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WEDNESDAY, feb. 11, 2015 | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. | ISSUE NO. 56 VOL. 96
‘If you’re a chippewa,
I’m your coach’
Daytona Niles | Photo Editor
Head Coach John Bonamego is congratulated by old friends and faculty members Feb. 9 at a press conference in the CMU Events Center Atrium.
Head Football coach Bonamego introduced to community, media during press conference By Dominick Mastrangelo Sports Editor
His voice quivered as John Bonamego addressed the media and the campus community Monday as the 28th Central Michigan University football coach at the CMU Events Center. Bonamego signed a 5-year contract that will pay him $475,000 per year. He will receive $125,000 for television, radio and other promotional appearances and a base salary of $350,000. Bonamego accepted the position he called his “dream job” last week. Bonamego’s hiring was announced Sunday. “This is not just a job,” the 27-year coaching veteran said. “To me, this is the job. Words cannot express how much I love this place and what this day means to me. I plan to start and end my head coaching career here.” Dave Heeke, CMU athletics director, said a search committee identified about a dozen head coach candidates. That group was culled to seven candidates who were interviewed. This is the third time he has been a candidate for the head coach job, Bonamego said. “He had expressed interest in this job before,” Heeke said, who first met Bonamego in 2006. “He really loves CMU. The passion
he has for this place is what makes this such a great day for our program.” A 1987 graduate, Bonamego walked on the football team as a quarterback and wide receiver. He spent 16 years in the NFL as an assistant coach, primarily as special teams coordinator. Working with special teams gives him a unique advantage, Bonamego said, as he begins work as a head coach for the first time in his career. “I was one of the guys who had the most interaction with the entire (NFL) team,” Bonamego said. “Game management and every little detail is so important on special teams. That will help me do great things here.” Bonamego said he has spent more time on CMU’s campus than any other place. Bonamego spoke to the CMU football team on Sunday and assured them he had a plan that could lead them to success. “I told them, even though I’m not the one who brought them here, they are still mine,” Bonamego said. “I’m committed to those guys.” Center Nick Beamish said the last two weeks has been difficult for the team. “Nobody really expected this. Our
Comparing the Contracts Differences between Enos’ extension and Bonamego’s contract By Taylor DesOrmeau Staff Reporter
Central Michigan football Head Coach John Bonamego stands to make $475,000 a year for five seasons, $115,000 more per year than former Head Coach Dan Enos, according to a comparison of their contracts. Bonamego’s contract, which expires in Dec. 31, 2019, states expectations he must fulfill as head coach. This includes coaching the football team, supervising and managing the program budget, establishing and maintaining recruitment, generating revenue through spectator interest and external sources and representing the Athletics Department in the community. Two duties from Enos’ contract are absent from Bonamego’s. He is not obligated to teach courses assigned by the athletics w contract | 2a
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Personal property theft most frequent CMUPD investigation By Jacob Kahn Staff Reporter
Safety on Central Michigan University’s campus is a constant concern to law enforcement, even though Mount Pleasant is a relatively safe town. Colleges.niche.com, a website which offers thousands of college reviews and rankings based on statistics and student surveys, graded campus safety at CMU at a “B” in 2014. The ranking is determined by a combination of factors, including campus crime statistics, and surveys of student health.
Of 1,127 schools surveyed for health and safety, CMU ranked 381. CMU Police Department Chief Yeagley said students can increase their safety on campus and protect their possessions by taking a few simple measures. “The number one crime we deal with is the theft of personal property,” Yeagley said. According to the University’s 2014 Jeanne Clery Act report, there were 17 cases of on-campus theft in the 2013-14 academic year. Five more cases involved theft from a motor vehicle and there were two
incidents of robberies. Bikes are one of the most stolen items. Students can take steps to protect Chief Yeagley themselves from bike theft by using heavy duty U-bolt locks, and registering their bike online with the university. Yeagley encourages all students to register their bikes. “It’s a free service,” Yeagley said. “Sometimes we recover unregistered bikes and cannot
locate the owner.” Another common threat is the theft of electronics in residence halls. Yeagley said thieves rarely force their way into a room. “Don’t leave your door unlocked,” Yeagley said. “Lock up your electronics, if you can.” Besides theft, CMUPD recognizes assault, alcohol and drug abuse, fires and motor vehicle accidents as the leading threats to student safety. Liquor and law violations accounted for the majority of incidents listed in the Clery report. Last year there were
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333 cases of violations referred for disciplianary action with CMU’s Office of Student Conduct and 112 on campus violations that resulted in arrests. “CMU is one big community,” Yeagley said. “We all need to look out for each other.” CMUPD Lt. Larry Klaus advises students to take advantage of the Safe Rides program whenever they are concerned about traveling on campus. “You can call them anytime before 2 a.m.,” Klaus said. “They won’t report on you if you’re intoxicated.” w safety | 2a
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