Sept. 8, 2010

TAKING THEIR SHOW ON THE ROAD: Local band ‘A Formal Affair’ is Austin-bound. npage 5

Wednesday n September 8, 2010

GOAL: Mustang men’s soccer kicks off season with 2-0 victory. npage 8

thewichitan

your university n your voice

MSU battles low grad rate Brittany Norman Editor in Chief

MSU president Dr. Jesse Rogers believes shifting attitudes about higher education are to blame for faltering four-year graduation rates, which have dropped below 10 percent for first-time, full-time freshmen in recent years.

Each year, roughly half of MSU’s freshman class is comprised of first-time full-time freshmen: students who have not earned credits from another university and who are taking at least 12 hours their first semester. In the 2008-2009 school year, the four-year graduation for that group rate was 7.4 percent.

Rogers said the graduation rate rallied in the 20092010 to about 10 percent, but he hopes the university

See GRAD RATE on page 3

Music major graduates with big dreams, a style all his own Brittney Cottingham Features Editor

With 22 completed works and many more still in progress, Senior Alvin Trotman has beat the myth that it is impossible to graduate in less than four years, with not only a Bachelor of Music, but a teacher certification. This is all a part of a plan that Trotman has created in order to reach his long-term ambitions.

“In the beginning, I didn’t have perfect pitch,” Trotman said. “I was never some prodigy that just got it. But it was just something that was nice to have. It was always around growing up. My mom was very big into Gospel, so while we were cleaning the house, there was some form of music going on. But no one else in my family had that same drive for

music that I did. Eighth grade was kind of my light bulb moment where I said that I wanted to be a choir director.”

Since that light bulb moment, Trotman’s establishing talents have developed him into a quadruple threat: singer, composer, conductor, and piano player. He has received countless honors and awards including being a part of the All-State Choir. After graduating from high school in 2008, Trotman experienced another milestone: he was published for the first time with Santa Barbara Music Publishing.

“The odds of you getting found out is slim to none if you go the route of marketing yourself,” Trotman said. “So you take it to a publishing house, sign a contract, basically giving them the right to put your mu-

sic out there. So now, I have 13 or 14 songs published.”

From his majestic and inspiring rendition of The Lord’s Prayer to the more serene and shimmering melodies in O Nata Lux, Trotman’s songs are all vastly different, yet still have that same technique and sophistication.

“A time where I was having an off day I wrote this piece called Autumn,” Trotman said.

“It’s for choir, piano and cello and it’s a very dark piece. I took it from Henry Wadswroth Longfellow’s, Autumn Within. It deals with the fact that things around him are full of life, but not him.”

He compares his music to his own children, unable to pick a favorite. Trotman says, though, that over the course of See TROTMAN on page 4

Students sign up at Part-Time Job and Volunteer Fair last Wednesday. (Photo courtesy)

Job fair flourishes despite troubled economic times Alyssa Johnston For the Wichitan

The Part-Time Job and Volunteer Fair this past Wednesday had something to brag about. The fair has expanded from 41 to 45 vendors this year, and Sarah Ward, the employer relations coordinator for MSU, is really excited.

For the second year in a row, Ward organized the event. In a time when jobs and money are both tight, events like the fair are embraced.

“I’m really happy about that because with the way the economy is, a lot of employers are cutting back on certain things, and it just makes me feel really good that even in tough times our organizations and employers here in Wichita Falls still support MSU and they understand the importance of being involved –

See FAIR on page 4

New police chief aims to improve security, student relations Chris Collins Managing Editor

New MSU Chief of Police Dan Williams is no stranger to MSU. When he arrived in July to begin the post, it was the first time he had set foot on campus in almost 20 years.

Now he’s back once again to protect the university. This time he’s in charge.

“Police work is one of those things that once it gets in your blood it’s hard to get it out,” he said. “It’s a life-changing career. When you become part of the police, it’s a way of life.”

It’s a way of life that has led the cop to journey across three continents in pursuit of his passion: teaching law enforcement.

Two years ago, Williams witnessed the breaking apart and reuniting of Kosovo, a war-torn country in Eastern Europe. He worked in the country as a police instructor for the United Nations.

Shortly after, he traveled to Lebanon to perform similar duties.

Now he’s back in the U.S. to begin another chapter in his life. His return to MSU marks the end of a circular adventure, a homecoming for the world traveler.

MSU Chief of Police Dan Williams has 30 years of law enforcement experience. He was hired by the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Defense in war-torn Kosovo and Lebanon. (Photo by Chris Collins and Hannah Hofmann)

Williams said his main points of interest so far are improving police technology and bolstering campus security.

“I want to bring this department further along in the technological department,” he said. “Our equipment has not

been kept up as well as it needs to be.”

Williams cites examples of five-yearold patrol cars and sometimes-ineffective radios.

“You go to most other campuses around the state and their patrol cars

are only one or two years old,” he said.

“I want to improve the quality of our equipment, because if we improve the equipment it allows my officers to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.”

He also wants to improve the campus security system. Williams said he wants to add more surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes and lights.

“There’s some areas of Louis J. Rodriguez by Sunwatcher that’s dimly lit,” he said. “We need to get that lit up better.”

Williams said he wants to build a better relationship with the student body, something, he concedes, can be hard for a police force to do. Parking enforcement, he realizes, is a source of constant conflict between students and campus police.

“Of course, you’re always going to have those students who don’t like us because we enforce parking regulations,” he said. “Parking is probably our number one problem. It’s been pretty lax on enforcement in recent years. So we’re tightening that up considerably this semester.”

The chief said that although students might complain about ticket costs, the price they pay for parking tickets and

decals is low compared to most Texas schools.

“I paid $200 for one or two tickets when my daughter went to Baylor,” he said. “That same ticket is probably $10 or $20 here. I think in a small community like this people just have the tendency to become spoiled.”

Williams was born in Brownfield, Texas in 1958 and grew up in Iowa Park. He earned his BAAS degree from MSU in 1980 and his master’s in public management from MSU in 1992.

From 1980 to 1987 he worked for the Wichita Falls Police Department. Next, he worked as a police officer at MSU for four years while he earned his second degree. In 1993, Williams founded the police academy at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas.

But soon he realized teaching at the college level might not have been the best use of his talents.

“I just didn’t think I was making the money I could be making in other areas, and I was seeing guys fresh out of the academy making nearly as much money as me working in Dallas and Houston,” he said. “And this is after I had 30 years

See CHIEF on page 3

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The Wichitan

campusvoice nour view

It’s Our University. Take Charge.

The Student Government Association has big plans for the semester, but it seems like they are once again on the path of only taking on issues cherry-picked for them by the administration.

Last night was the first SGA meeting of the semester and the discussion centered on how to pare down the expensive computer lab budgets.

Cutting down on computer lab costs is going to be crucial in order to stay under budget. Vice President for Administration and Finance Juan Sandoval said that approximately $3,000 per week is spent in the computer lab on printing alone.

The university is under pressure from the state to cover a portion of an $18 billion deficit. While tuition and fee increases helped MSU cut the budget last semester, the administration is on the lookout for viable cutbacks.

President Dr. Jesse Rogers has promised that students will not have to shoulder the burden of state cutbacks with tuition hikes, which is fantastic news for those who attend

the university to get the best education for their dollar.

Instead, Rogers and other administrators have formed committees to survey the financial situation in different areas across campus.

Senators from the SGA will likely be asked so sit on one of the cost-cutting committees to brainstorm ideas to deal with the budget crisis.

The administration has started off the semester on a high note. Instead of passively letting students take the opportunity to lend a hand, the university is actively pursuing the student body’s assistance and input.

It would be a mistake for the SGA to let this opportunity pass by.

The SGA was formed to serve as a proactive force for the student body.

It is a waste of student talent and trust for them to wait idly until the administration hands them an assignment.

The SGA needs to view things like this budget crisis, project cuts and tuition hikes as a call to action.

They should jump into the decision-making process without waiting around for someone to ask their

Religious ignorance strikes

If members of accepted witha Florida church out criticism.” burn copies of What Dove the Quran to World Outserve as a mesreach is doing, sage of warning however, is against “radical” more totalitarand “violent” elian than their ements of Islam, apparently they will be adnarrow point vertising their of view can own hate and allow them to ignorance. recognize. This Pastor Terry pastor and his Jones of the congregation Brittany Norman Dove World are claiming Editor In Chief Outreach Centhat only their ter in Gainsville belief system is encouraging is acceptable.

Christians to burn copies of the “The ideology of Islam is hateMuslim holy book on the an- ful,” according to a claim on the niversary of September 11 to Web site, but it is apparently memorialize victims of the 2001 not hateful to condemn billions attacks and take a stand against of people’s beliefs because they Islam. Jones, author of a book are in conflict with your own. titled “Islam is of the Devil,” The commentary on separation believes the church’s protest is of church and state is, in itself, necessary to combat the religion, laughable. In the very same blog which he said has proven its ten- that the “Ten Reasons” are listed, dency for violence.

Ingram reasons that burning the Destroying the Quran in this Quran is necessary to stand up manner isn’t a gesture of Chris- against the unopposed growth of tian solidarity against another Islam in America. faith, nor is it a righteous protest Reason nine, which says that against violence, anti-American “deep in the Islamic teaching and sentiment or anything else. The culture is the irrational fear and fire the Dove World Outreach loathing of the West,” is brimCenter plans to set will wound ming with irony. The actions more than the extremists Jones is of this church are clearly based claiming to combat. In one night, upon fear. While fear of another with one fire, this congregation terrorist attack might be a small of 50 people in the United States part of it, it is far more likely that could perpetrate a symbolic act this hateful action is driven by of violence against a quarter of their fear of a system of beliefs the world’s population. they do not understand.

The church’s blog at doveIngram claims that burnworld.org has a list of supposed ing the Qurans is not an act of justifications for not only burn- hate against the Islamic people. ing Qurans, but also for their be- In fact, she claims they “love, as lief that “Islam is of the devil.”

God loves, all the people in the Dove World Outreach Cen- world.” She writes that their ter member Fran Ingram pub- contention is with Islam itself, lished a blog entry titled “Top which they do hate because “it is Ten Reasons to Burn a Koran.” hateful.”

Rather than providing justifiThe Dove Outreach Center is cation or logic for the group’s trying to justify a hateful and of9/11 “protest,” it highlights the fensive act against over a billion church’s own ignorance, hateful- people by claiming to be driven ness and disregard for the rights by God’s love and the desire to of other human beings – some keep America and Christians of the same offenses they claim safe. burning the Quran will combat.

The reasons they give for Reason six, for example, states: burning the Muslim holy book “Islamic law is totalitarian in na- contradict the American rights ture. There is no separation of Jones and his congregation church and state…. It must be claim to be protecting. The First

opinion.

That might seem idealistic, but in reality, student opinion matters. The SGA possesses the manpower and resources to help tackle this issue.

The students in the Dillard College of Business Administration are being educated in one of the finest business programs in the state, and could be a valuable resource.

Students should proactively form committees of their own to analyze budget problems and bounce ideas around.

Experts may be working on the financial issues, but the university has sent a clear message that they are interested and eager to hear from the students.

At the very least, the SGA can present the administration with potential solutions and observations from the student body. Doing so will give the university some fresh perspectives and demonstrate that Midwestern really is our university and that the SGA is the true voice of the student body.

What have we got to lose?

September 8, 2010

thewichitan 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 n Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 News Desk: (940) 397-4704 n Ads: (940) 397-4705 Fax (940) 397-4025 n E-mail WICHITAN@mwsu.edu

editorial board

nEditor in Chief: Brittany Norman nManaging Editor: Chris Collins nEntertainment Editor: Lauren Wood nOp-Ed Editor: Cameron Shaffer nSports Editor: Andre Gonzales nFeatures editor: Brittney Cottingham nPhoto Editor: Hannah Hofmann nAdvertising manager: Rachel Bingham nCopy editor: Alyssa Johnston Amaka Oguchi nadviser: Randy Pruitt nReporters: Alyssa Johnston, Brittany Walsh, Kaja Salsman nPhotographers: Kassie Bruton

Copyright © 2010. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. First copy of the paper is free of charge; additional copies are $1. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address for verification purposes. The editor retains the right to edit letters.

Amendment to the Constitution gives these ignorant, hateful people the right to build a bonfire and make a production out of their prejudice and hate while symbolically attacking a quarter of the world.

They ignore the portion of the same amendment that grants all Americans, even those who disagree with the 50-man congregation of the Dove World Outreach Center, the freedom to worship how they see fit.

Jones claims that he and the members of his church are battling dangerous, radical beliefs.

Perhaps they believe that to be true. Unfortunately, their ignorance and disregard for the rights of others makes them look like the true extremists.

Gun rights are human rights nSocietal Floss

“No free stitution. man shall ever Anyone who be debarred looks back at the use of arms. the discussion The strongest in our country reason for the at the time of its people to refounding and the tain the right to adoption of the keep and bear Constitution canarms is, as a last not help but be resort, to prostruck at the lantect themselves guage used by the against tyranny founders and the Cameron Shaffer in government” people of that era Opinion Editor – Thomas Jefin respect to fireferson arms and the pubWith the recent Supreme lic. When Jefferson wrote, and Court rulings about firearms, our country affirmed, the lanfirst in 2008 in District of Co- guage of the Declaration of lumbia v. Heller that ruled that Independence, people had no the individual does have the problem understanding what Constitutional right to privately it meant when it read that all maintain firearms, and 2010 in people are “endowed by their McDonald v. Chicago that en- Creator with certain unaliensured that right was extended to able Rights.” There was a reason all the states and localities, guns the Bill of Rights included the have reentered the political clause “the right of the People and social discussion by storm. to keep and bear arms shall not Most of the debate revolved be infringed.” around the 2nd Amendment Gun rights are human rights. and whether or not individu- The right to protect yourself and als have the right to own guns. to ensure that you have a real What is mostly been tossed to and tangible say in your own the wayside in this discussion is security and wellbeing is an inthe reason the 2nd Amendment trinsic human right. To restrict was even included in the Con- an American’s ability to posses a

firearm is to restrict their right to be secure.

The recent rulings by the Supreme Court affirm this as the understanding of the Constitution. And the funny thing about Constitutional politics is that it can be brought back home quickly.

Last April, a group of students at MSU and other universities in Texas held a protest demanding that their gun rights be recognized. Wearing empty holsters, those students were protesting in favor of what some Texas legislators are pushing for – allowing handguns on public university property.

Last legislative session the Texas Senate passed a bill that would require universities within the state to recognize student rights to carry firearms on campus. The bill stalled in the House and died between sessions, but there are currently plans to bring the bill back up at the start of the next session.

Midwestern is an interesting situation. Placed in rural Texas with a high volume of nontraditional local students, Midwestern has a high population of students who are more than open to carrying guns in their

personal life. The turnout of the open holster protest of last spring proved that there are also students eager to claim their rights on campus as well.

Midwestern has always been good at doing what it takes to lead the way and preserve student rights and wellbeing. The motivation of the current tobacco policy, the new accreditation for Dillard College of Business, and the high profile guests that the Artist Lecture Series continually brings demonstrates a commitment to affirming student rights and leading the way for Texas universities.

While the Texas legislature controls the final say in what happens to students’ rights on campus in regards to firearms, Midwestern should not wait for that legislation. Midwestern’s administrators and board of regents should seriously and quickly consider changing campus policy to reflect a stance of protecting the students’ rights instead of waiting for that decision to be made for them. A public university making this move would speak volumes and help move this problem past discussion and make gun rights on campus a reality.

news

September 8, 2010

The Wichitan n 3

campus briefs

Chief.......................................................................................................................continued from page 1

of experience. I thought, ‘there’s gotta be a way to make more money.’”

That led him to investigate work for the U.S. government.

He discovered the U.S. employs law enforcement personnel to help make other countries more stable worldwide.

As part of this goal, the Departments hired Williams to teach law enforcement techniques to the police forces in Kosovo and Lebanon.

In 2006, Serbia became independent from the conglomerate Yugoslav state. Kosovo, a disputed republic in southwest Europe, became independent in 2008.

The UN had stepped in to

control violence between the Serbs and the people who live in Kosovo, known as Albanians.

“There was a lot of heavy fighting between the Serbs and Albanians,” Williams said.

“There were some major mass killings where the Serbs went into villages and just wiped out all the men and boys and left the women and children. In some instances they killed them too.”

Albanians responded with a series of their own brutal attacks on Serbian villages.

“When that campaign ended, the United Nations went in and basically took over Kosovo,” he said. “They started ruling the country and set up a government.

They tried to establish some rules of government so people could live in a normal society.”

This is where Williams came in. He was hired by the UN to advise and mentor its newly created, “Americanized” law enforcement structure.

“We wanted to make sure the Kosovo police were exercising democratic policing principles,” he said. “Also that they were respecting people’s civil rights.

We needed them to be brought up to the 21st-century policing standards.”

As deputy regional commander, Williams dealt mostly with murders, bombings, rapes, robberies and kidnappings.

“We made sure when they got a suspect they weren’t beating confessions out of them,” Williams said.

He said he didn’t live in a military complex or in a barracks but in a house on the street in Kosovo. He said he never felt too threatened or endangered while in the country.

“I was never in a situation there where I feared for my life,” Williams said. “And to be honest with you, I felt safer walking the streets there than I would in most American cities.”

Grad rate..............................................................................................................continued from page 1 will help students to graduate on time.

Low graduation rates aren’t just a problem at Midwestern.

Statewide, just 57 percent of all students earn a degree in six years.

“Midwestern doesn’t stand alone in this,” Rogers said. “(These kind of numbers) are typical of state universities our size with similar admissions standards.”

Rogers hopes that raising admissions standards will help improve the graduation rate, but said there will be real work involved.

“Our six-year graduation rate is about 31 percent,” Rogers said.

“I expect that number is going to be higher when we see the first few classes that graduate under the new admissions standards.

Our funding will be based on the numbers who graduate. We

will be better funded if (the students we admit) graduate.”

He said schools with higher four-year graduation rates often utilize incentives that MSU can’t implement, such as caps on enrollment and flat-rate tuition.

“They have policies that would pretty much mean that a student has to be a traditional, nonworking student if they are going to go to that university,” Rogers said. “Going part-time is so costly it becomes prohibitive.

That’s not our mission.”

Instead, he said the university must focus on encouraging a “culture” of education.

“Somehow we have to emphasize the importance of not only finishing a degree, but finishing it in four years,” Rogers said.

“Students don’t stop to think how much it costs to finish in six years rather than four.”

He believes the nation has

started to perceive higher education differently than it should.

“Something has gone haywire in this country,” Rogers said.

“We give higher education a lot of lip service, but we don’t seem to back it up with action.

“Take any ninth grade cohort in Texas. Follow those students from the time they graduate high school and give them six years to finish some sort of post-secondary education. Thirteen percent of that ninth grade, six years after the time they should have graduated from high school, will have either a certificate, bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree.

The college-going rate for this country is surprisingly low.”

Part of improving graduation rates, according to Rogers, will be encouraging students to put an education ahead of other interests.

“It’s an attitude that we have

developed, that college is not a full-time endeavor,” Rogers said.

“It should be a full-time endeavor for those who can possible manage it. I understand those who enter with jobs and a family and such, that they can’t go full time. But an 18-year-old student without a complicated life like that should really take advantage of a university education.”

He said that going part time should be a last resort because as students take longer to graduate, the odds they will actually earn a degree dwindles. He said the chance that “something will come up” to cause a student to sit out a semester increases when students take longer than four years to graduate. When students sit out a semester, their chances of finishing diminishes dramatically.

Rogers believes students should take advantage of grants

n tHURSDAY:

Athletic luncheon at noon at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU

TLRC Wine & Cheese event at 4:30 p.m. in Dillard 189

n Friday: Discussion forum: New York City

mosque at

12:30 in CSC Shawnee

Opening reception: Andrew DeCaen, Nancy Kizis & B.C. Gilbert in the

Juanita Harvey Art Gallery at 6 p.m.

n Saturday: Sikes Lake Cleanup at 9 a.m.

to help fund their education, and even be willing to take out loans as an investment in their future.

“Work some on weekends if you have to supplement your income,” Rogers said, “but don’t get a job where you have to work the night before you have a major exam.”

At the university level, Rogers said MSU is expanding the academic support system. He said students will have access to more advising, regarding academics as well as topics like financial aid and loans. There will also be a push to encourage students to take more than the bare minimum full-time courseload.

“Beginning in Fall 2011, all students on competitive academic scholarships will be required to take 15 hours a semester,” Rogers said. “That’s one of the first steps we’ll take.”

He said examples of that type

of scholarship would include the President’s Scholars and Honors Program scholarships.

“The whole nation is going to have to help us on changing the college -going culture,” Rogers said. “Maybe the shock of this economic downturn will be a piece that (aids) that. I think the message that’s being sent now is that most of the people who lost their jobs do not have a college degree.”

Rogers also believes the graduation rate reflects upon the university.

“It’s an indicator of the job,” he said. “We’re held accountable and held responsible for (how many students earn degrees). We advise, we teach, we try to engage.

Those are all things we have to do to get students through this university in four years – or five or six.”

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September 8, 2010

TROTMAN......................................................................continued from page 1

(Photo by: Kassie Bruton)

“Alvin will be recognized as one of the best twenty-first century composers. The track that he is on now, he might be one of the best ever.”

- Junior Cornelius Roberson

his time at Midwestern, his style of writing and composing has altered tremendously.

“My freshman year of college, I had just got published and everyone told me that if I wanted to get marketed that I had to write more accessible stuff,” Trotman said. “I did that for a while but that really wasn’t me, so I had to write what I liked and what I loved. So now I try to write it where it is accessible and it’s very singable. But it is for more mature, advanced high school or college choirs.”

Finding inspiration in dayto-day life and experiences, he also gets a lot of his ideas from a fellow composer and conductor, Eric Whitacre, who in recent years has become one of the most admired composers of this generation. Trotman’s works have dissonance and an elegance to them that can also be seen in Whitacre’s work. However, he is quick to defend that he has a style all his own.

“Over the last year, I have tried to use [Whitacre’s style] and make it my own,” Trotman said. “But the last thing I want is for people to say, ‘he’s that guy that sounds like Eric Whitacre.’

I want people to say, ‘oh that’s Alvin’s piece, and he has his own particular sound.’”

Even though the music Trotman writes and performs leans more toward the classical side, the music selection on his iPod may seem a bit surprising.

“My musical taste is all over,” Trotman said. “Just being who I am, I listen to a lot of Christian music but within that is rap, rock and heavy metal. And then there is the classical side opera and everything else in between.”

This fall, Trotman is rehearsing for a non-senior recital that will take place in January. The recital will include his own music and will be performed by other music majors who have full confidence in his ability as a conductor and teacher. Junior Cornelius Roberson describes his talents as not only amazing, but also spectacular and breath taking.

“The first word that comes to mind when I think of Alvin’s teaching style is patient,” sophomore Grace Johnson said. “He’s very patient and laid back, and that makes it enjoyable to work with him. Whenever we rehearse, he’s able to really pinpoint areas we have trouble with, as well as communicate what he wants the piece to be like.”

Trotman will be graduating from Midwestern in May with over 150 credit hours, and he isn’t even close to being finished yet. Trotman plans on getting his master’s and doctorate before the age of 25, majoring in composition. He intends to apply to a select few Texas universities and he says that he will apply to New York University and the Juilliard School “for grins.”

Trotman’s vocal instructor and Midwestern professor, Dr. Don Maxwell, describes Trotman reaching all requirements for his major so quickly as being pretty unusual.

“For most music education students, it takes more than four years [to graduate], because they basically have to double major by taking a lot of education courses and music courses,” Maxwell said. “It’s like a fiveyear plan. He is completing a lot of the requirements plus a lot of extra things in three years. He is

a man on the move. He wants to get somewhere.”

Director of choral activities, Dr. James Schuppener agrees with Maxwell that graduating in three years is pretty unusual for a music education major, but Schuppener says that has a lot to do with Trotman’s intellect. Trotman admits that he’s gotten a lot of guff for graduating in three years, but he insures that there is a method to his madness.

“I know people say that during your undergrad you are supposed to be well-rounded, but for me I think that’s what high school is for,” Trotman said. “I think when you get to college, it is time to specialize in whatever you want to do. And for me I did music, which is why I do not have a minor. I am pretty set on what I want to do.”

The long-term dream for Trotman is to be a university choral director as well as a sought after composer. He would also like to take a group of singers on the road around the country and tour, as well as put out CDs of his works. In spite of all of his success before the age of 21, Trotman says that he is far from conceited, and has been very blessed to achieve a lot in a short period of time. Any setback he receives, Trotman sees it as a challenge and motivation to sculpt his craft more and more.

“Alvin wants to be a conductor,” Roberson said. “I honestly don’t see that. However, I think that Alvin will be recognized as one of the best twenty-first century composers. The track that he is on now, he might be one of the best ever.”

Big Brothers, Big Sisters program seeks role models Brittany Walsh for the wichitan

“This is my big sister.”

Those were the proud words of 10-year-old Cameron this past summer when introducing his mentor, MSU senior Gigi Mattar, to his friends at camp.

Cameron and Gigi were matched five months ago through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program in Wichita Falls.

“I love kids and wanted to help any way I could,” said Mattar.

Mattar was introduced to the program last spring at the PartTime Job and Volunteer Fair.

She is not the only MSU student to take on this responsibility. Many MSU students are stepping up and taking on the role of a Big Brother or a Big Sister.

Senior Collin Jordan said he learned about the program while hanging signs during MSU’s Great Day of Service last spring. Jordan said that the program appealed to him not only because of its flexibility with his school schedule, but because of opportunity it gives him to positively influence another person.

“After a while, it is obvious

Coordinator of Multicultural Servies, Dominique Calhoun, hosted a Big Brothers, Big Sisters informational session Wednesday, September 2 to encourage Mustangs to get involved. (Photo by: Kassie Bruton)

that you have been a positive influence in the life of the child,” said Jordan.

He and his “little,” Kagen, have been matched for a little

over two months.

The program, which is now reaching out specifically to the MSU campus for mentors, generally asks that its partici-

FAIR..........................................................................continued from page 1 – and hiring MSU students,” Ward said.

The fair has been operating since Fall 2004. There have been 12 fairs since then, and the Career Management Center doesn’t have any plans to discontinue them.

Having a part time job helps students sustain their own financial needs and helps them not have to rely so much on their parents’ money. Ward said that they understand the importance of college students and the need for money.

Ward said MSU also understands that “going to school is expensive, and we try to help

students find a part-time job, and it helps build their resume.”

Not only are students building skills they will use for future jobs, they are getting involved, learning to manage their own finances and being responsible for some of their own expenses.

The fair is a more lowkey event, and students are not expected to dress formally.

Jeans, shorts and T-shirts are all OK. The Part-Time Job and Volunteer Fair may be more casual, but when the career expo is in swing, students are expected to dress the part.

However, it is never a bad idea to bring your resume with you. Employers were doing interviews and hiring people on the spot Wednesday. Some set up interviews for later that day, too. “It’s always good to be prepared, you never know,” Ward said.

If the point is to get students involved and be more responsible, the fair was a success. As 250 students attended the event, Sarah Ward along with the Career Management Center seemed more than pleased with the turn out this year.

pants commit at least a year to their “littles.” Students are required to meet at least two to four times a month and no more than once a week.

Mattar said that when she and her “little” hang out, they always do whatever fun things Cameron can think of for that day.

Such things include going to eat, fishing and even going to the skating rink (although she said that neither of them are gifted skaters).

As for Jordan and Kagen, he said the activities that range high on their list include making crazy concoctions at Orange Leaf, and also going to see the prairie dogs at

the park.

“It kind of gives you an excuse to act like a careless 10-yearold again,” Jordan said.

While both Mattar and Jordan agree that the program is a lot of fun, they both suggest that the MSU students looking to take on a little should make sure they have adequate time to offer him or her.

According to Jordan, as long as the mentor can adjust his or her schedule and study times accordingly, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Overall, both students say that they have gotten a lot out of the program, and while they are making a difference in their “little’s” lives, the same also seems to be happening in theirs.

“You realize that every little thing you say and do can impact someone,” Mattar said.

When asked of Jordan, he said, “You certainly get the feeling that you are involved in a good thing. The whole ‘one person can make a difference’ thing is appropriate here.”

Anyone who would like to be a mentor in a child’s life, please contact either Kim Hogue or Deborah Halvorson at the BBBS office, (940) 767-2447, or through email at WFInfo@ BBBSTX.org. You can also find out more information through their website, BBBSTX.org.

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September 8, 2010

The Wichitan n 5

Picking up and Moving on

A Formal Affair makes move to Austin, but stays loyal to local fans Courtney Foreman For the Wichitan

Local talent A Formal Affair has made quite a name for themselves since they first began their musical adventure in Wichita Falls.

Playing at local venues such as The Spot, Old Town and The Iron Horse are just a few places where the band has harnessed a loyal fan base.

The band’s attempt at stardom has launched their latest venture of picking up and moving to Austin, Texas.

“We want to take over Austin like we took over Wichita Falls,” front man Adam Rivera said.

Moving to Austin wasn’t an easy decision, as they considered many locations for the bands resting place.

“Initially, we were going to go to Waco so that we could play in Dallas and Austin. But staying in Austin is just a smarter move,” Cody Magana, lead guitarist, said.

The benefit of Austin lies within its ability to harbor great live music opportunities for a band like A Formal Affair to get their name out there on a larger scale.

Scott Rogers, drummer and most recent addition to the band, said, “There’s a lot more opportunity for live music in Austin but there’s also a lot more competition.”

The band lives in a two-bedroom apartment in Austin and balances its time between visiting Wichita Falls and booking shows in their new town.

In the two months after the band moved to Austin, they’ve been back in Wichita Falls quite a bit.

“We’ve been back here in Wichita for really good shows. We also want to stay faithful to the places that helped us get started. Plus we love Wichita Falls,” Rivera said about the transition.

Being on the road comes as no surprise to the band anymore, as Rogers mentioned they feel like they spend their lives on the highway these days.

But before AFA heads back to Austin, the band had a chance to film their first full-band live recording at The Iron Horse on Saturday, August 29.

“We’re debuting four brand new acoustic songs,” Rivera said, along with their usual covers and fan favorites.

Magana hopes to have the recording on a CD and made available for fans soon. The band thrives on live shows and feels confident in their ability of sounding good live.

“I love the people that come up to you and tell you they really enjoyed your music and that they had a good time,” bassist Jason Stokes said.

AFA’s newest members include Stokes who’s been playing with AFA since last May, and Rogers who just recently joined the band a couple months ago.

Rogers taught himself to play the drums and only has about two months of practice under his belt.

“Scott was like our long lost brother. I’ve never seen someone get as good on an instrument as I’ve seen him on the drums,” Rivera said.

Lead singer, Adam Rivera, plays the piano while singing one of their popular tracks. (Photo by: Bonnie Nolen)

Lead guitarist, Cody Magna, strums along with the band at a local concert earlier this year. (Photo Courtesy)

Rogers feels lucky to have the opportunity to play for such a band as AFA and be a part of their rising success, but the band assures him that they are the lucky ones.

On top of moving to Austin and playing live shows, AFA’s most popular track from their first five song EP, “Two Towns” has been getting some major airtime on the radio.

“Two Towns is a great song. A lot of people will call us or send us text messages when we’re in Austin saying, ‘I just heard your song on the radio!’ and that’s really exciting,” Stokes said.

With their escalating popularity, the band hopes to be signed to a label as soon as possible. Each member has an ideal company to

be signed with like Epic or Drive Thru Records, but aren’t picky if it came down to it.

Unlike other bands that make it big and forget their roots, Rivera reassures us, “we’re a cool band, and we’re normal too. Like say we get signed, we’re still going to be like this.”

You can listen to A Formal Affair’s music or download songs on iTunes. To find out where you can see the band live, check out their Web site on MySpace, Facebook or purevolume.com. Be sure to tune into 92.9 and listen for “Two Towns” on the air.

You can vote online at 929nin.com to hear more AFA on the radio.

Fuzzy’s sets up shop in Falls Alyssa Johnston For the Wichitan

Several new eateries have opened recently in Wichita Falls, and among those is Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.

Located in Parkway Plaza, off Midwestern Parkway and Maplewood, Fuzzy’s is just a two minute drive from MSU. Fuzzy’s has an inviting feeling from the moment you walk in. The guy taking orders was friendly and helpful as I badgered him with questions about the different types of meats, and whether or not I could order breakfast. He had to refer to a packet for some answers, but he assured me he would have it all memorized soon.

Not being a big meat eater, I decided to order the veggie quesadillas. To my surprise, it wasn’t just cheese and onions, but an array of vegetables, including black beans and pico de gallo.

They offer a diverse menu,

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop serves baja style Mexican food. The restaurant has a diverse menu of appetizers and soups, tacos, salads, jumbo burritos, grilled sandwiches, dinners, breakfast burritos and tacos and even a small children’s menu. You can visit Fuzzzy’s online at www.fuzzystacoshop.com (Photos by Kassie Bruton)

including breakfast – served all day!

For those that aren’t into the veggies, Fuzzy’s offers grilled or fried fish, two kinds of beef, chicken, shrimp, and shredded pork. For breakfast they have chorizo, a Mexican favorite.

You can pick from tacos to salads to “jumbo burritos.” They also have grilled sandwiches and Mexican dinner plates – and for those old enough, beer and margaritas.

In addition to a lot of food choices, Fuzzy’s has merchandise for sale.

The most intriguing item was a hard plastic cup. They are available for $1.99, and when you bring your cup back, you get refills for 99 cents. Not only is a couple of bucks for a cup I can keep not a bad deal, but it’s environmentally conscious as well. It saves quite a few cups from going into the trashcan each day.

After ordering, you can pick a spot to sit down and relax.

You go to the window to get your food when your number is called. There are plenty of things to look at while you wait.

The glass-top tables have business cards, flyers, and other miscellaneous items underneath them, and the walls are decorated with bright, bold colors.

After finishing my meal, someone even came by and picked up my mess, preventing me from having to search awkwardly for a trash can.

The first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop was opened in July 2003 on Berry Street near Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

The original Fuzzy’s did so well that they have started franchising stores. There are currently 13 Fuzzy’s as of now, but they plan to expand to 77 stores within the next year.

Fuzzy’s is a fun place with a great menu and is walking distance from MSU. You’re missing out if you haven’t tried a Fuzzy’s taco yet.

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The Wichitan

September 8, 2010

Squeezing into a new trend with ‘jeggings’ Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor

First there were the flare jeans, and then the boot cut style became a popular fad. Then there was the skinny jean and the super skinny jean.

One couldn’t imagine squeezing into a tighter pair of pants.

But now, it is possible.

It is a new jean craze that is hitting stores: jeggings. They are leggings that look like jeans, in case you couldn’t figure that out.

When I first saw them in stores I thought it was a misprint, but then I noticed the narrow leg and stretchy material and it became clear: stores are actually selling jean inspired leggings!

They are supposed to give

you the stretch and freedom that a regular pair of jeans just can’t give.

So I thought these new contraptions must be tested. I set out to the mall to give these babies a shot.

Once I got to the store and stared at this rack of tiny faux pants, I picked out my size and thought “there is no way these are getting past my calves.”

I headed into the dressing room and stared at my opponenta teeny pair of pants and an unforgiving mirror.

I put my foot though the leg of the pant and held my breath.

To my surprise (and the mirror’s, I think) they fit. Yes, there was some tugging and pulling to get them on, but they were actually comfortable.

This stretchy denim allows you to bend and move with ease, and yet the unique elastic waist doesn’t pucker or fold, adding bulk around the middle. Instead, it sucks you in like the world’s most comfortable girdle or shaper. Ah-ha, finally!

With jeggings you get the comfort of leggings, but the style of jeans.

They are surprisingly comfortable, allowing you to move more freely than regular jeans.

Like any good pair of pants, you have to search for that perfect pair. Some are too tight and some bunch up by the knees and don’t allow you to move very freely. Explore different stores and try on different ones to find your perfect fit.

How to wear jeggings:

Tip One: Don’t wear them if you feel uncomfortable, or if certain (important) parts of your body don’t fit into them.

Tip Two: If you are on the shorter side, try getting the petite size. There is nothing worse than having two feet of bunched jeans at your ankles.

Tip Three: Since they do have the stitching of pockets and seams, you don’t have to find shirts long enough to cover your behind. Because it is still denim material, you can wear something as simple as a blouse and a cardigan. But since they are skinny enough, they also work great with long sweaters, short dresses and long tees.

Jeggings are the new discovery in the teenage jean craze. They are available at most teenagefriendly clothing store. (Photo Courtesy)

Trejo out for revenge in blood-splattered action comedy, ‘Machete’ Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor

Guns, boobs, Mexicans and a really large knife are the basic premise of director Robert Rodriguez’s (“Grindhouse”, “Sin City”) newest work, “Machete.”

Machete, played by the gruesome and rough-looking Danny Trejo, is an ex-Federale from Mexico who is determined to kill his boss (a chunky Steven Segal) who murdered his wife and child and betrayed him.

In the process of his brutal rampage, he is asked to shoot the Texas Senator, played by a very southern and racist Robert Di Niro. But, of course, Machete gets framed and spends the film running from the police and the men who asked him to commit the shooting in the first place.

Di Niro has a few funny lines, but the funniest parts of the film are his ad campaigns, which are by far some of the most racist comments one could imagine.

The general message is that Mexicans are infesting America, and if we continue to allow it

then America will become what everyone fears: Mexico.

It was a bit over the top, but actually pretty humorous for those who don’t take them seriously.

Actors Don Johnson, from the popular 1980’s show “Miami Vice,” and Jeff Fahey from television series “Lost,” also have their parts in the film as racist and greedy men. Johnson fills the role of a lieutenant who patrols the border and kills crossing illegals. Fahey plays the Senator’s aide and is trying to kill Machete.

A very large Segal plays the man who betrayed Machete in the beginning of the film and also tries to pass off as a Mexican with his threatening demeanor and random Spanish lines.

Poorly done, Steven.

In the midst of Machete’s killing-spree, he manages to be a ladies’ man with women such as Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba and believe it or not, Lindsay Lohan.

This was a hard to believe considering Trejo’s face looks like

Released: September 3, 2010 Rating: R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity Starring: Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Steven Segal, Robert Di Niro three miles of torn up highway, plus the life size tattoo of a Hispanic woman on his chest gives him no justice.

The lovely Alba (“Good Luck Chuck,” “Fantastic Four”) stars as a police woman, making sure the Mexicans have their papers, all while in three-inch heels and an annoying demeanor.

A very fit Rodriguez (“Fast and Furious,” “Resident Evil”) plays a legal Mexican who runs a taco stand, but is secretly the leader of “the network,” an organization that helps illegal’s cross the border and start their lives in Texas.

This movie is filled with racist comments, bad bloody graphics and too many naked women.

Within the first two minutes of the film, you see a naked

Kayne gives back to fans with weekly tracks Cora Kuykendall For the Wichitan

I’m sure all Kanye West fans know he has a new album coming out this November, that has been ten years in the making. But some fans might not know that he will be releasing a new track every Friday until Christmas.

He tweeted, “I’m calling it good Fridays. Ya’ll know every Friday ya’ll gone have a new joint from our family. We look at the game completely different now.”

When it comes to West, no one ever knows if he does things for the love of the art and fans, or the love he has for himself.

Even though Christmas is a time of giving, and he will be giving away free music, that’s right free music, the name.

“Good Friday” is definitely sacrilegious.

Along with releasing new music every Friday, West teamed

woman who pulls a device from her nether-regions that should not be stored there.

After seeing that, I thought “what have I just paid $8 to see?”

From that moment on, the film doesn’t stop with its tacky lines and over-the-top fighting scenes.

Don’t see this with your parents due to its multiple awkward nude scenes.

Don’t see it with a potential date if you ever want to have date with them again.

Do see it if you have a good sense of humor and can laugh at the horrible graphics and cheesy lines. Oh, and are a fan of Robert Rodriguez’s works.

Danny Trejo stars as Machete, a knife-carrying avenger.Jeff Fahey and Robert Di Niro play greedy men in the film. (Photo Courtesy)

nMusic Excursion: AN ENTERTAINMENT COLUMN

Essentials to music collection

Kayne West plays Santa by releasing a new track each week for his avid fans. (Photo Courtesy)

up with Jay-Z and released Nick Minaj. a five-song mini-album last If the rest of the mini-album week. The latest track “Monster” is anything like this track, West featured Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and fans are in for a real treat.

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To start this series off, I believe it is important for everyone to start off with a few basics.

If your music collection is missing any one of these bands, I strongly suggest you find a way to get them in your library as soon as possible.

Let’s scan a few genres, rather than a lot of bands from the same genre. Everyone likes a little variety, right?

First off, a great name in indie for the past 13 years has been Death Cab for Cutie. If you haven’t heard of this band, you’ve probably either been in solitary confinement or another country.

This band paved the way for indie music. Fronted by lyrical genius Ben Gibbard, this band brings an eclectic mix of sounds all their own.

From fast poppy songs like “Sound of Settling” to the slow, moving, piano-driven ballads like “What Sarah Said,” this band has a song for every taste.

A band making a name for themselves in the punk genre is the quintet from Massachusetts, Four Year

Josh Hoggard For the Wichitan Strong.

This power-pop band brings influences from the pop world, the punk world, and the hardcore world, incorporating synth and breakdowns in the midst of power chords, fast drumming and perfect harmonies.

Their sophomore release, “Rise or Die Trying,” gave them a reputation for musical excellence. Soon after, their release of the 90’s cover album “Explains It All” showed their influence as well as their fun side. A must-have for any punk fan.

Not much is said about new

rap. Basically, what you hear on the radio is what you get.

Thankfully, this is not the case.

Give The Cool Kids a listen. With sub-shaking beats that you can dance to and smart lyrics, this rap duo brings something new to the rap table: originality.

Rather than mindless raps about how many girls they have lining up or flashing their money, they throw sarcasm and irony around. Any fan of literature will love raps from The Cool Kids.

As far as folk is concerned, none is better than Iron and Wine. Austin’s Sam Beam has taken the stage name Iron and Wine and has run with it.

From his first EP recorded on an old tape-player, to soloacoustic tracks, to steel guitar and banjo, Beam tells beautiful stories through his music.

It is great music to study and relax to.

Those are a few to start off your collection.

Next week, we’ll dive into the world of indie and see where it takes us.

sports

September 8, 2010

The Wichitan n 7

New Mustang tennis coach hits the court running Kaja Banas

for the wichitan

Changes are in store for the MSU men’s and women’s tennis programs under the leadership of new head coach Scott Linn.

Linn, an avid tennis player since the age of 12, is not new to coaching the game. He started his coaching career in 1995 at his alma mater, East Central University in Oklahoma. Since then, Linn has served as head coach for men’s and women’s tennis at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma for two years (‘97-’99), Embry-Riddle for five years (’99-’04), as men’s head coach at Florida Southern three years (’04-’07) and as assistant men’s coach at Indiana University for three years (’07-’10).

He plans to stay at MSU for the long haul, at least until all three of his children graduate from high school.

Linn has high goals for the team.

He said be believes the team has the potential to be the very best.

“We have a legitimate shot at winning the National Championship with both teams – not only this year, but each year,” Linn said. “By pushing toward a National Championship we will fulfill some other goals along the way.”

With his previous coaching experience serving as a foundation, Linn believes he will bring a lot to the table.

“I think that I bring a tremendous passion for what I do every day. I’ve been lucky enough to be around some of the best coaches in the United States for the past 11 years and I have some very good knowledge for the game of tennis,” Linn said.

Linn has worked with renowned coaches from all over the country, such as Dave Beerman (Florida Tennis Hall of Fame), Steve Rid-

Coach Scott Linn demonstrates his backhand volley during practice. (Photo by Brittany Norman) der (athletic director at Embry-Riddle and also the men’s basketball coach), Mike O’Connell (USPTA Master Professional, Bloomington Indiana), Ed Krass (College Tennis Academy director), and Randy Bloemendaal (head men’s tennis coach at Indiana University).

Players describe the training schedule Linn has implemented as intense. Linn said he has pushed many players past what they believed to be their limit by reminding them of their goals and their ability to conquer them.

“I like coach’s methods,” sopho-

more Luke Joyce said. “They are tough and push us as players, but it is making us believe in ourselves.

We are continually having to push our boundaries and limits, be it mentally, physically or emotionally.”

Linn does not just show up for conditioning and strength training, but uses a positive attitude to keep his players going strong and pushes them to not give up. The team has been in the weight room, on the tennis court, and running laps around Sikes Lake.

“I think there will be more structure to the program this year and

Runners take top honors

year and the other who has a high Sports Editor caliber division We hear the phrase “Run like program,” Styles hell” being used a lot. Back in said.

Leading the 1979, rock band Pink Floyd had Mustangs was jua song titled “Run Like Hell,” nior Brissia Monthe first words in the song went “Run, run, run.” The statement talvo (third/14:51) senior has grown to a cliché, but it’s then Sydnee Cole what the MSU cross country ( s i x t h / 1 5 : 0 3), team did as they won first place freshman Ashin the MSU Cross Country Stampede last Thursday at the ley Flores (seventh/15:03), Memorial Athletic Complex. freshman Eight schools competed and Janel Campbell against each other for the first place title in the 4K (approxi- (ninth/15:12) finmately 2.5 miles) run, but MSU ishing up the top skimmed to the top by a single ten.

Sophomore point to take home the bragging Heather Owens rights. took fifteenth at Head Cross Country Coach 15:44, and sophKoby Styles said he believed his omore Melody team as a whole did well.

Caldwell (nine“I was real pleased with the t e e n t h / 1 6 :01). way we ran in this meet,” Styles Runners Cara Heather Owens races to the finish line at the said.

Mack, Lindsey MSU Cross Country Stampede. (Photo by: More impressing, the team won against two schools that Pate, and Bailey Kassie Bruton) were ranked highly, Dallas Bap- Dulaney finished tist University, ranked second in up for the Mussaid. the region last year and UTA, a tangs at various times.

The Mustangs Cross Country Styles said he believed this team is currently ranked eighth Division One team that Styles said is one of the best cross coun- was a right way to start off the in the region. Their next race is season. try teams in Texas. scheduled for September 18th “We’re just looking to get bet- at the Missouri Southern Stam“We beat two solid teams.

One who went to nationals last ter and better each meet,” Styles pede in Joplin, Mo.

there will be more team events which will bring us all closer together as a team,” junior Alex Odell-Michels said. “I feel that the conditioning and footwork program will also help all of us. We will develop more confidence as a team and as individuals.”

Along with his passion for the game, Linn is also trying to bring a sense of family to the team. With a family of his own, Linn sees a great importance in having a strong support system.

“We have players from all over the world here,” Linn said “Some

players are on their own here, a lot of them for the first time. To still know you’ve got that support behind you is very comforting.”

Linn said the choice to come to MSU was not a trying one.

“We have a lot of family close to this area, just about three hours away now. Also we were very fortunate that Wichita Falls has a fantastic church and that is important for raising our children.”

“The family loves being back closer to home, and Wichita Falls and the MSU Athletic Department have been great in welcoming us.”

Linn said.

With the support of the administration, students, and the community, Linn predicts great progress for the team. He wants the team to reach out to the entire Wichita Falls community by doing fund-raisers and exhibition matches, helping to spread the word of a successful and motivated program.

Linn is having the team work with Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as The Boys & Girls Club to get them involved with the community and allow them to have an impact on the lives of local children.

“I know that we need to build the community support of the program, along with recruiting top Texas players and bringing in top college and lower-level professional events,” Linn said.

Linn has a lot of faith in the MSU tennis program and athletic department as a whole.

“I really believe that this tennis program at Midwestern State will give them the tools needed to be personally and professionally successful after college,” Linn said, “The leadership, time management, teamwork, and problem solving skills will be tremendously important later in life.”

“He has such a mind for tennis and sees so many things on the court to help make our game better and as a person I think he will help shape us into well-rounded people before we graduate,” said junior Lindsey Holcomb.

“I think he will make us better players and people all around. I think it will be nice to look back one day and say, ‘I did it,’” said senior Bozo Zaputovic about his experience as a college tennis player.

The team, as well as Linn, are training hard to prepare for their spring season and their shot at the national title.

Andre Gonzalez

Football

MSU Scoreboard

Win over New Mexico Highlands 52-6

Volleyball-Nebraska-Omaha Invitational Win over Chadron State 3-0 Loss to Northwest Missouri State 0-3 Loss to Nebraska-Omaha 0-3 Loss to Emporia State 2-3

Women’s Soccer-Broncho Invitational Win over Truman State 3-2 Win over Nebraska-Omaha 2-1

fitness classes Starting at 5 p.m. including: @ the redwine ABS student wellness SPIN center Zumba Piyo Kiowa Kooks & Power Pilates Live Music by Cardio Dance

Devin Williams!

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The Wichitan

sports

September 8, 2010

On Deck This Week n

Friday, Sept. 10

volleyball @ tarleton state in-

vitational sept. 10 & 11

SOCCER

WOMEN’S TEAM @ EDMOND, OKLA. at 2 p.m.

MEN’S TEAM VS. COLRADO STATEPUEBLO AT 7 P.M.

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SATURDAY, SepT. 11

Football @ Eastern new Mexico at 7 p.m.

n

MSU sweeps Dustdevils Andre Gonzalez Sports Editor

SUNDAY, Sept. 12

SOCCER

WOMEN’S TEAM @ EDMOND, OKLA. at NOON MEN’S TEAM VS. COLRADO-COLORADO SPRINGS AT 1 P.M.

n

TUESday, Sept. 14

SOCCER

WOMEN’S TEAM VS. OKLAHOMA BAPTIST AT 7 P.M.

(Top right) An MSU soccer player battles for the ball against one of the Texas A&M International Dustdevils. (Above) Midfield Dean Lovegrove heads the ball away from an A&M International player (Photos Brittany Norman)

The MSU Mustangs soccer team kicked their way into victory Thursday night against Texas A&M International.

The No. 17 ranked Mustangs beat the Dustdevils by a score of 2-0.

The Mustangs had a back line of defenders consisting of senior Landon Fruge, junior Kelly Gill, junior Ryan Spence and sophomore Dean Lovegrove to assist senior goalkeeper Raul Herrera.

“The main thing is de-

fense played solid. We only allowed two shots on goal,” head soccer coach Doug Elder said, “Midfield and strikers played alright, they were good enough to get the win.”

Twenty-four minutes into the first half, the Mustangs scored their first goal, a shot from the far post by Sam Broadbent to give them the lead of 1-0.

Broadbent had assistance from freshman VcMor Eligwe, who kept the ball off the touch line and along the left wing.

Twelve minutes into the second half, David Freeland

scored a second point against the Dustdevils. Eligwe was at it again with assistance to Freeland, serving a cross at the right wing that ensured victory for the Mustangs.

“We’re ready to get back on the drawing board and keep working toward the next couple of games against two good Colorado teams,” Elder said.

MSU will face off against Colorado State-Pueblo Friday at 7 p.m., and against Colorado-Colorado Springs on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both games will be played at MSU Soccer Field.