April 14, 2010

jesus vs. harry potter, 1B

trey zeigler Is the No. 33 player in the country coming to CMU? 8A

Softball sisters share faith, family, 8A

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

Student charged with Sunday hit-and-run Police withhold victim’s name; Sources confirm he attends CMU

By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter

A Chesterfield junior was charged Monday with leaving the scene of Sunday morning’s hit-and-run pe-

destrian accident.

Charles Joseph Scicluna, 21, could face up to five years in prison for the felony. The Central Michigan University student was arraigned Monday in Isabella County Trial Court before Judge William Rush on charges of failure to stop at a personal injury accident, operating while intoxicated causing injury, failure to stop at a property damage accident and reckless driving.

He turned himself in Sunday

afternoon to Mount Pleasant Police, said Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda.

The 20-yearold victim was listed in critiCharles Joseph cal condition Scicluna at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids Tuesday.

Mount Pleasant Police still have not indentified the Mount

Pleasant man injured in the accident, but several independent sources close to him, including an on-campus roommate, have confirmed his identity as Matthew Dominque Green, a CMU junior and son of a university employee.

Mount Pleasant Police Capt.

Thomas Forsberg said police have withheld the identity of the victim purely out of respect for family.

“The Mount Pleasant Police Department has received no

outside requests to hold the name of the victim in the hitand-run accident,” Forsberg said.

At 3:20 a.m. Sunday, Green was pushing a car out of gas eastbound on Bellows with a relative. His car was sideswiped

by Scicluna’s vehicle, according to a news release from Mount Pleasant Police. He was taken to Central Michigan Community Hospital, then airlifted to Grand Rapids.

“After he was hit, the same

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Firefighter Mel Kooiker walks up the truck ladder on April 8 to the roof above the third floor of the former Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center during a bi-monthly training session. The training assists firefighters when they are called into duty, said Fire Chief Greg Walterhouse. “We run about 800 calls a year,” Walterhouse said.

Video A change in leadership Brittany Mouzourakis, David Breed are sworn in as Student Government president and vice president.

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A hit and run | 5a

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What’s on

On

car that had hit him, he ended up being pinned underneath, and that’s how he ended up being dragged,” Sabuda said Sunday.

Scicluna also was charged with operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, failure to stop at a property damage accident and reckless driving. He turned himself into Mount Pleasant Police Sunday afternoon, Sabuda said.

‘Soaring’ to the Top Mount Pleasant’s part-time firefighters train twice a month

By David Veselenak Online Editor

F

irefighter Michael Smith showed some humor as temperatures dropped during training on the roof of the former Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center.

“Welcome to my patio,” he joked as other firefighters were lifted to the roof Thursday night.

Smith, along with other members of the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, participates in training twice a month to keep his firefighting skills sharp.

The Thursday training session, which focused on fire suppression, involved coiling hoses to transport them to places that

cm-life.com Check the Web site for video from Thursday’s training. do not have access to water.

The firefighters practiced how to wind a hose, connect it and carry it on their backs up stairs in case fire broke out on the second or third floor of a building.

“The training sessions vary in topics, depending on whatever topic we have for that particular month,” said Sgt. Rick Beltinck, who oversees training.

Together, with a hose and an oxygen tank, the weight on the firefighters’ back could be about A Fire | 2A

Seven Mount Pleasant firefighters watch as the fire hose is pulled from the fire truck to the former Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center on April 8 during a bi-monthly training session that keeps firefighters’ skills sharp. “It’s stuff that’s basically high-risk, low frequency type activities,” said Fire Sgt. Rick Beltinck.

Central Michigan University’s Board of Trustees is expected to discuss an increase of room and board rates for the 2010-11 academic year at Thursday’s meeting.

Most plans are proposed to increase around $200 a year, according to information provided in a meeting packet. A standard residence hall with an unlimited meal plan is proposed to increase $196, to $8,092 from $7,896.

Robinson Hall’s room and board with an unlimited meal plan is slated to increase $214, to $8,900 a on the year from web $ 8 , 6 8 6 . w Live Campbell, updates from Kessler, Kullhavi, Celani Thursday’s and Fabiano meeting, halls, with starting at u n l i m i t e d 10 a.m., on meal plans, cm-life.com. could increase $226, to $8,900 from $8,686.

“We certainly give instruction to administration of keeping cost down as much as possible,” said Stephanie Comai, Board of Trustees chairwoman.

“Obviously, we have to have the appropriate amount of resources to have an excellent experience in the resi-

A board| 2A

Sen. Bishop advocates cutting $2 billion in spending

By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

Mike Bishop said “brain drain” is killing the state of Michigan.

The Senate Majority Leader and Attorney General candidate said Michigan’s government needs to stop losing college-age students from job loss because it is depleting the state’s tax-base and deterring economic growth.

“What I want to do is make sure we get everybody involved,” Bishop told a crowd of 40 people at the College Republicans’ meeting Tuesday night.

“Your generation especially has got to take the reins. If you

don’t make the decisions, they will be made for you,” he said.

He advocates smaller government and the need to creatively generate revenue.

Bishop spoke of the fate of Michigan’s future budget.

“There will be significant cuts in the budget ahead,” he said. “But we have also found ways to save money in government.”

Bishop said he and fellow Senate Republicans have identified 10 ways to save $2 billion in government spending.

One initiative, he said, is to require state elected officials to share in the cost of health care.

“We’re asking elected of-

ficials to step up and pay 20 percent of their health care,” he said.

He also suggested reducing public employee salaries by 5 percent.

The $2 billion saved, he said, would be “used to close the structural deficit” in Michigan’s budget and be pumped “back into priorities of government” including education, health and law enforcement.

“I’ve never seen the economy as fractured as it is right now,” Bishop said of the state of Michigan.

Last year, the government had to address a $1.4 billion shortfall, he said. There is a $1.6 billion shortfall this year.

“As a result of the economy,

you’ve got less revenue in the state,” he said.

Bishop said he and fellow Senate Republicans are designing a budget without tax increases embedded in it.

He said they have funded priorities at the expense of others because there is simply not enough money to go around.

“We have gone through every surplus dollar we have,” Bishop said. “State government has got to learn to be more creative. You got to find ways to do better with less.”

John Porter, College Republicans vice chair, said he likes Bishop because he is an A bishop | 2A

Nathan Kostegian/staff photographer

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop speaks at a College Republicans’ meeting Tuesday night in Anspach Hall 169. Bishop, running for attorney general, talked to a full classroom about his experience as majority leader and his future plans.

2A || Wednesday, April 14, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR

WEATHER FORECAST

PHOTO OF THE DAY Today

Thursday

w Ready, Aim, Inspire: Central Michigan University’s Graphic Design BFA Exhibition will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the University Art Gallery’s Main Gallery and West Gallery.

Friday High 59/Low 37 Partly Cloudy

w A public debate titled "Should adoption agencies treat all applicants equally?" will take place from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Moore Hall 206.

jeff smith/staff photographer

Weidman resident Jim Janetski, 59, practices his bass guitar Sunday in his living room. Janetski is blind from an accident 30 years ago and suffers from colon cancer, severe asthma, motion sickness and frequent trips to the hospital. He finds comfort in the sound and rhythm of his many instruments. “I love music because it’s soothing,” he said. See an audio slideshow on cm-life.com

Thursday

w A film screening and discussion of "Hotel Rwanda" will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in Anspach Hall 166. w Central Foundation, a music program, will take place from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Music Building’s Staples Family Concert Hall. w Alpha Phi Omega’s campus clean-up will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning at the Bovee University Center’s Down Under Food Court. w To Write Love on Her Arms: An Evening with Jamie Tworkowski will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Corrections Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting.

It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2010 Volume 91, Number 77

Fire | continued from 1A

75 to 80 pounds.

Jerry Wieferich, a firefighter for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, was on site to oversee training.

He said other departments have come to the former Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center, including Shepherd and the tribe.

“Everybody’s been coming and playing here,” he said.

Part of the job Wieferich also helped train.

While teaching how to properly fold a hose, he explained why it is so important for a person to carry a hose on his or her back.

“If you can get it to hang over your backpack and go up, you got your hands free,” Wieferich said.

Beltinck said the most interesting training that is done is with the technical team, such as trench rescue, confined space and high-angle rescue.

“It’s stuff that’s basically highrisk, low-frequency-type activities,” he said.

Fire Chief Greg Walterhouse said the Mount Pleasant Fire Department shares its ladder truck with surrounding communities because it is the only one in the county.

He said the department sees between 40 and 50 structure fires each year.

“We run about 800 calls a year,” he said.

Beltinck said although the department does require training twice a month, the firefighters have no remorse about participating.

“I think that’s a part of the job and they realize that, in order to stay efficient at the skills that they need to be able to perform their job out in the community, that they have to periodically train on those skills,” he said.

“I think they all look at it with a positive attitude.” metro@cm-life.com

30 percent chance of precipitation

High 78/Low 50 Thunder Storms

w "Changing Michigan’s Mitten: How Many Cities, Townships and School Districts Do We Need?" will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Moore Hall’s Townsend Kiva.

w A study abroad open house will take place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in Bovee University Center 106.

20 percent chance of precipitation

High 71/Low 50 Partly Cloudy

Today

w A Benefit and Retirement Orientation will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in Foust Hall 133.

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Board | continued from 1A

dence halls,” said Comai.

The board meeting takes place at 10 a.m. Thursday in the President’s Conference Room across from Quiznos in the Bovee University Center.

Master’s and Doctoral tuition rates are another topic trustees are slated to address. For a Michigan resident working on a Master’s degree, the rate per credit hour is recommended to increase to $456 from $434.

It is proposed for the Doctoral students’ tuition rate to increase to $525 per credit hour from $508.

ProfEd is looking at a 3 percent proposed increase.

“We look at our competitors,” Comai said of determining the change.

She said undergraduate tuition will be discussed at the Board meeting in July.

An authorization for the list of deferred maintenance projects for the next fiscal year is another item on the agenda. The total amount requested is a little more than

$1.8 million.

Projects on the list include sidewalk repairs, roof replacement on campus, domestic water replacement and a flooring project for Warriner Hall.

The money would be temporarily borrowed from the Reserve for Future Construction Funds.

“Deferred maintenance is really important,” Comai said. “We have a number of buildings that were built quite a few years ago. We are not a brand new campus.”

A number of grants also will be discussed during the meeting.

A closed meeting with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Council will take place at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort’s Water Lily room.

The trustees-faculty liaison Committee meeting is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. today in the President’s Conference room in the UC. The student-liaison meeting takes place at the same time in Bovee UC’s Terrace Room C.

bishop | continued from 1A

advocate for small, streamlined government.

“He thinks Michigan can cut out four to five billion dollars (from the budget) just

studentlife@cm-life.com

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Deliver a written request to the Board’s secretary before the beginning of the Board meeting to speak on an item before it is considered by the Board.

Deliver a written request to speak to the Board’s secretary before the time of public comment begins.

Each speaker may address the Board for up to five minutes, and that could be reduced to three minutes depending on the list of speakers.

The Board may permit any individual or group to present any matter to the Board at any time, without prior notice, upon motion and second by members of the Board, and approval by a majority of the Board members.

5:30PM–1AM CASH TABLES 7PM THE TOURNAMENT STARTS!

Bouwhuis, a graduate student from Lowell, went to hear Bishop speak because he did not know much about his Attorney General candidacy.

He was not impressed.

“I honestly don’t think he’s a serious candidate for Attorney General,” Bouwhuis said.

He said Bishop focused on budget issues instead of talking about the position.

Isabella County Commissioner James Moreno said though it is nice to converse with candidates, he disliked Bishop’s presentation.

“I didn’t hear anything other than Republican talking points,” Moreno said.

Small Pizzas

According to the Board’s bylaws, individuals and organized groups who want to appear before the Board to present any matter concerning the governance of Central Michigan University have the right to do so at the formal meeting by doing the following:

04/15 – 04/18

by streamlining,” the Coleman sophomore said.

Pete Hoekstra, current U.S. House Representative and Republican candidate for governor, also spoke at the event and said Bishop’s idea to save money is “doable.”

“Michigan’s government is too big for what we can afford today,” he said. “It’s amazing what happens when we get government out of the way.”

Porter said Bishop, as the Senate Majority Leader, has consistently passed balanced budgets in the Senate on time and his legal background, experience and people skills would make him a great candidate for Attorney General.

College Democrat Karl

university@cm-life.com

Making Public Comments

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

President Ross seeking student input Monday forum to discuss relevant issues

By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

University President George Ross plans to be all ears Monday at the Student Priorities subcommittee forum.

The forum begins at 7 p.m. in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium and is open to all Central Michigan University students and faculty.

“This is an opportunity for students to have access to (our) president,” said Stan Shingles, director of University Recreation.

Brittany Mouzourakis, newly-

co-chairman.

Though the co-chair position is reserved for the SGA president, Mouzourakis said Nichol will continue until semester’s end.

Kim Voisin, assistant director of Residence Life and a committee member, said she hopes at least 100 students attend.

Voisin said the forum has been planned since the end of March. “(We) wanted to get the president connected with students as soon as possible,” she said.

“There may be some bigger issues that (we’re) hoping to find out.”

Shingles said Monday is an attempt to engage as many students as possible.

He said identifying the issues on students’ minds is important, especially with the univer-

electedStudent G over nment Association president and committee member, highlighted several issues that may come up, George Ross including tuition, student parking, budget cuts and the Leadership Institute possibly being cut from CMU’s academic program.

She said student expectations of transparency also may be a point of discussion.

“I hope to see a lot of students come out and voice their concerns,” the Garden City senior said.

Mount Pleasant senior Jason Nichol is the subcommittee’s

If you go...

Student Priorities subcommittee forum w When: 7 p.m. Monday w Where: Charles V. Park Library Auditorium sity president around to hear the discussion. “(We) want to hear straight from the students,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for students to have access to (our) president.”

Other plans The subcommittee also hopes to conduct an electronic student survey to gauge thoughts on various issues.

“The idea is to gather a list of concerns on campus and create

a survey based on those concerns,” Mouzourakis said.

She said the subcommittee hopes to have the survey available by the end of the semester.

“After the forum, (we) will take all the information and try to prioritize some of the students’ issues and concerns,” Shingles said.

If the survey is complete by the end of the semester, it will be included in the subcommittee’s initial progress report for Ross, Mouzourakis said.

The report is due June 1 and will include the results from the survey, at least ten priorities of students, how they were handled in the past and how they are currently handled. university@cm-life.com

Do you qualify for a free cell phone?

How to apply Contact Assurance Wireless at (888) 898-4888. You may qualify if you already participate in: w Medicaid w Food Stamps/SNAP w Supplemental Security Income (SSI) w Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) w Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) w National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch

By Tony Wittkowski Staff Reporter

There is still no explanation as to why online voting for the Student Government Association president and vice president ended 12 hours earlier last weekend than planned.

The election between Troy junior Evan Agnello and Garden City senior Brittany Mouzourakis was cut short Sunday morning because of a “glitch” in the online

Collecting used sports gear

The Cleat Repeat nonprofit organization will collect used sports gear to donate to families from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday in the Towers Lobby and Bovee University Center Lower Level.

The donation drive is sponsored by students enrolled in COM 401: Capstone in Communication.

Common Ground dance team

The Common Ground performing arts dance team performs its seventh annual dance showcase at 7 p.m. Friday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. The event is free and open to the CMU public. For more information, e-mail Commonground_cmu@hotmail. com

photos by jake may/staff photographer

Mount Pleasant resident Anna Ruter, 12, smiles as she shows her teacher her completed assignment last Wednesday at Fancher Elementary School, 801 S. Kinney Ave. Ruter was diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease at eight months old. It is a rare metabolic disease that causes bodily fluids to smell like maple syrup. “It’s a hard life,” said Ruter, whose body does not make an enzyme that breaks down three amino acids that are components of protein.

‘it is a hard life’

Local girl copes with rare disease; fundraisers on tap

By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

A

nna Ruter remembers a moment when she could not breathe in late August a couple years ago.

Her cheeks turned red and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered faster than a heartbeat. The Mount Pleasant 12year-old was suffering from the case of a serious crush when she met High School Musical actor Zac Efron in Los Angeles.

“I was shaking inside when I saw him near the table,” Ruter said. “He has blue eyes, he has freckles and he is funny.”

The only difference between Ruter and other adoring Efron fans is she met him through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants fatally ill children their wishes.

At eight days old, Anna was diagnosed with maple

Fundraisers for Anna Ruter

voting system, officials say.

Mouzourakis and Muskegon senior Dave Breed, her running mate, were named the winners later that day.

Marysville senior Sean Howard and Flint senior Sarah Lechota served as the election committee directors and were in charge of handling the voting.

The election committee directors examined the votes during the voting process and said the system seemed to be working, Howard said.

“We had about a week working on the ballot,” Lechota said.

“It worked fine on the first six days.”

The election committee ran

the press conferences, the debate and the election itself.

They then reported the results to Mount Pleasant senior Jason Nichol, who previously served as SGA president, said Tony Voisin, director of Student Life.

Despite the circumstances surrounding this year’s election, Nichol is happy with the results.

“We did the best we could to make it fair,” Nichol said. “The election directors have done an exceptional job.”

However, the lack of time to vote Sunday was a disadvantage to both parties. The voting Web site, vote.cmich.edu, closed at midnight Sunday rather than noon as advertised.

Boisali Biswas will discuss her artwork from 7 to 9 p.m. today in the Charles V. Park Library’s Baber Room. The event is free and open to the public and includes refreshments. For more information, contact Megan Moreno at brook1mr@cmich.edu or at 774-2165.

Friends of the Broadway Theatre hosts a variety show in honor of its 10th anniversary at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Broadway Theatre, 216 E. Broadway St. The show will include magic, music and tap dancing. Tickets are $5.

For more information, e-mail us@friendsofthebroadway.org or call 772-2075.

w 5 to 9 p.m. today at Culver’s, 1021 E. Pickard St. 10 percent of sales will go toward Anna’s surgery. w 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Rubbles, 112 W. Michigan St. Cover $5. syrup urine disease, an inherited, rare metabolic condition stemming from a body’s inability to break down certain protein types. The disease, also called branched-chain ketoaciduria, is known for giving bodily fluids the smell of maple syrup.

“Her body does not make an enzyme that breaks down the three amino acids and those are components of protein,” said Anna’s mother Paula Ruter, the wife of university events employee Lance Ruter.

Paula Ruter said Anna has always had to follow a restrictive diet of with no meats, dairy, chocolate or soy.

“It is a hard life,” Anna said.

“Transcending Boundaries”

Tenth anniversary variety show

From left: Brandy Russell, teacher Sarah Stevens, Anna Ruter, Jackie Matthews and Logan Seger sit on the steps of the theater stage, relaxing after playing basketball during gym class April 8 at Fancher Elementary School, 801 S. Kinney Ave.

Looking for help The only cure for the disease is a liver transplant — and Ruter is on a waiting list at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

“The enzyme that her body doesn’t make is manufactured in the liver, so the new liver will cure the MSUD,” said Lance Ruter, coordinator of Production Services for University Events.

Said Anna: “I can’t wait any-

more. I want this liver transplant soon.”

The family plans on holding two fundraisers to assist Anna in the transplant and to raise money insurance doesn’t cover.

The first fundraising dinner takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. today at Culver’s, 1021 E. Pickard St., and 10 percent of the sales will go toward Anna’s surgery.

A maple | 5a

Still no explanation for SGA voting glitch Committee looks to fix site in time for next vote

The Department of Journalism hosts its 10th annual awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today in the Bovee University Center Rotunda. The luncheon will honor students who are scholarship recipients and award winners. The Journalism Awards Luncheon will honor Lorrie Lynch, the Department of Journalism Alumna of the Year. Tickets are $10 a person and $7 for students. For more information, contact the journalism department at 774-3169 or Cindy Gall at gall1c@cmich.ed or 774-7819.

The Asian Cultural Organization and the 12 CARATS Asain awareness group host “Showcase Finale” at 6 p.m. today in the Bovee UC Auditorium. The event will showcase various dances and offer a free food taster.

By Maryellen Tighe Senior Reporter

A cell | 5a

Journalism awards luncheon

Asian Cultural Organization

Low-income program providing service in Michigan

Cellular phone users all know that familiar feeling of dread when popping open the bill each month and pulling out the checkbook.

For those unable to bear the weight of monthly charges, good news is in store — free phones will become available to some students and low-income Michigan residents this spring.

Assurance Wireless, the latest low-income wireless program, began providing cell phones with 200 monthly minutes in March. The pre-paid phone service offered by Sprint was approved in March by the Federal Communications Commission.

“If (people are) not eating because they have to pay for their telephone bill, they should be involved in this program,” said Dan Petersen, vice president for community action services at EightCAP Inc., the Michigan Community Action Association for Isabella, Gratiot, Montcalm and Ionia counties.

To qualify for the program, Petersen said residents need to meet certain criteria.

[Life in brief]

“It not only hurt the Agnello campaign, but it hurt Brittany’s as well,” Howard said.

“Twelve hours on the morning of Sunday Jason Nichol wouldn’t have made a difference.”

History of trouble This was not the first SGA election mishap which has affected the voting process.

Last year during the election, some votes did not count, and the students were unable to vote again, Mouzourakis said.

Heidi Fenton, Managing Editor | news@cm-life.com | 989.774.4343

In 2006, the voting site experienced a technical glitch at 12:30 a.m., which was not discovered until 3 a.m., on the final day of voting. The site closed the election 2 hours early.

Howard and Lechota have already discussed plans to fix the site for next year, although neither will be back to run it.

“We are going to make the endorsement to the Mouzourakis administration,” Howard said.

“We feel it’s a good Web site, it just needs to be tweaked.”

The Web site also is used to elect SGA ambassadors and vote for homecoming ambassadors. university@cm-life.com

Poetry reading

Keith Taylor and David James, both CMU alumni, will read poetry at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Charles V. Park Library’s Baber Room. Taylor is the author of “If the World Becomes So Bright” and James wrote “She Dances Like Mussolini.” The free reading is open to the public and includes a book signing afterwards.

For more information, e-mail robert.fanning@cmich.edu.

Soup and Substance

A Soup and Substance luncheon discussing GLBT issues begins at 12 p.m. today in the Bovee University Center Gold and Chippewa rooms. The discussion on GLBTQ Youth Issues will be hosted by Katrina Rhymer, Elbert Almazan and Susan Jacob from The Center for Research, Training and Consultation. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Ulana Klymyshyn at the Multicultural Education Center at 774-7318 or at klymy1au@cmich.edu.

If you have an interesting item for Life in Brief, let us know by e-mailing news@cm-life.com

4A || Wednesday, April 14, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Sidewalks, lighting moving forward in connector project

Dolls used to promote hospital comfort

City Commission postpones any roadwork needed

By David Veselenak Online Editor

By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

Andrew Collett made a tough decision Friday afternoon.

The 7-year-old allowed his 2-year-old black stuffed dog, Amigo, to go to the doctor’s office for a first-time checkup.

“Is he having trouble with his paws or is he limping?” asked medical staffer Sascha Seide, a Dexter freshman.

Collett replied: “No.” “Looks like everything is really well, he needs to drink more milk,” Seide said.

Collett’s stuffed animal was one of many dolls about 60 first-graders brought to Central Michigan Community Hospital on Friday for a “Doll Hospital” program.

The program allows children to learn about medical procedures through demonstrations with dolls to lessen fears about doctors and hospitals.

“Amigo wasn’t scared because he is always brave,” Collett said. “He gives me comfort.”

Deb Fahr teaches first grade at Pullen Elementary School, 251 S. Brown St., which many of the participating students attend.

She said the doll hospital program gives students a less fearful image of hospital visitations.

“It gives them a safe environment, bringing their stuffed animals and dolls,” Fahr said.

photos by paige calamari/staff photographer

Dexter freshman Sascha Seide places a first grade student’s stuffed animal into a replica of a x-ray machine during the Doll Hospital program Friday afternoon at Pullen Elementary school, 251 S. Brown St. The program consists of Central Michigan University students who perform check-up routines such as x-rays, blood pressure and shots on children’s toys in order to reduce anxiety during children’s doctor visits.

Student involvement The program is intended for first graders in local elementary schools.

Five Central Michigan University students administer shots, x-rays and general checkups to the dolls at the doctor’s station.

Troy senior Jason Schnaidt manages the doll hospital project and said the program is valuable for children.

“I think the children will walk away with a great experience and they understand what each station actually does,” he said.

Juliet Kurtz, 7, stood patiently in line with her white sheep named Snowflake.

Kurtz was a little apprehensive about letting the doll receive a checkup.

“Snowflake was very scared because she thought it would really hurt,” Kurtz said. “But it didn’t hurt; I felt they were making her better.”

Kurtz immediately kissed her sheep after its checkup.

“It’s not that bad,” she said, smiling.

Seide, a volunteer medical staff member, heard about the opportunity through her sorority — Alpha Sigma Tau.

Troy senior Jason Schnaidt checks the blood pressure of an elementary student’s stuffed animal during the Doll Hospital program Friday afternoon at Pullen Elementary school, 251 S. Brown St. Schnaidt manages the doll hospital and said the program is valuable for children.

“I just wanted to give back and I thought it would be fun to work with kids,” Seide said.

“The kids are really creative and come up with stories and you go along with it.

And if they understand what an X-ray does, it can make going to the doctor’s more comfortable.”

Alex Griffes, 7, brought in a brown wolf named Todd

who needed medication for being sick.

“He had a cold and the doctors all made him better,” Griffes said. “He’s brave now.”

Griffes offered some advice to other children nervous about getting checkups.

“Be brave like Todd,” he said. studentlife@cm-life.com

sex and violence on television

Looking into the media’s influence on people ‘Pop Culture and YOU’ set for 8 p.m. today

By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

Sex. Drugs. Violence.

These are heavily discussed subjects in the media that may strongly influence our thinking, said Shayna Burden.

The Detroit senior questions the role media plays and was so inspired by the topic she created “Pop Culture and YOU,” an event scheduled for 8 p.m. today in Kulhavi Room 146.

“My idea generated into an event to discuss the media and its effects on us,” she said. “We may not realize them.”

Video examples of media messages with interpersonal and intrapersonal communication will be shown and discussed, she said.

Issues include sex and vio-

lence in the media and how the media influences peoples’ perception of beauty and selfesteem.

“We will cater toward the emotions of shock and humor to keep them engaged,” Burden said.

Sterling Heights senior Ben White helped Burden organize the event. He said younger generations are more susceptible to the media’s interest.

“I think the majority of students have a basic understanding of how the media does influence us,” he said. “They are attracted by TV, video and media and kids need to address

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and make sure they are aware of how much influence there is of the media.”

Burden hopes the attendees will get a better grasp of the media with their own understanding.

“I don’t hope to necessar-

“They are attracted by TV, video and media and kids need to address and make sure they are aware of how much influence there is of the media.”

Ben White, Sterling Heights senior

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ily change what their routines are,” Burden said. “I don’t expect them to change with just one program but to have awareness about the media and how it affects their interactions.”

Sidewalks and lighting will likely be the only portion of the campus connector project moving forward this summer.

The Mount Pleasant City Commission on Monday approved the widening of sidewalks to 8 feet, increased lighting and artwork, and mandated snow removal to move forward with the project that seeks to redevelop the pathway between downtown and Central Michigan University’s campus.

The approval also will send back street designs to engineering.

The action was decided in a 5-2 vote, with Mayor Jim Holton and Commissioner Jeffrey Palmer dissenting.

“It does sound like we’re not ready to proceed,” said Commissioner Kathy Ling. “If we’re really looking to make a difference there, we need some buy-in (from students).”

With the decision, the commission voted to accept a $100,000 state energy grant for the increased lighting.

The budget for the project is $250,000, the first option costing $274,000 and the second costing $460,000.

The commission had two options for street design to review Monday. The first design would create two-way bicycle lanes on Main Street and reduce the street to one lane, and make Washington a two-way street with no bicycle lanes. The second option would add a bicycle lane and create two-way traffic on Washington and Main streets.

The commission felt uncomfortable with the two options and requested a third option that had both as two-way streets with bicycle

lanes.

Director of Public Safety Tony Gomez-Mesquita said while accidents have been minimal on Washington and Main streets, the first plan would not be effective.

“The (Michigan) State Police said two-way bike lanes on streets is improper,” he said. “Passing will likely occur in the bicycle lanes.”

Gomez-Mesquita said a change in the flow of traffic would confuse local residents, as well as students.

“Students who have been in our community will have to get used to that,” he said.

“That will be a challenge.”

Rich Morrison, director of community services and economic development, contrasted the proposed bicycle lanes to ones on Ojibway, Calumet and Ottawa courts on campus. He said the bicycle lanes on campus are for a continuous loop, while the proposed bicycle lanes for the connector would have plenty of starts and stops.

“There are nine intersections,” Morrison said. “That’s important because there are conflicts in traffic.”

Duane Ellis, director of public works, said while the decision to work on the roads was postponed, the city could still redo the roads this summer if the commission decided to move forward.

“There’s a little bit of construction — not much,” he said.

Several residents spoke out against some aspects of the design. Scott Webber said the bicycle lanes could be moved to University Avenue because of the lesser amount of car traffic. Such an action, he said, would remove bicyclists from the sidewalk.

“If you make (car traffic) one-way, you’re increasing traffic on Main Street,” he said. “(Bicyclists) already ride on the sidewalk.”

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Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, April 14, 2010 || 5A

[News]

Vague language postpones city ethics policy approval Family, friends not included in conflict of interest

“If my son was the one making a request ... I would have a problem with that. I think it’s a hard sell.”

Kathy Ling, City Commissioner

By David Veselenak Online Editor

City Commissioners have placed a proposed city ethics policy on the back burner for further revisions.

The Mount Pleasant City Commission voted unanimously Monday to postpone a decision on adopting the policy after hearing a more detailed presentation from city attorney Scott Smith.

The policy states that a city official “shall not vote, act upon, participate in any discussion ... regarding any matter from which he or she may realize any private gain or regarding which he or she has a conflict of interest.”

Because of the wording, several commissioners felt there should be more detail regarding conflicts of interest involving relatives and friends. Under the proposed plan, commission-

MAPLE | continued from 3A

The other is a benefit concert from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Rubbles, 112 W. Michigan St. The cover charge is $5.

The hospital plans on calling Anna’s family, who will fly to Pittsburgh for the surgery.

“We have it lined up with a couple volunteer pilots,” Paula said.

Doug Dill is a pilot for M-Z Air Charter Service, 5453 E. Airport Road, and volunteered to fly.

“I thought this would be a nice thing to do to help somebody out,” he said. “The owners agreed and, if I am available, we will be there for them.”

‘An average normal kid’ Anna has to drink a special

ers could vote on issues directly involving spouses and family members.

“If my son was the one making a request ... I would have a problem with that,” said Commissioner Kathy Ling. “I think it’s a hard sell.”

Commissioner David McGuire said the vagueness of the policy seemed to have already been instituted through the city charter.

“The intent of most of this is there,” he said. “We’re sworn to hold the city charter, and it seems to me that these are all in the charter.”

The policy also would require officials to limit representative comments made regarding other boards.

“Anything that’s applicable to the body on which they serve,” Smith said. “That’s the privilege held by a body as a whole.”

The policy would not affect the city’s relationship with the media, Smith said.

“As long as they explain it’s their opinion,” he said.

The ethics policy was first discussed at a meeting March 4. Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer and Ling were appointed to draft a policy.

Lenders would be exempt from the policy, an issue Planning Commission Vice Chairman Jeff Smith mentioned at the previous meeting. Since Smith worked at Isabella Bank, he said he would have been forced to recuse himself from any discussion where Isabella Bank was a lender.

“They might have an indirect benefit ... but they don’t abruptly financially benefit,” Scott Smith said.

medical formula that helps make up for missed nutrients.

Also, whenever her body is in distress from hormonal changes or being sick, her brain swells.

“That is potentially fatal,” Paula said. Because of brain swelling, Anna has some cognitive impairment.

One out of 300,000 births is reported to have MSUD. “In Michigan alone, there were three families who had this disease when Anna was born,” Lance said.

Anna is the type of girl who loves playing sports, watching TV and is starting to get into boys, Paula Ruter said, explaining how her daughter has a preference for pink and blue eye shadow.

“They go together — I like blue and pink,” Anna said.

Sometimes. things are hard

for Anna when she cannot eat chocolate or meat, but she still reminds others she is a regular girl.

“I’m just an average normal kid. I am in a different class, I don’t care, I’m still a kid. I have a heart, bones and brains, I’m okay.”

metro@cm-life.com

university@cm-life.com

cell | continued from 3a

If someone already participates in an assistance program such as food stamps, medicare or medicaid, they automatically qualify.

“Food stamps is number two on our list. If they live in income-based housing, one of these things would qualify them for our service,” said Mary Schneider, EightCAP community services coordinator. “They’re automatically eligible nine out of 10 times when they come in.”

If someone is not receiving those services, they may still qualify, Petersen said.

Michigan residents who make less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level also qualify.

Jack Pflanz, Sprint communications manager, said the phone will be available to elderly people who may need it for emergencies and

military families who live on a lower income.

Each year, participants will reapply and, once they have a job and are back on their feet, they will no longer qualify, Pflanz said.

States that have participated in the program include New York, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Sprint collaborated with local nonprofits to spread the word to people who may use the service, Pflanz said.

“We have this available because so many of our families spend a huge amount on a cell phone,” Schneider said. “I probably referred someone there several times a week.”

Schneider said she often referred people to Safelink Wireless, another provider of wireless phones and minutes to low-income people.

But one of the drawbacks is the limited number of minutes — just 58 per month, she said.

Another program avail-

hit and run | continued from 1A

Scicluna has requested a court-appointed attorney and is scheduled for a preliminary examination at 8:15 a.m. Thursday in trial court.

He is being held on a $500,000 or 10 percent cash bond.

Portions of Bellows Street were blocked off on both sides of Mission Street in the early morning hours Sunday, as police processed evidence and recreated the crime scene.

Police are still seeking witness and any additional information for the investigation, and anyone with in-

able to low income families is Lifeline Assistance, Petersen said. Lifeline Assistance gives a discount on the primary phone, generally a land line, for a residence.

“If I lost my job, I would qualify for (the Assurance Wireless) program,” Pflanz said. “The money that I would be using to pay my cell phone bill — I can use those dollars to buy food for my children or pay my mortgage.”

Assurance Wireless is funded by the Universal Services Fund, which every carrier contributes $1 to $3 to support.

“The Universal Services Fund was created for hard wire lines for low income families during the Reagan administration,” Pflanz said.

“All wireless carriers are required to contribute to the Universal Services Fund, carriers can then create programs to help folks who are in economic need.” metro@cm-life.com

formation is asked to contact city police at 779-5100, an anonymous TIP line at 7799111 or Central Dispatch at 773-1000. metro@cm-life.com

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voices Central Michigan Life

6A Wednesday, April 14, 2010

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

– The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

[cm-life.com/category/opinion]

Brian Manzullo, Editor

in

Chief | Will Axford, Voices Editor | Heidi Fenton Managing Editor | Eric Dresden, University Editor | Jackie Smith, Metro Editor

EDITORIAL | SGA voting Web site has history of problems, should be abandoned

Faulty method

B

rittany Mouzourakis and Dave Breed won the Student Government Association Election and ­— along with it — inherited public scrutiny.

The voting Web site for SGA president and vice president shut down 12 hours early Sunday, evoking outcry for a recount from presidential challenger Evan Agnello. SGA committee co-chairman Sean Howard shot down the request, saying the election results stand final.

Given SGA’s past history of elections, it’s no surprise this election was met with controversy. The online voting process has proven faulty several times before. Coupled with low voter turnout, SGA has kept little credibility during voting season.

While we don’t think the issue skewed the election in Mouzourakis’ favor — voters couldn’t select her during those 12 hours, either — it is time to reorganize the voting process.

SGA should give students the opportunity to vote at manned

GUEST COLUMN

booths in prominent public areas such as the Bovee University Center and the Charles V. Park Library. Not only would this relieve the frustrations technology presents, but it also would help to put a face on the voting process.

Students may be more likely to vote if the opportunity to do so is right there as they walk by before or after class.

The voting booths could be staffed by SGA members who could actively work to answer questions about the voting process or SGA in general.

The debacle of this year’s online election has deja vu written all over it.

In 2006, the voting Web site vote.cmich.edu experienced a technical glitch at 12:30 a.m., which wasn’t discovered until 3 a.m. The site closed the election 2 hours early. The same problem happened in 2008, where — you guessed it — the Web site glitched and prevented people from voting.

If the voting mechanism has failed in the past, why does SGA continue

to use this system? Granted, the Web site malfunctioned this year during the last night of voting, while most students were sleeping. But it doesn’t look good for SGA in the eyes of the students it serves.

Another problem with using the Internet to collect votes is that it doesn’t give the elections optimal promotion. In 2008, a measly 1,722 students voted out of a student body of around 17,356. In 2009, 2,081 students participated out of about 17,672 eligible voters.

This year echoed the same results, with 2,121 votes out of about 18,065 students. For those keeping count, that is less than 10 percent of students on campus voting for their representatives in each of the past three years.

Clearly, the current way of collecting votes isn’t cutting it. It’s painfully obvious SGA needs to change its tactics when it comes to elections — especially when a controversy such as this one is looming.

NATE BEELER [CARTOON]

Men can be victims, too Sexual harassment is not genderbiased.

Although women are most commonly survivors of sexual harassment, men also are being sexually harassed daily.

Many cases of men survivors of sexual harassment take place in a work setting. Men in the workplace are harassed by women and even other men. When working in such close quarters with other people, you need to set personal boundaries. Even if your personal boundaries differ from those of other, respect needs to be given to those whose boundaries vary from your own.

Men and women are being damaged by sexual harassment issues, but not all speaking about it. Many men will feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit to being a survivor of sexual harassment.

Shame should not be placed on a survivor of sexual harassment.

If you find yourself in the position of being sexually harassed, do not hesitate to take action.

A man being sexually harassed should first speak with the harasser and clearly express his feelings of discomfort with the situation. Being clear and consistent with your expression will eliminate confusion and establish a boundary.

Confronting the harasser may not always solve the problem. Going to management or human resources is the next step.

Woman’s Aid and Sexual Agression Peer Advocates have many programs available for survivors, as well as harassers. Woman’s Aid offers programs, support groups, counseling and emergency services to those involved in sexual harassment.

Men Overcoming Violent Experiences and Women Overcoming Violent Experiences are two programs offered weekly to those who feel they have been violent or abusive towards others. Those involved in MOVE or WOVE will learn to build healthy relationships with others as well as recognizing and halting patterns of abuse and violence and develop skills in coping, decisionmaking, stress reduction, trust and intimacy.

More information on any of these programs can be found at womansaid.org. Programs offered by SAPA can be found at cmich.edu/SAPA/ Programs.htm.

[our readers’ voice]

Comments on cm-life.com on Agnello asking for revote in SGA election Tanner_P says:

This election was fair and square.

Agnello is just looking for another way to conjure up some type of uproar on this campus. He just needs to shake Mouzourakis and Breed’s hands and accept the loss.

What’s the point of Agnello being in SGA, seeing that he complains that it’s biased and a corrupt organization anyway?

If he were president, he would just be leading a so-called “biased” and “corrupt” organization on campus and then all of the negative light he shined upon the members of SGA during this academic year would just shine down upon him during the next academic year.

Who wants him in office when you can never get a hold of the vice president anyway? Once again, “Richard could not be reached for comment.”

Did she even want to be running with Evan, or did she do it out of pity?

In the long run, Evan’s campaign was pathetic and full of mud-slinging and blatant lies. This campus is much better off with who they have elected.

As for asking for a re-ount and a revote, that’s just idiotic. Evan should

realize that every person that didn’t get the chance to vote in the closing 12 hours would not have been voting just for him.

There were voters for both sides that were unable to vote, so in the long run, the numbers from that 12 hours really don’t matter.

Step up Evan, be a man and take the loss with some dignity!

Concerned CM Life Reader says:

I understand the Office of Student Life has claimed it will not interfere in the affairs of a student organization, but clearly this situation is different.

In this case, the Student Government Association has real power and authority above that of any other student organization.

It impacts the daily on-campus lives of all students.

Additionally, student government receives a sizable chunk of taxpayer money to operate, making the entity a public body under Michigan law.

Mr. Agnello ran a spirited campaign for student government president.

Unfortunately, he was disenfranchised when voting for the student government election was cut short by

12 hours.

I understand that Mr. Agnello has contacted the Office of Student Life, but officials – namely Mr. Anthony Voisin – have refused his request to conduct an investigation and order a re-vote.

Again, I understand the university’s reluctance to involve itself.

However, this election doesn’t have any appearance of legitimacy.

It is also rather absurd for the Office of Student Life to claim it has no business interfering in this matter when the election is clearly overseen by administration officials, as voting is conducted on the official university Web site.

I typically refrain from commenting on university matters, but I believe this situation warrants action as well as public attention.

Something irregular occurred.

What that something was nobody knows, which is why an investigation is needed.

While some will claim that Mr. Agnello was behind and wouldn’t have won the election, we can’t say that with certainty because not all students were allowed to vote.

C M Y o u | Where is your favorite place to eat in Mount Pleasant?

COM 353: Small Group Communication

Central Michigan Life Editorial Brian Manzullo, Editor in Chief Heidi Fenton, Managing Editor Joe Borlik, Student Life Editor Jackie Smith, Metro Editor Eric Dresden, University Editor Andrew Stover, Sports Editor Ashley Miller, Photo Editor Will Axford, Voices Editor David Veselenak, Online Editor Chelsea Kleven, Lead Designer Advertising Lindsey Reed, Katie Sidell Advertising Managers Carly Schafer, Shawn Wright Multi-Media Marketing Coordinators Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life

“Jimmy Johns.

It’s quick, convenient and cheap.”

Myles Fredrick,

Southfield freshman

“Max and Emily’s because they serve delicious coffee and homemade deli sandwiches.”

“The Grotto. I like that they offer quality food at a good price.

It satisfies my appetite.”

Christina Myshock,

Garret Komatz,

Livonia senior

Mount Pleasant senior

“Mountain Town.

Good food and I like the atmosphere.”

Ashley Smith,

Detroit senior

paige calamari/staff photographer

Central Michigan Life is the independent voice of Central Michigan University and is edited and published by students of Central Michigan University every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and every Wednesday during the summer.

The online edition (www.cm-life.com) contains all of the material published in print.

Central Michigan Life is is under the jurisdiction of the independent Student Media Board of Directors. Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions

of CMU or its employees.

Central Michigan Life is a member of the Michigan Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers Association.

Central Michigan Life’s operations are totally funded from revenues through advertising sales. Editions are distributed free throughout the community and individuals are entitled

to one copy. Each copy has an implied value of 75 cents.

Non-university subscriptions are $1 per mailed edition. Copies of photographs published in Central Michigan Life or its online edition (www.cm-life.com) are available for purchase at http://reprints.cm-life.com Central Michigan Life’s editorial and business offices are located at 436 Moore Hall, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, telephone 774-3493.

Michael L. Hoffman Columnist

Strange, but rewarding Chatroulette.com usually odd, but can be rewarding Things are changing.

Whenever someone asks you, “Hey, do you wanna see a messed up video?” Your destination is almost guaranteed to be YouTube.

But this is no longer the case.

The Web creeps have a new haven for mischief — Chatroulette. com.

As Central Michigan Life’s Connor Sheridan reported, Chatroulette “uses random matches between two participants to put a human face on otherwise anonymous internet interactions.”

Sheridan also took note that the interactions on Chatroulette can be “bizarre.” And boy, was he right.

I have spent far too much time on the Web site over the past few days trying to see what kind of people use Chatroulette.

When I first signed in to the site, I expected there to be a plethora of perverts. I was right. It seems more often than not, at least 50 percent of Chatroulette users are men exposing themselves.

But I was reassured by a friend that if I stuck with the site and weeded through this, I would uncover some Chatroulette “Nuggets of Gold.”

It is a great way to mindlessly amuse yourself when you’re bored and can’t sleep. Just log in and let the fun begin.

Among the things you might see are a group of guys seated around a bong, smoking and making faces into the camera. This was one of my favorite Chatroulette experiences because anything I asked (such as, “How’re you guys doing tonight?”) resulted in at least 30 seconds of internal discussion before answering. They were “fine.”

Another encounter, which might be my favorite of the perverts, is a man who was dressed head-to-toe as Batman, except he was “doing his thing” and had a sign that read “Boobs for Justice?

Love, Batman.”

Nothing beats the Dark Knight trying to get people to take off their clothes in the name of “justice.”

But these are not the only strange people on the site.

There was one man that I have heard about, but didn’t see until just the other day, who has a sign demanding women to flash him or he feed a baby chicken to a snake. But I am convinced that he is actually just a looped video because I saw the same video three times.

But weirdoes and over-enthusiast exhibitionists aside, the Web site offers a great chance to meet people you otherwise wouldn’t because of geographic location.

These people, who will actually talk with you, offer a nice shake-up in our normal modes of communication.

So if you’re willing to blaze through the nakedness and porn ads, Chatroulette can be a fun way to meet new people, and you never know, you might make a new friend.

[letters to the editor] E-mail | voices@cm-life.com Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Fax | 989.774.7805 Central Michigan Life welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Only correspondence that includes a signature (e-mail excluded), address and phone number will be considered. Do not include attached documents via email. Letters should be no longer than 300 words and commentary should not exceed 500 words. All submissions are subject to editing and may be published in print or on www.cm-life.com in the order they are received.

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Mount pleasant business

Club, cooperative appeal to cycling enthusiasts CMU students, Motorless Motion getting groups off the ground

By Hilary Farrell Staff Reporter

It is not just city officials taking drastic strides to make Mount Pleasant more biker-friendly.

A local business and two Central Michigan University students also are trying to culture a cycling community through the formation of the Mount Pleasant Bike Cooperative and Mid Michigan Cycling Club.

Allison Quast, owner of Motorless Motion, 121 S. Main St., said she created the Mid Michigan Cycling Club three weeks ago.

Quast grew up in an avid cycling family. Her father previously owned Motorless Motion.

“It is not the name of a business,” she said, “it is a way of life.”

Quast recalled a school day years ago when she called her father to pick her up.

“I was sick,” Quast said.

“My dad showed up with another bike.”

The Mid Michigan Cycling Club already had 47 members as of late last week, Quast said. Another open

house is planned Saturday at Motorless Motion.

The group hosts group rides and hopes to promote bicycling awareness across the city, including talking to local businesses about placing bicycle racks outside.

The Mount Pleasant Bike Cooperative began as a joint passion for bicycling between Mutamoia senior Nichole Crosson and Harbor Beach sophomore Joe Roggenbuck.

The pair participated in Bike America’s nationwide bicycle ride last summer, which took them three weeks to accomplish.

After visiting a bike cooperative in Lansing last October, Mount Pleasant’s cooperative was born.

“I was really into the idea after seeing it,” Roggenbuck said. “I decided we should start our own.”

The group holds weekly meetings to socialize and cover topics of interest for bicyclists.

“We want to provide resources for people and knowledge for people,” Crosson said.

The group provides free tools for those needing bicycle repairs, free lessons on bicycle maintenance and eventually hopes to provide bikes to other members of the community. metro@cm-life.com

“It is not the name of a business, it is a way of life.”

Allison Quast, owner of Motorless Motion

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, April 14, 2010 || 7A

Speaker: AIDS a ‘critical social issue’ Mandisa Mbali speaks to 65 on pandemic

By Ashante Thomas Staff Reporter

Millions of South Africans live with the HIV/AIDS pandemic every day.

However, the solution to the problem reaches far beyond South Africa.

The issue of HIV/AIDS and other diseases is a problem for the global community, said Mandisa Mbali, a Yale postdoctoral associate.

Mbali said everyone has a role in making sure qual-

ity affordable healthcare is available.

“Nationality is an accident of birth,” she said. “We’re all human beings.”

Mbali spoke on several issues involving global health before a crowd of about 65 students and faculty Monday night in the Education and Human Services Building’s French Auditorium.

She said affordable treatment, increased medical personnel and a heightened political push will help contain the epidemic.

Mbali is a South African Rhodes Scholar who has published many scholarly articles focusing on South African AIDS activism. She

has seen the effects of the disease within her own family.

One of Mbali’s relatives is living with AIDS, and another died from the disease and left behind two children.

“It’s a critical social issue we’re talking about,” she said. “It’s about intellectual partnership, social partnership and cultural exchange.”

Mbali said countries also need to improve the work environment for physicians.

In countries such as Malawi, the ratio of doctors for patients is one to 60,000, Mbali said.

“Our government needs to

pay health workers more,” she said. “They need to make sure drugs are in the pharmacy.”

Throughout her presentation, Mbali showed clips of the film “Patient Abuse,” available on YouTube.

Greenville sophomore Molly Martin said she attended the speech to raise her own awareness on the AIDS/HIV issue.

She said it is something that affects people of all nationalities.

“There are students out there who have HIV/AIDS,” Martin said. “It takes a group to help them.” studentlife@cm-life.com

sports Central Michigan Life

8A

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

spring football game preview w Pick up Friday’s edition of CM Life for a breakdown of the conclusion to Spring practices.

[cm-life.com/category/sports]

Zeigler deal finalized; son Trey heading to CMU? Basketball coach signs four-year extension to stay

By Daniel Monson Senior Reporter

Ernie Zeigler had the task of making Central Michigan basketball relevant again when he was hired in 2006.

Four years later, Zeigler now is expected to win championships.

The CMU men’s basketball coach finalized a four-year contract Tuesday laden with numerous performance incentives. The deal was completed the day before Zeigler’s son, Trey, a renowned basketball prospect out of Mount Pleasant High School, will an-

nounce his Division I basketball intentions.

“I’m extremely excited about having the opportunity Ernie Zeigler to continue to be the head basketball coach here,” Zeigler said. “I think it’s a statement to the direction that myself and my staff and the players in our program have this thing going in the right direction.”

Zeigler receives the same base salary — $175,446 — he was scheduled to earn during the final year of his original deal, which was extended by one year before the 2008-09 season. Last season, he earned a $159,135 base salary.

Under the Inside new deal, w Contract Zeigler can details, 9A earn at least $25,000 per year in guaranteed bonuses for radio, television and development and more than $200,000 in possible performance bonuses per year.

“We’re not able to to pay significant increases in base salary,” said Athletics Director Dave Heeke. “But when there’s successful performance that has revenue streams behind it, we can compensate the head coach and cover those costs.”

Zeigler’s guaranteed bonuses saw a significant increase from the $10,000 per year he received under his last deal.

Now at $25,000 total, it also A ernie | 9A

Reports: MPHS guard will play for his father

By Daniel Monson Senior Reporter

Trey Zeigler spent his last full day as an uncommitted high school basketball prospect at the Student Activity Center, playing pick-up basketball with a few CMU players.

It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary — Trey has spent plenty of time around the program run by his father, Ernie Zeigler, since his family moved to Mount Pleasant in 2006.

But today,Trey will announce on national television whether he spends the next four years in Mount Pleasant — as an

official member of his father’s team.

At about 4:45 p.m., during ESPNU’s signing-day special, Trey will reveal Trey Zeigler which Division I school will receive his services.

“It’s been a long-time coming and finally getting it over with is going to be huge,” said Trey, a 6-foot-5 senior guard from Mount Pleasant High School who ESPN ranks as the No. 8 shooting guard and the No. 33 overall prospect in the nation.

Published reports late Tuesday said that Trey had chosen CMU. But it’s not official until Thursday morning, when he

signs his National Letter of Intent in front of family, friends, media members and supporters at Mount Pleasant High School.

Making the right call Trey, who was the runnerup for this year’s Michigan Mr. Basketball award for the state’s top player, said he didn’t make the decision until Monday, selecting between CMU, Michigan, Michigan State and UCLA. “We sat down with my dad, my family, my mom and finally made the decision,” he said. “There’s so many different things that played into it.

Being so close to my family and things like that — staying here, going out there — things

A trey | 9A

Softball plays No. 2 Michigan

SISTERS REUNITE ON CMU SOFTBALL TEAM

First time team has played a top-five UM team since 2005

By Matthew Valinski Staff Reporter

Photos by Jake May/Staff Photographer

Junior Brittini Merchant, right, draws a cross in the dirt before every at bat to express her faith. Her sister, freshman Macy, draws the number four, which she chose to wear to honor a late friend and a mother of a friend who is battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. Away from softball, the two are extremely close. “(Macy)’s my sister, my best friend, my rock. She’s everything and she’s awesome,” Brittini said.

Family + Faith

Merchant sisters share bond of Christianity, sports

B

By Justin Hicks | Staff Reporter

rittini Merchant draws a cross in the dirt with her bat as she steps into the batter’s box to express her religious beliefs.

The junior’s sister has a similar ritual. Macy, in her freshman season on the CMU softball team, draws the number four — her jersey number — in the dirt. Baseball great Lou Gehrig wore number four. It is not a coincidence her best friend’s mother has Lou Gehrig’s disease. Macy wears it as a tribute to her and to a close friend of hers who died in the summer of 2007.

Growing up in a Christian home, the Merchants attribute their talent to God. Both sisters have a Bible verse tattooed to illustrate their faith, and are looking to get a second one this year. Brittini’s quote says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and Macy’s says, “Alive in Christ.”

They also grew up with family being a huge priority.

“We were raised with two main things: faith and family,” Brittini said.

“Our source of strength comes from our Lord and savior, with the second source being our family.”

Family ties The sisters grew up in Wayland in a family of four daughters that define athleticism.

Before Brittini and Macy’s names reached the collegiate level, their sisters were making the family name known in the sporting world. Nicki Cardosa, the oldest daughter, played first base at Ferris State and went on to coach softball on the high school level, and Jessica Merchant, part of the national champion team at the University of Michigan in 2005, now plays for the New England Riptide in the National Pro Fastpitch League and is

an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts.

But Macy said playing with Brittini makes the athletic experience even more meaningful.

“It’s not every day that one daughter of a family gets to play at a Division I college and, yet, we both get to experience it together,” she said.

And while Macy is the freshman, it is quite clear the duo rely on each other. It is a relationship that goes well beyond the realm of the softball diamond. “(Macy)’s my sister, my best friend, my rock. She’s everything and she’s awesome,” Brittini said of her younger sister.

Athletics While siblings often deal with competitive natures and jealousy issues, these issues have not affected the relationship the Merchant sisters share.

“My family is very competitive in ev-

Sisters Macy Merchant, right, and Brittini, middle right, laugh with teammates before practice begins Tuesday at Margo Jonker Stadium. Brittini is batting .281 this year with 16 runs batted in. With 10 starts and 21 games played, Macy is batting .375.

erything we do, from playing sports to playing board games, but we still have fun while doing so,” Macy said.

Brittini has started every game in her three-year career at CMU, while Macy is a reserve outfielder with just 24 plate appearances in her first year thus far.

But with Brittini hitting on the right side and playing the infield, and Macy being a slap-hitter who plays the outfield, the girls carry out two different roles for the team, which helps separate them and relax any jealousy issues.

“We’re both striving to get better and to make each other better,” Brittini said. “It’s not a matter of wanting to be better than each other.”

But it is not the first time the sisters have played with one another.

They played together at Wayland High School for two years, winning a state championship in 2006.

“We were kind of like a dynamic duo in high school, and everyone knew the Merchant sisters were on the same team,” Macy said.

Brittini was a five-sport varsity athlete in high school, playing softball and basketball for four years each, and playing three years of tennis, two of bowling and one of volleyball.

In 2007, she won Michigan’s Miss Softball and was a Louisville Slugger/ NFCA All-American honorable mention. She also was named to the allconference, all-county and all-district teams all four years of softball.

Andrew Stover, Sports Editor | sports@cm-life.com | 989.774.3169

A faith | 9A

The CMU softball team will measure itself against one of the nation’s top ranked teams today.

CMU (17-12, 4-4 Mid-American Conference) takes on No. 2 Michigan at 6 p.m. at Wilpon Softball Complex.

Junior second baseman Brittini Merchant said the team likes the idea of seeing how it compares against the nation’s best.

“When we get to play a team of that caliber, we really bring everything that we got,” she said. “We prove to lot of people that we are a real good team.”

CMU vs. Michigan has typically been a close game in recent history regardless of Michigan’s usually-high ranking inside the nation’s top 10.

Last year, the Chippewas managed to lead No. 8 Michigan 1-0 heading into the sixth inning before falling 7-2.

But this year is the first time CMU has played a Michigan team ranked inside the top five since 2005. The Chippewas split the doubleheader in a season where Michigan eventually went on to win the NCAA Championship.

In 2007, CMU split another doubleheader when the Wolverines were ranked No. 9 in the nation.

Coach Margo Jonker said playing Michigan is actually a comfortable feeling for her team because CMU knows Michigan.

“We play them in the fall,” she said.

“We play them in the spring, we just know Margo Jonker their players. It is just a matter of being in a comfortable environment and believing that we can do the best we can.”

The Wolverines come in having won nine consecutive and 22 of 23.

Mercy Not only is Michigan winning, it is ending the game early.

In NCAA softball, if one team leads by more than seven runs after the fifth inning, the game is done. Michigan has won via that rule in six of the last eight games.

The Wolverines’ offense has hit .375 along with 12 home runs in their last seven games.

The Chippewas have been struggling with consistency from inning to inning, and Merchant said the team’s attitude needs to stay positive for CMU to stay in the game.

“We need to come out ready in the first inning and every inning,” she said.

“We need to stay positive and have a lot of talk in the infield and dugout.”

Senior Maggie Viefhaus leads the Michigan at the plate, batting .379 on the season.

Junior Jordan Taylor and senior Nikki Nemitz have been the two main pitchers in the circle for Michigan this season. The two have combined for 299 strikeouts in 221 and 1/3 innings.

CMU leads the Mid-American Conference in batting average, hitting .297. sports@cm-life.com

cm-life.com/category/sports

baseball

trey |

Team looks for fourth win in a row

continued from 8A

CMU, UIC swept last opponents

By John Evans Staff Reporter

The CMU baseball team goes for its fourth consecutive win at 5 p.m. today against IllinoisChicago.

Last Tuesday, the Chippewas (18-11, 8-1 Mid-American Conference) defeated the Flames 4-1 at Theunissen Stadium but, this time, the team is on the road playing at Les Miller Field in Chicago.

Both teams are coming off weekend sweeps. The Chippewas swept Akron with three consecutive come-from-behind wins and UIC beat Butler.

“You saw a lot of energy this weekend, and that was fun energy at the end of the day,” said coach Steve Jaksa. “Once you start feeling that way, to not want to feel that way again, you say, ‘Hey, this is fun. Lets keep this thing going.’ You keep it going by doing the things that got you there. Why take it easy

Ernie | continued from 8A

increases about $5,200 per year, Heeke said.

“We anticipate success in the program,” Heeke said. “As we have success, we believe there will be results. We can generate revenue off radio and television and have expectations of Ernie for a variety of fundraising programs. We have an expectation that he will be involved in those and we’re very confident our revenue will grow.”

Performance incentives The performance bonuses include extra compensation for achievements such as academic performance, attendance and championships that range from $1,000 to $75,000 depending on the accomplishment.

“We forecast very carefully — these aren’t just numbers pulled out of a hat,” Heeke said.

“I need to be as cost-conscious as possible, but still keep our coaches’ contracts competitive from a market standpoint, so they’ll want to be at Central Michigan. I think this is a fair way to do it.”

Zeigler has an overall record of 54-69 and a 31-33 mark in the MAC, including a 15-15, 9-7 record last season. He is the first coach to lead the Chippewas to 10-plus wins in four consecutive seasons since Charlie Coles from 1987-88 to 1990-91.

“I’m very excited about having the commitment that’s being shown,”Zeigler said. “When

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, April 14, 2010 || 9A

[Sports]

file photo by Matthew Stephens

Sophomore Nate Theunissen, who leads the team with a .400 batting average, three home runs and 25 RBIs, went 1-for-3 in when CMU beat UIC 4-1 on April 6 at Theunissen Stadium.

now? We have something going and it could be something good.”

Junior right-hander Bryce Morrow gets the start. He has a 1-1 record and an 8.40 earnedrun average. Morrow lost in his last start against Michigan, allowing 14 hits and nine runs (eight earned) in 3 and 1/3 innings.

But senior catcher Dale Cornstubble said the only things carried over will be the positives the team got out of the sweep against Akron.

“We are just trying to carry that energy from the weekend into Wednesday — just do the little things right and we will have the same outcome,” he said. “When you have three games like that in a row, there’s no doubt we’re going to take that energy to UIC with us. I’m

just going to do whatever I can to help the team win.”

The Flames (10-17) are led by junior Matt Serna, who has a .385 batting average and 26 runs scored.

Sophomore Nate Theunissen continues to pace the CMU offense with a .400 batting average. Cornstubble and senior James Teas are hitting .349 each.

Jaksa said although this weekend was good for the team, it still has a long way to go to get to where it wants to be at the end.

“We’re not at the end of the road,” Jaksa said. “... We’ve got to keep going — we have to make a few stops on the way before we get to the end of the road.” sports@cm-life.com

Ernie Zeigler contract extension Base salary: $175,446/year

Guaranteed bonuses (Increases about $5,200/year): w Radio/TV: $12,500/year w Promotional appearances development: $12,500/year

Incentive bonuses: w Win only MAC regular-season title: $10,000 w Win only MAC tourney: $10,000 w Win MAC regular season and tourney: $15,000 w Qualify for NCAA tourney: $10,000 w Win one NCAA tourney game: $15,000 w Win two NCAA tourney games: $20,000 w Win three NCAA tourney games: $25,000 I started here four years ago, I signed a four-year deal. I’m excited about having four more years to continue to strive to put this program at the top of our conference.

“I think we’ve sustained the level of competitiveness but, now, we want to reach for more.”

A new revenue stream Zeigler’s deal also allows the coach to schedule a third ‘guaranteed revenue’ road game against a non-conference opponent. In the past, only two games were scheduled and the

w Win four NCAA tourney games: $30,000 (Final Four) w Win five NCAA tourney games: $40,000 w Win NCAA tourney: $75,000 w Finish in top 100 RPI or get to NIT: $7,500 w Win NIT: $10,000 w Average home attendance of 2,000: $5,000 w Every NIT win: $3,000 w Every game that exceeds 2,800 attendance: $1,000 w Academic Progress Rate of 925 or more: $5,000 w Top 25 at end of regular season in AP/Coaches’ poll: $7,500 w MAC Coach of Year: $7,500 w West Division Title: $5,000 TOTAL INCENTIVE BONUSES: More than $200,000 possible money funneled into the athletic department’s overall operating budget.

The revenue from the third game would funnel money directly into the men’s basketball budget. Heeke said the game would need to net at least $60,000 for it to qualify.

“That will hopefully enhance our ability to sustain what we’ve built up to this point and even enhance that from a recruiting standpoint or doing things aesthetically around the program,” Zeigler said. sports@cm-life.com

like that. At the end of the day, I think we made the right decision.”

Ernie Zeigler, who signed a four-year contract Tuesday through the 2013-14 season — which would be Trey’s senior year — said it will be tough for Trey to disappoint the people with which he’s developed relationships during his recruitment process.

“Unfortunately, there’s only one school that he can attend,” Ernie said. “There’s going to be some coaches really happy and other coaches really upset. But for me, it’s a win-win situation because I know my son is going to have the opportunity to play for a really good coach and be a part of a really good situation, whatever situation that is.”

Trey said his father’s contract provides the secure situation he wants in looking for a school to attend.

“It’s great for my dad — he’s done some great things, winning back-to-back MAC West championships,” Trey said.

“For me, without that con-

faith | continued from 8A

Upon graduating high school, Macy had a track record of her own. She led her team to a 144-21 record over four years and was part of a team that won four conference championships, three district titles, two regional titles and a state title.

In three seasons, Macy also was named first-team all-conference, all-county, all-area, all-district, all-region and all-state in softball.

Macy’s talents attracted scouts to each sport she played — including basketball and volleyball — but, when it came down to it, she made softball choice.

“I love basketball, but I chose softball because I think it had the most to offer me and I thought I cold be most successful at this level,” she said.

tract, I really don’t think there would really be a shot at me coming (to CMU). We wanted security in a situation, so I think that was great for that to happen. It opens the door for him.”

Top talent Trey averaged 24.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game his senior season at MPHS to lead the team to a 21-4 record and a Class A district title.

He said he has been recruited since his freshman year of high school, receiving letters and phone calls from interested schools.

“But my dad let me know right away that really doesn’t mean anything,” Trey said.

“But when I sat down with (Michigan State) Coach (Tom) Izzo, he told me he wanted me and, being from such a prestigious school, I knew right there I had a chance to play at a lot of different schools.”

James Conway, MPHS athletics director, said he believes Trey can compete with anyone in the country.

“He’s a coachable kid who has a great understanding of basketball,” Conway said. “I don’t see any problems if he ends up playing The future Brittini and Macy said they will keep religion, family and softball in their future plans.

Concluding her career in softball, Macy wants to go into youth ministry and hopefully coach softball.

“I want to be able to impact peoples’ lives the way I’ve been impacted growing up through coaches, teachers and youth ministry, and I hope to impact kids’ lives using God and what I’ve been taught growing up,” she said.

Following in the footsteps of her older sisters, Brittini also hopes to have a coaching career down the road.

“My sisters and the coaches I’ve had in the past have been very motivational and a positive influence in my life and I hope, someday, I can be the same in someone else’s life,” she said.

for his father.”

The process Trey said he has enjoyed the attention he receives, but the pressure lately has increased from outsiders who want to know his plans.

“As a high school kid, you love the attention,” he said.

“But at a certain point, it’s like, ‘This is enough.’ I think I’ve been at that point since the beginning of this year.

The biggest thing I try to do is put it on the backburner.

“Especially during basketball it gave me an option out — I tried not to think about it that much. But now that basketball’s over, there’s really nothing else to look at but that. These last couple of weeks have been difficult.”

For MPHS boys varsity coach Sam Taylor, Trey’s four years gave the program attention that it had not seen in years.

“I look at it as a real fun learning experience and something that might not happen very often in our program,” Taylor said. “We wanted to take it all in and enjoy it.” sports@cm-life.com

Similar sisters Valued super power?

Brittini: “I would pick to fly so that I could just drive everywhere instead of driving a car.”

Macy: “Let’s see if I could have a super power ... flying.”

Four dinner guests, alive or dead?

Brittini: “Our lord and savior, Jesus Christ, my grandpa, who passed away my freshman year.

I need someone famous, so probably Michael Jordan and Will Ferrell.”

Macy: “God would be one, Michael Jordan would be another one, Michael Jackson and, I guess Brittini can come.”

— See cm-life.com for the full Q-and-A.

sports@cm-life.com

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

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Movie Review

Carell, Fey mix comedy styles in ‘Date Night’ Supporting acts make film hilarious

By Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter

Photos by sean proctor/staff photographer

Michael Venyah, co-founder of Soulwinners Ministries International, finishes his preaching with a prayer concerning students’ souls Tuesday afternoon outside the Charles V. Park Library.

a soulful message?

Students debate ministry’s preachings, read Harry Potter outside Park Library

By Maryellen Tighe | Senior Reporter

J

ustin Bentley and his friends wanted to bring “the good news of Harry Potter” to campus.

So the Mount Pleasant senior and four friends held Harry Potter signs and read aloud from the popular fantasy books Tuesday at Central Park outside the Charles V. Park Library.

They stood near Michael Venyah, the co-founder of Soulwinners Ministries International, as he held a Bible and preached to students.

Haslett senior Patrick Reynolds pauses from reading “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” to listen with Mount Pleasant senior Justin Bentley to a joke about Superman saving souls.

Reynolds and Bentley gathered with other students to debate with Soulwinners. Bentley held a sign reading “Expecto Patronus,” referencing the Harry Potter series.

Saginaw senior Gretchen Combs talks with Dave Metz of Soulwinners on Tuesday afternoon outside the Charles V. Park Library. “They said I was going to hell because I was fat, I was just looking for clarity on the scripture,” Combs said. “I definitely don’t like that they’re here. They throw out scripture with no context. I’m trying to counter that.”

“We saw that there was a fictional reading here today, and we decided to come out and join it,” Bentley said.

“Everybody has the right to go to a public place and shout what they want to.”

Bentley and five of his friends came up with the idea after they heard Soulwinners would be on campus. Both groups are just an exercise of free speech, he said.

Soulwinners was founded in 2004.

According to its Web site, it seeks “to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the community through systematic outreach.” It typically visits CMU each year for several days.

“You’ve been more faithful to your classes, to your CMU athletics, than to God,” Michael Venyah told assembled students Tuesday. “Hell does not have a happy hour. There’s no cigarettes, no alcohol... there’s only fire in hell.”

If laughter truly is the best medicine, then “Date Night” will cure you of just about everything (note: please consult a doctor if you actually have a serious condition).

Steve Carell and Tina Fey have fantastic chemistry that will have you giggling like a schoolgirl through the entirety of the movie.

Add to the mix a brief appearance by James Franco and Mila Kunis, and you have a recipe for a hilarious comedy.

Phil Foster (Steve Carell) and his wife, Claire (Tina Fey), live a boring and repetitive married life. Raising a family and working time-consuming jobs don’t allow the couple much time to relax.

As the two begin to realize they are becoming “excellent roommates” instead of a married couple, they decide to try and reignite the spark of love.

Yet in an attempt to spice things up, the ordinary couple find themselves in a dangerous and far-from-normal situation.

Relying on Holbrooke (Mark Wahlberg), one of Claire’s past clients, the Fosters must overcome a series of hilarious events that ultimately lead them to discover that, if given the chance to change things, they would do everything the same all over again.

Carell’s character is much like the characters he plays in most films: wellmeaning and hilariously awkward. His dialogue will have the audience in tears, especially in the parts of the film when he tries to act like a tough guy.

However, Tina Fey also brings her own comedy style to the mix. Blending her inherently funny personality with giggle-worthy dialogue and actions, Fey adds a unique degree of comedy to this film that would be nonexistent had any other actress played her role.

A Date night | 4B

cm-life.com Check the site Thursday for a video of the Soulwinners.

A great debate Tamika and Michael Venyah have been preaching with Soulwinners for more than five years.

“We both began to witness and preach when we got saved,” Tamika Venyah said. “We want to see souls saved. Christ told his disciples to go forth and preach the gospel, so we’re following his commands.”

The Soulwinners group travels all over the country — they came to CMU from Kansas, she said.

A Soulwinners | 4B

“We saw that there was a fictional reading here today, and we decided to come out and join it. Everybody has the right to go to a public place and shout what they want to.”

“Date Night” w

w w

Starring: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg Genre: Comedy, romance Rating: PG-13

Justin Bentley, Mount Pleasant senior

HHHH

Students in ‘Ultimate at CMU’ compete throwing Frisbees Team traveling to Kalamazoo this weekend for competition

By Thiago Fernandes Staff Reporter

Throwing around a Frisbee is more than just a summer pas-

time for some Central Michigan University students.

For the members of Ultimate at CMU, it is a sport with tactics, preparation, competition and teamwork.

Ultimate at CMU is a registered student organization designed for the playing of Ultimate, a popular flying disc sport.

“It has a mix of soccer and football,” said Saint Joseph se-

nior Nate Trela, president of Ultimate at CMU. “It’s seven-onseven, and the objective is to get to the end zone.”

This weekend, the group is headed to the 2010 Ultimate Players Association College Series in Kalamazoo to compete in the UPA Michigan College Open Sectionals.

Players will compete against 11 other teams in Michigan for a shot at the regional tourna-

ment.

The sport, officially called “Ultimate” due to trademark issues with the word Frisbee, has seen increased popularity in recent years. In Ultimate, the disc must be thrown from player to player, with the goal of reaching the opposing team’s end zone.

The player that catches the disk must not move and has to keep a foot planted on the ground as a pivot until the disc

is released.

Commerce junior Jason Jaskiewicz, vice president of Ultimate at CMU, said there also is a tactical side to the game.

“There’s two positions in Ultimate,” he said. “A handler, which is the person who excels at throwing and controls the disc most of the time, and the cutters, who are the people who do a majority of the running and catching of the disc.”

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A Frisbee | 4B

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Ultimate has broken up into various different games, and spread world-wide since becoming popular in the early 1970s. Jaskiewicz has a theory on the sport’s popularity.

“Mainly, it’s cheap. All you really need is a disc (which is) $10$15, and maybe a good pair of cleats,” he said.

Jaskiewicz said the sport com-

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