. The Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Science Center will consist of the McMahon Foundation Freshwaters and Fishes of Oklahoma Galleries, the Butterfly Center, River Otter exhibit, Earth Sciences Center and Space Sciences
Center. “The aquarium building is a 9,000 square foot exhibit space featuring native fishes of Oklahoma,” Kemper said. “To give you a perspective of the square-footage, the aquarium building itself is a little bit longer than football field. It’s 320 feet long; a football field is 300, and then it’s 30 feet wide – relatively narrow. It’s built on a mountain side.” Kemper said there are over 300 species of fish in Oklahoma, so the galleries will be educational for visitors. The McMahon Foundation Freshwaters and Fishes of Oklahoma Galleries consists of Sunfishes Gallery; True Basses Gallery; Catfishes Gallery; Trout, Pikes & Perches Gallery; Bio-Diversity Gallery; Jurassic Fishes Gallery; and Marvels & Mysteries Gallery. According to Kemper, sponsorships of the live exhibits are still available and can be accessed by visiting mpmns.org. “We have lots of opportunities for individuals and families and businesses and corporations to get involved,” he said. “[I] encourage folks that might want to leave a legacy to look at our charter membership or a sponsorship.” Though the center is not open to the public, people can view the building site from the road. The site is located south of Highway 49 on a slope that oversees Mount Scott and Lake Lawtonka.
Courtesy of Doug Kemper
Games to look for in the new year Jacob Jardel Voices Editor
@JJardel_Writing With January wrapping up, there are still many things to come from the video game industry in the following 11 months. From top-tier titles to new intellectual properties popping up on shelves, sorting through them all can take longer than actually playing through some of these games. Some months, like April, will be filled with potential Game of the Year nominees. What follows is a list of new games to look out for this year.
Fire Emblem: Fates For fans of tactical strategy role-playing games – even for Nintendo 3DS owners as a whole – this one has the looks of a mustown. Your avatar is an adopted member of the Hoshido royal family. You soon find out more about your past when your interact with people of the kingdom of Nohr. What happens next is up to the player. Coming nearly four years after the release of the series’ previous installment “Awakening,” “Fates” goes deeper and provides more content for fans to sift through. Expect complex storylines, heavy decisions and hours upon hours of gameplay split up between two games with different storylines.
Quantum Break
The game is set around a time travel experiment that goes wrong. Two main characters – one protagonist and one antagonist – gain time-based abilities, and players run away from the company hunting down their two heroes. This game comes from the same studio as hits like “Alan Wake” and “Max Payne,” so there is bound to be good third-person shooting action and a fitting atmosphere for time travel. Prepare for a potentially groundbreaking game when this one comes out.
Star Fox Zero Fans of Nintendo’s space-age anthropomorphic dogfighting crew can expect a new addition to the famed series on the Wii U this April. This new addition to the series follows closely in gameplay style to its Nintendo 64 predecessor “Star Fox 64.” The game takes advantage of the versatile Wii U GamePad to give players a near-unprecedented control for this new generation of Fox and his friends. The game has been in development for nearly two years as Nintendo attempts to regain the magic the series cast with its N64 release. Expect numerous new takes on the same old Fox when PlatinumGames and Nintendo drop this title later this spring.
The Last Guardian
After years of living in developmental purgatory, the newest project from After nearly two years of delays, Remedy members Team Ico is slated to grace Entertainment’s newest release is set to hit Playstation 4 consoles this year. The spiritual successor to “Shadow Xbox One consoles this April.
of the Colossus,” this game follows a kidnapped boy trying to escape with a griffin-like creature named Trico. Few other details are available regarding the story. However, if its predecessors are any indication, this game has the potential to be an enthralling work of art with a deep and engaging storyline. The main hope from fans is that Sony used the time since its initial 2007 development to make another amazing game.
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End With the rise of “Tomb Raider” games since 2013, Sony welcomes back its other favorite treasure hunter to the PS4 in spring after a five-year hiatus. Set three years after the events of the previous game, main character Nathan Drake has since retired and settled into a seemingly normal life. But when his brother Sam asks for his help, Nate goes back on the job with all its ups and downs. The original “Uncharted” games took over where Lara Croft left off, so seeing both back in action on this new generation of consoles will be a welcome treat for fans of the treasure hunting action-adventure genre. This one will be a definite blast that will keep players engaged from start to finish.
Dark Souls III The newest installment of the brutally hard “Souls” series will keep challenging players to stay alive when it releases worldwide in April. This game continues on the story of the third-person action RPG, following closely with its predecessor. Different enemies will come at the player as they try to survive and make their way through the story. For fans of a big challenge and this genre, this game is a potential must-own. Magic will return for the first time since the first “Dark Souls” game, and new combat features will give players even more control as they make their way through FromSoftware and Bandai Namco’s newest open world.
6
Sports
February 1, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Cheer grabs third at national competition On the that you’re actually a spirit team come together. “I love my team,” she said. morning of squad that’s involved in “Even before we “We’re all so different and Jan. the 16th, your campus and in your competed, our kids talked unique, but we seem to fit the team community. … The cheer and said, ‘Hey, we’re proud together perfectly. It’s such practiced, then portion is broken up into of each other, and we’re an amazing team to get to prepared for the 35 points of your score. excited to be here regardless be a part of. I am beyond competition. … The other fifty points of how we do.’ blessed. God is so good.” “[We] got is basically your skills, so “We’re very excited to This trip marked Evan’s dressed, ready to tumbling, stunting, baskets, get third, but the fact that first time to go to Disney roll, then went and pyramids. Then, based we hit our routine, and World. and competed,” on your difficulty level and they were all excited to be “My favorite part of Flood said. “We your execution is what you with each other, I was the Disney was getting to walk had awards right get points off of.” happiest about. That meant around the parks with after that, and Flood said he would we’d built a team.” some of my teammates and we had a nice like for the Spirit Team to Cheerleader freshman just getting to enjoy the dinner out at compete annually, and they psychology major Sydney experience of Disney for the Disney Springs, are already preparing their Evans, said her teammates first time with a few people which used to skills for next year. made all the hard work that mean a lot to me,” she be Downtown “You prepare almost worth it. said. Disney.” the whole year,” he said. “I “Honestly,” Evans said, “I also loved looking The team think the mental aspect of “the most rewarding part in all of the stores to buy spent their last understanding how it’s going of the competition for me souvenirs for my loved ones day in Orlando to be when you get down was getting to step onto back at home.” Courtesy of Ryan Flood at Disney there … is just as important that competition mat with To view photos of World. as all your other preparatory some of my absolute favorite the Spirit Team at the Basking in Victory: The Cameron Cheer team celebrate “Because stuff.” people in the world.” competition, visit https:// their victory by relaxing in a day in the sun at Disneyworld. we were done To Flood, the most Evans said she and her www.universaleventphoto. ago, his first goal was to competing, we had a free rewarding part of the teammates are like a big, com/ShoppingCart/ Vicky Smith make the team game ready. day around the parks,” experience was watching the happy family. SelectThumbs.aspx. Managing Editor “I knew we didn’t have the Flood said. “A lot @pinkwritinglady numbers or the experience of people hadn’t yet to really get to a point been to Disney On Jan. 16, the Cameron where we were ready to World yet. … University Spirit Team compete,” Flood said. “This [That] night, a few received third place with year, in the third year, I feel of us went and a score of 73.45 in the like we’ve had the numbers, watched Division Universal Cheerleading had the people who are IA, major teams Association (UCA) Small ready to compete, and we’ve – like the really Coed Division II at the had the skill level to do best teams in the College Cheerleading and that.” country – which Dance Team National Flood said on jan. 15th, was exciting.” Championship, held at the According to Walt Disney World Resort their first day in Orlando, they checked out the Flood, at the actual in Orlando, Fla. competition, the This year marks the first performance venue. “None of my athletes had grading scale is time in 15 years since the been to this venue,” Flood 100, and the points team competed for this said, “so they were able to are divided into particular title. three categories. Head Spirit Team Coach go and see where you would “Fifteen points Ryan Flood, who is also the warm up. … I think it also calmed their nerves to see Courtesy of Ryan Flood comes from your strength and conditioning what was going on and be as crowd tape,” Flood Cameron makes its debut: Cameron snags a win at the College Cheerleading and coach, said when he took said. “It shows position as coach three years a prepared as possible.” Dance Team National Championship after not entering or competing for 15 years.
A Tale of Two Teams
Broncos’ stifling defense meets Panthers’ explosive offense Jacob Jardel Voices Editor
@JJardel_Writing This year’s Super Bowl will be a tale of two vastly different teams. Celebrating its golden anniversary, the NFL Championship will feature a matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. Fans can tune in at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 to see the two powerhouses battle it out for the title. Both teams battled their way into their positions in the playoffs, but they took different routes to get there. The Broncos have been playoff mainstays ever since the addition of Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway in the mid-1980s. Minus a few gaps, they have been able to make the postseason with strong running, staunch defense and good quarterback play. Heading into Super Bowl 50, these principles still hold true for Denver. Elway has taken up front office responsibilities as the General Manager, and Peyton Manning will line up under center in his third championship. According to an article from the “Washington Post” staff, Manning’s appearance in this Super Bowl mirrors the curtain call of Elway’s career. “The Broncos legend walked away from the game after winning a Super Bowl,” the article said. “Now Manning, in the twilight of his career, may be able to do the same.” However, his signal calling duties came under question at the start of the season. Manning has had an up and down season, with good games dispersed among a mix of average and uncharacteristically bad games. Amid these woes, injuries and HGH allegations, he switched duties with Brock Osweiler until the younger quarterback’s injuries put Manning back as the starter. He made the most of it, securing the Broncos’ firstround bye and the second seed in the AFC. The other main storyline of the Broncos’ season was a stifling defense reminiscent of the Orange Crush squad from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. However, instead of Tom Jackson and Randy Gadishar leading the charge, Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib
Graphic by Katy Dayhoff
patrol the sidelines for the league’s top-ranked defense. With the formidable defense leading the way as Manning settled into the quarterback position, the Broncos came into the postseason with a 12-4 record, trailing only the Patriots in the AFC standings. Their matchup in the AFC Divisional Round against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a defensive struggle that featured a total of two offensive Bronco touchdowns. At the end of the battle, the Broncos’ came on top 23-16. The AFC Title Game pitted Manning against New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the pair’s 17th matchup – fifth
in the playoffs. The Broncos pulled ahead and avoided numerous close calls to secure the 20-18 win, Manning’s third in five playoff appearances for Brady. Squaring off against Manning and the Broncos are the upstart Carolina Panthers, making just their second Super Bowl appearance in the young franchise’s history. Indeed, young is one of the best descriptors for the Panthers and has been since the team’s founding in 1995. Their lone deep playoff run came in 2004, when 28-year-old quarterback Jake Delhomme led Carolina to the NFC Championship before losing to New England 32-29.
This year’s Panthers team features one of the most explosive teams the league has seen in a long time with fifthyear quarterback under center. Newton appeared to reach his peak performance this season, amassing a QB rating of 99.4 with nearly 4,000 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns. Newton would lead the league’s top scoring offense during a 14-game winning streak to start the season before finishing a league-best 15-1 record. Adam Kilgore of the “Washington Post” felt as if Cam is at the top of his game and the NFL. “Newton’s season would have been lacking without performing in the largest spectacle in American sports,” Kilgore said. “The real truth of it is, this year’s Super Bowl would have felt incomplete without Newton.” However, Newton was not the only part of this Carolina team’s success. Their defense ranked sixth in the league in yards allowed, points allowed and sacks. Playmakers Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman stood out from a defensive unit that led the NFL in takeaways and turnover differential. Probably the most notable thing about this Carolina team, though, is their cohesion. The chemistry has shown throughout the season as they have dabbed on opponents in games and for the cameras post-game en route to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their first game of the postseason came in the Divisional Round against two-time defending NFC champions Seattle. The Panthers roared to an early 31-point lead at the end of the half and held on to prevent the Seahawks’ comeback to win 31-24. The NFC Championship game against the second-seeded Arizona Cardinals proved to be less of a cardiac affair. Carolina stormed out to a 24-7 halftime advantage and continued on to win 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. The two teams facing off have vastly different backgrounds and took very different roads to book their tickets to Santa Clara, Calif. this Sunday. In the end, one team will finish their story with the Lombardi Trophy in hand. It all depends on how the teams write their final chapters on the field.