Friday 1/10/14

weekend Michigan State University’s independent voice

statenews.com | 1/10/14 | @thesnews

IN ELITE COMPANY Top left: Junior midfield/ back Becky Stiles fights for control of the ball on Nov. 13, 2013, at Ralph Young Field.

Top right: Senior center Adreian Payne dribbles around Kentucky forward Julius Randle on Nov. 12, 2013, at the Champions Classic in Chicago.

Bottom Left: Alumnus Kelly Welsh boos Ohio State’s second half entrance and Ohio State

alumnus Dan Jarvis cheers during the Big Ten Championship on Dec. 7, 2013, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Bottom right: Sophomore midfielder Jay Chapman laughs as junior forward Tim Kreutz raises the Big Bear Trophy over his head following the game against Michigan on Nov. 9, 2013, at DeMartin Stadium at Old College Field.

Danyelle Morrow/The State News

State News File Photo

Julia Nagy/The State News

Spartan teams triumph with historic string of athletic victories

By Matt Sheehan

To view a timeline of recent victories, visit statenews. com/ multimedia.

msheehan@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

“On the banks of the Red Cedar, there’s a school that’s known to all. Its specialty is winning, and those Spartans play good ball.”

Those opening lines to the MSU fight song never have held so much truth, as Green and White teams have gathered to make their mark this academic year as one of the NCAA’s most successful athletics programs.

The No. 3 football team blanketed East Lansing in rose petals for the first time since 1988. Men’s soccer took its first trip to the Elite Eight since 1968 this past fall. Field hockey genSee VICTORIES on page 2 u Danyelle Morrow/The State News

more inside Cases heading to trial in 2014 Several high-profile suspects likely to have their day in court this year campus+city, pG. 3

Ballroom Minty bliss fest St.Johns, Mich., Students pair celebrates up to climb tradition, through summer fun at ballroom dance rankings Mint Festival

Spartans upset No. 16 Huskers at home Junior forward Becca Mills fights through Nebraska forward Jordan Hooper.

Erin Hampton/ The State News

Features, PAGE 5

SPORTS, PAGE 6

2 | The Stat e News | f riday, januarY 1 0, 2 01 4 | statenews.com

Police Brief VICTORIES Student arrested for attacking boyfriend An MSU student was arrested for allegedly attacking her boyfriend at about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 7 in West Owen Hall, according to police.

MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said the 19-year-old student became violent during a verbal altercation with her boyfriend, a 21-year-old student, when she accused him of infidelity.

The suspect was arrested on domestic assault charges and remains in Ingham County Jail.

She has yet to be arraigned.

There were no reported injuries.

Geoff Preston

statenews.com opinion blo g

Nail-biter OSU game stressful for fans As the MSU vs. Ohio State basketball game concluded on Tuesday, I could hear the collective sigh of relief from the 15,000 green and whiteclad Spartan fans at Breslin Center all the way from my house on Stoddard Avenue.

After a furious comeback from the Buckeyes after they tied a game that was all but decided only a few minutes before, the Breslin faithful were happy just to escape with a win.

Geoff Preston

Three-day forecast

Friday Cloudy High: 37° Low: 21°

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Men’s soccer coach Damon Rensing: “It’s just a great time to be at MSU.� from page one

erated an improbable run of its own to win the Big Ten Tournament, heading to the Elite Eight as well. Volleyball competed in its second consecutive Sweet 16. Women’s cross country ran itself to a sixth-place finish in the NCAA championships.

And to boot, the MSU faithful has a promising men’s basketball season ahead, with the No. 5 Spartans already defeating then-No. 1 Kentucky and No. 3 Ohio State.

The football team’s win at the Rose Bowl was one of many successful showings in MSU athletics As the football team was honored during halftime of Tuesday’s men’s basketball game, junior center Travis Jackson summed up how most MSU fans feel lately with this year’s triumphs. “I know I speak for all (my teammates) when I say no one has it better than a Spartan,� Jackson said in front of a soldout Breslin Center crowd.

Hardwood and gridiron success Dating back to early December, before football went on to win the Big Ten championship and the 100th Rose Bowl game, men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo shared his dream. “My dream as a Michigan State person, as a member of this community, my dream was always to see the day when we were successful in both (football and basketball),�

Izzo said on Dec. 2, 2013. “For a guy who has been here this long and loves both sports ‌ it’s living the dream.â€?

Izzo and his players made the trip to Indianapolis on Dec. 7, 2013 to see their fellow student-athletes accomplish one of their dreams — beat Ohio State and take the program to Pasadena, Calif.

After seeing the football team take home the Big

“My dream as a Michigan State person ... was always to see the day when were successful in both (football and basketball).�

Continued

Tom Izzo, MSU men’s basketball head coach

Ten title and Rose Bowl, redshirt freshman forward Kenny Kaminski said the injuryplagued hoops team learned a valuable lesson on what could happen if a team gets together to overcome adversity. “Who would have thought after the first two games that they were going to win the Rose Bowl?â€? Kaminski said Thursday. “Their offense was just, in lack of a better word, in shambles. Just watching Connor Cook ‌ pull everyone together and fight through adversity, it’s very similar to us with all our injuries.â€?

The Spartans undoubtedly will have to fight through the injuries and adversity to fulfill their “Final Four or bust� mentality.

Before dropping a home game to North Carolina, MSU received its first No. 1 ranking in nearly 13 years, giving its fans lofty expectations for the team to meet.

Izzone director and marketing senior Matt Martin believes that anything short of a Final Four — a stage Izzo has been to six times — would be a letdown with this year’s talent and experience. “That’s the culture that’s been brought to us the last 20 years with MSU basketball,� Martin said. “Maybe that seems a little cocky or unfortunate, but that’s just part of Michigan State and being a basketball fan.�

Unsung Spartans By not playing in front of thousands of fans every game, some of MSU athletic’s success stories have flown under the radar of many MSU fans.

In the middle of November, unanimous All-Big Ten first team member Lauren Wicinski etched her name in volleyball lore by becoming MSU’s all-time kills leader with 2,304.

After an exit in the Spartans’ third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, Wicinski ended with the NCAA’s 13th-highest career kill total with 2,424. Junior libero and two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the

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Year Kori Moster also is in the history books with a school record 1,668 digs.

As far as postseason success goes, men’s soccer, field hockey and cross country made noise in their respective sports.

Men’s soccer head coach Damon Rensing said leading the program to its first Elite Eight in 45 years was about more than boosting his team’s image — it was about making MSU’s name stronger. “It’s a very proud moment, not just within the soccer program, but to contribute to the athletics department’s national effort,� Rensing said.

Field hockey, which came off a shaky 10-10 season in 2012, started its 2013 campaign on the wrong foot with a 3-6 start to the season. But the team turned their shame into fortune by going 4-2 in Big Ten play and winning the Big Ten Tournament. However, that wasn’t the highlight of the season that looked bleak at the start.

The Spartans snapped No. 2 Syracuse’s 45-home game win streak to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2009.

Junior Leah O’Connor spearheaded the women’s cross country team, who placed sixth in the national meet, and men’s sophomore Caleb Rhynard become the first Spartan to receive AllAmerican honors since 1997.

History in the making MSU’s athletic success has spurred similar standout efforts from students who want to take part in athletic history.

No-preference freshman Ryan Waisanen just wants to get back onto a bus this spring.

After he made the 55-hourlong bus trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., with a group of friends, he saw something he said he thought would never happen. “We’ve been through some tough times, watching the John L. Smith teams and the Bobby Wil-

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State News File Photo

Senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski gets emotional after celebrating with the student section Sept. 20, 2013, at Jenison Field House. Wicinski ended the night having surpassed 2,000 career kills.

liams teams, but times are different now,� he said.

Waisanen’s next hopeful bus tour is down to Dallas for the Final Four, a trip he and the same group of friends already have planned.

He certainly isn’t the only one feeling the hype of basketball season, as Martin said Izzone ticket sales have surpassed 3,800, which is “well over double� of what they sold last season. “The athletics are making kids want to come to the games more, and they feel like they have a bigger impact on the game,� Martin said. “Especially when coaches mention how important they are to the game.�

And the coaches have done just that, with Izzo stat-

ing after the wins over Portland and Ohio State that the home crowd played a crucial role in getting the ‘W.’ Another coach who can’t get enough of the fan support is Rensing, who gets to listen to the Red Cedar Rowdies — the men’s soccer student section — banter and help push his team into their next gear. “We’ve gotten compliments from alumni and other programs around the country,� he said. “They’ve been awesome, they really add to the environment. You combine the Rowdies to the great community of soccer supporters, and it becomes great — you saw that culminate at the Michigan game. “It’s just a great time to be at MSU.�

Crossword

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

VOL . 104 | NO. 169

Sunday Partly Sunny High: 34° Low: 34°

Index Campus+city 3 Opinion 4 Features 5 Sports 6 Classifieds 5

editorial staff

Level: 1

2

3 4

(517) 432-3070 Editor in chief Ian Kullgren

nn

managing editor Lauren Gibbons

Corrections

DIGITAL managing editor Celeste Bott Design editor Becca Guajardo PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Danyelle Morrow Opinion editor Rebecca Ryan campus EDITOR Nolly Dakroury City Editor Katie Abdilla sports editor Beau Hayhoe Features editor Anya Rath Copy Chief Maude Campbell n n

Professional staff General Manager Marty Sturgeon, (517) 432-3000 Editorial adviser Omar Sofradzija, (517) 432-3070 CREATIVE adviser Travis Ricks, (517) 432-3004 Web adviser Mike Joseph, (517) 432-3014 Photo adviser Robert Hendricks, (517) 432-3013

If you notice an error, please contact Managing Editor Lauren Gibbons at (517) 432-3070 or by email at feedback@statenews.com. nn

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Across

SOLUTION THURSDAY’SPUZZLE PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO THURSDAY’S

1/10/14

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

www.sudoku.org.uk

Š 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

1 Word choice 5 Singer with bandleader Xavier Cugat 10 City in Czechoslovakia?

14 Pro __ 15 Macho guys 16 The whole kit and kaboodle 17 Take delight (in) 18 Break down over time 19 Night music 20 Only woman to win the top prize on “The $64,000 Question�

23 Like many a Magic Johnson pass 24 Improvise 26 Homer’s father 27 Lee side: Abbr.

29 Actor Max __ Sydow 30 Brouhaha 31 O. Henry quality?

33 Parts 1 and 4 of this puzzle’s theme 35 Astounds 37 Objector 38 Blood line 40 Some narcs 41 Puzzle theme, part 3 44 Ersatz 46 Modern Persian 49 First name in Disney villains 51 Doo-wop staple 53 Sewer’s bottoms 54 “The Murders in the __ Morgue�

56 Brother of Jacob 57 Plan for the future, briefly 58 This puzzle’s theme is one 62 Kenya’s cont.

63 Kansas City football analyst Dawson 64 Mother-of-pearl source 65 Wasted 66 Mensa stats 67 End of this puzzle’s theme 68 Quartet in a George Strait title

Down

1 Recede 2 Snow 3 Mouthing off 4 Izu Islands locale 5 Rear view 6 Trumpeter Alpert 7 Latin lover’s word 8 Second effort 9 Ring combo 10 Like Cheerios 11 Daydream 12 Asymmetric 13 Wt. units 21 Chanel No. 1?

22 Rear 23 “The Lion King� queen 25 Mix in a bowl 28 Upon 29 No 32 Classic action figures

34 They may be game winners: Abbr.

36 Slopeside sight 38 Kind of nitrite or nitrate 39 Nike competitor 42 Not in the bk.

43 Mess up 44 Trig, for calc, often 45 43-Downers?

47 “Deal’s off’’ 48 Up the creek 49 Dog topper 50 Dino, Desi & Billy drummer 51 Judean king 52 Mongol tents 55 “This could get __�

58 Bud 59 “Law News Now� journal publisher: Abbr.

60 Year abroad 61 Storage unit

Get the solutions at

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stat e ne ws.co m | T he State N ews | f riday, january 10, 2014 |

Campus+city 2014 cases to watch

A

s the new year begins, the court schedule is beginning to heat up. The past year brought cases that likely will be on the docket for 2014.

21 suspects, including some MSU students, have been arraigned for their involvement with the Big Ten championship civil disturbance and will have face pre-trial examinations in February.

Dishon Ambrose

State News File Photo

In 2012, journalism freshman Olivia Pryor was found dead in her dorm room in Hubbard Hall of an alcohol overdose. In 2014, one of the two men allegedly involved could go to trial. Detroit resident Dishon Ambrose, 19, faces a felony charge of selling or furnishing to a minor causing death.

On the night of March 18, 2012 Ambrose and Eastpointe, Mich., resident Marquez Domonique Cannon, 17, allegedly assaulted both Pryor and her roommate while forcing Pryor to drink her way to a .349 blood alcohol content, causing her death.

Cannon was convicted of the same charge as Ambrose in May of 2012 as well as a sexual misconduct charge and injury to a incapacitated victim. He is facing six to 20 years in prison.

No trial date has been set for Ambrose.

Samuel Roberts

Roberts

campus Editor Nolly Dakroury, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Katie Abdilla, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

Who’s next on the docket from last year’s East Lansing crimes

On Oct. 19, East Lansing resident Samuel Roberts was arrested for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend. His pre-trial date was scheduled for Dec. 3 but was moved and likely will be in 2014. Oswald Scott Wilder likely will face a trial in 2014, as well as the man who provided alcohol to MSU student Olivia Pryor before she died. —By Geoff Preston, The State News

Oswald Scott Wilder

Dishon Tyran Ambrose, 19, appears with his attorney on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in East Lansing 54B District Court.

On the night of Oct. 19 East Lansing resident Samuel Roberts was arrested for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend and holding her at knife-point against her will. Roberts also took her cellphone.

Roberts had a blood-alcohol level of .10 when he was arrested and, according to his ex-girlfriend, has a history of being abusive while intoxicated.

Roberts’ pre-trial examination was scheduled for Dec. 3 but a new date hasn’t been set.

3

Vernon, Mich. resident Oswald Scott Wilder could face a trial for allegedly assaulting four women, all either MSU students or alumna, between March 30 and May 30 last year.

Wilder was arrested in August and is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of thirdWilder degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of assault with intention to commit sexual penetration, one count of gross indecency and three counts of unlawful imprisonment.

Paul Toman, Wilder’s attorney, told The State News in a previous interview that the case will go straight to trial.

Toman said he likely attempt to hold the trial in another location outside of Ingham County, because he does not believe Wilder will receive an fair trial here.

As a habitual offender, Wilder could face life in prison if convicted.

Big Ten Championship civil disturbance After MSU won the Big Ten football championship on the night of Dec. 7, East Lansing descended into chaos as thousands of students and residents flooded the streets and setting fire to their furniture. The bulk of the damage was done in Cedar Village. So far, 21 people have been arraigned, but Capt. Jeff Murphy of the East Lansing Police Department said more could be coming. “We are still getting tips of people involved,� he said. “We aren’t close to arresting everyone involved.�

Murphy said the police department still has “plenty of reward money� for anyone who can offer a tip that may lead to an arrest. Originally the police department set up a $20,000 fund to pay out to people offering tips.

The majority of those arrested face misdemeanor charges for being less than 300 feet from a fire without the intention to put it out. They face pre-trial examinations in early February and could face up to 90 days in jail and $500 in fines.

policy

University funding increase unlikely despite surplus in Michigan budget

By Simon Schuster sschuster@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

For the second consecutive year, the state of Michigan looks to end the fiscal year with unspent cash, according to an estimate from Michigan’s Senate Fiscal Agency. The agency estimates the state will land about $328 million more revenue than projected from the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Along with a projected estimate of about $514 million dollars from the 201415 fiscal year, that will leave the state with accumulated extra revenue of about $1.3 billion.

At the same time, state government f unding towards Michigan’s public universities has been cut dramatically, most notably with a 15 percent cut in 2011, and funding growth has been stunted ever since, save for a small restoration in 2013.

MSU budget development documents from 2011 noted that reduced funding forced the laying off of 350 MSU employees over two years, and that appropriations were $174 million behind the rate of inflation since 2000. “The overall state of funding for higher education has declined precipitously over the past couple of decades,� university spokesman Jason Cody said. “It is the university’s position that there needs to be a reinvestment in higher education.�

But with the 2014 election

season looming and fiscal conservatives maintaining a firm grip over Michigan’s legislature, it appears unlikely MSU will receive the funding increase it’s looking for.

Ari Adler, spokesman for House speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, said if a surplus is found, Bolger is interested in using the extra funds to stimulate the economy through tax cuts. “In addition to making sure that it’s used to provide individual tax relief, is to make sure that it is ongoing tax relief and not just a one time help,� Adler said.

Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan prefers the legislature not cut taxes, executive director Michael Boulus said. He pointed out the leftover funds did not come from an increase in revenue, but just had not been used. “To simply roll back the income tax, and that’s gaining a lot of popular support, not only would you lose that (revenue), you’d lose the potential for new revenue down the road,� Boulus said. “If the legislature wants to steady tuition prices and create a strong workforce for the future, they ought to look at putting more money into higher education.�

When Governor Rick Snyder delivers the State of the State Address on Jan. 16 and releases his administration’s executive budget recommendation in early February, there might be a clearer picture of what will be done with the unused funds.

Until then, Snyder spokesman David Murray said discussion about a budget surplus would be premature.

T r a n s p o r tat i o n

dance

WINTER WEATHER causes delays in cata bus routes

pair brings english dance history to msu

By Michael Kransz mkransz@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Transit in East Lansing is adjusting to wintry weather, with bus riders waiting longer for packed busses and bikers cautiously navigating slippery sidewalks.

Some students report bus delays of five to 10 minutes, although it is improving with recent fairer weather.

Just as motorists are delayed by numerous weather-related accidents and icy road conditions, so are busses, Capital Area Transportation Authority Marketing Director Laurie Robison said. “There’s an expectation that when I arrive to the bus stop, the bus should be there,� Robison said. “It’s impacted our schedule and routing — we’ve detoured quite a bit.�

Five bus routes are detoured, including Route 20, which serves South Harrison Road to Jolly Road. “In weather like this, it’s possible that there are delays, and they’re uncontrollable — acts of God and other people,� Robison said.

Students upset with delays

and full busses have complained on CATA’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. “We’re trying to do our best.

There are extra busses on campus to adjust to the increased rates of people,� she said.

Psychology and philosophy senior Chandana Guntupalli said she ended up being late for class because of the delays on Wednesday. “The busses seem to be late and slow, typically five to seven minutes later,� Guntupalli said.

Some other students are avoiding the busses, the drive and the walk to class. They bike instead.

International relations senior Andrew Stinavage bikes around campus, bumping about on divots in the hard-packed snow. “It’s ridiculous out there,� Stinavage said. “You put your life in your hands — bikes can freeze up and brakes can go bad. It’s almost surprising how few sidewalks are plowed.�

Stinavage has been biking for the past four winters, but it hasn’t been always smooth, he said. “Last year I completely wiped out on the corner of Elizabeth and MAC,� Stinavage said. “I took the corner too fast. It was kind of comical — whomp!�

By Juliana Moxley THE STATE NEWS nn

Dance instructors Robert Messer and Linda Hanson enjoy nothing more than bringing people a glimpse into England’s past through dance — costumes and all.

The pair teach English country dancing, a widelyrecognized style of dancing that began in England in the 1600s as a way for men and women to interact together in a social setting.

On Thursday night, they brought their piece of history to the RCAH Theatre by combining lessons with group dances.

English country dancing originated in England during the 1600s and became popular at social events T he med ie v a l da nce often involves minimal contact and partner switches.

It often includes dancers wearing traditional English garb.

Messer and Hanson, who teach classes regularly in

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Ann Arbor, said they are trying to establish a dance group in the Lansing area. Hanson said she hopes to continually bring a cultural experience to MSU, which she does once a month. “The music (has) got a lot of variability and history, and there’s good exercise,� Hanson said.

Julie Esch said she began English country dancing in Ann Arbor and currently is practicing her “calling,� the process of calling out dances and encouraging crowd

participation.

Esch said she usually doesn’t have a hard time getting people to dance because most come willing to try on their own.

This semester, RCAH freshman Angelica Snyder said she began working on the technical side of the dances, including adjusting the lighting for the stage. “People are friendly,“ Snyder said. “I like getting to see all of the different types of people who come through this theater.�

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Although English country dancing moves at a fast pace, Esch said a high skill level is not required.

She said she never thought of herself as a dancer but became interested in the dance after her friends introduced her to the dance, which she labels â&#x20AC;&#x153;graceful.â&#x20AC;?

At the end of the day, she said enjoying the dance is the primary goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where you put your feet doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter as long as you end up at the right place in the end,â&#x20AC;? Esch said.

4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | F ri day, Jan uary 1 0, 2 01 4 | state ne ws.com

Opinion

Featured blog

Ou r voice | E ditorial

New episode of hockey’s ‘Spartan All Access’ released

Don’t put off taking required courses

“Spartan All-Access released its second episode of the season on Wednesday, with the crew going behind the scenes of the 49th annual Great Lakes Invitational and a personal feature on Equipment Manager Tom Magee.”

EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Kullgren editor in chief Rebecca Ryan opinion editor Matt Sheehan staff representative Omari Sankofa II minority representative

I

t’s the time of year when you might be second-guessing your scheduling choices, realizing that class you thought sounded like an easy 4.0 actually is going to be your hardest class yet or perhaps your seemingly perfectly-crafted last semester of college actually might turn out to be one of your toughest.

At least, these are some of the lessons we’ve learned.

One of the benefits of going to such a large university is that there’s so many classes to chose from. Practically anything we’ve be interested in exploring is available to

— Robert Bondy, State News staff reporter We’ve learned the hard way that Read the rest online at even though your stastatenews.com/blog. tistics class might be hard and bring down your GPA, it’s probably better to take it when you’re a freshman and still have time to improve your GPA, rather than waiting until your last few semesters of college dance, a quality professor that’s lectureto get a poor grade with no time to improve style or whose personal research is interestyour record. That 1.5 in statistics might not ing to you might give you that extra push be as noticeable on your transcript freshman to focus in a class you may not otherwise year, but a slew of poor grades your senior care about. If you know economics isn’t your year might draw questions from graduate schools or programs asking for your transcript. strongest subject, a professor that makes jokes between examples might be the difAside from timing and semester schedference between you reviewing your notes ules, it really comes down to the professor. for an extra few minutes after class and If you’re worried a class is going to you zoning out halfway through lecture. be challenging, but you still need to We would rather take a required class take it, spend a few extra minutes lookoutside of our major with a more chaling up the professor for your section. lenging professor who gives interestAlthough it is tempting to check Koofing lectures, especially if the alternative ers to find the professor that assigns the least is struggling through a class we dread. amount of homework or doesn’t take atten-

us in one class form or another. We’ve taken electives ranging from indoor soccer to understanding music to Zulu.

But aside from an eclectic range of electives, we’re all stuck with a similar problem: How do you get those general education courses required for all students out of the way without killing your GPA or making a semester of college miserable?

We’ve learned some of these lessons the hard way.

First things first: weigh your priorities for each semester and plan ahead. Are you most concerned about not having to wake up early? Having professors who will inspire you? Getting through your last few semesters without putting in a ton of extra work?

If the first question is most important to you, you’re probably just going to pick whatever classes are scheduled later than noon and call it a schedule.

But if the other questions are making you feel conflicted about your class choices, you might want to consider the timing and choice of professors.

Comments from readers

Just so you know

nn

“Four stories to keep on your radar in 2014” I don’t really think that what happened to Max Bullough is any of our business, unless he broke the law, the, it appears if Coach Dantonio is covering for him. I hope that is NOT the case.

JUST SO YOU KNOW thursday’s poll results No 30% None 74% Yes 23% 39% One

Do you think hazing is a problem at MSU?

Facebook user Wayne Reif, Jan. 9

Today’s state news poll When do you take your required general education courses?

No 61% 0

10

20

30

40 50 60 70 PERCENT PERCENT

To vote, visit statenews.com.

80

Total votes: 43 as of 5 p.m. Thursday

“Proposed Goodrich’s closure sparks debate at E.L. Planning Commission”

editorial cartoonist

“Yes, because that is EXACTLY what that intersection needs over there- MORE TRAFFIC.”

Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com

Really, Jan. 9

“People who had actually been inside Goodrich’s in the last twenty years know it was a dump at best. Good riddance” Better off with something new, Jan. 9

To share your thoughts on this story or any other stories, visit statenews.com.

We want to hear your thoughts.

The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number.

Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.

How to reach us Questions?

Contact Opinion Editor Rebecca Ryan at (517) 432-3070.

By email ryanreb2@msu.edu By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

opinion column

Promise of continued friendships, large alumni base makes graduation less daunting

I

t still hasn’t hit me yet.

In about four months, I’ll be graduating, leaving MSU behind to enter the so-called “adult” workforce. It’s a daunting prospect that hasn’t really gotten easier to grasp in the first few days of the spring semester.

But the idea of leaving behind Spartan Nation will get easier as time goes on, I’m sure. It’s definitely hard right now to come to grips with putting behind the daily routines of college, such as attending class and taking walks across the beautiful campus.

Even thinking about the future outside of MSU can bring up tons of uncertainty and worry.

In addition to things like finding a job and a place to live, losing sight of the connections and relationships I’ve made at MSU is something that’s a bit worrisome to me.

Even with social media’s prevalence now, it’s a tough thought to know that you might not see people in person for long periods of time when those people are so involved in your life right now.

That’s part of the territory of moving on and leaving behind certain routines and people — “growing up” still doesn’t get any easier, even in college.

Part of that challenge is finding ways

to maintain those connections, even as and thousands of Spartans, including several of my mom’s old college friends. the distance grows.

It was with all these thoughts swirl- I met up with them after the game, and ing in my mind that I traveled to Pas- we took the time to catch up.

They regaled me with their stories of adena, Calif., for the Rose Bowl. What their time in school. What I found out west was more Sports editor was even more impressive than a football win. was how they’d made a comNow, much certainly has mitment to each other to get been written about the game back together before and after and its significance to fans, the game, despite the disstudents and alumni from a tance between their respecfootball perspective. The Xs tive homes. and Os have been dissected Their effort made a lastto the last inch. ing mark on me, without a But to me, the trip became Beau Hayhoe doubt. It made me realize about more than football as hayhoebe@msu.edu that although I’ll leave the time went on. The scenes at daily confines of MSU behind, the game reminded me of the pageantry, spirit and commitment there’s still time and opportunity — that Spartan fans have to their athlet- when the effort is made — to maintain connections and relationships with old ic teams, for sure.

And it would be impossible, probably, friends. This is something I’d thought to bring so many Spartans together out- about in the past, but didn’t realize would side of a special venue like a momen- be so essential upon leaving school.

More importantly, the group helped tous football game.

However, MSU’s Rose Bowl win holds me to realize, even more than I already even more inherent symbolism outside do, that the friends and people who its significance for the football team, really mean the most to us will always especially as it relates to the lifelong be around in our lives, whether through connections forged by the Spartan social media or meeting up for football games or big sporting events. community.

That those connections have been While at the game, I saw thousands

forged through the MSU community is even more special. The fact that so many Spartans continue to find ways to stay in touch, transcend barriers and maintain spec ia l f r iendsh ips through the years is a testament to the connectivity and special environment of MSU. Knowing It’s a place where spethat MSU’s cial friendships are built and maintained connections at a level that I didn’t and think possible.

Knowing that MSU’s friendships connections and friend- continue to ships continue to run deep even after gradu- run deep ation, it’ll be a bit easi- even after er to move on. graduation, When a place as special as MSU helps you it will be a build friendships (and bit easier to lives), that place never really leaves you. Saying move on.” goodbye to MSU really isn’t goodbye, after all.

Beau Hayhoe is the State News sports editor. Reach him at beau.hayhoe@statenews.com

“

5 | Th e Stat e N e ws | f riday, january 1 0, 201 4

stat en ews.com

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Features editor Anya Rath, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

arts

Faces of East Lansing

â&#x20AC;&#x153;12 Angry Menâ&#x20AC;? comes dancing their way to success to Riverwalk Theatre Graduate student Dan Totzkay, left, and linguistics senior Nicole Markovic pose for a portrait with their medals Thursday, in Markovic's apartment in East Lansing.

The pair have been dancing for about a year.

By April Jones ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Julia Nagy/ The State News

By Casey Holland cholland@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

As Nicole Markovic and her dance partner began learning the precise steps for the international foxtrot and quickstep, the linguistics seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement progressed from shaky uncertainty to bold confidence after a few attempts.

With that same speed, Markovic rocketed through competitive dance levels in less than a year. The competitive dance levels begin with newcomer, followed by bronze, silver, gold, novice, pre-champ and championship. At this time last year, Markovic was a bronze level dancer.

Currently, Markovic and and her partner, graduate student Dan Totzkay, are sitting on the cusp of gold and novice lev-

and uncomfortable place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear any dancer say that if they go a day or two without dancing, their body becomes depressed, and that was me for a while,â&#x20AC;? Markovic said.

After dealing with the dark emotions that came with no longer being able to dance, Markovic made a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution last year to begin dancing frequently once more. The timing couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been better, because Totzkay, who was still on the team, also found himself without a partner.

On a whim, Markovic and Totzkay decided to team up for one competition, without the intent of making it a permanent partnership. However, after their first time competing together on the dance floor, both knew they had to continue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ended up having a real-

els only a year after beginning their ballroom dance journey together.

Dancing has been a permanent fixture in Markovicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life since childhood when she performed Serbian dance as a cultural tradition. However, her focus shifted to ballroom dancing when she was in middle school after watching dancing shows on television.

After she became a Spartan and discovered the MSU Ballroom Dance Team, it felt like a perfect fit because of the dancing communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcoming attitude.

Markovic joined in fall 2011 but her partner later quit during the fall 2012 semester, causing Markovicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement with the team to decline.

Without dance playing as important a role in her life, Markovic found herself in a strange

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Rodman issues apology for comments Former NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman has issued an apology for an outrageous interview on CNN in which he made questionable comments about North Korean prisoner Kenneth Bae.

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Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Career matters occupy you. Consider options, and then choose from your heart. A female gets you moving. A new hairstyle or outďŹ t may be in order.

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Bae is an American being held in North Korea for â&#x20AC;&#x153;antistate crimes.â&#x20AC;? Rodman has received criticism for not using his relationship with North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-Un, to help free Bae.

By Erik sargent

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ly good connection on and off the dance floor,â&#x20AC;? Totzkay said.

With a new partner and a renewed spirit, Markovic and Totzkay spent much of the past summer practicing and broke into the novice level together after fall semester started.

After whirling through several competitions, Markovic and Totzkay broke into the gold level and have started breaking into the novice level.

The duo has already qualified for the USA Dance Nationals that will take place next March in Baltimore, Md.

After two months of practices, the gripping drama â&#x20AC;&#x153;12 Angry Menâ&#x20AC;? debuted at Lansingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverwalk Theatre yesterday night and will play through the end of the weekend.

The play features 12 jurors who ultimately decide the fate of an 18-year-old underprivileged boy who is on trial for stabbing his father to death.

In tune with the film, the jurors, who range from young to elderly men, are set in a room with only a coat rack and a water cooler. They stay in the room for hours trying to solve the murder case.

Strong passion was evident in the red-faced actors as they emotionally portrayed the roles of the conflicted jurors.

The tension between the actors was almost tangible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It forces the audience to think,â&#x20AC;? said Bob Robinson, the playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director.

The thrust theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horseshoeshaped venue only is able to hold 270 seats, which gives the audience an intimate experience.

It is such a close-knit atmo-

sphere that the actors did not need microphones as they performed and front row audience members were basically on stage and were a part of the act.

Gary Mitchell, chair member of the marketing committee of Riverwalk Theatre and an actor in the play, said the ambience of the venue is key to the playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effect.

Usually, Mitchell sticks to producing plays, but when Riverwalk decided to bring the compelling drama to Lansing, he said he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist being a part of it.

Mitchell, who played Juror 12, said what he likes most about the production is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only entertainment, but serves as a civics lesson to the audience about how the judicial system operates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever flaws we have in this country, our judicial system is not one of them,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for young people to see how our judicial system works. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designed to protect the accused.â&#x20AC;?

The engrossing drama explores prejudice, racism, father-son relationships, various social and economic levels and the pressures of standing alone against the opinion of all others.

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Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Do the paperwork for extra proďŹ ts. Career insights could change your plans. Hide away a treasure. Relax privately at home. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

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6

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sports editor Beau Hayhoe sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

23

Points scored by OSU hockey forward Ryan Dzingel this season.

hockey

spartan basketball

SPARTANS READY FOR HIGH-POWERED OSU

By Robert Bondy rbondy@statenews.com zach smith zsmith@statenews.com

THE STATE NEWS nn

Spartans set up for successful run Tom Izzo hasn’t been sleeping well for the past month.

Injuries, suspensions and lackluster performances by many players on the No. 5 MSU men’s basketball team have made his nights long and turned his hair grey.

But the light at the end of the tunnel is that the plethora of stress could lead to a smoother stretch. It’s no secret the Spartans are beat up.

Senior forward Adreian Payne has been fighting plantar fasciitis for nearly the entire season, senior guard Keith Appling fell hard on his hip and hurt his wrist against North Carolina, and sophomores Gary Harris, Matt Costello and Travis Trice all have battled various injuries.

Not one player on the roster has started every game, and only three have seen action in every game.

Still, through all the injuries, the Spartans have turned a page since their disappointing 79-65 loss at home against North Carolina in

Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Senior guard Keith Appling tries to keep the ball from Ohio State guards Amedeo Della Valle, 33, and Lenzelle Smith Jr., 32, on Tuesday at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Buckeyes in overtime, 72-68.

early December. Since that game, MSU has gone on a streak that few other teams in the country could sustain.

When one player is down, another rises to the occasion.

In the seven wins since they lost to the Tar Heels, MSU has been led in scoring by four different players with six players grabbing career-highs.

Harris, Payne and Appling all average more than 15 points per game.

Despite the winning,

Izzo hasn’t been happy with his team’s play.

With four games between now and Jan. 25, when Michigan and ESPN’s College GameDay come to town, this is the perfect time for the Spartans to rest up and get ready for the long haul. Izzo said Trice hasn’t come back to East Lansing yet after Christmas break, and Payne is “very questionable” for their tilt with Minnesota Saturday afternoon.

Still, Harris is back,

Appling is on the mend and Costello is getting the pep back in his step.

The big man slammed home a dunk at the end of practice Thursday that left the biggest smile in the room on the face of his head coach.

Nowadays, Izzo can sleep a little better.

Zach Smith is a State News basketball reporter. Reach him at zsmith@ statenews.com

basketball

Women’s basketball beats No. 16 Nebraska

By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

T he women’s basketball team picked up perhaps its biggest win of the season Thursday night, upsetting No. 16 Nebraska 70-57 at Breslin Center.

A ll-A merican senior forward Jordan Hooper had a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds for the Huskers. Junior for ward Emily Cady added 16 points and 12 rebounds.

The Spartans led by as many as 25 and now have won four consecutive games.

Continuing the team’s run of strong defensive efforts in recent weeks, MSU held Nebraska to 30.8 percent shooting overall and 35.3 percent from behind the 3-point line.

ing a Nebraska 30-second timeout after a quick 8-0 run. The rally started the half with a 3, but a Pickrel free throw and fastbreak score by Bell put the lead back at 13.

Mills hit a turnaround jumpshot on the next possession, and Powers nailed a 3 to push the lead to 18, 45-27, with over 17 minutes left.

Powers was called for a questionable turnover after Cady drew a charge, but a 3-point play on the ensuring possession stretched the lead to 21.

T heriot ’s jumper in the

paint snapped MSU’s 11-0 run, but did nothing to halt the momentum.

Pickrel nailed back-to-back 3’s to extend the lead to 24, 56-32, before the second media timeout.

Nebraska got within 13 with under two minutes left after Nebraska sophomore guard Sadie Murren split at the line, but Jankoska hit a dagger 3 on the other end to seal a game where the outcome was never truly in question.

MSU returns to action Sunday, where the team will take on in-state rival Michigan in

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MSU’s defense helped drive the victory, as the Spartans turned critical stops on defense into points on offense MSU had no trouble finding the bottom of the bucket early on, building an 18-9 lead midway through the first half.

Junior forward Becca Mills had her way in the post, scoring on a variety of moves and hitting her first four shots. She finished with 10 points on 5-10 shooting.

A late 8-0 run in the first gave the Spartans a 37-24 lead entering halftime.

Powers hit a buzzer-beater in dramatic fashion, grabbing an offensive rebound after a miss by freshman guard Tori Jankoska and flicking it up as time expired.

MSU came out the gates in the second half running, forc-

Ann Arbor.

It is the only matchup of the season between the two teams.

MSU will look to carry over the momentum from a strong showing in the Great Lakes Invitational into Big Ten play as the Spartans travel to Columbus, Ohio this weekend in a two-game series with Ohio State.

MSU (6-9-2, 0-1-1-1 Big Ten) and Ohio State (10-6-0, 0-2-0 Big Ten) will take the ice on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:05 p.m. at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, with the Spartans searching for the first Big Ten hockey conference win in program history.

Both teams enter the series playing some of their best hockey. MSU is 3-2-2 in its last seven games, four of which came against top five-ranked teams, including a 3-0 shutout against then-No. 3 Michigan (10-4-2, 2-00 Big Ten). Ohio State is 7-2-0 in its last nine games, with only two one-goal losses to U-M. “Ohio State is a team that’s playing with confidence,” head coach Tom Anastos said of the Buckeyes, who boast a 9-3 home record. “So they’re going to a very difficult team to play against particularly there.”

It will be a battle of each team’s strengths — the Buckeyes’ top-notch offense and MSU sophomore goaltender Jake Hildebrand.

Ohio State is tied for the second-best offense in the country, averaging 3.94 goals per game behind junior forward Ryan Dzingel’s 23 points.

Although Ohio State has only been held to less than three goals in a game twice this year, the Buckeyes will have the tall task of trying to score on Hildebrand, who led all of the Big Ten in save percentage during December and is averaging only 1.714 goals

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Culinary Cooking and Concepts “Tappas Your Way to Mediterranean Cuisine” Peggy Crum, MA, RD and Chef John Findley Wednesday, February 19 12:00-1:00, University Club of MSU $15.25 per person

Parent Talk: “Let’s Talk About Tech: Your Kids and Their Electronics!”

Jon Novello, LMSW, ACSW Wednesday, January 29 12:10 – 12:50 pm, 214 Berkey Hall Recipe for Health Cooking Series: Dried Beans Peggy Crum, MA, RD and Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski Wednesday, January 29 12:10-12:50, Brody Square Demonstration Kitchen Relaxing Under the Stars John French, Abrams Planetarium Thursday, January 16 12:10-12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium Rest with Music Jon Novello, LMSW, ACSW Monday, January 20 12:10 – 12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium

Emotional Wellness Concepts: “Relationship Health” Jon Novello, LMSW, ACSW Wednesday, January 15 12:10 – 12:50 pm, 214 Berkey Hall

Soothe Yourself, Cookies Optional Peggy Crum and Lisa Laughman Mondays, beginning January 27 12:10 – 12:50pm, 247 Olin Health Center

Healing Power of Guided Imagery Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Thursdays, beginning January 23 12:10 – 12:50 pm, Abrams Planetarium

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Kitchen Skill Drill: Smoothies Peggy Crum, MA, RD Tuesday, January 21 12:10-12:50, McDonel Hall Test Kitchen

Shame Resilience Series: Wholehearted Living Lisa Laughman, LMSW, ACSW Fridays, January 31 and February 7 12:10-12:50pm, 214 Berkey Hall

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against in the last seven games.

Hildebrand also was recognized as Big Ten First Star of the Week in December, and players credit his work as a major reason for the team’s success.

Keeping the momentum from MSU’s most recent win against U-M was something senior forward Greg Wolfe said the team talked about as it prepared for the upcoming Big Ten stretch.

“Anytime you get a win like that, it gives you momentum.

Even though we had a weekend off, but the guys are still feeling pretty good about it and people are still feeling pretty good about it, so I think we can take that to Columbus with us,” Wolfe said.

The weekend series against Ohio State will be the beginning of 10 straight weekend series that includes 18 Big Ten games.

During the stretch, head coach Tom Anastos believes it will be important for MSU to have solid, consistent defensive play in order to experience success.

“We have to be very consistent defensively — you can’t win in the game today without being very consistent defensively,” Anastos said. “That has to be a staple in your game.”

Anastos added that the offense needs to continue to improve, with the squad showing signs of improvement in its last outing against the Wolverines.

With the Spartans past the non-conference games, senior defenseman Jake Chelios said this weekend is the beginning of the most important part of the schedule.

“Really the season starts now, we’ve been looking forward to it all year,” Chelios said. “Now is the time to start getting points.

I think this is the biggest weekend of the year for us just because now we have to climb, there’s only six teams, so every game counts.”

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 1:30-3:30 pm Olin Health Center, Room 247

Open to MSU faculty, academic/support staff and benefits-eligible dependents. Register by email health4u@msu.edu or by calling 517-353-2596.

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The MSU Breathe Easy: Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program is being offered through a partnership between Human Resources, Olin Health Center, and the Office of the University Physician-Health4U Program.

Explore all of the smoking cessation options at the MSU U Can Quit-We Can Help website: www.ucanquit.msu.edu.

MSU Faculty, Staff, Graduate Student Employees, Retirees and the Spouses/OEIs of members of these groups are eligible to participate in Health4U Program classes and services.

Need More Information? call: 517-353-2596 email: health4u@msu.edu. | http://health4u.msu.edu/

Michigan State University / University Physician Office / Health4U Program