Sept 14 2010

Baseball slides home

Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

September 14

Net gain

The college amphitheater will be the debut site for the fall production Oct. 6-7 starring Leslie Landeros as Juliet.

— Page 5

2010

Lady Saints volleyball starts season with overall record of 9-2.

— Page 6

Sax Brothers Student saxophone quartet performs at Spencer Browne’s coffee shop.

–Page 5

Alumni Saints return to Seward for reunion and Home Run Derby.

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID Liberal, KS Permit NO.114

— Page 8

www.crusadernews.com

Year 42, No. 1

HALO hosts voter registration booth HALO will sponsor a voter registration drive from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday in the Hobble Academics Building hallway in front of the Student Success Center.

Student pilot lands at Seward

By Alfredo Anaya

Chamber offers prize of $6,000

esley Jones is a

Liberal Chamber of Commerce is selling tickets for the annual duck race, Sept. 25 at Blue Bonnet Park. Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50. Prizes this year are $6,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place. Those interested in purchasing a ticket can purchase them from Dr. Duane Dunn, college president.

Lunch in the library with plane historian The Lunch in the Library series will begin Oct. 4 at the Seward County Community College/ Area Technical School library. “Gladys the Riveter” will be performed by historian Teresa Bachman. Those attending should bring their own lunch and drinks and cookies will be provided. For more information contact Matthew Pannkuk at (620) 417-1161.

Haunted house actors needed Volunteers are needed to work for the Terror on Hill Street attraction in Turpin, Okla., from Oct. 27-31. Volunteers are needfor acting, makeed up/wardrobe, security and retail.

Must be 18 years of age. For questions, call (620) 391-3348.

German guitar player performs Shire Green will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Showcase theatre . The concert is free to students with their school ID. The German guitar player has online clips and music at www.shiregreen.de

Friends host open house Friends University will have an open house Thursday in Room SW229 A. Students can complete major coursework for a bachelor of science Organizational Management and Leadership. Contact Danielle Murray for more information at (620) 276-0435 or danielle_murray@friends.edu.

Crusader photo/Alfredo Anaya

Wesley Jones sits in the college amphitheatre in colorful DC shoes and socks that tend to reflect his bright personality.

Jones attended Fort Gordon Military academy after having some problems in his past that resulted with him having three of his ribs cracked in a gang fight.

“At that point, I decided that, in combination with several other things I'd been subjected to in my gang life, that it was just enough,” Jones said.

Jones graduated from Fort Gordon in 2008 with a 4.0 grade point average and earned 14 out of the 17 awards given by the academy.

After completing his education in Fort Gordon, Jones was offered a $100,000 scholarship to attend TransPac Aviation Academy in Phoenix.

Jones attended aviation academy as a promise he made to his mom.

“I went into aviation school with a promise to my mom. I told her I would go, but I hated flying. I didn’t like it at all. But I made a promise to my mom that I would do it for a year,” Jones said.

What Jones never expected was that his mom would pass away shortly after he completed his physical for flight school.

Although Jones had just endured such a loss, he was determined to finish his education at the aviation academy, even if it meant having to struggle through the days doing something he didn’t enjoy.

“I stayed there and I endured that, and some mornings it was so bad that I would get up and

colorful character.

It’s plain to see he likes to express himself in his attire, wearing colorful socks and a backpack to stand out from the crowd.

His manners also stand out, as he politely stays behind to open a door for anybody who is about to walk by.

Jones’ past is as colorful as his pink, green, and yellow socks, and checkered with a military academy education, with a gang past, and a commercial pilot’s license.

cry because I didn’t want to go to school because I was so frustrated with it,” Jones said. “But overall I knew I had to stay and keep the promise I made to my mom.”

When Jones graduated from TransPac Aviation Academy, he was offered a job to as an aviation instructor, but he had his sights set on a different course. Jones applied to go to college at Elmhurst, Ill.,but ultimately decided to attend Seward.

“I enrolled in Elmhurst and got an offer for a scholarship, but I actually declined that offer because I wanted to stay in Liberal,” Jones said. “I appreciate what this school has to offer.”

Jones decided to attend Seward after he visited as part of a summer program, and having family nearby was also a factor in Jones’ decision to stay in Liberal. Penny Jones, Seward county women’s assistant basketball coach, is a cousin of Wesley’s.

“Being around her definitely has helped me stay on track when I first started here. She has introduced me to a lot of the staff, and it’s always nice to have a family base close by,” Jones said.

Penny also likes having a family member close by to help whenever she needs something around the house and takes pride in watching her cousin succeed.

•See Jones page 3

Liberal, Kansas

Security supervisor resigns after arrest Mauldin, who are working additional hours to fill shifts.

Director of buildings, grounds and security Roger Scheib is also working extra hours to guarantee that students are safe, Dunn said.

Students should also be aware that for events such as games, off-duty Liberal Police Department officers are

Al fredo Anaya Editor

Seward Coummunity College/ Technical Area School head of security Ray Petty was arrested at 11 p.m. Sept. 4 at 618 N. Clay.

Petty was arrested for eavesdropping and obstruction of the legal process, Petty according to the Liberal Police Department. hired.

Petty resigned as head of seDunn has said that the college cutiry at the college Wednesday is currently looking for someafternoon, according to Seward body to fill the position of secuCounty President Dr. Duane rity supervisor, and hope to have Dunn. that person hired by mid-Octo“It’s one of those things, any ber. employee is also a human being, Security or law enforcement and what they do off work isn’t training is required with at least always a reflection on the col- three years of supervisory expelege. This occurred off campus,” rience and five years of public Dunn said. “The challenge, I safety experience. think, many times being in a All considered for employcommunity where a lot of peo- ment through the college must ple know each other is that it be- go through a background check, comes hard to seperate a person and those convicted with from their job. But we never had felonies or crimes against a perany complaints about his work son will not be hired. background.”

Dunn is confident that the poPetty had been on annual sition will be filled soon. Seleave since the arrest. He was ward has been advertising localnot available by telephone for ly. This has been the second comment. time Dunn has had to conduct a Currently the campus has two search for a security supervisor full time security employees, position, and overall he feels John Hiebert and Christina like it will be an easy process.

Enrollment figures see possible increase James Hage Crusader staff Enrollment numbers for fall 2010 will not be finalized until next week, and early numbers have fluctuated fairly dramatically between increases or decreases.

As of Monday, credit hours were reported to be up by 4 percent. However, the final numbers won’t be in until Sept. 21.

According to Celeste Donovan, dean of student services, the numbers are determined by the credit hours, number of students, both part time and full time, and distance from the college.

Of the 1,792 students current-

ly attending Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, more than 40 of them are international students.

Numbers include 98 concurrent high shool students and around 165 college students attending classes in the Technical school, Donovan explained.

Admissions director J.R. Doney believes enrollment rates will increase this year, but knows many factors go into figuring the final head counts.

“I would be pleased with any increase,” Doney said. “There are a lot of factors that will determine the final numbers like the economy, marketing, financial aid, and retention.”

Cirque d’ Etoiles shines for scholarship auction Hei dy Mol i na Crusader staff The Development Foundation will host the 16th annual Scholarship Auction at 6 p.m. Sept. 25 in the Seward County Event Center, located at the fairgrounds.

The theme of Cirque d’ Etoiles, or circus of the stars, will highlight the evening designed to raise scholarship funds for Seward students.

“We wanted something colorful and fun for the theme,” Director of Development Tammy Doll said. “One of the members of the committee had just gotten back

from Vegas and that’s how we got our idea for the theme.”

The money raised is used toward scholarships that are offered to the students.

“I would like the students to ask their parents to come to the auction,” Doll said.

“It’s a really fun event. It’s a great way to support the students and the college.”

The auction is divided into two parts: a silent auction and a live auction. The silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. and the live auction at 8 p.m. The auction will be called by Mike Gatlin.

Last year, the turnout at the auction was lower than what had been expected.

“I never know what to expect. Every year is different,” Doll said. “I hope there

is a large crowd.”

Something different that might draw more people to the auction is a motor scooter donated by Chrysler Corner.

“It’s a good way to save money on gas,” Doll said.

A trip to Red River, N.M., is also being offered.

The entertainment for Cirque d’ Etoiles is being coordinated by Magda Silva, vocal instructor.

“It has been a crazy semester trying to find all the students I want to have perform, but there will be no cheap circus music, some juggling, and relaxing music to help the people take their time on bidding,” Silva said.

Great Western Dining will prepare the menu, which includes brisket donated by National Beef and pork loin donated by Seaboard.

Vegetables, potato casserole, and shrimp and drinks will round out the dinner. Dessert will consist of a chocolate fountain and a dessert bar. Tickets for the party auction must be bought in advance by anyone 21 and older. They are $20 and will be available in Room A190.

Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Tickets may also be purchased at some local businesses including The Community Bank, Sunflower Bank, and First National Bank of Liberal.

Waterjet machine makes the cut at Tech School Jonathan Yowel l Crusader staff

Crusader photo/Jonathan Yowell

Dale Boren and Tyson Miller get instructions from machine tool technology instructor Butch Garst, at right, on how to operate the Multicam Waterjet recently installed at the Tech School. At far right, precision samples the machine cut from half-inch aluminum.

Seward has recently received and installed a new MiltiCam Abrasive Waterjet machine.

The project is a joint effort involving Seward County Community College/Area Technical School, Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The machine uses water and an abrasive material coming out at 55,000 psi to cut metal, glass, ceramic and many other materials.

It has the capability to cut materials up to two inches thick and

60 inches tall by 60 inches wide.

The water jet cuts items cold instead of with heat as with a torch or cutting saw. This saves the material from being heated and warping.

The addition of this machine has greatly expanded the capabilities of the technical school’s manufacturing department.

“The waterjet machine that is new to the manufacturing cluster of programs enhances the training of our students, making them more employable,” Butch Garst, machine tool technology

instructor, said. “The machine increases our capacity to serve area industries as well.”

This machine will be used to make parts for area businesses as well as for individual customers around the area.

NEWS

2 CRUSADER

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Seward ranked No. 33 in Top 50 list Dana Loewen Editor Washington Monthly recently published a list of the top 50 community colleges in the U.S. Out of over 650 community colleges surveyed, SCCC/ATS ranked No. 33.

“At first I was surprised because I hadn’t heard about it, but then I felt very, very proud,” said Seward president Dr. Duane Dunn.

The list was based on survey information collected by a nonprofit organization called the Community College Survey of Student Engagement and graduation rates published by the U. S. Department of Education.

Factors included in the survey were active and collaborative learning, student effort, academic challenge, student-faculty interaction, support for learning, and the four-year graduation rate.

“I think it says a lot that the information collected was from another source; it validates it,” Dunn said.

The results of the rankings mean SCCC/ATS is the best public community college in Kansas. The other Kansas colleges that made the top 50 were Hesston College, which is a private college, at No. 2, and Barton County Community College at No. 50.

According to the Washington Monthly article by Kevin Carey, although community colleges are stereotyped as substandard education, the colleges in this list prove that notion wrong. People don’t expect excellence from community college students because of the lack of admissions standards and funding. Colleges like SCCC/ATS prove that students don’t need to go to a famous university to get a good education, according to the article.

“We focus on students: the chances for them to get advice, and opportunities to participate,” Dunn said. “The small class size is definitely a part of it, but also is the good relationship between students and faculty.”

“I think we do an outstanding job of providing for students,” Celeste Donovan, dean of students services, said. “Our college employees have a genuine concern for students and students success, all the way from our part-time staff to the president’s office.”

The list was the first ever of its kind. As Dunn said, the challenge is now out. Now that this information is public, there will be more competition between community colleges to get on this list.

As well as the college did, there’s always room for improvement. Dunn said the administration will study the survey to find areas the college can improve on.

He would love to see an increase in graduation rate, or moving up in the rankings, but more important is the success and satisfaction of the students.

“If we can make the students feel more welcome, that’s what we want to do,” Dunn said.

“Regardless of ranking, we want to educate our students.”

SCCC student Regine Beauchard took photos of her home, at right, devastated by the January earthquake in Haiti. The earthquake caused millions of dollars in damage. The U.S. reached out and donated to those devasted by the earthquake and created many charities in order to aid the cause.

Haiti student visits devastated home When Seward student Regine Beauchard left the airport after her arrival in Haiti last summer, the first thing she noticed was the tents everywhere, and the rubble all over the streets.

“It was a complete shock,” Beauchard said. “It was very sad, complete devastation.”

It’s been almost eight months since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the already struggling country of Haiti.

Last January, after the earthquake hit, the Seward Students in Free Enterprise club decided to help Beauchard’s family in Haiti

by preparing and serving a benefit dinner. The SIFE dinner was successful, raising $5,000 in donations.

“We are so glad we did it,” said Poe Castillo, a close friend of Regine, who helped with the fundraiser.

“We were shocked when we raised $5,000 for her. We never expected to raise that much. I think it showed Regine that she has made many good friends in her short time here at SCCC. It also showed her family that there are people in the USA that care very much about Haiti and its loss.”

Shortly after finals in May, Beauchard spent about two weeks

Crusader 2008 - CMA Best of Show, Newspaper, 1st/ Special Section, 3rd 2003-2004 - Newspaper Pacemaker Finalist - ACP 2008 First Place Certificate - ASPA

Phone: 620.417.1459

Fax: 620.417.1169

in Haiti, visiting her family. She also helped distribute things to her family’s church, where her father is a pastor.

According to Beauchard, Haiti is rebuilding very slowly. Even after more than half a year has passed and millions of dollars have been donated to the country, not much progress has been made.

“It’s so difficult to get aid to them,” Beauchard said.

The money donated by the SIFE fundraiser has been helpful to her family. They have used it to clear the rubble left by the destroyed home and to help build a temporary house to stay in while building a new one.

editor Alfredo Anaya editor Dana Loewen entertainment Jose Rodriguez online editor Deisi Barboza

CrusaderNews.com 2003, 2004 - National Online Pacemaker Award 2008 - National Online Pacemaker Finalist - ACP

sports editor Joseph Hoffman

Crusader photo/Octavio Rodriguez

Going Bongo for Bongoball Colton Fry and Junior Lozano wait patiently for their next game of “Bongoball” to begin. At right, Kaelob Mecum ducks for cover behind an obstacle. The Student Government Association sponsored the games, which were set up south of the Student Living Center Monday. Bongoball is a game that combines paintball and capture the flag, without the mess or pain.

Crusader photo/Ivan Gaytan

reporters/photographers

Dana Loewen Editor

Zach Carpenter Jeanette Contreras Ivan Gaytan James Hage Heidy Molina Lizuly Monarez Omar Rios Octavio Rodriguez Adrienne Sanborn Reanna Tulinson Jessica Williams Jessican Winner Jonathan Yowell

Kansas Associated Collegiate Press

The official student newspaper of Seward County Community College/Area Technical School is published bi-monthly by journalism students during the regular college year, except on school holidays and during examination periods.

One copy of each issue is distributed free to each student, faculty and staff member, with subsequent copies available for purchase in the Crusader office at 50 cents each.

Letters to the editor will be considered for publication if they are signed and the authenticity of the writer’s signature is verified. The staff reserves the right to edit for length. Opinions voiced in letters and editorials are not necessarily those of Seward County Community College/Area Technical School or the Crusader.

Staff editorials are decided on and written by members of the editorial board: Alfredo Anaya, Dana Loewen, Joseph Hoffman, Jose Rodriguez, and Deisi Barboza.

Advertising is accepted. Rates are $4 per column inch or $4.80 pci for color ads.

Insert rates are $50 per thousand. Classified ads are free to SCCC students, faculty and staff; classified rates for all others are $4 per ad, limit of 20 words. The Crusader staff reserves the right to refuse advertising.

94

KOOCHEL’S INC. Liberal’s only locally owned parts store.

Automotive Parts Automotive Automotive Detailing Wash-Wax-Shampoo Oil-Filter-Lube LARRY KOOCHEL 2200 N. Kansas• Liberal, KS 67901 Office: 620-624-7451

Parts: 620-624-0181

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

NEWS

CRUSADER 3

SYATP event to be Sept. 22 Dana Loewen Editor Sept. 22, the annual See You At The Pole event will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Any Seward students who would like to participate can meet at the flagpole next to Hobble Academic Building at 7 a.m.

Sept. 22. Doughnuts and juice will be served after prayer.

SYATP is an event involving students meeting at their school flagpoles to pray for their county, government leaders, school, and families.

SYATP started in Burleston, Texas, in 1990 when a group of teenagers felt it on their hearts to pray for their school, friends, and leaders.

Since then, it has spread across the United States, and overseas in more than 20 countries including Canada, Korea, Japan, and Turkey. Now, more than 3 million students participate in SYATP each year.

Last year, about 15 students attended SYATP at Seward County Community College/ Area Technical School.

Bookstore survey offers chance to win prizes Adri enne S anborn Crusader staff The Saints Bookstore is encouraging students to take a survey about their wants and needs in a bookstore. By taking this national online survey, the students are given a chance to win cash prizes.

The student watch online survey is created by the National Association of College Stores in an effort to increase college bookstore sales nationwide.

NACS will have a drawing for one $500 cash prize and one $100 cash prize for survey takers in the nation. Also, the Saints

Bookstore will be thanking SCCC/ATS participants by giving away one $100 cash prize and two $25 gift certificates to Applebee’s according to Lynn Gerstenkorn, merchandising and marketing director of the Saints Bookstore.

This 5-10 minute survey can be taken anytime during October in the Saints Bookstore.

The survey is comprised of a series of thorough questions, like what students want to find in a college bookstore and satisfaction with the student’s college bookstore. Saints Bookstore will have a laptop set up for anyone who wishes to participate.

Crusader photo/Joseph Hoffman

Afshin Ziafat was the speaker for the Momentum Conference in Oklahoma City Friday. Ziafat is a former Muslim who is now a Christian speaker.

Crusader photo/Joseph Hoffman

Nathan Engelman, Michael Mages and Isaac Fuentes visit before talking with Ziafat.

CMC gains momentum at college conference Joseph Hoffman Crusader Staff Campus Messengers for Christ members traveled with students of Oklahoma Panhandle State University Friday to the Momentum Conference at the First Baptist Church in Moore, Okla.

CMC members who went included sponsor Nathan Engelman and students Dana Loewen, Isaac Fuentes, Micheal Mages, Clair Sims, and Joseph Hoffman.

The conference had nearly 2,000 college students from universities including University of Oklahoma, Okla-

homa State University, University of Central Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Afshin Ziafat spoke for the two sessions of the conference, with the Jeff Johnson Band leading praise and worship.

Ziafat shared his story of converting from Islam to Christianity and the costs and rewards of following Christ.

“It is always great to be able to take students off campus to conferences like this and to see them learn and grow in Christ,” Engelman said. “Ziafat is an amazing or-

Club Briefs

SGA Joseph Hoffman Crusader staff In the Student Government Association’s meeting on Monday, members discussed upcoming events such as what booths to do at the Trick-or-Treat Street on Oct. 28. Ideas involved having a hay ride and setting up a haunted house for students and trick-ortreaters.

The next SGA meeting will be Sept. 20. The SGA meets every Monday at 4:30 pm in Room SU214 E/W in the student union.

PTK Courtesy photo

Wesley Jones accepts his diploma from the president of TransPac aviation academy. Jones was offered a job after graduating from TransPac but chose to attend Seward to further his education.

Jones: Pilot returns to school • continued from page 1 “It's great to have a member of my family attending college where I work,” Jones said. “I know he will get a great education at Seward, and I know the teachers here will give him a great foundation to excel at a four-year university.”

Wesley Jones is currently a member of the Kylix art club, and a member of the Saints cheer squad as a yell leader. As with most aspects in his life, Jones always tries his hardest to excel,

and he has already made an impact on other members of the cheer squad. His fellow yell leader Jeff Goodrum sees a lot of potential in Jones and believes that he is going to be an important asset to the team. “He’s going to bring a lot of light on the team,” Goodrum said. “He’s very much of a leader type, and he is going to do great.”

As of now, Wesley is only testing the waters at Seward with extracurricular activities. He hopes to join the school band

IT’S A WIN-WIN! You choose: Jayhawk or Wildcat CD. Your term: 18 months On sale: Until September 30.

You earn! Your rate jumps when your team wins!

Check with us for your great rate today.

You can’t lose!

once he has things figured out.

He is majoring in music management and merchandising and sociology and would like to work as a social worker.

“I want to be a social worker because I think it’s pretty cool,” Jones said. “I like helping people.” Jones also hopes to ultimately transfer from Seward with an academic scholarship and believes he will be able to do so because he always follows through with any goals he sets for himself.

James Hage Crusader staff The Chi Alpha Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa meets every other Monday at 5 p.m. in SW229.

PTK is a national honor society for two year graduates.

Sponsor Debbie Stafford said she is impressed by the effectiveness and the effort of PTK students both on and off campus.

The sponsor of five years said PTK is an active club, involved with a lot of events year-long, starting with its recruitment drive that began Monday.

PTK elected officers Aug. 30.

The club officers are Kelsey Darnell, president; Ricky Rodriquez, vice president; Kelsey Cook, secretary and Kim Fuller, public relations officer.

PTK is involved in the campus

Apply by Nov. 1 for fall classes at SCCC/ATS Cosmetology!

539 E. Pancake Blvd Liberal, KS (620) 626-7388

741 E. Pancake Blvd.

Liberal, KS (620) 626-6788

Buffet All Day OPEN: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. DAILY

recycling efforts, Trick-or-Treat Street, children’s book drive, Thanksgiving food drive, Thanksgiving food basket delivery, holiday party for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, games with Good Samaritan Center, Holiday Home Tour, and have a designated area of Highway 54 the club members are responsible for cleaning, which they do every month.

front of the Student Success Center.

HALO meets every other Wednesday in SU214 east and west. HALO is an organization that helps promote leadership.

HALO last met Aug. 25, when they voted on club officers which are Carlos Luis, president; Luis Barboza, vice president; and Mary Carmen Perez, secretary.

Kylix

SPEC

Jessi ca Wi nner Crusader staff

Reanna Tuml i nson Crusader staff

Kylix, sponsored by instructor Susan Copas, plans to do face painting at the Liberal Air Show this fall, plus annual events such as Children’s Art Day and an arts and crafts sale.

Kylix is an art club that meets monthly. The next meeting is planned for Thursday at 4 p.m in H120.

Club officers include Karem Gallo, president; Omar Rios, vice president; Jeanette Contreros, secretary and Janette Vargas, treasurer.

Saints Promoting Education Careers is a club for students interested in education careers.

Upcoming events SPEC has planned are to possibly visit the Exploration Place in Wichita, help with Trick-or-Treat Street in October, and to have speakers throughout the year.

SPEC is still looking for members, so if students are interested in education and did not come to the first meeting they are still welcome to come to future meetings, according to SPEC sponsors Janice Northerns and Susan Copas.

SPEC officers are president Saul Gonzalez, co-vice presidents Jeanette Galan and Reanna Tumlinson, secretary Vicky Yorio and treasurer Devin Miller.

SPEC meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month in H113. The next meeting is Sept.

22.

HALO James Hage Crusader staff The Hispanic American Leadership Organization will sponsor a booth to help students register to vote from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday in the Hobble Academics Building hallway in

Come by Carroll Auto Glass at 2240 N. Kansas in Liberal, or call for mobile service.

Rocky roads give you a ding?

Give us a ring!

For glass repair or replacement,

call Carroll Auto Glass at 620-624-0994!

Member FDIC

Check with us for additional details. Minimum deposit of $1,000. No business deposits or public funds.

ward and Baptist Student Union members from OPSU had the privilege to meet with Ziafat in his hotel on Saturday morning for a question and answer session.

Ziafat offered his wisdom on such things as God’s plan in people’s lives, and how to productively spend personal study time and sharing faith across school campuses.

One of the most memorable quotes from Ziafat was, “Don’t worship the plan of God, but the God of the plan, and everything will fall into place.”

Cosmetology

711 N. Kansas Liberal

www.sunflowerbank.com/kick-off | (620) 624-8101

ator. He speaks the word of God with great authority given his background and conversion from Islam to Christianity.”

Ziafat currently lives in Dallas with his wife Meredith. He is the founder of Afshin Ziafat Ministries and travels nationally and internationally proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in churches, retreats, camps, conferences, and missions.

He also speaks to more then 2,000 college students at Baylor University every Monday night.

CMC members from Se-

C AL L T O D A Y 6 2 0- 4 1 7- 1 3 61

Mortgages Unlimited

Experienced service that is Local, Guaranteed, & Qualified.

Scantlin’s Furniture

Get your home comfortable for the holidays with new furniture from Scantlin’s Furniture

211 S. Washington Liberal 624-3859 • 1-800-253-3238

OPINION

4 CRUSADER

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Educational games better than violent Reanna Tumlinson Crusader staff Tumlinson@crusadernews.com

World of Warcraft Expansion.

Halo. Kingdom Hearts: Birth

By Sleep. NHL 11. Warriors of Rock. All of these are new video games coming out in the next couple months. All of the games gave on thing in common, they are highly anticipated by the public.

The average American spends 8-14 hours playing video games a week. Whether this is good for people’s brains is questionable.

On a young child these games can harbor violence and can upset children.

I experienced this myself when I was babysitting three children. The oldest boy in particular would get very upset when he lost a game, was told to get off, or if one of his siblings got in the way of the television.While this might not be due to games, it definitely seems to raise violence levels.

While I love to play video games of all kinds such as World of Warcraft and Kingdom Hearts, I have also seen games cause violence.

On the other side of the spectrum some video games are also very educational. Such as futureU: The Prep Game for SAT and Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes A Day. These games encourage education while having fun.

When I was in third grade I had a game called ClueFinders 3rd Grade Adventures: Mystery of Mathra that was a lot of fun, but it also helped me with my math. I really enjoyed this game and passed it on to my brothers when they were old enough. They also liked it.

So are video games rotting peoples brains? I would say that it all depends on what games you are playing.

If you are playing violent games, then you are likely to have violent tendencies or become more frustrated, but if you can control your anger while playing you will still have fun. If you are playing educational games you are likely to have fun and learn at the same time.

Spending money name of the game Heidy Molina Crusader staff Molina@crusadernews.com

“Time is money,” so I’ve heard. I never really tried to figure out if there was a deeper meaning to it until recently. I have been working for a couple of years now and I had come to the conclusion that I got paid for the time I put in on the job.

Last week in class, I realized that the expression had more than one meaning. Turns out that we pay for the time spent in a class. Many of us fail to understand that if we don’t go to class, we’re wasting money. It’s a very simple concept that I failed to understand until now.

Many students go to class the first couple of days, then they only show once a week, and then eventually don’t show up at all.

I would assume that if you are paying to get an education you would show up to class and make sure to get the most of it.

Right? It seems like many of us think that it doesn’t matter, and that we pay for a class just because.

There is no point in paying for a class and then deciding to not show up. If you didn’t want to take the class then why did

you pay for it in the first place?

It’s common sense. You are just wasting money.

Not only are you throwing money out the window, but you are also wasting your teacher’s time. Teachers don’t want to spend time on a student that fails to show up to class and then right before finals are wanting help to raise the failing grade they deserve.

There are many parents that wish they had the money to send their kids to college. I know families who decide to take out a second mortage on their home. Many families sacrifice getting new things around their home just to pay for a semester of college.

When we as students decide to not go class we not only waste our time and money, but other people’s as well.

It shouldn’t be that hard to show up to a class for an hour or so.

We show up to games, dances and many other events.

Many times they turn out to be a waste of time, yet we continue to show just to see how things will go. Same concept goes into place for a class. We never know what to expect.

The college courses we take are designed to help prepare us for the career we plan on pursuing.

Go to class, get your money’s worth and you’ll be grateful later on in life.

L

ED L I A NF I G O

Illustration by Omar Rios

eCollege keys into students’ minds At the beginning of the school year, the online learning management system was changed from WebCT to eCollege. This change has caused some complaining and confusion among both teachers and students. However, there is some background information about why the change was made that we should be aware of.

First, the change was made mainly so that all of the faculty would be using the same learning management system, according to Cynthia Rapp, dean of instruction. Since EduKan, which is already used by many instructors, is part of eCollege, it made sense to simplify by using one system rather than two.

Also, WebCT had plenty of problems of its own. According to Teresa Wehmeier, who has been dealing with the technical side of eCollege decisions, we were using the same version of WebCT since 2000. Which, as she said, is like using Windows 98 when everyone else on the planet is using Windows 7. WebCT was an old system, without technical support or updates.

That means it would be more suseptible to viruses and other problems, and if it did crash, it would be down indefinitely.

Changing to eCollege means a lower cost, because of our previous and continued use of EduKan. It also means having a much better technical support system, and being more safe and secure from viruses and other problems.

A lot of the problems teachers came across was mainly because they weren’t trained in it until the end of July and early August. If they had been on it sooner, they would

have been able to iron out a lot of problems and be much more prepared for using the system at the beginning of the semester.

One reason for this is that the WebCT license didn’t run out until Aug. 15.

Also, since most faculty weren’t working in the summer, it didn’t leave much time for them to move courses from one system to another.

Both Rapp and Wehmeier agree that things would have gone a lot smoother had they had more time to explore the system, and give teachers a head start while they were still on campus.

Problems are bound to happen when activating any new program; there were problems when WebCT was started, and there are problems with eCollege.

In the end, we will benefit from making this switch. Students will have access to additional information as supplemented by instructors available 24/7. It is also an online avenue for group discussions and contact with instructors.

Starting the whole transition process sooner would have made it a whole lot easier. But as hard as change can be sometimes, leaving WebCT to die in peace was probably best. Other surrounding community colleges, including Dodge City, Garden City, and Colby are all considering following our lead. At the head of the pack, we get to encounter all the problems first, but hopefully we’ll be able to share our expert knowledge by the time they join us. So take heart, the frustrated and the confused; in a couple years we won’t even remember our eCollege headaches.

Q

Do you use eCollege, and, if so, is it benefical to you?

“Yes.

I have to use it for my classes.”

Fanny Benincasa

“Yes. It helps with my anatomy lab class.”

Benito Rivera

“No. I don’t know what it is.”

Rafael Sanchez

“I don’t know what it is.

No one has told me about it.”

Juan Carlos Rodriguez Crusader photos/ Jeanette Contreras

Mosque near Ground Zero seen as slap in the face to U.S. I’ve been raised a certain way, but then a whole bunch of things come up to challenge and try to persuade me away from what I know. I’ve been raised conservative, and I still am. But within the last couple weeks, I’ve been hearing a lot of liberalism sprinkled in with conversation.

Like, for instance, the whole health care thing; it’s strange when I hear the other side of things and I can actually see and understand the opposition’s point. It doesn’t mean I agree with it, but I finally see both sides of it.

With the whole concept of looking at both sides considered, I really want to get something off my chest: I’m sure most of us have heard something about the new mosque being built in New York near Ground Zero and the controversy surrounding that whole issue.

The biggest fuel in favor of the mosque is how it’s their “right” according to the Constitution and

our favor of religious freedom laws. The reason some think that the people raising a fuss about it will be silenced is because they are being “unconstitutional” about the whole issue. It’s like saying, “You want your religious freedom, but you want to deny them theirs just because some ‘radicals’ attacked us?” As if it’s not a big deal right?

Also another justification for it comes when people say, “Christians have killed as many people in the name of God as Muslims.” It’s no secret that the Crusades, the blood feud between the Catholics and the Protestants, and the Spanish Inquisition totally freaked up the Church’s reputation. But that had more to do with politics and conquest than God himself. And most of the controversy over the issue has come because some people think that the mosque is going to be built on the ruins of Ground Zero, when really it’s going to be built only a few blocks away.

Point taken again. enough for most people to get So yeah, that makes it alright hot under the collar. then doesn’t it? Nope, sure doesWithout repeating myself n’t. again, it’s about sensitivity to We want to make this an issue the families who lost their mothof religious freedom, when it’s ers, fathers, brothers, sisters, only part of the friends, chilissue. It sounds Zach Carpenter dren and like a buffet spouses. Are where we pick we going to Crusader staff and choose what tell those peoCarpenter@crusadernews.com parts fit an arguple how “unment just to shut constitutionthe opposition al” they are up because we for feeling the are right and they way they feel are wrong. too? To sepaIt’s not just rate the human about religious freedom. element from the issue is a fallaWhoever said that they “couldn’t” cy. Because you can’t debate an build a mosque in New York? I issue if you are not looking at haven’t heard one thing about the both sides. If we are only going state of New York not working to look at one side of it, then with the Muslims to build a there really is no debate and the mosque in New York. So why is people who have objections go the issue such a sensitive one? It unheard. And its not as if New may not be being built on the York City is hurting for mosques ruins of Ground Zero, but a few as it is. Sure, Muslims died in blocks away is obviously close that ordeal. Muslim mothers lost

their sons, Muslim sons lost fathers. Did we forget that some of them were also the ones flying the planes? Let them go and grieve at one of their other mosques. Do we honestly think that the debris from the falling Trade Centers was contained within a couple blocks of the attack? To someone who lost someone special in that attack, every place where debris rained down or a twisted metal beam fell might just be considered hallowed ground, regardless of if it’s three or four blocks away.

Because it’s like saying to somebody who lost their husband at Pearl Harbor, “The government feels sorry for the Japanese and so they are going to build a Shinto Shrine at Pearl Harbor and there is nothing you can do about it!”

Or walking into a Jewish synagogue, throwing your arm out at an angle and yelling, “Hail Hitler!!!”

Anywhere else in New York is free game. I don’t believe the

controversy would be as thick if it wasn’t so close to Ground Zero. Like I said before, there is nothing unconstitutional about them building a mosque in New York. It’s just that it seems like a real slap in the face, a big, “HA-HA” to the families for it to be built so - dang - close. SO, all things considered, don’t be afraid when the opposition basically comes up and challenges everything you know.

Quinnipiac University polls show that 71 percent of majority voters want the mosque to be moved to a completely different location. The poll has gradually shown higher percentage of voters against the project from July clear through August. Do your research, and take a stand.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”

Psalms 33:12 (NIV)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

CRUSADER 5

Music | Octavio Rodriguez

Showtime

A cosmetology student makes her theater debut away from the make up chair Crusader photo/Octavio Rodriguez

Members of the Super Saxophone Bros, ,Takumi Rader, Ethan Ray Myers, and Bryan Murillo, read their notes during a live performance at Spencer Browne’s.

Sax players entertain at locally owned coffee house

Outdoor stage new venue for actress A struggling actress needs a back up plan, something she would be good at, like a cosmetology degree. However, she wants to continue acting. This is where Leslie Landeros makes her appearance at SCCC/ ATS as the lead role of Juliet in the college’s production of “Romeo and Juliet.”

“Acting has been my passion since I’ve been a little girl. And I’ve never done a play before, I’ve always done like short films,” Landeros said. “I took a theater class in California,” Originally from California, Landeros moved to Guymon, Okla, when she was in junior high and graduated from Guymon High School in 2008. After graduating from high school, Landeros moved back to California, where her father still lives, and attended Riverside Community College, taking classes in acting and putting her skills to

work.

“I auditioned for a soap opera. I auditioned for a beauty pageant and a TV show in Spanish. In college I had a class called acting for camera. I read a monologue and I did scenes from movies,” Landeros said.

Even though she had so much experience, director Alison Chambers was unaware.

“I had no idea, I still don’t know,” Chambers said. “I thought she had that innocent young sort of beauty that I was looking for. She was emotionally free and mature and she handled the language well.”

Why would she come back to Liberal after having such a promising start in the entertainment industry?

“My mom still lives over here and I was trying to get into cosmetology as a back up plan, and it’s really hard there (California) cause so many girls want to do it,”

Landeros said.

So Landeros tried to get in a little closer to home.

“I applied at Seward and got in and I might as well finish it here and then move to California and keep on acting.”

Chambers is not expecting her to help backstage with the hair and makeup.

“She’ll be able to lend her expertise but we will be asking the cosmetology department to help us again. I don’t know if she’ll have time to do cosmetology and her actor’s duties.”

The added twist of the play is that it will be performed in the ampitheater,.

“Shakespeare was meant to be performed outside and we have this space and it’s nice in October,” Chambers said.

“We never use that space so we might as well use it. It’s perfect for a balcony scene, it lends itself to the show in my directoral vision.”

The cast will be performing the traditional Shakespearean version of Romeo and Juliet.

“The script is crazy, but I like challenges and whenever I set my mind to something I have to do it,” Landeros said.

Her determination and work ethic are also praised by her former supervisor, sophomore Joseph Hoffman.

“I was her supervisor at Wal Mart, and she’s a really hard worker and tons of fun,” Hoffman said. “She’s been telling me she’s really excited for the play.”

Chambers is pleased with Landeros’ abilities so far.

“She’s a lot of fun, and it’s the first time I’ve worked with a cosmetology student in a performance,” Chambers said For more information contact the Humanities Department at 620-417-4151 or Alison Chambers at 620-4171460.

Super Saxophone Bros.

The four members of The Super Saxophone Bros. stand, a bit awkwardly, in the corner of Spencer Browne’s Coffee House, dressed to impress and ready to play.

The college students play their instruments incredibly well for their age, three played in Liberal High School’s band through their high school years.

The coffee house, which is owned and operated locally, is unusually crowded, which comes as a surprise to me, never having seen a large amount of people within the vicinity. Friends and parents are littered throughout. The group announces that they are starting.

The first few song’s names are actually unknown by even the group themselves, stating that they are playing them from a songbook, which strangely, does not include the song names. The first few songs are mesmerizing, playing through songs fit for seafaring, and songs to dance and have a great time to. They start playing through their own individual solos, becoming one with their instrument.

The group finally plays the song they most likely drew their name from, the theme song from the Nintendo video game, “Super Mario Bros.” Having seen quite a few covers of the song myself, I was impressed. They put a great new take one the song without taking away what made it fun. They also played another song from the same video game, the song known to most as “Bowser’s Castle.”

Afterwards, the band decided to play a final song, which to me, was the most impressive, two members from the group waltzed around the coffee shop, demanding the listener’s attention by getting in their face and playing a great solo, which to me made them look ambitious, almost demanding fame even. After the show, the band hung around and talked to friends and family for a while, which shows that not only were the great musicians, but great people too.

Movie | Jose Rodriguez

Movie overflows with nostalgia and laughter Machete

Alison Chambers, right, directs Jimmy Bert and Leslie Landeros through a scene in Shakespeare “Romeo and Juliet.” The play will be October 6-7 in the SCCC/ ATS ampitheater. For more information contact the Humanities department at 620-417-4151 or Alison Chambers at 620-417-1460. See crusadernews.com for updates and photogalleries.

Story by Jose Rodriguez

Photos by Alfredo Anaya

The Community Bank offers Internet Banking and two locations at 2320 N. Kansas and 303 S. Kansas in Liberal.

An unlikely cast and all the goodness that comes with tacky exploitation movies from the ’70s all come together to form the greatness that is Robert Rodriguez’s movie, “Machete.”

Danny Trejo, the actor best known as playing the tough looking Mexican in almost every movie, plays a Mexican federal agent who goes rogue after his wife is murdered in front of him by the drug king pin Torrez, played by Steven Segal.

He lives a solitary life working as a day laborer until he is hired to kill Sen. John McLaughlin, played by Robert DeNiro, because of his harsh immigration policies and the effects it would have on the Texas economy. The whole thing is a set up and Machete has to find out what is going on before he is taken captive and blamed for a crime that would win the Senator another term in office.

The movie may not be for everyone due to the buckets of blood and especially with the many political overtones that dominate throughout. I have to applaud Rodriguez for making such a kitschy movie that really captures the zeitgeist of the times. It’s not supposed to be stylized and full of CGI animations. It’s supposed to be gritty and raw, what Rodriguez is best known for. And honestly, Segal, DeNiro and Lohan all in the same movie. How is that not genius in its own way? The movie also stars Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Lindsay Lohan and Don Johnson.

6 CRUSADER

SPORTS

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Defender

Lady Saints

Defensive specialist adds to ranked squad Jessi ca Wi l l i ams Crusader staff

Crusader photo/Ivan Gaytan

Courtney Geesing goes up to spike the ball during a Lady Saints game against Pratt Sept. 1. Lady Saints teammates Daiane Souza, Aislyn Karney, Isabella Silva, Maddy Taylor, and Sheina Fernandes stay ready.

The Lady Saints defeated Pratt Community College in straight sets.

Lady Saints go 9-2 to start season Joseph Hoffman Sports editor As the season starts, the Seward County Lady Saints press on, ranked No. 18 in NCJAA standings and currently hold first place in the Jayhawk West conference standings at 3-0.

Seward has only recorded two losses from Redlands in a 5-2 defeat and Overal l 9-2 Laramie County in a 2-1 loss.

Cl oud County 2-0 Highlights of the Hi l l 3-1 season include beating the No. 14 Hutchi nson 3-0 ranked Pratt college.

Redl ands 1-3 “ It was great getting revenge on Pratt this Garden Ci ty 3-0 year since they Pari s 2-3 knocked us out of the tournament last Pratt 3-1 year,” stated FernanVernon 3-1 des.

Two members of Larami e County 0-3 the Lady Saints Chandl er Gi l bert 3-1 squad have been named NCJAA playTri ni dad S tate 3-0 ers of the week, sophomore Sheina Fernandes and freshman Courtney Geesing.

Fernandes’ season stats include 133 kills with a 400 kill percentage, 30 digs, 17 blocks, and a pass-

Scores to Date

ing percentage of (.928). She has been named NCJAA player of the week four times and freshmen player of the year in 2009. “ It has been an honor getting named player of the week. Our goal for this year is to get to nationals, no excuses.”

Geesing is in the top three lead scorers for the Lady Saints with 70 kills and 73 digs and a passing percentage of (.963) for the season. Lady Saints also defeated No. 14 ranked and conference contender Pratt 4-1.

Lady Saints next game will be against rival Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The No. 1 seed Lady Saints were upset by No. 4 seed Barton last November at regionals. Head coach Bert Luallen says they have yet to see Barton play and they have a lot of new players, but as long as they play better then they did last week he is confident that they will take care of business if they play to their ability.

“Our main focus is on Barton right now, we have a tough schedule ahead of us, but we can get ahead of ourselves,” Luallen said. Players Sheina Fernandes and Maddy Taylor are very confident about their game against Barton. “ We will take care of them,” Taylor said.

According to players Maddy Taylor and Sheina Fernandes, listening to Ke$ha and having “dance parties” in the locker room pre-game fuel their intensity for the court.

Fans who have attended volleyball games this season say it is quite an experience watching the Lady Saints during games due to their fierceness and tenacity on court.

Volleyball takes hard work, dedication, and focus.

Seward freshman Madison Winkelman has brought these traits to the Green House in her role as a libero/defensive specialist on the Lady Saints team.

Winkelman’s job as a libero/DS is to cover the court by making defensive plays. Allison Owens, assistant volleyball coach at Seward, says Winkelman is always on top, her attitude is great, and she is focused throughout practices and games.

“For every game, Madison has a game face,” Owens said. “It never changes.”

To prepare for a game, Winkelman said she listens to music and gets pumped up. The team has goals of its own. To win

conference, and then go to nationals. Winkelman credits her former high school coach, Jack Wilson and younger sister Brynne Winkelman because she grew up watching her and she wanted to be an inspiration, and never let her down.

Winkelman is from Dumas, Texas, she has been playing since the third grade. Besides volleyball she likes watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family. Winkelman’s plans for the future are to graduate, go on to a university, and to become a special education teacher.

Winkelman said she likes Seward because it’s small and she knows a lot of people. Her teammates say Winkelman is very nice and a hard worker.

On the court she’s on a roll, and off she’s enjoying herself at Seward, according to her teammates.

Crusader photo/Ivan Gaytan

Freshman Madison Winkelman focuses on the ball in a volleyball match against Cloud County.

Lady Saints Volleyball Schedule Date Opponent Location Sept. 15 Barton CC * Great Bend Sept. 23 Dodge City CC* Torrington, Wyo. Sept, 23-25 WYO-Braska Shootout Tournament Scottsbluff, Neb Sept. 27 Colby CC* Liberal Sept. 29 Hutchinson CC* Hutchinson Oct. 2 Pratt* Pratt Oct. 6 Cloud County CC* Concordia Oct. 8-9 Ozfest Invitational Tournament Liberal Oct. 13 Garden City CC* Garden City Oct. 15-16 FSC- Jacksonville Tournament Jacksonville, Fla. Oct. 19 Dodge City CC* Liberal Oct. 21 Cobly CC* Colby Oct. 25 Barton CC* Liberal Oct. 27 Hutchinson CC* Liberal Nov.2 NJCAA Reg. VI Play-in Match TBA Nov. 6-7 NJCAA Reg. VI Volleyball Tournament Nov. 18-20 NJCAA Div. I National Volleyball Championships

Time 6:30 p.m 6:30 p.m TBA 6:30 p.m 6:30 p.m 2 p.m.

6:30 p.m TBA 6:30 p.m TBA 6:30 p.m 6:30 p.m 630 p.m 6:30 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA

your area’s largest tanning salon.

Redskin Booster Card BOGO

1/2 price Tuesdays!

Ask about the SCCC Student Discount!

SPORTS

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

CRUSADER 7

Tournament of firsts for first-year student Dei si Barboza Online editor The second annual Oklahoma City Collegiate Open was a tournament of firsts for freshman and Saints tennis player Lucas Izkovitz.

“It was good it was my first tournament with the team,” Izkovitz said. Izkovitz also said this was his first time winning the main draw of a tournament.

Two Seward County Community College Area Technical School men’s doubles team’s faced each other in the final round.

The No. 2 team Felipe Cruz and Raphael Machado and the No. 3 team Izkovitz and Cristiano Mendes. Izkovitz and Mendes won 9-8(5). Izkovitz and Mendes were undefeated as well.

“It was difficult because we were going against our friends because we didn’t want to lose to them,” Izkovitz said.

Izkovitz has been playing tennis since he was 8 years old and he is also the No. 5 singles player.

One advantage to Izkovitz may be that he

Izkovitz is “the only guy on the team that serves and volleys.” Izkovitz noted.

He also credits team captain Laercio Lobo for helping him though the tournament.

“Lobo was like a leader. He helped the freshmen a lot,” Izkovitz said.

Women’s and men’s Saints tennis teams

had their first tournament of the year during the weekend in the second annual Oklahoma City Collegiate Open.

The tournament was mainly NCAA Division I and Division II schools, according to tennis coach Darin Workman. “It’s a big tournament, most teams were national ranked last year,” Workman said.

In the women’s double draw, the number one doubles team Fanny Benincasa and Dariya Dashutina made it to the semi final round.

“We were nervous because the teams were good.” Benincasa said. “For the first tournament we did a really good job.”

Workman was proud of both teams and looks forward to the rest of the year. “We were in the double digits of wins. There’s a lot of schools scared of us now,” Workman said.

Women’s and Men’s tennis teams will face Newman University in a duel on Tuesday.

“Both teams out played what I expected. We have very strong teams this year both men and women.” Workman said.

SC tennis player supports pro brother Dei si Barboza Online editor

Photo by Jessica Winner

Lady Saints softball player Ashley Kirkes watches her teammate Daniela Catano field the ball from third base. Team members were scrimmaging each other at practice.

Lady Saints softball starts fall games in Dodge City tourney Jessi ca Wi nner Crusader staff The Lady Saints softball team began fall ball scrimmages with a tournament in Dodge City this weekend. While the team dropped three games on Saturday they came back on Sunday and won two games.

Head coach Andea Gustafson said she felt her team is ready for the fall season, but still needs a lot of work before the regular season starts in February.

The returning sophomores are

Sydney Cicchetti, Lynda Murick, Leah Sitter, Kekea Blackstock, Daniela Catano and Jill Grounds.

“We have good leadership and I’m excited,” Gustafson said. “I think we have the pieces to be great.” Gustafson was excited to get on the field this weekend to see how the team would do against other teams.

“The girls seem like they want to do it and win,” she said.

The softball team’s regular season will begin in february at the Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth.

The Gabashvili family is tennis oriented. As Seward County Community College/Area Technical School student Levan Gabashvili plays for the college, his sister, who played for Seward last year, currently plays at Vanguard University, and his brother Teimuraz plays professional tennis.

Yet, Levan realizes that tennis isn’t everything in life. “Tennis is like a job,” Levan said.

Levan started to play tennis when he was 6 with his siblings Kate and Teimuraz.

However, it was his brother Teimuraz who was in the spotlight as he was given the opportunity to attend a tennis academy in Barcelona.

During this time, Levan started to shift his interests towards basketball.

Levan played for two professional teams, PBC CSKA Moscow and BC Khimki in the Russian league.

He played on both teams for two years each. “I don’t want to be just a basketball player so I decided to come to the US to study.” Gabashvili said.

Levan first went to Vanguard University in Southern Califor-

Courtesy photo

Levan Gabashvili, left, with his brother Teimuraz Gabashvili, right, at the 2007 Davis Cup final in Portland, Ore. Russia faced against the United States in the final. The United States won 4-1 that year. nia, where his sister plays tennis and he played basketball while there.

Kate then transfered to Seward and she had refered Levan to coach Darin Workman. Levan said he wasn’t too worried about returning to tennis. “It’s OK if I’m losing because I can practice and improve.”

Levan is currently an art major but started out as a business major. Levan would like to be-

come either an interior designer or architect. When his family would redecorate their home they usually let Levan pick the colors and furniture he said it was something he enjoyed. However Levan says his interests are leaning towards architecture.

Basketball is still something Levan enjoys and even plays with the other tennis players.

“When I play basketball with the tennis players, it’s two on one

and they don’t have a chance.”

Gabashvili said.

Teimuraz has been supporting his siblings in school but Levan said he tries not to be dependent on his brother and parents.

“My main goal right now is to finish my education,” Gabashvili said.

Teimuraz is currently ranked 93 in the ATP Rankings and recently played against the No. 1 ranked player Rafael Nadal in the first round of the US Open this year.

“I really think he could be a top 20 player one day,” Workman said.

Nadal won the match 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 and also went on to win the tournament.

Levan has traveled to Dubai, Barcelona and other places with his brother during his tournaments.

“It’s difficult to watch him play. I get nervous but of course I am supportive,” Levan said.

After Seward, Levan plans to enroll in a university. “Where I can have a good opportunity,” Levan said.

He hopes it will be somewhere either in California to be close to his sister or Florida where his brother resides.

Saints launch competitive drive for spring

Fall Baseball Schedule Date

Opponent

Location

Time

Sept. 15

G C CC

Garden City

4 p.m

Sept. 18-19

TBA

Albuquerque, New Mexico

TBA

Sept. 22

Clarendon College

Clarendon, Texas

1 p.m.

Sept. 25

TBA

Stillwater, Oklahoma

10 a.m./1p.m.

Sept. 28

D C CC

Dodge City

4 p.m.

Oct. 1

Rose State College

Liberal

2 p.m.

Oct. 5

Canada All-Stars

Liberal

2 p.m.

Oct. 6

Lamar CC

Lamar, Colorado

1 p.m.

Fall ball gives practice time for incoming baseball players Ivan Gaytan Crusader staff Head baseball coach Galen McSpadden has been working hard for the upcoming spring.

Even though the team is in fall ball right now, the long range view is on the regular season in the spring.

“It’s to early for me to tell what my expectations are for this year,” McSpadden said.

According to McSpadden, the practices have been good – not great – but good.

“This team has talent and could be respected,” McSpadden said.

During the practices many injuries have been reported. There was a first basemen and a third basemen injured, there was also a catcher hurt during practices.

A majority of these injuries were arm injuries.

“Although the team has injuries, they are hard workers,” McSpadden said.

McSpadden believes that the team has knowledge and talent. Their goals are to be very competitive and to be in the top two or three this season.

McSpadden has a large team this year with 24 sophomores and 22 freshmen. McSpadden said some players worth watching include Logan Hall, pitcher; Tyler Hill, pitcher/outfield; Paul Pulley, pitcher; Jordon Dallalio, in-field; Jose Gonzalez, pitcher and Ed William, catcher.

There are also some new players to watch this year like Steven Brooks, left handed pitcher, Tye Thomas, left hand pitcher, and Galven Glandes, left hand pitcher.

Treat yourself to sound financial assistance -Income/Estate Taxes -Financial Planning -Auditing -Small Business -Accounting

21 Plaza Drive • Liberal, KS 620-624-8471

LISTEN TO “THE SPORTS GUYS” Monday - Friday 7:37 a.m.- 9 a.m.

Home to Liberal High School & SCCC Sports

1011 N. Kansas • Liberal T DARN “IT’S THE BES EVER.” W O H SPORTS S

‘

620-624-6238 !"

Alumni Reunion

8 CRUSADER

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Saints baseball alumni gather around before the game against the current Saints baseball team. More than 20 baseball alumni returned to Brent Gould field for the inaugural Saints baseball weekend. Some of the alumni present included Cory Bieber, Kent Brandon, Steven Danforth, Craig Danforth, Gerry Danley, Chad Hussey, Travis Katzenmeier, Stu Moore, Steve Paolino, Doug Robbins and Randy Stoker along with others.

Baseball Alumni:

ready to settle the score

Al fredo Anaya Editor Former Saints baseball players from graduating classes of 1975 through 2008 were present on Sept.

4 at the Brent Gould Field with one thing in my mind: to prove that their baseball skills are still intact.

“The first SCCC/ATS Alumni Baseball Weekend went very well,” coach Galen McSpadden said. “All of those who participated expressed that they had a great time and enjoyed their return.”

More than 20 baseball alumni returned to Liberal to take part in the inaugural Saints baseball weekend.

The three-day Labor Day weekend included a tour of the campus, a Home Run Derby game, a game against the current Saints baseball team, a dinner auction event along with a donation drawing and a golf

tournament.

Many of the players who attended would like to see this becoming an annual event.

“Hopefully this has started an annual event,” McSpadden said. “We will probably move it back a little later in the semester and get away from the Labor Day weekend which may allow more opportunity for others to attend.”

The winner of the Home Run Derby was Josh McSpadden with eight home runs, followed in second

by Ryan Nelson at seven home runs and in third place was Tanner Rindels with five home runs.

McSpadden was a little surprised his son had won the home run derby event.

“I certainly did not think that my son would win the Home Run Derby since he was not a home run hitter when he played,” McSpadden

said. “I was happy for him because he worked hard at putting this Alumni Weekend together along with Roy Allen and Brandie Jones.

It was also good to see that he is keeping himself in good physical condition.”

The two games against the current Saints baseball team were both won by the current team.

“The alumni started each game strong with four and three runs in the first innings and then were not able to score much after that,” McSpadden said.

After the game the alumni were able to attend a silent auction and dinner. The silent auction items included a Joe Mauer autographed baseball, a Robinson Cano game issued All-Star hat and a Jared Weaver autographed baseball. In the donation drawing, prizes included a Hideki Matsui autographed World

Series baseball, a Bobby Abreu autographed baseball and a Terry Cliffe autographed picture. Cliffe was a member of the 2008 United States baseball team.

Money raised from the donations will go towards use for the Saints baseball program.

The alumni enjoyed watching the current team play and also had a few words of advice to leave with the current Saints baseball team.

“I would definitely tell them to listen to their coaches, and live and learn,” Bill Harvey, 1985 alumni, said. “Throw away their pride and learn to listen. If they don’t listen they won’t advance, but they should constantly keep trying to be a better baseball player.”

Bill Harvey, an alumni from 1985, prepares to strike the ball during the current Saints vs. Alumni game.

Over Labor Day weekend, Seward County alumni came racing home to a Saints Baseball inaugural weekend which included a tour of the building for the alumni, a Home Run Derby game, a game against the current Saints baseball team an auction dinner and a golf tournament.

Photos by Alfredo Anaya

Matt McBride runs towards first base during the current baseball players vs. alumni game as Ryan Nelson tries to catch the ball to get him out.

Coach Galen McSpadden congratulates his son Josh after he won the Home Run Derby. Josh McSpadden graduated from Seward in 2003.

Josh McSpadden bats during the Home Run Derby.

Mcspadden was the winner of the home run derby, hitting eight home runs.

•For more alumni pictures visit CrusaderNews.com. under multimedia.

Some of the prizes given out for the donation drawing and silent auction included a Hideki Matsui autographed world series baseball and a Joe Mauer autographed baseball.