The Cameron University Collegian: September 23, 2013

Collegian T he Cameron University

www.aggiecentral.com

Monday, September 23, 2013

No butts about it:

Volume 89 Issue 3

CU bans e-cigs Kaylee Jones

Assistant Managing Editor

Photo by Kaylee Jones

Up in smoke: Former CU student Hayley Robinson enjoys a puff of her electronic cigarette. Vapors have recently been banned from indoor use on CU’s campus.

Vice President of Student Services, Jennifer Holland, has made Cameron’s stance on e-cigarettes known.

To prove she is not just blowing smoke on the matter, on Sept. 9, Holland sent an email to the entire student body banning the use of electronic cigarettes, or vapors, inside campus buildings and vehicles.

“We started receiving quite a few complaints by students, faculty and staff about people using the electronic cigarettes and vapors in the classroom,” Holland explained. “We looked at the [tobacco] policy… but it doesn’t really say anything about e-cigarettes.”

Cameron University has been a tobacco free campus since 2011.

However, the recent rise in the use of e-cigarettes has forced many academic institutions to reevaluate their tobacco

policies.

After several complaints had been filed, Vice President Holland along with Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, Vice President of Academic Affairs, addressed the Executive Council.

“She and I both felt like it was very important,” Holland said. “We brought it to the Executive Council’s attention, and ultimately, made the recommendation to the President that we felt like, in the interim, while we can study it more, we just need to allow [e-cigarettes] outside.”

Holland summarized their ruling: “We didn’t modify the tobacco policy; we just added it to the frequently asked questions section of our page.”

Cameron is not the only public university considering rewriting their tobacco policy to accommodate the popularity of electronic cigarettes.

“Colleges across the state are doing a variety of things,” Holland explained. “They’re either totally banning them or they allow them outside. I haven’t read very many that allow them to use [e-cigarettes] indoors.”

Tulsa Community College has banned them, along with Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Oklahoma State University, while the University of Oklahoma allows them to be used outside only.

In a letter to OSU from Dr. Terry Cline, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, shared that Oklahoma has the fourth highest smoking rate in the country.

See E-CIGS Page 2

CU there: Aggie Health Fair

Fall enrollment down from 2012 Tyler Boydston Managing Editor

Photo by Carson Stringham

Parent Trap: Veronica Ramirez works in the Parent Resource Center.

Parenting People Carson Stringham Copy Editor

Student parents at Cameron University now have another arrow to add to their quiver of tools to combat the stresses and issues that come with having a family and being in college: The Parent Resource Center.

Veronica Ramirez, a sophomore Biology major and Coordinator for CU Be SMART, said the Parent Resource Center is a place where student parents can enjoy a home office-like environment away from home.

See PARENTING Page 2

The halls of Cameron University are quieter than they were last fall.

CU’s fall enrollment this year is down 3 percent from where it was in the fall 2012 semester.

Jamie Glover, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, said the comparisons the university uses to determine drops in the census are based on the previous year as opposed to the preceding semester.

“When we compare enrollment, we usually compare fall to fall and spring to spring,” Glover said. “We did experience an overall decrease this semester; it was about 3 percent on census day.”

“Census day is kind of the point when we take a snapshot,” Glover said. “Enrollment continues through the end of the semester, so on a daily basis, things continue to fluctuate and we don’t really get an end idea until things are over. We’re down about 3 percent, which is not unexpected given the recent years of tremendous enrollment that we’ve had.”

Census Day falls on the tenth day of classes, which is also the last day to withdraw with a full refund.

According to Glover, while general enrollment is down for the semester, certain areas have had increases in enrollment from last fall semester.

“We were up in first-time freshmen,” Glover said. “So the number of new students coming straight into college and enrolling is up. We still have over 800 first-time

Kaitlyn Stockton Copy Editor

Photo by Kaylee Jones

Lacking traffic: CU’s hallways seem emptier as fall enrollment numbers have fallen from previous years. Jamie Glover, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Managment, said enrollment is down 3 percent from 2012. freshmen enrolled in the institution.

We were just about up on graduate students and concurrently enrolled students, which are students who are still in high school taking college classes at the same time.”

Glover said she believes the drop in enrollment may be based in the current economy.

“We play a really important role in the community in terms of helping our people get better jobs,” Glover

said. “When you see an economic downturn, we are a safe landing place for individuals to come back and get an education and then, when the opportunity presents itself, go back to the workforce, hopefully at a higher pay rate and re-tooled for the change and the economy.”

At the end of the day, Glover said, the administration’s primary focus is to take care of current students as opposed to simply recruiting more.

Cameron University students and faculty hulahooped in the 6th Annual Aggie Health Fair which took place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the MCC Ballroom.

Over 30 organizations and companies visited CU’s campus in order to spread health information pertinent to students.

Guests received massages, free food and healthy prizes at the event.

Director of the Student Wellness Center Jill Melrose said it took months of planning, but she was happy to continue the tradition of the Aggie Health Fair.

“This one was more laidback than others,” Melrose said. “Last year, the goal of it was to start in one area, and if you went through the whole thing – had your blood pressure checked, got this done and got this done, then you would get a t-shirt. This year, we left all of that out.

Come in, eat, get some free stuff, look around and have a good time.”

Inside this issue: Student Life SAO: Sisterhood of the Traveling Shirts See Page 5

A&E

Sports

CCM opens doors for “Open Mic” night See Page 3

Aggies rush into season with first flag football game See Page 7

2

News

September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

CU Succeed workshop looks abroad Sarah Brewer

sister schools,” she said. “This was an opportunity to address a large group of Staff Writer students instead of just on an individual basis as they come through our door.”

Images of students posing by For the first time since the inception international landmarks became the of the Study Abroad Program at backdrop for the latest installment of CU, students can now choose their Cameron University’s CU Succeed destination and its accompanying workshop series. preparation course: they can either tour Twenty Cameron students saw the the history of Western biological science photos on display during the afternoon in the United Kingdom, France and the of Sept. 17 in the Buddy Green Room Czech Republic, or they can visit London in the McMahon Centennial Complex. to experience the Enlightenment.

They were present for an orientation Both tours were designed with firstentitled CU Abroad: Your Passport to a Great Education, and several were ready time travelers in mind, Malcolm said, and are meant to serve as a primer for to receive a stamp marking their first other a semester-long residency at the excursion to a foreign country.

University of Swansea at Wales and Lani Malcom, the Academic other universities around the world.

Services Coordinator in the CU Office “This is a good first-time experience of Academic Enrichment, began the workshop by asking for a show of hands for students that have not been overseas that do not speak another language,” she from students that have ever gone abroad before, and only a few went up in said. “This is an opportunity to engage in a multitude of cultures, but still share reply. She addressed concerns students a common language. On the other hand, had about the availability of travel there are going to be language barriers in opportunities, scholarship application procedures and the process for obtaining some places.”

Navigating a country without a passport.

Malcom said she was adamant about speaking its language can be difficult, Malcom said, but she expects students tailoring the lecture to the needs of the students in attendance and she was ready to embrace the adventure and consider to address their questions in this setting. taking other tours elsewhere.

“We want this to be an experience “We decided it was an excellent where we push you out of your comfort opportunity to educate more students about the opportunities here at Cameron zone so you learn skills and have opportunities that you won’t have here, and those that are available at our Photo by Charlene Belew

perhaps, in southwest Oklahoma,” she said. “We don’t want the experience to end when you get off the bus here at the Cameron Exchange on March 23. We want this to be the beginning.”

To give students a glimpse of what awaits them, Malcom gave sophomore Art major Victoria Orndorff and Jacob Jardel, a CU graduate returning for a Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences, a moment to offer their perspectives.

“You will experience so much — even if you are an island in and of yourself just looking around at everything else.”

Jardel said. “And you can charge that to your academics because you are walking through history among the modern everything.”

Sarah Vrla, a senior Biology major who is studying to become a radiation oncologist, is traveling to the United Kingdom, France and the Czech Republic to gain a stronger appreciation for science.

“Going there will give us a whole new perspective on science because we will see how it was done in the olden days without the technology that we have now,” Vrla said. “I am really excited.

Being there will give me an appreciation for my major. Seeing the challenges faced Photo by Sarah Brewer by scientists will give me a little boost of motivation while fighting through med Vacation photos: Academic Services Coordinator Lani school because it will obviously be a huge Malcolm shows pictures from previous Study Abroad trips challenge.” as a part of the CU Succeed workshop. The workshop took place on Sept. 17 in the Buddy Green Room.

PARENTING continued from page 1

With a workspace for the parents and entertainment for the kids, the Parent Resource Center has everything a parent needs to continue to work on their education without having to worry about what to do with the kids.

The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

As a mother herself, Ramirez said she knows firsthand the pressure that comes with being both a Saving lives: Dr. Jennifer Pruchnicki discusses suicide student and parent. She said that, as a coordinator, it has prevention at the CU Succeed workshop on Sept. 11. been hard to get the word out to the student populous about the services that CU Be SMART provides.

“Besides offering just moral and academic these steps and go through the support, we offer Charlene Belew training because by educating information to the students Student Life Editor others, we can potentially save as well,” Ramirez said.

The CU Succeed series lives,” Pruchnicki said. “Suicide “We can help them get in held its second workshop at 3 is one of the leading causes of contact with the various p.m. on Sept. 11 in the Buddy death among young adults ages departments on campus, Green Room.

15-24, so that age group falls so if someone says, ‘I don’t The topic of the seminar right into the typical college know how to set up my was Question, Persuade, Refer population. We need to be financial aid,’ or ‘What (QPR) — Suicide Prevention. extra vigilant with our efforts steps do I need to take to Dr. Jennifer Pruchnicki spoke in suicide prevention.” start my FAFSA?’ this is at the event. According to She said through receiving a place where they come, Pruchnicki, QPR started at this QPR training, Cameron CU because of a donation from students and faculty will Brigadier General Mark and become more knowledgeable Mrs. Carol Graham. They and ready to help those established the Kevin and feeling suicidal. “With this Thirty-six different Jeffery Graham Endowment training, students and faculty vapor stores are listed in for Depression Awareness can know what to do should the Oklahoma Yellowpages and Suicide Prevention. Due someone come to them who alone. to a suicide in the family, they is contemplating suicide or Studies have shown sought to increase awareness if they recognize some of the that vapors are an effective for suicide prevention, and the behaviors or risks,” she said. replacement for smokers donation now allows the QPR “We want to make sure to course to be taught at CU. train as many folks as possible looking to quit; as a result, demand for vapors Pruchnicki received to save lives.” in Oklahoma has grown her education on suicide Pruchnicki said college significantly. prevention from attending campuses are affected by However, the rise in a QPR workshop and said suicides in their communities she believes it was the most due to high suicide rates among usage has left many people unsure of how to address valuable education she has traditional students. She ever received. During the encourages the CU community the growing popularity of workshop, students and faculty to be proactive against suicide e-cigarette use in public facilities. in attendance learned the three and let those feeling suicidal “There’s not this steps to suicide prevention. know that they should never be accepted courtesy of how to These steps are to question afraid to reach for help. use them yet,” Holland said. the person contemplating “I think suicide affects “There’s so much unknown suicide, persuade the person all college campuses – often about the safety of them that there is reason for living students lead very stressful because they’re so new.” and to refer the person to lives. It’s hard to transition Currently, the someone who can help them. to college, and it’s so difficult punishment for a violation Pruchnicki said educating to balance school and your of the ban is along the same faculty, students and other personal life,” she said. lines as a tobacco violation, community members is Members of the Cameron a written citation; although imperative in saving lives. community are invited to the Holland encourages As of 2010, Oklahoma was Student Wellness Center for community policing ranked 13th in the nation for counseling and information suicide death rates. “ on other helpful services in the through notifying violators that smoking the vapors It is important to know Lawton area.

CU Succeed centers on stopping student suicide

bring their kids with them, and they can get answers.”

Ramirez said parents can also come to her for answers on how to enroll, questions concerning academics or other financial queries; even if Ramirez cannot actually do anything about a student’s situation, she said she can redirect them to the right place.

The Parent Resource Center’s study area, known affectionately as the Parent’s Closet, is a one-stop-shop for all things a parent would need in order to work away from home: a desk and computer to do homework on or just surf the web; a television, DVD player and movies for the kids watch; toys for them to play with and snacks for when the children become hungry.

“This is a place where [parents] can feel at home and not worry that they are being a burden to anyone on campus. Our motive is to make Cameron a familyfriendly place,” Ramirez said. Besides the Parent’s Closet, CU Be SMART also hosts workshops

for parents and children that focus on such topics as healthy eating, family finances, study practices.

Ramirez said the workshops try to focus on topics that will help make well-rounded students and parents.

“We try to focus not only on the academics,” Ramirez said, “but on the family as well. As parents, we sometimes focus so much on our studies and in trying to prepare for a career that we forget how important family time is, so we have tried to make these workshops a place where the whole family gets something from them, whether it knowledge or fun.”

While the parents attend the workshop, kids ages three to 12 can attend Kid’s College, a separate activity held close to the workshop location. This allows the kids to take part in fun activities with their parents still near.

Toward the end of each month, CU Be SMART hosts a Family Day activity.

The next event will be held on Sept. 28 at the Aggie Rec

Center. Ramirez said it is a free opportunity for parents and their children to have fun with physical activities and arts and crafts.

The Parent Resource Center plans to expand in the future, Ramirez said, not only in the number of parent participants but also with the addition of an oncampus daycare facility.

However, according to Ramirez, unless more parents become involved with CU Be SMART and the Parent Resource Center, it would be difficult to get the grant money needed to start a daycare service.

Ramirez said: “We need to establish a strong base of involved parents; their voices can really make a difference. If we try and say, ‘The parents want this,’ but there are no parents showing their support for us, then it makes it hard.”

For more information about CU Be SMART, the Parent Resource Center or the Parent’s Closet, please contact Veronica Ramirez at vramirez@cameron.edu.

E-CIGS continued from page 1

inside is not allowed on campus.

Kevin Stieb, President of Student Government Affairs, said the matter had been discussed, but backlash should not be

deliberated, because it would be a hotly contested issue.”

Currently, Holland said she has received nothing but positive feedback since sending the email.

“I’ve gotten a lot of responses to my email, clarification and people thanking me for the decision,” Holland said.

“No one has disagreed that they’re inappropriate in the classroom.”

“Over the next few months we will work with student government, work with faculty senate,” Holland projected. “We’re going to get an idea of whether or not they need to be considered as part of our tobacco policy ban, whether they need to be allowed at expected from S.G.A. at the all or whether we just need moment. to keep them outside.”

“No one has legitimately “The more we know expressed a desire to write about it,” Holland said, “the legislation about vaping,” better we will be at making Stieb wrote. “Any legislation decisions.” would be considered and

September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

3

A&E

CCM transformed into a vocal powerhouse

laughter as he rapped both a cappella and along with Assistant Managing Editor prerecorded tracks.

Toward the end of the Loud music could be heard evening, drummer Ashton in the parking lot at 8 p.m.

Hall made his way to the on Sept. 12 as “Radioactive” front of the room. Playing

by Imagine Dragons played along to one of D.E.S’ tracks, through a sound system in the Hall sent the group into an Cameron Campus Ministries’ enthusiastic uproar. After building.

Hall’s performance, D.E.S. “Open Mic Night” was took turns embracing him and about to begin. shaking his hands.

Photos by Kaylee Jones Nolan Ellis, a senior A praise dance by “Ghost,” Business major at Cameron Keeping it original: “Poetic Paul” performs an original Belting it out: CU student and performer “Queene” a male member of D.E.S. University, acted as the emcee concluded the evening. Ellis song that he wrote for the CCM Open Mic Night. raps for CCM Open Mic Night at 8 p.m. Sept. 12. for the evening. Nolan said it thanked everyone for coming After a hearty round of out clapped and danced in to share their artistic vision.” was his second time to host the amongst the tables after being out to the event as performers greeted by Ellis and Galeda applause, three members of encouragement of their fellow “Dayvito,” an upcoming event. formed groups to congratulate young rapper, performed two one another and introduce Jones, a Co-Director of D.E.S. Gospel Family, a local band mates.

“Last time we had a pretty Cameron Campus Ministries. gospel group, made their way The rest of the evening original pieces titled: “I’m good turnout,” Ellis said. themselves. to the front. After the first was filled with various forms a Christian” and “Church Ellis started the evening “Hopefully this year will be Cameron Campus Wars.” off without a microphone, song, two new performers of entertainment including: the same.”

Ministries will host a 3rd introducing the first performer replaced two of the members. a lecture, performances by a Providing a feminine voice Quarter event on Oct. 25, The night did not for the evening, CU student of the night, a man who went This happened for each new rapper, two singers and two disappoint, as sixteen where Christian artist “Gospel by the name “Poetic Paul.” performance, as each song drummers. and performer “Queene” sang Lee” will perform as the main performers and several featured a different member of “Open Mic Night is an and rapped a rewritten version act.

Paul shared a brief story audience members made their of pop artist B.O.B’s “Nothin’ of his salvation before the group, with both male and event where people come appearance throughout the Students looking for performing three original female leads. to express themselves On You.” event. upcoming events can visit the Secular artist Dewey Benz Cameron CCM website at pieces, including one entitled The audience bobbed their artistically,” Ellis explained.

Peter Macias, a CCM “They sing, rap, do poetry, also made an appearance, volunteer, played piano as late “Luke 9:23,” his self-professed heads to the music, while the http://www.ccmcenter.org. favorite scripture. members of D.E.S. sitting comedy; it’s where they come garnering lots of friendly arrivals dispersed themselves

Kaylee Jones

Poet Laureate Nathan Brown combines poetry and music Sarah Brewer

and Austin. After recording five albums, Brown said the Staff Writer intense labor fueling his career in the music industry was Oklahoma Poet Laureate running low — his creativity Nathan Brown held his acoustic guitar with one hand was on the brink of complete exhaustion. and a copy of his book with “Music has always been a the other, but he spoke the huge part of my life,” Brown language of both mediums said. “But then when I went to with the same voice.

Nashville and started working Brown came to share his art with Cameron University as a professional songwriter, it killed my love for music students, faculty and alumni because it was business.” on the evening of Sept. 12 To rekindle his creative at the CU Library. The spark, Brown took courses Oklahoma Humanities Council sponsored the event, in creative writing. He now and admission was free to the holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Creative and public.

He hushed his warm tenor Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma. singing voice to make his He currently teaches History speaking tone that evening. of the Arts and Humanities Brown captured the attention of the audience with courses for the Liberal Studies Department at the both of his inflections. He University of Oklahoma and is the author of “Two Tables Over,” the winner of the 2009 Introduction to Songwriting at Austin Community Oklahoma Book Award for College.

Poetry. He wrote six other “I burned out so bad that books prior to the release of I came home and joined a “Karma Crisis” three years creative writing class,” Brown later. said. “I just happened to get Governor Mary Fallin a really good professor who made him the Oklahoma introduced me to a style of Poet Laureate for the 2013poetry that I never heard 2014 year, and since his before. But this poetry appointment, Brown said he touched me — some of it has been able to reach more audiences with his art. Before nailed me. It was powerful, and it made sense.”

Brown took pen to paper to Rather than writing write poetry, he wrote lyrics as a professional songwriter and in rhymes or within the musician. His career took him constraints of rigid forms, to Oklahoma City, Nashville Brown said he prefers writing

Photos by Maurice Buckner

Sharing his work: Brown shared his love for poetry to the audience and they listened as Poet Laureate Nathan Brown reads his work aloud to those who attended his poetry reading on the evening of Sept. 12 in the CU Library. in free verse. He remains prolific but places restrictions on his work by writing a poem to fit on a single piece of paper.

Brown said he responded to the challenge for the last 15 years, and if he misses a day, he compensates for lost work by penning twice as many poems on the following day.

“Here’s the deal — sometimes I will put limits on myself, like a poem has to fit on one page in my little journal, so whatever I write today has to fit on one page,” Brown said.

Relying on the element of surprise makes his poems more palatable to a variety of audiences. He is averse to sounding too pedantic or too edgy, and in this way, Brown said he is able to engage audiences more effectively.

“I don’t like to be overtly political or be blunt. I don’t

like to preach,” Brown said. “I like to come in and take ‘em by surprise.”

For example, while the opening of one poem about good boys and girls seems lighthearted, Brown said it is more controversial than it seems.

“I say a couple of things that are really bad, but they are really honest,” he said.

“The truth is that I am talking about something that is very close to me. The first half of that poem is humorous, and instead of coming in and pounding people on the head, I like to come in sideways to see if they’re with me and see if they’re going to follow me.”

“I like going to colleges — I want students to give it [poetry] a chance. I know poetry is not everybody’s thing, but this is where great Adding a twist: Brown sings a song during his poetry reading. music comes from.”

Monsters take over CU campus Sadie Jones

“It is a family film, so we encouraged people who are A&E Editor not going to school here to On Sept. 16, the come and bring their friends McMahon Centennial and family.”

Complex Ballroom The Hatons were one such transformed into a movie family. Deb Haton, along theater. with her daughter-in-law As Cameron University Bobbie Haton, brought three students entered with friends children and two friends. and family members, they “A friend of ours that is a received popcorn, chose student here sent me a text from an array of candy and about the movie night,” Deb selected a seat in front of one Haton said. “We thought of three screens provided. The it would be fun to come, Program Activities Council bring the kids and enjoy a hosted its second movie night free movie — none of the of the semester — “Monsters kids have seen the movie in University.” theaters, but they loved the CU freshman and one of first Monsters Inc. film, so the co-chairs of the movie they are really excited to see night, Amanda Thompson, this one.” said this particular movie PAC hosts movie nights night is different than the once every month. The movies others. they choose have not been “This is open to released on DVD yet — they everyone—not just CU are selected from a website students,” Thompson said. called “Swank Motion

Photo by Sadie Jones

Welcome to MU: CU student, Hannah Smart and brother, Justin Smart, smile behind the MU ID poster.

Pictures, Inc.” Thompson said it provides options and keeps movie nights appealing to students.

Along with Thompson, the three other co-chairs of the movie night— Hannah Smart, Alex Kolinski and

Roseanna Hamilton – had the final say in selecting the movie for the event.

“Each PAC member voted between 10 different movies, and the other co-chairs and I narrowed it down to five, and then we all voted

on ‘Monsters University,’” Thompson said.

PAC provides several events for CU students to attend and for that reason Thompson decided to join the organization.

“I am able to be a member of an organization that does fun stuff around campus,” Thompson said. “It helps that my friends give me ideas of things they would like to do because it allows the organization to know what types of activities students want to be involved in.”

Sophomore Biology major Joel Frambes attended the movie night. He said he hoped to be able to go to more PAC events.

“I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I decided to come because I love Pixar movies,” Frambes said. “I have been to a few PAC events, but I will probably be attending more

because I always enjoy them when I come. There is a game night next Wednesday, and I am planning on going to that as well.”

Throughout her involvement in PAC, Thompson has gained skills and benefited from the organization.

“I have learned how to organize events,” Thompson said. “I have also met people and made friends that I originally wouldn’t have had I not become involved with PAC.” Thompson and her fellow co-chairs of the movie night were pleased with the turnout and involvement from students and non-students.

“The goal of PAC is to create an eventful college environment,” Thompson said. “I try to encourage students to want to be involved.”

4

Voices

September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

The waging war against the wage gap

Kali Robinson Sports Editor

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Tyler Boydston Asst. Managing Editor - Kaylee Jones Student Life Editor - Charlene Belew A&E Editor - Sadie Jones Sports Editor - Kali Robinson Copy Editors - Kaitlyn Stockton, Carson Stringham Aggie Central Editor- Jack McGuire Archivist - Jack McGuire

Newsroom Staff

Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Sarah Autry, Sarah Brewer, Casey Brown, Jacob Jardel, James Meeks, Holden Rowe, Haley Swinford Circulation Manager - Sarah Brewer Advertising Manager - Kaylee Jones, Charlene Belew

Newswriting Students Faculty Adviser

Mr. David Bublitz

About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year.

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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.

With the sixth season of “Mad Men” airing this summer, it is time to take a moment and examine our own culture. For almost seven years, this series about an ad agency in the early 1960s has displayed blatantly sexist behavior in the office that, when juxtaposed with today’s society, should seem out of place. Ironically, though it may not be splayed among Go-Go boots and glasses of Scotch, it is still a prominent issue in the modern work environment.

On June 10, 1963, the Equal Pay Act made it illegal for employers to pay women “lower wages” strictly on the basis of their sex. According to a news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics earlier this year, “Women who usually worked full time had median weekly earnings of $707, 82.2 percent of the $860 median for men.”

Although this may seem like a far cry from Mr. Draper chasing a “skirt” around his desk, we have not yet reached gender equality. In a year under our first African American president where professional sports players and military members are free to be openly gay, diversity should be second nature.

So, what is it that separates educated women with work ethic from secretaries with sex appeal? Is it ethical boundaries? Was there ever really a paradigm shift?

Although Mad behavior is not far behind us, studies indicate that an equal future is years ahead of us. The Huffington Post said that, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, “If things continue to go the

maintain that relationship and how amiable we find a client. Being more assertive about fair compensation means raising women’s wages and lowering the gap. Keating suggests six steps to do just that.

Find out when salary decisions are made and plan to talk to your manager about three months before salary reviews. After you have set a mental date, be honest, and list out your accomplishments over the past 12 months.

Gather market data for comparable positions: similar size and location that require your experience, performance and education.

Schedule a meeting with your supervisor, talk about your contributions and anticipate potential objections. Focus on understanding your compensation in relation to the market date you have collected.

Obviously, these are not immediate solutions. It does not account for all causes of the gap or eliminate sexist/ misogynistic behavior. But it is a start.

If all else fails, awardwinning actress/comedian, Tina Fey has a few “unsolicited words of advice to women in the workplace.”

“When faced with sexism, or ageism, or lookism, or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following “a study of male and female question: Is this person in veterinarians,” who had their between me and what I want own practices, and could to do? If the answer is no, bill their own time in which ignore it and move on. Your women charged less than their energy is better used doing male counterparts. your work and outpacing Why? Researchers suggest people that way. Then, when that women’s pricing strategy you’re in charge, don’t hire the is based on our relationship people who were jerky to you.” with a client, motive to

Graphic courtesy of MCT Campus

way they are going, it will take another 45 years for women to catch up to men.”

Unless the plan is to receive raises in the same year we start withdrawing from our 401k’s, something has to be done.

But, how do you fix something that has been radically fought for over fifty years?

Kim Keating, founder and managing director of Keating Advisors, suggests that one solution to closing the gap is simply asking for a raise.

Keating said that she is guilty of not billing for her own time, although she would expect another female to charge her. She references

Don’t forget to be awesome Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Jacob Jardel Staff Writer

I did something unusual that made me feel like an adult recently: I made an email signature.

I felt my over-thought sign off succinctly described who I am and what I do.

But the most important part of my signature is the last five words at the bottom.

To me, “Don’t Forget To Be Awesome” [DFTBA] has a simple denotation with an endless supply of connotations.

These connotations stem from young adult author John Green. John, along with his brother Hank, started the Brotherhood 2.0 project in 2007, during which the two ceased textbased communications for an entire year. They didn’t text, instant message, or email; they communicated solely through necessary phone calls and their YouTube channel, Vlogbrothers.

During this year of video posting, the Greens established such a heavy following that they continued to post videos once they resumed text communications. Though they have done countless

videos in their six years of vlogging, this year marked John’s first utterance of the hometown phrase that has become their trademark.

Since then, the phrase has permeated throughout the community of “nerdfighters,” fans of the Vlogbrothers videos, because it represents how we as the community of Nerdfighteria carry ourselves online and in real life. It represents a lifestyle of promoting that which is awesome and decreasing “world suck,” the collective group of things that are not awesome.

The beauty of the acronym DFTBA lies in its versatility; it means something different to every person who uses it.

In the various drafts of this editorial, I’ve had at least fifteen minor existential crises trying to figure out

what DFTBA embodies in me. There’s a lot to it — way more than five words, twenty-one letters and an apostrophe can cover.

Initially, I was going to address the lifestyle of learning and understanding that comes with the timeshare you stake in Nerdfighteria. We learn, and we love to learn. We are the embodiment of academia’s essence.

But there’s also the aspect of just being you, no matter the situation. Fred Rogers of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” fame once said, “The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.” In its truest essence, the phrase “Don’t forget to be awesome” encourages nerdfighters—or at least this one—to embrace the gifts intangible that we can give to other people.

From the acceptance we preach in Nerdfighteria to the ways we help each other, both big and small, the good we do and the gifts we give all come from the same source: our truest selves.

We are not perfect in Nerdfighteria; no community or person is idyllic in any sense. Regardless, I want to be the neighbor Mr. Rogers would have wanted me to be.

Though I cannot generalize for sure, I have to believe there are other nerdfighters who think the same way.

When it comes down to it, the essence of Nerdfighteria, and, thus, the essence of DFTBA, is to give these gifts in hopes of being a better person and making the world around us better. Whether we do something as big as donating to charities or something as small as helping

a friend with a couple extra dollars, we do something to make sure that the world we leave is somehow in the black, even if for that solitary moment before it goes back in the red.

Looking at today’s political and cultural climate, finding the good this world can provide verges on impossible at times. The news philosophy of “If I bleeds, it leads” makes it hard to see a shine through the coals. One deep look at the world around us, though, and we will find those gems of awesome. Sometimes, we just need reminders that there are diamonds out there. For me, these reminders can be as simple as the last line of an email signature: “As always, best wishes, and don’t forget to be awesome.”

September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

5

Student Life

Students anchored in recruitment week Maurice Buckner

major, said preparation for recruitment week began Staff Writer between the spring and At 7 p.m. on Sept. 9, summer intercession of 2013.

Sigma Alpha Omega dropped “A lot of collaboration on the anchor for its recruitment Facebook over the summer week. This theme placed decided what events we would emphasis on how current and have and gave a basic idea of potential members need to be what we would do at each,” “anchored” in their faith.

Vrla said. “To plan for the On Monday, the sorority week, we had to decide what held a “Drop the Anchor” events to hold and organize Cookout, an event that the activities for each event.” invited everyone on campus Some of the preparation to enjoy hamburgers and hot had to be put on hold until dogs and meet the members school was back in session. of SAO. Once school resumed, SAO Tuesday featured was able to spread the word “Anchored in Sisterhood,” about recruitment week. an event in which potential “We made announcements candidates received in classes, at the BCM, in more information on the the dorms, passed out flyers chapter and met the sisters around campus and most individually. importantly participated On Wednesday, the sisters in Gold Rush, the Block held an “Anchored in Christ” Party, Welcome Week, bible study where scriptures the Organization Fair and were read to remind women hosted a ‘Buddy Night,’ that beauty goes beyond the where our main focus was surface. to build relationships with To finish the week off, the people all over campus before sisters presented “Anchored recruitment week kicked off.” in Awareness,” a meeting When recruitment week that focused on spreading neared, Vrla said the most news and awareness about important preparation was the sorority’s philanthropy, prayer. the Ovarian Cancer National “We were constantly in Alliance. President of SAO prayer about bringing in new Sarah Vrla, a senior Biology members and lifting the week

decorating for SAO. Holder said she was drawn to SAO because it is a Christian sorority.

“It is a place that I feel I can build and maintain my faith as well as make great friendships along the way,” Holder said.

Holder said she feels confident that she will get a bid to join the sorority.

“I honestly think that I have a pretty decent chance Photos by Maurice Buckner of getting accepted in SAO,” she said. “However, if I don’t get into SAO, I enjoyed the experiences that I have gained and the people that I have met during recruitment week.”

On Sept. 21, the 10 chosen candidates accepted their bids from current sisters. The new members started the process of becoming future sisters, certified members of SAO. Vrla remembered her process of going from candidate to sister.

Anchored in sisterhood: (Above) SAO sisters decorated a banner and letters to “If the new candidates are increase awareness of their sorority. (Left) Sisters of the sorority showcase their big like me, they’ll be anxious and little t-shirts. (Right) Christy Franco discusses the importance of one of their many to get through the candidate paddles. Those who accepted a bid on Sept. 21 began their journey of joining the sorority. process and begin their up to God and trusting in throughout the week and as of the candidates present journey as sisters. They may Him that the turnout will we begin having to choose throughout SAO’s week of be a little overwhelmed at be per His will,” Vrla said. who our future sisters will activities. She heard about first,” Vrla said, “but with “We also had to remain in be.”

SAO from a former high faith and their soon-toprayer to prepare our hearts Animal Science major school classmate, Jennifer be sisters, they’ll make it and minds to focus on Christ Ashley Holder was one Landers, who was in charge of through the process.”

Catching attention one scissor-tail at a time Holden Rowe

neat looking species, is fairly common and not a lot is known about it. It’d be really easy to get a lot of cool projects for a lot of Staff Writer Cameron undergrads with that species.”

Husak said the initial focus of the research concerned the The Cameron University’s Biology Department held the first extra pair paternity, or infidelity, among the scissor-tailed of three biology-focused seminars at noon on Sept. 13 in the Science Complex. Dr. Michael Husak presented his research on population and how it grew from there.

“When we first started off doing this in 2008, my original the breeding biology of scissor-tailed flycatchers to students and idea was to look at some basic breeding biology, and as an aside faculty. to that, look at rates of extra pair paternity,” he said. ”It’s just Husak has been teaching at Cameron since 2003 and has grown from there to what we’re doing now, which is more of been studying scissor-tailed flycatchers since 2008.

“I always thought they were cool birds, and I don’t know why, broad scale comprehensive life history strategy of the species. except they’re kind of fun to watch,” Husak said. “I was talking Beyond that, it’s grown into being part of this group called Tyrannus Network.” with a buddy of mine from Oregon about where I was headed He stated that the idea behind the Tyrannus Network and on some research projects, and he had been working with noted that the scissor-tailed flycatcher has gone from an obscure eastern kingbirds, their relatives, for years. Then he said, ‘Why species to a front-runner in ecology. don’t we start doing this flycatcher stuff?’”

“It’s a collection of ornithologists from North America and Husak further explained the significance of studying scissorSouth America that are collaborating to look at an entire genus tails and how it extends to his students. at one time and use them to test hypotheses about evolution,” “I just kind of jumped on, because I started realizing how little was actually known about the species, and how it’s an easy he said. “[Scissor-tails have] become a model genus for evolution of life history strategies and migratory strategies. We’re all bird that I can take and put lots of students on it,” he said. “I don’t have to have an ornithologist say ‘Hey, we’re going to study collaboratively sharing information and doing comparative analyses now. It keeps growing, and we keep adding new things scissor-tailed fly catchers.’ They can identify them really easily. to it, be it good or bad, but it’s been successful so far.”

So from that standpoint, I just had this realization that it is a

Husak shared his personal discoveries and what role those discoveries play in the larger picture of the ecology of scissortails.

“The coolest thing so far has been the extra pair paternity; it’s shown some really cool stuff. They have the highest known rate of extra pair paternity of any North American passeriform,” he said. “We’ve had as high as 89 percent some years. On top of that, having done this for so many years now, high rates don’t always happen. We’ve now had years they were as low as 33 percent.”

Husak said environmental factors might play a part in the extra pair paternity rates.

“Who gets to cheat is dependent on morphology, so long tails, body symmetry, [they] actually do seem to matter for both the males and the females. The other part seems to be the weather,” he said. “We’ve been able to tie some Mesonet weather data back to rates of extra pair paternity, so if you look at rainfall, duration of rainfall and especially wind during the breeding season, it seems to affect how much they try to do extra pair paternity and how successful that rate is.”

With the first seminar finished, students can look forward to more scientific discussions in November, when Dr. Tahzeeba Frisby and Mr. Brandon McDonald are scheduled to present their respective research projects.

Model UN founded to represent political interests major, was elected President; Jacob Martin, a freshman Political Science major, was elected Vice President; Kelly Hunt, a Freshmen History major, was elected Secretary; Ben Allen, a freshman Sociology major, was elected Treasurer; and Nancy Perez was elected SGA Representative.

Brewer, based on his experience with the Model UN Clubs in his middle and high schools, said that at competitions, students can expect to debate resolutions on national and Photo by Casey Brown international issues.

“Cameron students Nations united: Model United Nations students discuss their agenda for can expect to discuss upcoming meetings and events. The first Model United Nations meeting was held at various national issues and 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 in the student lounge on the sixth floor of South Shepler. representing their nation’s interest to debate and pass work right away, founding Model UN Club.

I gave it Casey Brown resolutions, which mimics the club at the first meeting. a try three years ago, and Staff Writer the activities of the United The club immediately we had a really good turn Cameron’s Model United started taking care of Nations,” Brewer said. out the first time, but then Nations Club hit the The approval of the business; it elected officers, no one showed up after ground running at 3:30 p.m. drafted and approved a constitution was just as that. I am excited to see Sept. 12 on the sixth f loor quick as the elections had constitution and discussed the enthusiasm of so many of South Shepler. how to raise funds to go to students this time,” Clardie been. The document was Several enthusiastic passed around the room, Model UN competitions. said. students from multiple Clardie attempted to The five officer positions and students voted on majors and two faculty whether to approve or found the organization were filled in less than advisors – Dr. Justin amend it. It was approved as three years ago, but 10 minutes because the Clardie and Dr. Wendy written. participation was low; this students in attendance Whitman Cobb, both The club decided that year, Clardie is excited that were ready to participate Assistant Professors in the so many students are ready fully in the getting the new the first couple of meetings Department of History and to participate. organization off the ground. should be informational Government – were present. meetings on the topics “To my knowledge Cameron Brewer, a Those in attendance got to of the United Nations as Cameron has never had a Senior Communications

well as the Model UN organization; once those topics have been covered, the focus will shift to practicing for competition.

Allen said he came to the meeting because his minor is in Political Science and the Model UN sounded interesting.

“I’m hoping to learn more about different countries’ politics and governments,” Allen said.

Whitman Cobb said she is hopeful about Cameron starting a Model UN Club because of its potential to inf luence the students’ love of learning and community involvement.

“Model UN is an awful lot of fun, and you learn

an awful lot about other countries, about politics and about various issues. So I really feel like it is a great opportunity for students to get involved in Cameron and in their world,” Whitman Cobb said.

This is Cobb’s first year at Cameron, and she said it is exciting for her to be involved with getting the Model UN Club started as a first year professor.

“It is really exciting.

It is really nice to see a strong turn out and a lot of enthusiastic students who want to get out and learn.

It is equally exciting to get in on the ground f loor and start something from scratch.”

6

Student Life

September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

Recruits of today, sisters of tomorrow

“We require a 2.5 GPA minimum and are geared Copy Editor towards traditional collegeaged women,” Osborne said.

Ladies donned their best If students are unable to to impress in the Alpha Phi attend the sorority’s upcoming Informational. recruitment meeting, Osborne Before Recruitment Week said there is an alternative way began, Cameron University’s to become a member. oldest sorority welcomed “If they cannot attend, women to meet its current we have something called members and learn more about ‘continuous open bidding’ Greek life. The informational where the potential member took place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 meets with the president and in the MCC Ballroom. another member. We get to Founded in 1872, Alpha know you, and you get to know Phi is considered a female Photos by Kaitlyn Stockton a little about us,” she said. fraternity as it was founded “After that, we decide if you before the word sorority was Recruits of today, sisters of tomorrow: (Left) Alpha Phi President Meghan Osborne talks to potential could be a new member this used for classification. The candidates. (Right) Cameron students interested in joining the sorority attended the informational held at 6 p.m. on Sept. semester.”

Greek organization came to 11 in the MCC ballroom. Students interested in becoming a member should contact Osborne for more information.

Osborne said she believes Cameron’s campus in 1994. women should join Alpha Phi Meghan Osborne, Alpha sisters to achieve scholarships organization has most recently begins, they can find out if we an Alpha Phi chapter. If you for the comradery, adding Phi’s CU Chapter President in their organization. worked with its Alpha Phi are right for them,” Osborne go to OU or the University that she has made lasting and Elementary Education “Alpha Phi really prides Foundation to raise funds said. of Texas, we all have Alpha friendships by joining the major, said the informational for women’s cardiac care. itself on being the best and The president said her Phi. We have been the largest sorority. allowed students to not only brightest on campus,” she said. Although this year’s project Greek organization on sorority is one-of-a-kind.

“They are my best friends,” meet their possible future “We have a great scholarship has yet to be decided, the Unlike other Greeks, Alpha campus.”

Osborne said. “All of my sisters but also provided program.

We pride ourselves sisters will begin to plan in the Phi can be found throughout Rather than focus on bridesmaids for my wedding candidates the opportunity to the country and has a long in maintaining a positive image near future. partying, like stereotypical coming up are Alpha Phis. make impressions on members history at Cameron.

According to Osborne, on campus.” sorority sisters, Osborne When you spend a lot of time of the sorority.

Osborne said Alpha Phi is Alpha Phi invites young, “We are the oldest sorority said she enjoys her sisters’ with a bunch of other girls, it is “We gave the girls some also known for its community unmarried women with on campus,” she said. “If you dedication to academics. information about Alpha Phi. go virtually anywhere in the certain GPAs to join the Greek inevitable that you are going to service and donations to While a social group, the get really close.”

That way, before recruitment various philanthropies. The organization. country, you are going to find women focus on helping their

Kaitlyn Stockton

Socializing made simpler with sweet treats Sadie Jones

education at CU. “It is vital for students to know who the A&E Editor administrators are — that they are not a group of unapproachable people,” he said. “When Cameron University freshmen met and students see members of the faculty in the mingled with fellow students and numerous MCC or walking across campus, they can faculty members — including CU President John McArthur — at the Freshman Ice Cream feel comfortable stopping and saying hello to them.”

Social from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in the This year marked the seventh ice cream CETES Conference Center. social held at CU. McArthur said the Freshmen received their nametag from the attendance varies each year from 40 to 80 Director of Conferencing Services — Jonna Brown — and chose from a variety of ice cream students.

“Usually the event is held at the Cameron and toppings provided by the primary caterer House,” McArthur said. “But since my wife for CU events, Sodexo. and I won’t be moving into the house until While students ate their sweet treats — Sept. 19 — we’re holding it here. Students are McArthur enjoyed conversing with each student, asking questions and getting to know able come and enjoy ice cream and talk with each other and the faculty — and when they the new freshmen. have finally had enough of us, they can leave.”

“From my end — it’s a great way to meet The event also gave the faculty the chance the new freshmen students,” McArthur said. to familiarize names with faces and show they “We’ve built up what Cameron is going to be like, and it is a chance to make sure everything truly care about the students’ experience at CU. “We like to put name tags on all the new is going okay after the first four weeks of class — make sure they are adjusted and introduced students when they come in,” Brown said. “It is a great way students can know we want to to other faculty members.”

Meeting other administrators is something know them specifically by their names and that we care.”

McArthur said he believes is important Brown agreed with McArthur’s view about because it allows students to feel recognized, the purpose of the Ice Cream Social and hopes involved and cared for throughout their

Photo by Sadie Jones

The latest scoop: Freshman students gather in the CETES Conference Center for an evening of socializing while enjoying ice cream sundaes. The annual Freshman Ice Cream Social took place from 5p.m. - 7 p.m. on Sept. 12. in its success.

“The Ice Cream social is a good way for students to interact with the administration on a personal level,” Brown said. “It is a nice welcoming event.”

The activity proved to be enjoyable for students as they willingly introduced themselves and interacted with fellow freshmen; many also voluntarily sought out

information from CU faculty and staff.

Caley Lampkin, CU freshman student and Animal Science major, said she came to mingle with her fellow students and also looked forward to meeting and talking to professors and other members of the campus faculty.

“It was nice that this event was held,” Lampkin said. “We got to come and get free ice-cream while meeting new people.”

Getting down to business: Delta Sigma Pi hosts informational night James Meeks Staff Writer Delta Sigma Pi of the Alpha Eta Omega Colony held an information night for Business majors who were interested in the organization on Sept. 10. at the newly christened Cynthia Ross Hall in Room 111.

Delta Sigma Pi is a business fraternity that fosters the study of business in universities. The organization not only helps their members prepare for business, but also gets involved with the community to develop business skills and network with community leaders.

The meeting began with Chancellor Ron Warren welcoming new attendees and giving an overlay of the informational meeting.

Next, Warren turned it over to Chuck Kirby, the owner and operator of Chick-Fil-A at Central Mall. Kirby presented a paid internship opportunity to the students of business fraternity for the members to apply for.

After the internship opportunity, Vice President of Alumni Relations Amy Smith gave a presentation of the history of Delta Sigma Pi. “Delta Sigma Pi was founded back in 1907 and became the first co-ed business fraternity in 1975,” Smith said.

Photo by James Meeks

The more you know: Chancellor Ron Warren provides students with information on the co-ed fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. Students interested in joining the fraternity must be pursuing a degree in business or economics.

“We don’t discriminate against gender.”

Smith also stated that organization currently has 300 chapters and 250,000 members worldwide.

“Business, it’s all about networking, no matter where you come from or what career field you’re looking for it’s all about who you know,” Smith said.

Smith explained that the fraternity also has a number or providence and international scholarships for its members.

Delta Sigma Pi also holds many different events

throughout the year for not only the community, but also for the university.

“We like to host a number of events throughout the year,” Smith said. “We have professional events, social events and educational events. We like train students while they are young, get them prepared and out into the business world.”

After the presentation, the meeting was then turned over to fraternity President Waheed Gbadamosi where he discussed how far the organization came since they submitted their letter of intent to the university.

Delta Sigma Pi holds “We’ve come a long way and it has been an interesting and their meetings at 5 p.m. every educative journey,” Gbadamosi Tuesday in room 222 of Cynthia Ross Hall. said. “The group and my executive board have put in a lot of work and effort.”

District Directors Avery Moore and Jerry Hotwagner then introduced and stated their role and how they can help serve the local colony as far as helping with events as well as networking.

Delta Sigma Pi will be holding many events in the upcoming semester. Their upcoming event is a fundraiser to benefit the fraternity to help raise funds to future events.

The fundraiser will be held on Sept. 24 at the White Buffalo at Central Mall.

Restaurant goers will present an invitation to their waiter and 25% of their receipt will go to benefit the organization.

The business fraternity has many community services projects planned for the upcoming months. They will assist in the Spirit of Survival on Oct. 6 as well as the Cub Scout Fall Festival, Blood Drive on Nov. 7 and the Lawton Business Women’s Fashion Show which will be held in November.

In October, Delta Sigmia Pi will also hold a Financial Boot Camp series. The lectures will be held every Tuesday.

To be eligible, students must be pursuing a degree in business or economics for initiation into the fraternity.

7

Sports AGGIE AGAINST AGGIE: September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

Intramural flag football

Kali Robinson Sports Editor

Intramural f lag football pitted Aggie against Aggie during the first game at 7 p.m. on campus Sunday, Sept. 15th. Fans lined the bleachers as registered players grabbed team colors, belts and f lags.

Megan Canfield, Student Activities Specialist, said each team will play each other three or four times before the big tournament to decide the winner. As with all other intramural sports at Cameron, Aggies are competing not only for the champion title, but also for“Bad Axe” intramurals champion shirts. They are also fighting for their picture in the display case at the Aggie Rec Center.

“I’m working on doing a smaller board for people who have won in the past,” Canfield said. “So, people can go back several years and see their pictures.”

This display is intended to be more motivation for past, present and future sports fanatics. According to some of the players, it has already been a factor in their decisions to join.

Victor Jacobs, decked out in his red intramural uniform, kept his head in the game, helping the Pig Skin Pros win their first game. Although the league just started, the heat is intense.

So far, the Pig Skin Pros are tied with The Gamers at one win and zero losses.

This makes them one win and one loss ahead of the

Photos by Kali Robinson

Aggies rush into season: Students are ripped flag from belt in the first game of flag football during the Cameron Intramurals. Friends and family gathered on bleachers to witness players fight for their right to be a “Bad Axe”. following team.

The Monstars fell with a current score of zero wins and one loss. This team

with a “Space Jam”-inspired title still has an opportunity to be seeded in the top spot.

Pig Skin Pros, led

by Ryan Means, beat Pros displayed that their Oklahoma Storm, led by title was accurate.

Carson Troutman. In this The Gamers, led by first game of the season, the Kerry White, beat the

Monstars, led by Brandon Bartlett.

Pig Skin Pros then beat the Monstars, 36-14 in their final game. Gamers beat Oklahoma Storm 36-6.

Men’s f lag football games will take place at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m on Sundays.

Games are lined up for the next few weeks.

The Gamers play the Monstars 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, giving the latter a chance for redemption.

The Gamers play the Pig Skins Pros at 6:30 p.m. in the game that will break the tie. The Monstars play Oklahoma Storm at 6:30 p.m. Pig Skin Pros play Oklahoma Storm at 5:30 p.m.

So far, the Pig Skin Pros are tied with The Gamers at one win and zero losses.

The Monstars fell with a current score of zero wins and one loss. With at least six more games to go, each team still has a shot at bragging rights and the title of ultimate “Bad Axe.” Canfield said that she thinks it will be a good season and is excited to see what happens.

Students who are interested have from the first day of class in the fall and spring semesters until noon on the day of intramural tournaments to sign up and create teams for each sport. For more information about joining or making a team, students can contact Megan Canfield at mcanfiel@cameron.edu or visit Cameron University’s intramural website at www. imleagues.com/Cameron.

Hrnciar leads Aggie Men’s Golf Megan Bell

Newswriting Student Head coach Jerry Hrnciar has victoriously led Cameron University’s men’s golf team for the past 39 years. The Aggie Men’s Golf team competes in both the fall and spring season, each consisting of five tournaments.

The fall season began earlier this month with the team’s first tournament where they took third place overall.

The season will end toward the later part of October. The Aggies will practice during the off-season and will start their spring season in late February and finish strong

around early May. Each player goes through a qualifying round before every tournament, which will determine the top five players that will go on to compete in the next tournament. The lineup may not be the same for each tournament, depending upon how each player performs during the qualifying rounds.

There are 14 men on the Cameron golf team this year, including six new players. With the loss of four seniors from last year, Hrnciar said he feels his new recruits are strong and can help the team become as good as or better than last fall’s team.

Hrnciar holds high hopes for both

seasons. However, he said it is up to each player as to how well the team succeeds. He said he has each player set a realistic goal for himself.

Golf is a self-motivating sport and about competing to be part of a top-five lineup. “I always ask them,” he said, “‘if everything goes right, would you like to play professionally?’ If they don’t, then they’re not going to be very committed. You have to sacrifice a lot, give up a lot of your social life and budget your time. If they are not committed and can’t budget their time, then they aren’t going to be successful.” Business Administration major Michael

Kelly stands the only senior on the team to graduate from college in Spring 2014.

The 21-year-old has been playing golf since he was five and competing in tournaments since he was eight. Kelly said he decided to sign with the Cameron men’s golf team in Fall 2010 because he thought Hrnciar was the best fit for excelling his game and assisting him in becoming a better person.

Through years of playing under Hrnciar, Kelly said he has grown as an individual by becoming more patient and understanding.

He plans on playing professional golf and beginning his career in the business field

after graduating from college in the spring. Kelly expects the new team to do well this year. He said the group has as much potential as past Cameron golf teams and promises it will be hard to beat.

Going into his 40th year as the head men’s golf coach, Hrnciar has trained many talented young men and continues to cultivate more.

Kelly said the coach has taught the team lessons that can only be learned from a man that dedicates everything to improving his players on and off the course. “We owe everything to coach,” Kelly said. “He puts so much time and effort into our program. I could never thank him enough.”

8

Sports

September 23, 2013 www.aggiecentral.com

Meeting the Aggies

Photos by Kali Robinson

Flood season at CU Casey Brown Staff Writer

Cameron University welcomes Ryan Flood as the new Spirit Team coach.

Motivated and ambitious, Flood plans on bringing enthusiasm and spirit to the members of the Spirit Team.

He hopes his fresh outlook and energy will translate to the members’ performances at games and other events.

Flood wants to see more crowd participation at home games. As they can look like away games because of low attendance, he thinks that the Spirit Team can help change this dynamic. The home games are a place for Cameron students, faculty and community members to socialize and promote school spirit. The new coach

is originally from Appleton, Wis. He received a degree in Exercise Science from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Flood is excited and optimistic to be a leader for the Spirit Team. The team is comprised of dancers, who perform routines during halftime and on the sidelines, and cheerleaders, who lead cheers and promote spirit at volleyball and basketball games. There are nine dancers and 12 cheerleaders.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to lead a talented group of people, get enthusiasm at games and represent Cameron,” Flood said. Flood’s goals as the new coach include raising the crowd’s energy at games which, in turn, translates into energy for the team.

“Getting the crowd’s energy

up raises the energy of the team and promotes spirit at the games,” Flood said. The partnership between the community and Cameron’s Athletics Department has made the transition to a new home easier for him.

Flood said “It is a good place.

There is a lot of regional involvement in the school. It is a local school with a lot of community participation,”.

Another goal for Flood is to help the Spirit Team focus on becoming ambassadors for the Athletics Department and for Cameron. “I want to see a lot of positive involvement with the community this year,” Flood said.

This year, the Spirit Team has participated in the Academy Sports and Outdoors Store grand opening and as part of a flash mob at

Ryan Flood Spirit Team coach Braving high waters: Cameron Dance and Cheer ladies prepare for the first volleyball home game. These Lady Aggies, led by Ryan Flood, amp up the team spirit at each home game, the Lawton Rangers Rodeo.

“The flash mob was something new in the community to see, but by the end, the crowd got into it and thought it was good,” Flood said. The coach plans to lead the Spirit Team in working with children in elementary schools and little league teams in the Lawton/ Fort Sill community. Some children may even perform at one of Cameron’s home games in the near future. “The Spirit Team could inspire the children to get involved.

I want us to have a large and positive impact on the youth generation of our community,” Flood said. This year, Flood will be preparing the members

of the Spirit Team to compete.

He would like to see Cameron participating in cheerleading competitions at the national level by next year. This will be something new for Cameron University’s Spirit Team.

Flood is excited to help lead the dancers and cheerleaders into a season that includes cheering and dancing at games as well as competing against other schools from across the country.

Students and faculty can find the dancers, cheerleaders and Flood at the next volleyball game against Texas A&M University-Commerce at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the Aggie Gym.

Cross-Country takes off running

Lawanna McWilliams Graduate Assistant

Meagan Amadon Freshman

Tyler Boydston

came in 23rd for the meet at 21:59.47.

Managing Editor Freshman Damien Porter was immediately behind him Cameron University’s crosswith a time of 22:00.38 in 24th country team has taken off place. running for the beginning of its Junior Antonio Moreno, new season. sophomore Cole Atchinson and The cross-country team had freshman Methuselah Lagat its first meet on Sept. 7 at the rounded out the rest of the AgUCO Land Run in Edmond. gie runners in the competition.

Held at the Edmond Santa The fastest runner in the Fe High School, eight teams competition was Adam Godparticipated in the race. win from OBU with a total CU’s cross-country team time of 19:48.75. took third place in the event, On Sept. 21, the team placing behind Oklahoma Bapthen went to Joplin, Miss. for tist, who took second, and were the Missouri Southern State four minutes behind Oklahoma Stampede.

City University, who took first The rest of the team’s place.

Other teams in the competi- semester will include going to Stillwater on Sept. 28 for the tion included Northwestern Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State, Rogers Jamboree, an event that the State, Southern Nazarene, St. team took 13th in overall last Gregory and UA Fort Smith. fall with a total race time of The team’s total time from 2:21:02.08. Cody Campbell, the UCO Land Run was 1:46:31.4 with an average time returning this year as a sophomore on the cross-country of 21:18:29. team, took 74th in the event Junior Thomas Toth finwith a time of 27:17.66. ished fourth in the race with a After the OSU Jamboree, time of 20:08.88. Behind him, the team is slated to go to Fayjunior runner Janis Pastars took eighth place overall with a run- eteville, Ark. on Oct. 5 for the Chile Pepper Festival, hosted ning time of 20:52.68. by the University of Arkansas.

Junior Steve Orwell ran in his first fall event for the Aggies Later in October, the Aggies will then find themselves at the and finished with a time of Lone Star Conference Champi21:30.01, placing 15th.

Sophomore Cody Campbell onships in New Mexico.

Breshya Lewis Sophomore

Photo by Kali Robinson

Killing it: Kelle Carver, sophomore, practices her kills before a game. Carver and the girls lined up to put it down in the beginning of the season.

CU Sports Information

Following the brake, Cameron came back with vengeance smacking 14 kills and only made a pair of errors to overwhelm Northwestern Box Score ADA, Okla. – Cameron finished the second half of the South Central Classic with Oklahoma 25-18.

The assault continued with Cameron domia win over Northwestern Oklahoma, 3-1. The nating from start to finish in set four. The Aggies win was the second of the day for the Aggies (4led across the board, placing 11 kills and made 4) who downed East Central earlier in the day. only three errors.

“This is one those days were we had the right Kelle Carver was a force for CU at the net outcome, but the process of how we got there was more difficult than we expected,” said head coach putting up 18 kills with a .308 attack percentage, Kat Evans added to the Aggie offense with 16.

Doug Tabbert.

“We found rhythm down the stretch and the Erin Hardy gave career high 33 digs, and Kayla Hebert had a double-double with 43 assists and fourth set was probably the best we played all 15 digs. weekend.”

“Erin (Hardy) did a really solid for us tonight, Cameron used effective hitting in the first set and we expected her to put up come good numto edge the Rangers, 25-23. The Aggies had 14 kills and six errors compared to the Rangers who bers for us defensively,” said Tabbert. “As a team were not where we need to be yet, but we are had 13 kills and 10 errors. getting there.”

The second set turned into a battle with the Cameron will open the Lone Star Conferscore tying 18 times. Northwestern Oklahoma ence season at home on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. against racked up 17 kills and used a .208 attack percentEastern New Mexico. age to sink the Aggies late, 28-26.

Ashley Smith Junior

Molly Beauchamp Senior Coach photos Courtesy of CU Sports Information Spirit team photos

by Kali Robinson