Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, February 8, 2016
Volume 94 Issue 3
Celebrating black history promoting diversity and tolerance through open dialogue Vicky Smith
Managing Editor @pinkwritinglady At 6 p.m., Feb. 1, in the CETES Conference Center, Cameron University hosted an annual kick-off ceremony marking the beginning of Black History Month, also known as African-American Heritage Month. Department of Education Associate Professor Dr. Marco Columbus served as guest speaker, and Mayor Fred Fitch signed a proclamation declaring February 2016 as AfricanAmerican Heritage Month. According to cameron. edu, Black History Month is a “federally recognized, nationwide celebration that provides the opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the significant roles that African-Americans have played in the shaping of U.S. history.” Columbus said community members must synthesize their efforts to make a change in the Lawton-Fort Sill area. “It’s my generation’s chance to give back to the community – [to] hold everybody responsible, from the people behind me to the people ahead of me,” he said. “There’s work that needs to be done to protect our children [and] to help them grow.” Professor of history Dr. Sarah Janda said Cameron University has one of the most diverse campuses in the state of Oklahoma, making it an ideal place for discussions about diversity. “One of Cameron’s core values is to promote diversity and tolerance,” Janda said, “so I think especially in our current atmosphere, it’s really important to look at different cultures. “One of the great things about college life is to be exposed to new things, so for a lot of students who don’t know a lot about African
American history I think it’s a great opportunity for them to see a snapshot of important contributions.” Janda said history is not the only lens through which students can look at African American culture. “There are wonderful things to study in African American poetry and artwork and all of these different kinds of cultural expression,” she said. “Maybe somebody really likes music, or they really like art. These are great ways to open up and get into discussions about tolerance and race.” Janda said Black History Month is an opportune time for students to engage in necessary conversation. “Racism and race relations have transformed in a remarkable way in the last 40 years, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect,” she said. “After President Obama was elected, I think it’s easy for some people to say, ‘Well, clearly racism is not a problem anymore because we have a black president,’ which I don’t think is the case.” Janda said although racism has become less obvious and more subtle in society, it is still prevalent. “It’s still there,” she said, “and it still influences a lot of interpersonal relationships and a lot of attitudes. … You see this in different perceptions of law enforcement. You see this in different perceptions of a host of different aspects of American life.” Janda said although conversations about race may be difficult to have, they are vital to a healthy community. She believes looking at the past will help people to make better sense out of the current tensions that exist. “These are sometimes uncomfortable and challenging conversations,”
she said, “but I think it’s too easy to just ignore racial divisions. “I hope that one of the things Black History Month can do is to create the possibility to discuss some of those ongoing tensions and different perspectives that does lead to greater acceptance – greater change overtime.” Janda said while national figures in African American history are important, students should be aware of the sacrifices made by historical people in their own hometowns. “[Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] is a really important figure, but he’s not the whole movement,” she said. “You also have all of these nameless, faceless people in communities all across the country that risk their lives to promote integration. “There was a group in Lawton that called themselves ‘The Group,’ primarily of Native Americans, blacks and whites, who went around and integrated most of the city.” Janda said while laws and Supreme Court decisions have been instrumental in setting a foundation for civil rights, they cannot change the hearts of people. “In terms of how you overcome something like racism, you can’t pass a law that says, ‘It’s illegal to be a racist,’ and people say, ‘Oh, okay. Well, I won’t do that anymore.’ “It’s really about personal relationships and mutual
“It’s my generation’s chance to give back to the community – [to] hold everybody responsible, from the people behind me to the people ahead of me.” Dr. Marco Columbus Associate Professor Department of Education
understanding, so that’s one of the things I like about looking at what happens locally: it gives people something real and tangible to connect to.” For more information about African-American Heritage Month events in the community, visit http://swoknews.com/
entertainment/severalevents-slated-lawtoncelebrate-black-historymonth.
Graphic by Joel Frambes
Argyros integrates research into new book Vicky Smith
Managing Editor @pinkwritinglady Dr. Ioannis Argyros, professor of mathematical sciences, authored his latest book “Intelligent Numerical Methods: Applications to Fractional Calculus” this year. Argyros has published 26 books and over 850 peer reviewed articles over his career and has been a faculty member of Cameron since 1990. Dr. George Anastassiou from the
What’s inside
University of Memphis co-authored the book, and Cameron student Akinola Akinlawon conducted research alongside Argyros. Argyros said the book took about three years to complete and is designed to assist senior undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers and practitioners in their studies. “This book belongs in the area of applied mathematics,” Argyros said. “A lot of phenomena has been described using an equation, and you have to solve the equation to answer to the physical phenomenon, … so we develop methods to solve those equations.”
Fair game to find a tutor Page 3
The methods presented can be used to solve real-life problems encountered in biosciences, engineering, mathematical programming, convex optimization, mathematical physics and mathematical economics. Senior computer science major Akinlawon said he assisted Argyros with research on polynomials. “It was a truly rewarding experience for me,” he said. “I was more than excited to showcase our findings on a poster for Oklahoma Research Day, as well as the CU Academic Summit in 2015.” At Oklahoma Research Day 2015,
On the record with Grammys predictions Page 5
Akinlawon presented the project “Roots of Polynomials and their Applications.” “It showed a very interesting discovery about how the famous Newton-Kantorovich condition for solving equations can always be replaced by a weaker one,” he said. “Every part of a math textbook is important because a careful and complete understanding of one topic is always a requirement to understand another. This truth about mathematics has always fascinated me.”
See ARGYROS Page 2 Softball opens with back-to-back wins Page 6
2
News
February 8, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
New club on campus: Circle K Erin Owens Staff Writer
The Cameron University chapter of Circle K International (CKI) has received its charter and is now recognized as an official Cameron-affiliated organization. Members of CKI focus on service to the community, producing local leaders and fellowship between CKI members. It is the collegiate member of the Kiwanis family of organizations; the high school version Key Club is what inspired Cameron’s CKI officers to bring Circle K to campus. CKI president Robbie Day and vice president Maggie Collins were both members of Key Club in high school and missed the service opportunities Key Club provided. Day had already been familiar with starting a new chapter of an organization after he brought Key Club to his high school during his senior year. Day said that the process of becoming Cameronaffiliated wasn’t easy, but he was happy to put in the work to make it happen. “I didn’t worry about the time,” he said. “If it’s something that you’re passionate about, go for it. I’ve dedicated countless hours a week to this organization, but I’m really passionate about it, so I’m going to make time for it. “The paperwork was lengthy, but really it’s recruiting, building your memberships and Courtesy of Maggie Collins constantly spreading your name where it really gets Service in action: Members of the Cameron chapter of the Circle K International (CKI) organization hard.” volunteer for the Salvation Army. CKI recently received its charter and is now a Cameron student organization. Day, Collins and other members wasted no time getting started. Before the affiliation process began, them, so they could run everything else. We just listen to take the steps required to become secretary on the district they were organizing small service projects like cleaning up what they need help with. board. trash at Lake Elmer Thomas last August. “If they have any questions about college or if they have CKI also offers $5000 worth of scholarships to its CKI members spent the entire fall semester getting any questions about service, we are there for them,” Collins members. involved with service work by participating in ringing bells said. The Cameron chapter of CKI will meet again at 6:30 for the Salvation Army and working with Feed the Children. “Sometimes if there is anything that we are doing that we p.m., Feb. 15, in Ross Hall Room 111. Day and Collins CKI’s upcoming service projects include a bubble run in need their help with, we will go to them, and we all just work encourage anyone interested to come. March and Relay for Life in April. together.” “We also want people to know there is no age limit,” Collins said CKI officers also spend time helping Key The Cameron University chapter of CKI is one of the Collins said. “Even if you are a mom you can bring your kids. Clubs in the area however they can. fastest growing chapters. We are very inclusive and anyone and everyone is more than “We attend the meetings, and we just listen to what they Day also plans on becoming more involved with the welcome to join.” need help with,” Collins said. “When they needed help Texas/Oklahoma district of CKI. For more information about CKI visit their Facebook selling their Relay for Life shirts, we sold their shirts for Collins plans to run for CKI president while Day will page at www.facebook.com/cameroncki.
ROTC cadets undergo training at sunrise Vicky Smith
Managing Editor
@pinkwritinglady
Photos by Vicky Smith
ROTC cadet Jasmine Schultz said the cadets meet for Physical Readiness Training, also known as PT, at 6 a.m. weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. “[The purpose of (PT)] is to improve the cadets’ physical well being, as well as build a cohesive team and help them stay motivated,” Schultz said. “PT is also a leadership opportunity and is the first place cadets learn to stand in front of their peers and lead them. “Leading them through exercises improves their confidence and helps them learn about their own leadership style.” Schultz said PT will prepare cadets for the Army’s official PT test. “In order to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant every cadet is required to pass a PT test,” she said. “PT in ROTC is designed to give cadets an example of Army PT and help them understand expectations and what is required to pass that PT test.”
ARGYROS continued from page 1 Akinlawon said doing undergraduate research with Argyros is one of the core highlights of his story at Cameron. “I recommend undergraduate research not just for anyone willing to step forward into graduate school,” he said, “but also for anyone who is willing to make the extra effort in whatever field of study.” According to Akinlawon, Argyros not only taught him how conduct research in mathematics but also how to better apply himself. “Research with Dr. Argyros has taught me many things over and beyond the world of mathematics,” he said. “His mentorship has definitely trained me to improve on my work ethic.” Argyros has been working since the age of seven. He said his parents are the ones who taught him the importance of a good work ethic. “My parents were very hard working,” he said. “My father was in the Greek resistance against the Germans. He was a middle school kid, and at that same time, they closed the schools in Greece. “He finished third grade and then he became a butcher. … I did not want to Photo by Vicky Smith work at the butchery because it was a very Publishing a new book: Professor of Mathematical Sciences Dr. Ioannis Argyros difficult job, but my character was built there because from seven years old, I was is the co-author of “Intelligent Numerical Methods: Applications to Fractional working there.” Calculus” with co-author Dr. George Anastassiou from the University of Memphis. Instead of pursuing a career in butchery, Senior computer science major Akinola Akinlawon assisted Argyros in research.
Argyros gained inspiration from his middle school math teachers in Greece to pursue mathematical studies. “I had very, very good teachers,” he said. “They were doing their job right, and they motivated me to move in that area. … In math, you find honesty. I admire it very much.” Likewise, Akinlawon has a passion for math because he values its consistency and simplicity. “Know the rules, apply them properly, and you would always reach an answer,” he said. “Solving or proving something mathematically always brings an inexplicable satisfaction to the student and the teacher alike no matter how many times you do it.” Argyros’ passion for math has enabled him to succeed academically. He has shared his research at conferences in many countries, including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, Romania, Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland, Spain, Mexico, Hungary, Poland, Belgium and Albania. Argyros said to succeed, people must work hard, even if they are not appreciated for the work they do. “You have to believe in something,” he said. “You have to look at people that are higher than you, hoping that you can reach them.”
3
Student Life
February 8, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Organizations: getting involved Chidy Chyk Staff Writer
At 5 p.m., Jan. 25, the Office of Student Activities hosted their semiannual Organization Roundtable in the Buddy Green Room of the McMahon Centennial Complex, where campus group leaders discussed how to recruit members. Megan Canfield, coordinator of Campus Life & New Student Programs, began by introducing herself and describing where her office is located in case students need help running their organizations. She then began to ask questions about what makes people get involved in a club and how new members initially heard about the organization. Canfield suggested organizations develop a membership profile outlining who they want to represent based on their desired group size, potential member contributions and organization and member values. Canfield talked about getting everyone involved and developing a creative advertising campaign. She said recruitment is not a solo operation meant to be carried out by just the executive officers of an organization; therefore, it is paramount to get all active members involved. The more people use their personal networks, the larger the organization will be. She mentioned that when competing with 60 other clubs it is important to do more to ingrain their club in the mind of the students and people shouldn’t simply rely on the flyers everyone else is posting. She urged organizations to go beyond the status quo and think of some innovative ways to get their club’s name out there while making sure to include the most important information, such as the time, date and place of their first meeting. Canfield said that the students decided the topic of the roundtable this semester. “Students really want to hear from each other,” she said. “They want tips from me, but ultimately they want to hear that other clubs are either facing the same struggles that they are or that another club as had the problem they are currently facing and has a
Photo by Jacob Jardel
Getting organized: Students Zoie Timothy (left) of Sigma Tau Delta and Patrick Perez (right) discuss organizations at the organization fair. Sigma Tau Delta is just one of the many organizations recruiting for the Spring semester. To learn more about Cameron’s organizations visit http://www.cameron.edu/organizations. great way to solve it.” She also said that back in August when they conducted the organization orientation, she asked members from different organizations to tell her the kind of topics they wanted to learn more about, one of which was on recruitment. Canfield also discussed what to do with new members, and what sets an organization apart from the other organizations. She suggested ensuring returning members mingle with new members, holding an orientation session and making new members feel useful. Emmanuel Alfaro, a senior marketing student and the president of the Cameron chapter of the American Marketing
Association, said he was impressed with the information he received. “I asked a few questions from leaders from other organizations,” he said, “and they gave me some good feedback. I made sure to jot all that down, and I will put it to good use.” Canfield also highlighted the dos and don’ts of recruitment tables with pictures of the recent organization fair held at the beginning of the semester. She said approachability is a key to success and clubs can draw in crowds by standing in front or behind their tables to make themselves look interesting. Also, she recommended facing walkways, limiting the number of table workers to
no more than three, bringing relevant information and participating for the whole fair. “Otherwise you look obnoxious and you waste people’s time,” Canfield said. After talking to the students, participants took turns to talk about what does and doesn’t work for their organizations, and asked each other questions. Students were able to provide solutions for each other and some of them decided to collaborate on some events together. Organizations looking for more information regarding recruitment can contact the office of Student Activities at (580) 581-2217.
CU Succeed workshop series begins Erin Owens Staff Writer
The first installment of the spring semester’s CU Succeed workshop series took place at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Buddy Green Room of the McMahon Centennial Complex. There are a total of fifteen workshops available this semester. CU Succeed workshops focus on topics not often discussed in the classroom. This semester’s series will highlight genres such as tips for surviving in a loud world, school and life lessons learned from getting a black belt, removing stereotypes and five secrets to achieving a work-
life balance. Taylor Thompson, coordinator of Diversity Affairs, said students have the opportunity to request certain issues be put up for discussion. “We do have a survey at the end of each workshop,” she said, “so they rate the workshop that they attended, and then they also can write down comments. So if there is something that they would like to see, that always helps us when we are planning because, of course, we want to put workshops on that students want.” Thompson said that the experience of the workshops vary. Some will be serious and discuss important issues while others, like extreme couponing, are more fun for
students to attend. All workshops aim to be thoughtprovoking and benefit students by providing additional information not covered in the curriculum. Kerry Schoonaert, a junior journalism and media production major, attended a previous workshop and found the information valuable. “The information from the CU Succeed workshops are more information than you would learn just researching yourself,” she said. For students interested in attending any of the CU Succeed series, a list with topics, times, dates and presenters can be found on Cameron’s website. Students can find upcoming workshops in the Cameron events calendar.
Student Support Services offers free tutoring Tyla Eakins
Student Life Editor @tyla_eakins
From 12:30-2 p.m., Feb. 2, in the McMahon Centennial Complex, the Office of Student Development gave students the chance to explore Cameron’s tutoring service options. Coordinator of Diversity Affairs Taylor Thompson said the goal of the fair is to help students learn about the resources to help themselves succeed academically. Cameron University offers several different types of tutoring services including the Math Lab in Burch Hall and the Center for Writers in Nance-Boyer. Director of the Center for Writers Dr. Carolyn Kinslow said it doesn’t matter what level of writer a student is, writing can always be improved. “I think it’s always a good idea to have somebody else take a look at your writing,” Kinslow said. “Students can benefit a great deal by coming and getting a practiced eye to come and look at their writing even if you’re a pretty good writer. I have a PhD in rhetoric, and I don’t consider that I have learned to write; I’m learning more and more about it all the time.” Kinslow said writing is an asset to all career choices. “I’m always struggling to improve my writing,” she said, “and no matter what you’re majoring in, if you’re a good writer you’re going to do a lot better at whatever you’re majoring in and in life.” One of the students who attended the tutoring fair, sophomore family and child studies major Valarie Haitshan said she uses the tutoring services often and for multiple classes. “I always need help,” she said. “I’m using a Spanish tutor now. For my child development class, I use Student Support Services [SSS]. I use SSS a lot for my tutoring. Haitshan, who is with SSS, said the program helps find
Photo by Tyla Eakins
Student services: Cameron student Valerie Haitshan signs up for tutoring services with Coordinator of Diversity Affairs Taylor Thompson and Coordinator of Career Services Jordan Scribner. Students interested in recieveing services should visit http://www.cameron.edu/sss/tutoring.html. her tutoring services. “I came to get the information,” Haitshan said, “so it is better for me to use my SSS tutoring or all the tutoring that’s being offered, and because I’m with SSS, they do a lot for me.”
Students looking for help can visit the tutoring labs Monday-Thursday until 5 p.m. If a student needs help with classes not covered in the tutorial labs, SSS members can request a tutor by stopping by room 431 in North Shepler or calling (580) 581-2352.
4
Black History:
Voices
February 8, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Examining the blind sides of race
Photos courtesy of Tribune News Service
Now and then: Art Shell (left, both photos) coached the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders in two separate stints, once in the 1980s and once in 2006. In 1984, he became the first black head coach in the modern NFL. Yet, there are still few black coaches who have taken the reigns of a professional team. With the recent hiring of Mike Burris, Lawton’s first black high school football head coach, the topic of race – and discrimination – in the NFL coaching ladder comes back to the forefront. Eisenhower High School in Lawton just made history on Feb. 1 with the hiring of Mike Burris as the school’s head football coach. The hiring was important, since Burris brings to the team a consistency they’ve lacked over the last few years. While Ike has had three different head coaches in four years, Burris has held his assistant coach mantel since arriving in Lawton in 1994. More importantly, though, he is the first black head coach at any of the three current Lawton high schools. To put everything into context, black individuals have been coaching at the college and professional levels of
football since the late 1970s when Willie Jeffries took the helm at Wichita State in 1979. Four years later, Art Shell called plays for the Los Angeles Raiders, becoming the first black head coach in the NFL’s modern era. That was over thirty years ago. So to see that our city is getting its first black high school football coach ever shows how much progress we have – and have yet to – make. One commenter on the story regarding Burris’ hiring voiced their disapproval at the use of the Burris’ race as a main focal point of the story. That person stated that race should not be a factor because his
qualifications got him the job. Indeed, his stability and consistency amid an otherwise inconsistent coaching carousel helped cement his status as head coach. He likely would have seen an exit if it weren’t for those merits. However, the fact that no high school in Lawton has ever had a black coach is more than a big deal. The person who made the comment continued on to question whether announcements put priority on an individual’s race if any nonwhite person gets a position. It is a very valid point, since there have been non-white assistants before. That being said, in cases like this one, people do mention race first – but not for divisive or arbitrary reasons. The thing about being the first person outside of a majority to do something is that it causes us as a society to look back and wonder why this person was the first. Was it because of merit? Was it the regulation of the time? Or maybe it’s something we wish didn’t happen – and that we like to think doesn’t happen to this day. A recent article from ESPN’s Mina Kimes looked into the dearth of black head coaches in the NFL. She cited research from a four-university group that found white position coaches were twice as likely to earn a promotion than their black counterparts – regardless Photo courtesy of Evan Burris of other factors. According to her, when it comes down to Making history: Eisenhower Coach Mike Burris it, discrimination is the main poses with his granddaughter. The school named him reason for this effect. head coach for the Ike football team, making him the Discrimination may not be first black coach for a Lawton city high school. About Us
as active a process today, but be colorblind when it comes to situations involving race, it’s still present in these hiring choosing not to see color when decisions. It’s still preventing it comes to certain aspects of true diversity in a lot of facets. life. Some even take pride in What makes matters worse is that this discrimination is at a the fact that race doesn’t play a big part in their outlook on life. point where it’s “the way we’ve But when you think about always done it” in some ways. it, you’re just reducing your The truth of the matter vision even is that we as a nation have more than been kind of if you saw bad with the color. whole Melting There Pot thing in the is a phrase grand scheme used in the of things. Since lexicon of the birth of John Green the nation, and the the United slogans States has of the waltzed among Uncultured accommodation, Progress: assimilation and “There is gentrification. no them. Ask the There are Jacob Jardel immigrants at only facets Sports Editor Ellis Island. of us.” This @JJardel_Writing Ask the Natives quotation whose land we encapsulates used to manifest the American a lot of the sentiment most of destiny. Ask anyone whose us want to echo when it comes skin color was darker than a to race relations. But when you break it summer tan. If you weren’t some form of down, the phrase means more than a baseline “We are all the WASP, you pretty much got same.” stung at some point. It doesn’t stop at “There But white people aren’t is only us.” It goes further. the problem, as previous columns have mentioned. The It emphasizes that there are different parts of us that make big problem is homogenized the holistic human society assimilation. run. It’s not homogenized. Many individuals claim to
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
Our Views
Managing Editor - Vicky Smith Sports Editor - Eugene Patterson Voices Editor - Jacob Jardel Student Life Editor - Tyla Eakins Copy Editor - Joel Frambes Aggie Central Editor- Jeff Larson
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.
Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Angela Jenkins, Erin Owens, Tarayn McMillan, Haley Berry, Makenzie Burk, Chidinma Chykugwa, Marry Ann Davis,Jonathon Good, Kailey Griffee, Zayna Halliburton,LaReece Osborne, Alexsis Page, Kerry Schoonaert,Cristina Soriano Garcia, George Weaver, Haley Wilson,Zachary Zahniser Graphic Designer - Kaytlen Dayhoff Advertising Managers - Vicky Smith, Tyla Eakins Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
It embraces the differences, utilizes the strengths and integrates the different nuances into one American culture. But you won’t get that if you’re colorblind. We want to believe we’re an assortment of different races, ethnicities and backgrounds all put together to make one America – a Melting Pot, if you will. But you don’t want to melt it too much so that we can’t tell the ingredients apart anymore. We also need to realize that different doesn’t mean better, worse or anything in between. It just means we’re highlighting a disparate facet of the collective us – even if it causes us to highlight some of our shortcomings as well. “Bias – especially systemic bias, the sort of bias that many refuse to acknowledge until it materializes in the form of hard data – won’t be solved with a new rule or committee,” she said. “But such efforts at least keep the issue in focus.” Whether it’s the Mike Burris hiring or the hiring of any other black coach in the NFL, the coaching situations act as somewhat of an allegory for where we were, are and have yet to go. So when a new coach gets hired, we laud them for their merits. When we mention that they happen to be black, we’re just trying show color the way it’s meant to be seen.
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.
5
February 8, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Get ready for the Grammys mastery of “Blank Space” and the old school “Uptown Funk.” Nostalgia will probably win out in the form of “Uptown Funk.”
Jacob Jardel Sports Editor
@JJardel_Writing Music’s biggest night will come alive on the small screens when the 58th Annual Grammy Awards hits CBS on Feb. 15. Many of the recording industries iconic names are up for nomination in numerous categories. But who will come away with the golden gramophones this year? Here are a few predictions for the Big Four awards.
Record of the Year
“Alright”; “Blank Space”; “Girl Crush”; “See You Again”; “Thinking Out Loud”: Not to be confused with the previous category, this award Best New Artist honors the songwriters and Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly, Meghan songwriting prowess of the different tracks. Needless to say, Trainor: this field is pretty deep, with Winning this category is as potentially ominous as it is prestigious, with some candidates like Starland Vocal Band or topics running the gamut of anger, mania, longing, sadness and love. Paula Cole failing to garner mass fame afterward. This year’s “Thinking Out Loud” has candidates, however, have promising hopes. listeners wanting to hold their Trainor has been riding the pop wave with catchy hits, lovers close, while “Girl Crush” while Bay is a little bit of Ed Sheeran mixed with the aura of has them longing for the ones who Jack White. However, the real contest comes with country newcomer Hunt, idiosyncratic indie rocker Barnett, and genre left for somebody new. Both do so very effectively. Meanwhile, “See fuser Kelly. If the number of country nominations correlates to country You Again” focuses on a different sadness that comes with losing a wins, expect Hunt to nab the win. Otherwise, it looks be a dear friend. tossup between Kelly and Barnett. However, the two biggest Gut feeling says it goes to Courtney Barnett. tracks from this year are arguably Song of the Year Tribune News Service “Really Love”; “Uptown Funk”; “Thinking Out Loud”; “Blank the tongue-in-cheek “Blank Space” and the socially conscious Space”; “Can’t Feel My Face”: “Alright.” Both are excellently written in part by two of This award goes to the best performance of an individual song, and these tracks are without a doubt some of the biggest music’s brightest stars. It will be a tight heat between the two of them. this year. In one of the two toughest races of the night, “Blank Space” The dark horse for the category is arguably “Really Love,” may just edge out a win. with the other four tracks receiving abundant airplay since Album of the Year their respective releases. In truth, D’Angelo’s track does well “Sound & Color”; “To Pimp a Butterfly”; “Traveller”; “1989”; to incorporate smooth guitar into the distinct Black Messiah “Beauty Behind the Madness”: sound. Of all the award categories, this one is arguably the most But the prevalence of the other four tracks in the cultural prestigious. According to some people, given its recent history, forefront may make it hard for the track to win. “Thinking it is also one of the most unpredictable. Out Loud” was one of the hallmark tracks from Sheeran’s Alabama Shakes came out with a strong sophomore album “x,” while “Can’t Feel My Face” brought a new pop sound to The Weeknd’s brand of R&B. When it comes down effort with their bluesy rock opus “Sound & Color,” while The Weeknd’s “Beauty Behind the Madness” melded his to it, though, the matchup will likely be between the pop
classic R&B sound with hints of pop to make it a formidable competitor. Chris Stapleton headlines his genre’s banner year with “Traveller,” a seamless mesh of old school and modern country. This album is a dark horse candidate in the group. Following the formula for Best New Artist, if country nomination correlates with win, this one may win. That said, once again, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift will likely duke it out in a tight race with the two biggest albums of the year. “To Pimp a Butterfly” is the modern great American hip-hop album. “1989” is the quintessential pop album. Both have garnered mass praise from critics and fans alike. If the Grammy track record with hip-hop albums is any indicator, “1989” is just barely more likely to get the win.
Jenkins receives award at festival Angela Jenkins Staff Writer
The Trail Dance Film Festival at Simmons Center in Duncan finished its tenth year Jan. 29-30. After showing more than 130 submissions, filmmakers attended an awards ceremony to celebrate the two-day event. At the ceremony, Cameron University Professor of Communication Dr. Matt Jenkins’ film “Veda” received the Golden Drover award for best film and was deemed crowd favorite by popular vote. Associate professor of art Dejan Mraovic had his movie “My Girlfriend” featured as well. “My Girlfriend” is a three-minute
short movie that has been shown in the biggest film festival in bangaledash and also made its appearance at Trail Dance. As it stands now, Trail Dance Film Festival will take a hiatus next year. The announcement was made at the end of the screenings after the award ceremony, but Anthony Foreman, Trail Dance founder, said the decision has been made for a while. Foreman said the future of the film festival is uncertain. “We have decided to take a hiatus,” he said, “so we really don’t have an answer about the future.” Although he isn’t sure, Foreman thanked the Duncan community for their support over the last ten years.
Dayhoff to host ‘Lazer Team’ movie Angela Jenkins
Courtesy of Matt Jenkins
Achieving success: At the Trail Dance Film Festival awards ceremony, Cameron University Professor of Communication Dr. Matt Jenkins recieved the Golden
the creators of the longest-running web series in history, ‘Red vs Blue.’ In 2014 Staff Writer ‘Lazer Team’ smashed crowdfunding Cameron student Kaytlen Dayhoff records when the film raised more than is hosting a viewing of the movie $2.6 million on IndieGoGo.” “Lazer Team” at 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 Dayhoff said she is a big fan of these at Patriot Cinemas in Lawton. producers and is really hoping to see “Lazer Team” follows four this movie at the new theater. protagonists who discover alien “I have not yet seen the movie,” she technology only to be pursued by said, “but I have watched a lot of their the government as they fight to save other works. I binge watched most humanity. of their popular content, may have “Lazer Team” is directed by Matt watched a lot of it but it is probably Hullum and stars such Rooster Teeth not even half of what they’ve got.” employees as Burnie Burns, Gavin Free For the event to even happen, 53 and Michael Jones. people must register to attend or it According to the movie’s website, will be cancelled. Tickets are $12.50 “‘Lazer Team’ is the first feature film and are available for purchase online at from pioneering studio Rooster Teeth, Tugg.com.
6
Sports
February 8, 2016
www.aggiecentral.com
Photos courtesy of Krista Pylant
Taking cuts: Junior Paige Daino makes contact with the pitch during Cameron’s doubleheader sweep against University of Texas-Permian Basin on Feb. 3 at McMahon Field. The Aggies allowed three Falcon runs across both games while scoring a combined total of 23 runs on the afternooon – three of which Daino drove in.
Softball sweeps Texas-Permian Basin Jacob Jardel
Zukerman’s two-run homer. It was the 32nd of her career. Sports Editor Permian Basin added at the top of the @JJardel_Writing fourth with a solo homer from designated hitter Alyssa Lene. But Cameron grounded any hopes The Aggie softball team knocked Texasof a Falcon comeback in the bottom of the fifth. Permian Basin (UTPB) off their perch with a Junior infielder Annie Combs hit a basespair strong outings on Feb. 3. loaded single to drive in junior DH Paige Cameron’s softball team opened the season Daino. Outfielder Nikki Horton singled in with two commanding wins against the Falcons DeLong before a Macy McKay walk brought in a doubleheader at McMahon Field. CU allowed only three runs while driving in a total Ingrum in to score. Senior shortstop Carly Allerheiligen of 23 in the two games. knocked a single into left, bringing Horton This win comes off the heels of a record and Combs in to score. Allerheiligen’s two RBI 2015 campaign for the Black and Gold. The capped a five-run inning for the Aggies. team looks to build upon team records in wins An insurance run off DeLong’s sixth-inning (41) and home runs (96), and they came out single to left sealed the 11-3 win for Cameron. swinging in their first two games. Osterdock dug in her talons on the mound, Game One allowing three runs off four hits and two walks. The Aggies played a well-rounded game en She struck out six in five innings of work before route to an 11-3 behind the arm of freshman junior Emily Wasinger took over in the sixth. pitcher Alyssa Osterdock (1-0). Game Two After a scoreless opening inning, Cameron The second half of the twinbill featured notched the first runs of the game and their more of the same for a CU team that made the season when junior outfielder Jessie Ingrum most of a shutout from Zukerman (1-0) to win drilled a three-run homer over the center field 12-0. fence, scoring seniors Chelsea DeLong and Cameron started off swinging from the Sonora Zukerman. jump, driving in three runs in the bottom of UTPB answered back with two runs in the the first. Daino’s sacrifice fly to center scored top of the third. After an Osterdock wild pitch scored the first run, Falcon shortstop Adrianna Horton and McKay, while Zukerman helped her own cause with a double that brought home Berzoza singled up the middle to drive in one junior Breezy McComas. more run. The offensive outburst continued in the Cameron responded in the bottom of the inning with two runs of their own off bottom of the next inning. Combs hit her first
homer of the season with a solo shot to right up this sweep and a trip to the Southeastern center. A few batters later, Allerheiligen crossed Arkansas Invitational with a weekend slate at the plate on a double steal as McKay took the Lady Buff Invite from Feb. 12-14. second. McKay would come home later on McComas’ two-run double a few batters later to cap a four-run second frame. CU topped that score in the third inning with a five-run outburst – their second of the day. Allerheiligen’s double to center brought in Combs and Paige Ramey to start the frame. Freshman infielder Abbey Warren singled down the line to score Allerheiligen. Warren would score an unearned run of her own later in the inning when freshman outfielder Jordan Kisselburg reached on a Permian Basin error. Daino’s groundout to short would cap the scoring for the inning, with Kisselburg coming home to bring the score to 12-0. The Aggies were able to roost for the rest of the game behind Zukerman’s three-hit Grounding the Falcons: Shortstop Carly complete game outing on the Allerheiligen makes the turn to throw out a runner mound. She struck out four during the Aggies’ sweep of Texas-Permian Basin on and walked one. Cameron (2-0) will follow Feb. 3 at McMahon field. CU is now 2-0 on the season.
Aggies buck Mustangs, snap losing streak against MSU Cristina Soriano
Coming back from the locker room, MSU took the lead for the first time in the game. Ray replied with a fast three to keep the Staff Writer score close at 48-46. The Mustangs kept pressing Cameron with threes by Bretson Cameron University’s strong defense paved the way for their McNeal, who hit five from behind the arc on the night. 75-80 victory over Midwestern State University Jan. 30. Long nabbed the ball and drove up the court on a fast break for This win brought the Aggies to the top of the Lone Star three consecutive layups to open a six-point lead for the Aggies. Conference at 6-2. With just over a minute to go, the Mustangs started pressing After the game, senior guard Cameron Lee celebrated the full court and caused some turnovers. MSU capitalized on the record-breaking victory against MSU, ending a string of losses possession errors with back-to-back threes, while Cameron beginning in 1990. missed free throws for a late, unanswered nine-point run. “It feels great not only for our team to snap the losing streak But with 10 seconds to finish, Delvonte Pierre hit two last free at Midwestern,” Lee said, “but also claim first place in conference.” Deondre Ray led the Aggies with career high 23 points and 7 throws to give the win to the Aggies against their big rival. CU head coach Nate Gamet recognized the effort of the boards. Other Aggies with double figures were Jamaal Brantley Mustangs and the Aggies’ ability to control the game. with 15 points and 8 rebounds, JV Long with 12 points, and Lee “MSU had some great defensive possessions, and our guys just with 11 points. stepped up and made some shots in big situations,” Gamet said. The Black and Gold started the game with high intensity, “We were able to control the pace of the game and did a good job which put them ahead for the entire first half. Cameron set its own pace, making it difficult for the Mustangs’ transition defense. limiting their very talented post players.” Next, Cameron will face Texas A&M Commerce at 7:30 p.m. The first half ended 36-41 with CU’s field goal percentage at Feb. 3 at Commerce, Texas. 56 percent and the Mustangs’ at 38 percent.
Cameron student-athletes make the grade Vicky Smith
Photo courtesy of Mike Mazzo
Giving them the axe: Senior forward Jamaal Brantley drives to the basket. The Aggies defeated Midwestern State 80-75 on Jan. 30, marking Cameron’s first win against the Mustangs since 1990 and putting the Black and Gold atop the LSC standings.
the student-athletes must achieve a minimum 3.30 GPA for the current Managing Editor semester and be listed on the roster. @pinkwritinglady According to cameronaggies. com, “A total of twelve Aggies had The Lone Star Conference has announced that 58 Cameron student- a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester with baseball leading the department athletes are on the Commissioner’s with 14 overall honors, followed by Honor Roll 2015-16 fall semester. softball with ten, volleyball eight, and To earn a place on the honor roll,
women’s basketball seven.” The honor roll does not include student-athletes who are on the Cameron Spirit Team because the spirit squad is not an NCAA sport.
For the full story, visit AggieCentral.com