Tuesday 5/28/13

Rare planet alignment to end tomorrow night

Baseball narrowly misses NCAA Tournament bid

Local roller derby team wraps up season

CAMPUS+CITY, PAGE 5

SPORTS+FEATURES, PAGE 6

CAMPUS + CITY, PAGE 3

Mitten Mavens referee Kid Rock N Rollin’.

DANYELLE MORROW/THE STATE NEWS

Weather Rain High 78° | Low 68° Three-day forecast, Page 2

CAPITOL

PROTEST HELD IN LANSING OVER FOOD LABEL CONTROVERSY

Michigan State University’s independent voice | statenews.com | East Lansing, Mich. | Tuesday, May 28, 2013

No students, no problem

By Michael Gerstein mgerstein@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

Dozens of protesters took to the streets of Lansing Saturday afternoon as more than a million others marched worldwide in opposition to bioengineering giant Monsanto Co. Though deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, critics of the seed company say they worry about potential health risks from genetically engineered, or GE foods, which are developed to have certain traits, such as drought or insect resistance.

Donning signs with antiMonsanto messages or speaking out against genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, activists cheered as protest organizer Rachael Hilliker spoke out against what many critics consider shoddy research on engineered foods and the company’s excessive political influence.

Some protesters in Lansing were enraged after the U.S. Senate decided on Thursday to delete a provision from the farm bill that would have left it a state’s right to label GE goods.

“If GMO foods are so safe, as they claim they are, what’s the harm in labeling?” Hilliker said. “It’s frustrating to me.

I’m a mom. I try to eat healthy.

I give my kid healthy food.”

H i l l i ker sa id she wor-

WESTON BROOKS/THE STATE NEWS

Alumnae Stacey Mitchell, left and Nichol Lavire have a drink at the The Peanut Barrel Restaurant, 521 E. Grand River Ave., on Saturday. The Peanut Barrel Restaurant has outdoor dining during the summer months.

Businesses take unique approach to summer without students

See PROTEST on page 2 X

By Soundarya Lakshmi

By the numbers

slakshmi@statenews.com

$6 million

THE STATE NEWS ■■

S

was spent on lobbying in 2012, making it the 76th biggest lobbyist that year out of 4,370 companies

In East Lansing, with thousands of students heading back home for the summer, it is only expected for the businesses with a majority clientele of students to see a decline in profit. However, the local businesses are geared up for the lack of students with smart ideas and thoughtful changes to make the most of the season.

$60 million has been spent on lobbying since 1998

16 out of 22 Monsanto Co. lobbyists held previous positions in government DANYELLE MORROW/THE STATE NEWS

SOURCE: CENTER FOR RESPONSIVE POLITICS

Williamsport, Pa., resident Preston Gross, 6, eats ice cream while standing in line Friday at the MSU Dairy Store. The family was in town for The Odyssey of the Mind competition and stopped by for some ice cream.

PAT R I O T I S M

U.S. veterans honored at 19th annual Memorial Day Service

By Holly Baranowski hbaranowski@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

Veterans and their families gathered at Glendale Cemetery, 2500 Mt. Hope Road, in Okemos, to be honored at the 19th annual Memorial Day Service and Vespers Program on Monday.

Pre-ceremony bagpipes started the ceremony, along with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a volunteer from the local American Legion Post 269.

“It was very authentic (and) close to the heart,” said Rick Stacy, chaplain for the Meridian Township Fire Department.

“Real people offering real honor to those (who) served us, and that’s what it’s really all about.”

Members of the Meridian

easonal changes often affect the health of small businesses, especially in a college town where students are heavily targeted.

“Real people offering real honor to those (who) served us, and that’s what it’s really all about.”

Rick Stacy, Meridian Township Fire Department chaplain

Community Band played a variety of music in between speakers, one of which was retired Lt. Col. Louis Burgess, who discussed what he feels to be the meaning of Memorial Day. “Remember, we still have See HOLIDAY on page 2 X

How bad is it?

Economics professor Larry Martin said the student population makes up a large portion of the customers in small businesses in East Lansing.

“It is a real challenge for East Lansing business since the population falls down in the summer, a lot of businesses here See BUSINESS on page 2 X

Student competition puts mind over matter Grand Blanc, Mich., residents Isabella Bupp, 11, left, Victoria Clever, 11, middle, and Micah Johnson, 10, share a moment at the performance at the Natural Resources Building Thursday.

More than 825 teams from all over the world competed in the 2013 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

— Weston Brooks, SN See EVENT on page 5

2 | TH E STAT E N E WS | T U ES DAY, M AY 2 8 , 2 01 3 | STATEN E WS.COM

Police brief Meridian Township bank robbery under investigation Meridian Township Police responded to a report of armed robbery last Friday at 10:21 a.m. at Independent Bank, 1245 East Grand River, in Williamston, Mich.

According to a release by Meridian Township, the suspect entered the bank armed with a pistol and then took an undisclosed amount of money.

Nobody was injured during this incident.

The suspect is described as a white male who is approximately 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8 in height and is in his late 30s. During the robbery, he was reported to be wearing a gray or green hooded sweatshirt, blue athletic sweatpants and sunglasses. He also was carrying a darkcolored duffle bag.

The incident still is under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Meridian Township Police Department at 517853-4800, Crime Stoppers at 517-483-7867.

HOLLY BARANOWSKI

Thursday Partly cloudy High: 85° Low: 71°

Friday Rain High: 79° Low: 69°

VOL. 104 | NO. 079

Index Campus+city Opinion Sports+features ClassiďŹ ed Crossword

3+5 4 6 5 3

â– â–

Corrections The State News will correct all factual errors, including misspellings of proper nouns. Besides printing the correction in this space, the correction will be made in the online version of the story. If you notice an error, please contact Managing Editor Stephen Brooks at (517) 432-3070 or by email at feedback@ statenews.com.

TO CONTACT THE STATE NEWS (517) 432-3000 For distribution/circulation questions, email distribution@ statenews.com â– â–

EDITORIAL STAFF (517) 432-3070 EDITOR IN CHIEF Dillon Davis MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Brooks DESIGN EDITOR Drew Dzwonkowski PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy

CAMPUS+CITY EDITOR Robert Bondy SPORTS+FEATURES EDITOR Omari Sankofa II COPY CHIEF Katelyn Gray â– â–

THE STATE NEWS is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during fall, spring and select days during summer semesters. A special Welcome Week edition is published in August.

ADVERTISING

PERIODICALS POSTAGE paid at East Lansing, Mich.

Main oďŹƒces are at 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI, 48823. Post oďŹƒce publication number is 520260.

POSTMASTER Please send form 3579 to State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., c/o MSU Messenger Service, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Rally in Lansing focuses on need for labeling genetically modified foods FROM PAGE ONE

r ies about t he long-ter m health effects of engineered foods. Sixty-one countries, including European Union members, Russia, Japan, China and Australia require GE food labeling, according to the Center for Food Safety, which advocates such mandates.

Critics argue that a host of ailments can come from GE foods, including increased instances of cancer, birth defects and allergies, though these accusations aren’t supported by the FDA or the American Medical Association.

A 2012 report from the association said that while a “small potential� for “adverse events� exists, in more than 20 years of consumption, “no overt consequences on human health have been reported.�

But recent graduate Jasmine Kumar, who studied geographic information science, said she doesn’t buy it, stating that such evidence is the result of successful lobbying. She said she worries about her child’s safety.

Duncan Tarr, an English and music sophomore at the protest, had a more philosophical fear. “It’s scary that they have all this control,� Tarr said. “They get to decide what truth is.�

BUSINESS

Local restaurants and shop continue to thrive during summer months despite less students FROM PAGE ONE

are designed to serve students,� Martin said. “Bookstores, restaurants and bars face a hard time since their target market is leaving.�

Chemistry junior Ashten Lindeman said the only reason she doesn’t visit local businesses over the summer is because of the low frequency of buses. “With me, because I live off campus and since the bus timings are not that convenient during the summer, I don’t visit the local businesses�

Lindeman said. “I used to go to Bubble Island, but I don’t anymore.�

While Lindeman said she doesn’t use local business as much as she did in the fall and spring, she knows of people who still do and doesn’t expect a heavy decline in revenue. “I know a lot of people who live close to campus and still go to those places over the summer, so I don’t see why businesses in summer would see a change,� she said.

Hot in the summer For owners of seasonal industries, such as ice cream or other summerfriendly stores, this is the best time of the year to make more money.

Even with students leaving the city for the summer, most of these plac-

“There are customers who come in especially after the college students leave for the summer, so it balances it out.�

Joe Bell, Peanut Barrel owner

Student-dictated?

Bookstores do their best business in regular semesters, but stores that offer more than

just books save themselves from losses over the summer.

Robbin Manor, general manager at Spartan Book Store, said events on campus throughout the summer keep the store buzzing with customers. Agreeing that book business slows down in the summer, she said the rest of their merchandise has buyers interested throughout the break. “We do really good business over the summer,� Manor said. “(The) slowest part of the year is late May to early June but by mid-June we pick right back up. We still do a strong business over the summer because we are in the heart of the campus.�

Manor said summer classes and events like Odyssey of the Mind, Grandparents University and sports camps keep the store busy throughout the season.

Joe Bell, owner of Peanut Barrel, 521 E. Grand River Ave., also said the summer is a great time for business at his restaurant due to off-campus customers.

Bell said many locals come in during the summer to enjoy the restaurant’s spacious patio seating. “There are customers who come in especially after the college students leave for the summer, so it balances it out,� Bell said. “Our customers in the summer include family, faculty, staff etc. So the 40,000 students leaving doesn’t make a difference for us.�

Recent MSU graduate Emily Weiss said she has a grandfather that served in the Navy who she takes time out of her day to remember on Memorial Day. “I think the importance comes from, especially, if you know

people who have served in the military or relatives,� Weiss said. “I know my grandpa was in the Navy for awhile, so just remembering that (and) taking time out of your schedule to remember that is important.�

es are anticipating good business this year, including Eric Schmidt, manager at Modern Skate and Surf, 319 E. Grand River Ave., who expects summer to be the best time of the year for the store. “Summer stays pretty busy for us, it is the time we sell most of our stuff. Students end up using longboards to get around from class to class since the bus services are slower in the summer,� Schmidt said.

Schmidt said the company offers skateboard rentals as a seasonal change for students not willing to commit to purchasing.

Dairy Store Operations Manager John Engstrom said its business is weather dependent, with the temperature affecting its sales, adding that summer is the best time for them as well.

Although students leaving plays a role on lost profits, Engstrom said off-campus customers seem to make up for the lack of students at the Dairy Store. “We do our best business in the summer,� Engstrom said. “Whenever it gets about 50 degrees people come out to get ice cream. It does affect (the store) that 40,000 students move back home, but we do OK during the summer despite that because of the off-campus customers.�

OPINION EDITOR Michael Koury

â– â–

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $5 per semester on campus; $125 a year, $75 for one fall or spring semester, $60 for summer semester by mail anywhere in the continental United States.

One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies $0.75 at the business oďŹƒce only.

PROTEST

Many are concerned that genetically engineered foods have adverse health effects

Three-day forecast

Wednesday Rain High: 84° Low: 68°

Continued

M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(517) 432-3010 ADVERTISING MANAGER Brandon Ventimiglia â– â–

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 BUSINESS MANAGER Kathy Daugherty, (517) 432-3000

HOLIDAY

Veterans celebrate Memorial Day with 19th annual ceremony in Okemos FROM PAGE ONE

young men and women dying serving and that’s what I think is important about Memorial Day,�

Burgess said. “Not just serving — a lot of us serve — but they’ve made the ultimate sacrifice and as a nation we need to remember that.�

As he discussed his son being deployed to Afghanistan, he began tearing up. “It’s an ongoing war, so when my son was deployed we got a lot of ‘Oh, aren’t we out of that war?’� Burgess continued. “You know, people (are) not exactly in tune with it.�

Veteran Arby R. Watkins, attended the Memorial Day Service and Vespers Program for

the first time yesterday. “(It was) very enlightening,â€? Watkins said. “I was very pleased that as many people showed up ‌ here.â€?

Celebrations met with solemn feelings for fallen soldiers, family members and friends In addition, Boy Scout Troop No. 109 came to the service to honor the troops. They helped place flags at the grave stones and plan to take care of them next week, as they do every year. The boys also carried the flag away at the end of the ceremony. “It’s good for the scouts to start to get a sense of the history and know that things have come before us and things have been done before us to allow us to have the lives we have,� Scoutmaster Jon McKay said.

Purchase a Faculty/Staff DineOn 10+ plan for only $5.75 per meal.

www.eatatstate.com

Level: 1

2

3 4

CHECK OUT THE STATE NEWS ONLINE:

www.statenews.com

STATE NEWS INC. is a private, nonproďŹ t corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.

COPYRIGHT Š 2013 STATE NEWS INC., EAST LANSING, MICH.

Summer Fashions in are In New T’s in over 20 Colors!

SOLUTION THURSDAY’S PUZZLE TO

-

D$= JXk Jle

0$('$, ()$,

Big Colorful Parking Ramp

Grand River MSU

Olin Health Center

Division

E\n Jldd\i ?flij

Charles

=i\\ MXc`[Xk\[ GXib`e^

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 , % " &$)% '(& )( + & )# &* ' !! & (' & ' &*

Campus+city

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | T U ESDAY, MAY 28 , 2013 |

3

CAMPUS+CITY EDITOR Robert Bondy, campus@statenews.com PHONE (517) 432-3070 FAX (517) 432-3075

R E C R E AT I O N

TAKING IN A

Joy ride

DANYELLE MORROW/THE STATE NEWS

Lansing roller derby team, the Mitten Mavens’ Hurtin’ Season, tries to skate through Battle Creek Cereal Killers’ Gill T Pleasure, left, and Em C. Jammer, right, Saturday at Aim High Sports, at Summit Sports and Ice in Dimondale, Mich.

ROLLER DERBY CRASHES INTO LOCAL ATHLETICS SCENE

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

The opposing jammers slam through the pack of eight, break free, race down the oval track, shoot along the curves, then smash and carve their paths back through the gauntlet.

“It’s like playing chess with people throwing bricks at you,” Rhonda Fenby-Morse, a roller derby photographer, said at the Lansing Mitten Mavens’ last bout of the season on Saturday.

There the Mitten Mavens demolished the Battle Creek Cereal Killers by a score of 198 to 55.

Each derby team consists of five women on the court — a jammer, a pivot and three blockers.

The jammer scores one point for lapping each opposing player and two points for lapping the other jammer. The pivot is like the head blocker and calls the shots within the pack, yelling

and motioning directions based on jammer positions. The blockers skate like moving walls, battering and blocking the opposing jammer, all while opening gaps for their own.

Mitten Maven Crysta Heart said the fast-paced, hard-hitting game is more than a sport.

“It’s so accepting,” Heart said.

“In other areas, people shield their lives. Here, everyone has their place.”

Heart, who was encouraged by friends to join, also said it influences every part of her life, with its cardio, community spirit and camaraderie.

Though the matches get heated, she said no animosity ever breeds from it, instead the teams are supportive of each other and share a common “derby love.”

Heart explained that part of “derby love” is the ability to travel anywhere and have friends that skate.

Fenby-Morse, whose daugh-

ter plays for the junior team, Cap City Wild Childs, said her daughter was overweight with low selfesteem before derby. Since joining derby, she said her daughter lost weight, gained leadership qualities, self-esteem, friends, a sense of community and is all smiles these days.

“It looked rough, but once I learned the rules I had complete confidence,” Fenby-Morse said.

Two junior derby teams sparred prior to the Maven’s match, with one of the players leaving in an ambulance due to a knee cap injury.

Another ambulance sped toward the derby court after a fall followed by an accidental kick to the head resulted in a player experiencing a seizure.

The Mitten Mavens will conduct a Lansing roller derby boot camp from July 16 to August 16, where the basics of derby can be learned with no prior skills required to join.

JUSTIN WAN/THE STATE NEWS

CULINARY ARTS

MSU food trucks offer award-winning burger

By Tyler Beck

tbeck@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS

CHECK OUT THE STATE NEWS ON TWITTER:

www.twitter.com/thesnews

Crossword

■■

While MSU is constantly making changes to cafeterias and menus, one thing won’t need to be changed, the food truck’s cheeseburgers.

Eat at State ON-THE-GO food truck’s Smoked Cheddar Cheeseburger won an award for the Best Local Foods Recipe from the National Association of College and University Food Services, or NACUFS. “It’s pretty funny when a cheeseburger wins, that means something special went into it,” Best Local Foods Recipe Award Chair Tom Murray said. “Kudos to MSU.” Murray, who also is the executive chef at Eastern Michigan University, chaired the committee, which included three chefs and two dietitians. The award recognizes and encourages the use of locally produced foods by showcasing the efforts of those who use locally produced ingredients.

“It was a close competition, it wasn’t easy to decide,” Murray said. “Five or six of the ingredients were made on campus, and the recipe book submitted by the school was very easy to read.”

The food truck started as an extension of Culinary Services when The Vista at Shaw Hall was closed for construction.

“We wanted to have a signature item, something we could hit a home run with,” Culinary Services’ Corporate Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski said.

Starting the second week of this past September, the food truck has been out almost every

Lansing resident Linwood Cannon, 12, sits on bike handlebars as Lansing resident Daequan Thomas, 13, rides on West Ottawa Street in Lansing as the two head home on Monday. “We don’t care (about the rain),” Cannon said. “We are just having fun.”

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

JULIA NAGY/THE STATE NEWS

Interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Logan O’Neil, right, hands political science senior Shalah Keith a cheeseburger on Friday at the Eat at State ON-THE-GO food truck outside of the Auditorium.

day, as long as the temperatures were 15-20 degrees or above.

“We make each burger madeto-order,” Kwiatkowski said. “It’s the most popular item on the truck’s menu.”

Ingredients for the burger come from cattle raised at MSU, cheese from the MSU Dairy Store, onions and tomatoes from the MSU Student Organic Farm and the MSU Bakers, Kwiatkowki said.

“People want to know where their food comes from, how it’s grown and prepared,” said Culinary Services’ Culinary Coordinator and registered dietitian Gina

Keilen.

“It improves the quality of the food when you can pick it up down the road,” Keilen said.

Journalism senior Kevin Burrows promoted the cheeseburger in a photo shoot, but wasn’t allowed to actually eat the burger while taking pictures.

“I could taste it, I just couldn’t eat it,” Burrows said. “It was hard to resist the temptation.”

While Burrows wasn’t able to eat the burger right away, he said it was worth the wait. “(The cheeseburger) was divine.”

ACROSS 1 Clumsy type 4 Like a male lion 9 Sits for a portrait 14 Popeye’s Olive 15 Clamorous 16 Posthaste 17 Longtime Elton John label 18 Eschew punishment, in an old saw 20 With, in France 22 Movie-rating org.

23 Santa __ winds 24 Positive particle 26 Carson’s sidekick 29 Really puzzling 32 Currency-stabilizing org.

33 Geography suffix 34 Part of Columbus’s fleet 37 “Toy Story” space ranger 42 What there oughta be 43 Luau souvenir 44 “I hate it!”

46 Athletics group for kids 51 Not as tidy 54 Shaving aid 55 Refugees’ subj.

56 Key __ pie 59 Tornado-riding dog 60 From afar, and how 18-, 29-, 37- and 46-Across literally end

64 “__ Got a Secret” 66 “Rosemary’s Baby” author Ira 67 Perfumer’s compound 68 Yet, poetically 69 Amens 70 Unfeeling 71 Monopoly quartet: Abbr.

DOWN 1 Half a tuba sound 2 Bart Simpson’s “Holy cow!”

3 Likely to evoke yums 4 The Phillie Phanatic, e.g.

5 Alsatian dadaist 6 Linguist Chomsky 7 O.K. Corral gunfighter 8 Imagined 9 The other half of a tuba sound 10 Uncover, poetically 11 “Adia” singer McLachlan 12 Prefix appealing to frugality 13 Car buyer’s choice 19 Dial on a dash 21 Takeoff approx.

24 21st Greek letter 25 “Joy to the World,” e.g.

27 When repeated, a 1987 #1 hit for Billy Idol 28 Lille lady friend

30 “F” that most school kids look forward to: Abbr.

31 It’s measured in degrees 35 Less deserving of a Christmas present?

36 Have a debate about 38 Microwaves 39 Düsseldorf duo 40 Giggle in an IM 41 Cash drawer 45 Seagoing pronoun 47 Skinny swimmers 48 Puts pen to paper 49 Place to grab a bite 50 From __ Z 51 __-mouthed: indirect 52 Lauder of lipstick 53 Some Balkan natives 57 Sail support 58 Opposite of ecto61 Backgammon cube 62 “I know people” people 63 100 yrs.

65 USNA grad

Get the solutions at

statenews.com/puzzles

4 | THE STAT E N E WS | T U ES DAY, M AY 2 8 , 2 01 3 | STATENE WS.COM

Opinion

Featured blog Puppies can solve anything

OU R VOICE | E DITORIAL

CITY ORDINANCES MAKE E.L. SAFER PLACE TO LIVE EDITORIAL BOARD Dillon Davis EDITOR IN CHIEF Michael Koury OPINION EDITOR Robert Bondy CITY/CAMPUS EDITOR Michael Kransz STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

A

s the weather begins to get nicer in East Lansing, the city will be on the lookout for numerous violations that might get students and residents in trouble with the law and other city ordinances.

Some violations deal with the safety of the people in the city, such as sitting on top of rooftops or lighting off fi reworks on non-holi-

days. Others are aimed toward making the neighborhoods look nice, such as ordinances prohibiting party litter and living room furniture on lawns.

It ’s understa ndable t hat some residents, if not all, are not happy with these ordinances in place, that prohibit being on your rooftop or parking on your own lawn, as it is your own property.

It’s a justifi able opinion that any reasonable person would understand and listen to.

Ultimately, all of these laws are precautionary and are aimed to first and foremost protect people, but the main reason these ordinances are in place is to protect East Lansing residents from students and itself.

People would like to think

“

People would like to think that college kids have common sense, but the fact of the matter is that common sense is not that common.”

“Sometimes I find myself in a particularly bad mood. I know this happens to a lot of people every day and this day was no different And I couldn’t quite seem to get out of this funk.”

— Michael Koury, State News opinion editor

Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog. that college kids have common sense, but the fact of the matter is that common sense is not that common.

People hear the horror stories about students drinking and heading to the roof, and then one of them falls to their death, or takes roman candles, light them off and begin es,” or parking on lawns when the driveway is already full. pointing them at each other.

They’re just cosmetic and in place to make Students sometimes can lose control of themselves so to have these ordinances in place is East Lansing a better looking place. It wouldn’t a good thing to try to reel them in and keep hurt to have them retracted or replaced from the city code, but they’re in it for a reason. them safe from themselves.

Nobody wants their house to look like it’s in And no permanent residents should have to deal with drunk college students lighting off the Amazon with 15-inch grass or their lawn is fi reworks at three in the morning while their holding its own little car show, so why not follow those ordinances? children and themselves are trying to sleep.

Even the simplest cosmetic ordinance in place They’re all in place for a reason because there have been instances of incidents like makes the city a better place to live and look these before. at.

Not all of these laws are necessary, such These ordinances are here to serve not only as the ordinance stating residents’ grass must the city’s best interest, but the residents and be “no longer than an inch, less than six inch- students as well.

OPINION COLUMN

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Crowdsourcing new future of funding

NATE BEELER The McClatchyTribune

A

merican photography makers thinking of nontraditional techlegend Paul Strand niques to gain production financing. The solution may have come at the Acadeonce famously said, my Awards in February, when the little“The artist’s world is known film “Inocente” won Best Short limitless.” That is certainly what is Documentary. Inocente was funded through Kickstarter, becoming the first desirable to believe. The ability to Academy Award winner to be financed produce art is not limited by how through online crowdsourcing.

Crowdsource funding is an online an individual may look, speak or medium where all ideas are free to be how much money is in their bank presented by the future creator. Online account. viewers can then become “backers” by When we look at art, we see the pledging monetary support for the creburning vision that only that par- ation of the projects that inspire them. ticular artist could produce. We are Crowdsourcing is a contemporary all free to create and enjoy other’s method of garnering initial support not creations. entirely dissimilar from artThis romanticized ists of earlier times using GUEST COLUMNIST understanding of art’s subscriptions to raise early production falls apart support and awareness for their works, such as Walt when examining modWhitman and Mark Twain ern film production. did. Crowdsource fundraisWhile perfectly free to ing allows a simple meswrite the script for any sage to be heard like nevfilm desired, a proer before, trading financing ducer’s ability to cast, through a corporate bet on travel, film, reproduce TYLER GROSS profits for the direct support and distribute a film is grosstyl@msu.edu of the public. entirely limited by the Since Kickstarter was spending ability of the launched in 2009, more than $625 milproducer.

It is not unusual for modern, Hol- lion has been raised on 4.1 million pledglywood movies to cost more than es to over 41,000 projects. Independent $100 million to produce, an unfath- filmmakers, hardware developers, musiomable price for your average, aspir- cians, community builders and many other creators have used Kickstarter to ing producer.

It is worth noting that a large bud- fund projects that would likely otherwise get is no guarantee of the quality or never exist. As Kickstarter states, being a the product. “Wild Wild West” ruined backer is about “supporting their dream multiple acting careers while cost- to create something that they want to see ing about $170 million to produce. exist in the world.”

Hollywood’s innovators already are “Clash of the Titans,” a soon-forgettable flop, cost roughly $125 million taking notice. “Veronica Mars” producer Rob Thomas launched a Kickstarter to produce.

Likewise, a significantly more lim- project on March 13 to make a big screen, ited production budget is no guaran- full-length movie adaptation of the show. tee of poor quality or a small audi- Thomas wrote on the page that he had ence. “Paranormal Activity” scared always wished to produce a film for theatergoers worldwide for just “Veronica Mars,” but support from major $15,000 in production costs. “Clerks” production studios was minimal.

The initial fundraising goal for the became an American comedy classic for about $27,000 in production costs. project of $2 million was eclipsed in While low-budget films gaining such under 12 hours, setting a Kickstarter wide appreciation is a rarity, a great record along the way for the quickest film is a great film no matter the dol- project to $1 million. The project now has raised more than $5.7 million, and lar amount attached to it.

However, even with ingenious the film now is in production.

Zach Braff found similar success in scripts and novel filming techniques, $15,000 to $30,000 still is an unreal- April, launching a Kickstarter to proistic expenditure for many potential duce a film titled “Wish I Was Here,” artists that wish to produce a film of his indirect follow-up to the massively their specifications and distribute it successful, independently financed “Garden State.” to a wide audience.

Braff wrote on the Kickstarter, “As a How do any movies intended for wide audiences possibly get made if film-lover myself, I always want to see they are so expensive? A producer exactly what the filmmaker intended.” typically submits a script to a film Braff later cited specific casting and locaproduction company and, if accept- tion changes that producers were likely to force on the movie if he pursued traed, receives financing.

However, this process usual- ditional financing.

Crowdsource funding presents a new ly accompanies many creative sacrifices, from casting all the way to future to the financing of film producthe script itself. The process sacri- tion, as well as other costly art projects. fices the artist’s vision and punish- No longer will creative innovation be sties innovation, as film studios prefer fled in order to receive adequate producproven, safe methods for covering tion financing for films.

Whether an established Hollywood their investments.

For some time, filmmakers have star looking to branch out, the next been forced to choose either creative unknown producer to shock the world sacrifices for financed production or with an Oscar or perhaps even a college independent production doomed to student with an artistic dream, film probe marginalized to much smaller duction is changing in a way that gives the power back to the people, and that is audiences.

The procedure has had some film- something to become a backer of.

Just so you know

Comments from readers

■■

■■

THURSDAY’S POLL RESULTS

N_`Z_ GXib ;`jki`Zk 8i\X gcXe nflc[ pfl c`b\ k_\ <%C% :`kp :fleZ`c kf Xggifm\6

DTN Management Co. 19%

Lurvey White Ventures 81% PERCENT

“Rules are rules” “At the end of the day, I definitely think it’s reasonable,” Prince said. “It’s not like you’re going to jail; it’s just a citation. I feel like there’s too much that can happen to just say, ‘OK, you can hang out on rooftops.’”

What an ignorant statement. While it may be imprudent or unsafe to be on a roof not designed for standing or sitting, there is no way it is lawful for a property owner to be cited for being on his/her roof. (comment continued at statenews.com)

Total votes: 36 as of 5 p.m. Monday

Jeffrey Hank, May 23

If it is actually your property, this is correct. A lot of students do not own these houses, they are renting.

Heffrey Jank, May 25

TODAY’S STATE NEWS POLL How did you celebrate your Memorial Day? To vote, visit statenews.com.

The roof rule makes sense. If you build a porch, for instance, and it’s not to code, you can’t be on that porch. Now back up a step. If you build an entire house and there are parts that are not to code, you cannot live in that house. This rule therefore applies to the roof, as it is part of the house.

Brandon, May 26

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 Michael Koury at (517) 432-3070.

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

Campus+city

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | T U ESDAY, MAY 28 , 2013 |

EVENT

ASTRONOMY

Beautiful minds

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter cluster marvels MSU astronomers

Odssey of the Mind oďŹ&#x20AC;ered creative ways for students to problem solve

By Anya Rath

arath@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS â&#x2013; â&#x2013;

Months of hard work, glue gun scars and after-school practices came to fruition for students across the globe at the 34th annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, held at MSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus May 22-25.

Odyssey of the Mind, or OotM, is an international education program that provides creative problemsolving opportunities.

Jennifer Veale, a spokeswoman for OotM, said in an email that more than 15,000 participants, coaches, parents, supporters, special guests and volunteers from 14 different countries were expected to attend the event.

Sam Micklus, the founder of Odyssey of the Mind, said at the opening ceremony that over the years, thousands of parents and coaches told him how much the program changed their kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives for the better.

Tammy Schatzel, head coach for a team from Eisenhower Elementary School in Fort Leavenworth, Kan. said each year OotM provides five problems to choose from with each problem containing about three pages of criteria to meet within an eight-minute time limit.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems consisted of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pet Project,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Email Must Go Through,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Classics...ARTchitecture: The Musical,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tumble-woodâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s How You Look At It.â&#x20AC;?

Jamy Dinkins, the head judge for Division I of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s How You Look At Itâ&#x20AC;? said divisions were determined by age of the participants.

Dinkins, who said he has been involved with OotM for 19 years as a team member, coach and judge, said all of those competing in the World Finals could be con-

MSU will continue to host the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals every other year due to the campus size and capacity

By Derek Kim

dkim@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS â&#x2013; â&#x2013;

That bright trio you saw in the sky this weekend were not stars.

From May 24-29, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter will be visible at dusk, low in the west-northwest sky. The planets will be grouped in a trio, and can be observed with binoculars with magnifications of seven to 10-power.

The next compact gathering of planets, which include Venus, Mars and Jupiter, will not be until October 2015. But the next evening trio, where the planets will cluster two to six degrees like this week, will not take place until September 2040. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do need to have a good clear view to the horizon (and) we have to have good weather,â&#x20AC;? Abrams Planetarium Interim Director John French said.

French said this weekend MSU astronomers helped residents and students observe the rare planetary, gathering on top of parking ramp #1 between the CATA Transit Center and College of Law. Volunteer Robert Victor said this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events stand out amidst the 46 years volunteering on and off with the planetarium.

Victor is the founder of the award-winning Sky Calendar magazine, which is published containing illustrations of the nightly arrangements of planets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It improves the quality of life for folks to enjoy nature,â&#x20AC;? Victor said.

For astrophysics junior and Abrams Planetarium production presenter David Saunders, the planet cluster provides an opportunity for everyday citizens to develop a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cosmic perspective of the world.â&#x20AC;?

Saunders said he got the best views of the trio on Friday and Saturday. He described Venus as so bright that it could have been mistaken for an airplane off the horizon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was like a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;eurekaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; moment for a lot of people,â&#x20AC;? Saunders said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Something clicks in their minds and they get sort of excited, they get sort of hypnotized by it.â&#x20AC;?

PHOTOS BY WESTON BROOKS/THE STATE NEWS

Forest Hills Central Woodlands student Namh Lahade, 11, focuses before his performance at IM Sports-West on Friday. More than 10 different countries were represented at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

More online â&#x20AC;Ś To watch a video about the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

sics...ARTchitecture: The Musical,â&#x20AC;? where students constructing recreated historical structures from around the world in addition to performing an original song and dance routine.

Bupp said she chose to compete in this problem because she has a passion for acting, singing and spontaneity. She also made her costume and did her makeup by herself.

Bupp said her team had been working on its performance and creating its set since last November. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Odyssey of the Mind shows that kids can do anything,â&#x20AC;? Bupp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adults canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help you, they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t participate. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all the

sidered â&#x20AC;&#x153;the best of the bestâ&#x20AC;? because they have fi nished either fi rst or second place at their local or state level to attend the World Finals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main thing weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for is creativity,â&#x20AC;? Dinkins said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The biggest category in every single problem, everything weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for is how creative, how original is the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solution.â&#x20AC;?

Isabella Bupp, 11, from City School in Grand Blanc, Mich., has participated in OotM for two years. This year, however, was the fi rst year she made it to the World Finals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I found out I was going to (World Finals), I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything but cry,â&#x20AC;? Bupp said.

Bupp competed in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clas-

Classified Class TO PLACE AN AD â&#x20AC;Ś

LINE ADDITIONS Changes resulting in additional lines will be treated as a new ad and return to the firstday rate.

kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work. So when the kids get up on the stage, they can really be proud of what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done.â&#x20AC;?

Schatzel said OotM helps children learn the value of teamwork and allows them to develop traits they can

take into the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Odyssey of the Mind provides a great opportunity for children to work together and collaborate and learn life skills that hopefully they carry with them,â&#x20AC;? Schatzel said.

Horoscope By Linda C. Black

the blanks. Re-think priorities, considering the costs. Stick with it for a new understanding. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t jump to conclusions.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Revise your sales pitch or resume. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t send it, yet, or gamble. Prepare and hone the presentation with love. Watch for breakdowns, and sidestep them before they happen. All ends well.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Accept wise coaching. Listen, especially if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree. Apply your personal magic, and keep it simple.

Proceed with caution, especially around toxins. Clean up carefully.

10 IS THE EASIEST DAY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING

DEADLINES

1-5 DAYS $2.50/line/day 6-9 DAYS $2.30/line/day 10+ DAYS $2.10/line/day Classified liners appear online at no additional charge.

Cash, check, credit cards accepted

COPY ERRORS The State News is only responsible for the first dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorrect insertion. Liability is limited to the cost of the space rendered.

Grand Rapids residents Girish Gupta, left, and Suchir Gupta, 10, put weight on the stake during a competition at IM Sports-West on Friday. The Forest Hills Central Woodlands team finished 13th overall in the Tumble-wood Division I final.

Your campus marketplace! www.statenews.com/classifieds

RATES

BY TELEPHONE (517) 432-3010

BY FAX (517) 432-3015 IN PERSON 435 E. Grand River Ave.

BY E-MAIL classads@statenews.com ONLINE www.statenews.com/classifieds OFFICE HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

AD ACCEPTANCE All ads are subject to editing, alterations, approval, or rejection

by The State News management.

5

LINER ADS 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CANCELLATION/CHANGES 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CLASSIFIED DISPLAY 3 p.m., 3 class days prior to publication

REFUNDS No cash refunds will be issued for cancellations. Credit will be applied to subsequent ads for one year.

PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.

NOTE TO READERS The State News screens ads for misleading or false claims but cannot guarantee any ad or claim.

Please use caution when answering ads, especially when sending money.

goal. Proceed with caution. Make your feelings known.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Handle tough negotiations ďŹ rst. As soon as that works out, everything is easier. Haste makes waste. You can get what you need. Move with consistency and ďŹ nish early. Invite friends for dinner.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; You are making progress. Consider new opportunities; there may be a test. Compete for more responsibilities.

Win, through the generosity and good graces of others. Charm is your secret weapon.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Working at home can be quite proďŹ table. You decide what to do. Get into research.

Meet the deadline. Achieve the

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; As you learn what you can aďŹ&#x20AC;ord, more interesting secrets get revealed. Keep your objective in mind. Plan and then revise your plans. Provide partnership.

Savor a moment of bliss.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Clean house. Upgrade your environment. Remember to consult with your partner. You can work it out with their help.

In a breakdown, imagine perfection. Then start scrubbing. Your eďŹ&#x20AC;ort is appreciated.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is an 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to overlook details now. Move quickly to handle it or it gets worse. Continue to study in private. Avoid distractions, and patiently do the homework.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Projects move forward.

Dig to get the straight scoop.

Use your imagination to ďŹ ll in

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Find persuasive support for your ideas. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making a good impression.

Get back to work. Infuse your activities with fun and entertain yourself. Your results improve.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Provide solid data.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let ďŹ nancial limitations inhibit your imagination. Stay out of somebody elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s argument, or emotions could ďŹ&#x201A;are. Ask friends for advice.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tell others your plans. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already in action.

Continue preparations. Push for a promotion, raise or big assignment. Do any urgent paperwork.

Discover more beneďŹ ts. Patient, persistent action wins.

Employment

Employment

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Houses/Rent

Services

Business Opp.

CLARAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTAURANT is now hiring. Apply in person M-Th btwn 2-4. 637 E. Michigan Avenue.

RECEPTIONIST FOR therapy office, approx 16 hrs/wk. Tues & Fri. Ability to multi-task needed. $9/hr. Previous exp preferred. Leave name, phone #, previous exp. and GPA at 517-3476706, Ext. 11.

2 BDRM avail now & fall!

Heat and water included and cat friendly.

Spacious and quiet. Call today 517-233-1150.

4 BEDROOM for Fall!

Starting at $325 per person. 517-507-0127.

AVAIL NOW! ACROSS from the Broad Museum, top floor on Gr River, Stonehouse Village, 2 bdrm, very spacious, upscale, downtown living! Leather furn, w/d, a/c & pkg. http://www. cronmgt.com/ or 3511177

LEASE NOW for Fall 2013. Get more of what you want! 1, 2, 3 + 4 bedroom apts and townhomes. New kitchens + baths. The CATA bus takes you right to LCC + MSU. Plenty of parking.

517-507-4172. College Towne Apartments.

1816.5 MICHIGAN. Near Macs bar. No app fees, free washer/dryer & $400 off first monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rent. Save $960! CRMC 517-337-7577, www. crmc1.com

ONE 12x15 stall avail.

Private horse farm.

Williamston.

Indoor arena. Trails. Heated packroom. Private bathroom.

S T U D E N T PAY O U T S .

COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys.

HIRING COOKS at Renoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s East Sports Bar. Apply in person, 1310 Abbot Road.

LEGAL SECRETARY wanted @ Okemos Law Firm. Prev. legal exp. & MS Word reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Email resume to sbobryk@ whiteschneider.com NOW HIRING at Collegeville Textbook Company. Stop by 321 E Grand River to apply.

PART-TIME office cleaning evening hours. $9.00 starting pay. Only experienced apply. Send email to holly@alwaysprofessional.net with contact info.

PHONE SURVEYS, flex hrs, up to $9.00/hr, East Mich Ave location. 4828884.

SUMMER WORK $14.50 base-appt. Customer sales & service. No experience necessary, we train. Apply now. Call 517-333-1700 or apply at www.summerbreakwork.com VALUE WORLD East Lansing.

Immediate openings. All Positions for retail dept store. f/t and p/t, day and evening shifts avail. Apply in person. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

4790 South Hagadorn Rd. EL WAIT STAFF. Apply in person at Spagnuoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 662 W. Grand River, Okemos. 2 miles east of Meridian Mall.

Find todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paper and more on statenews.com

3 bdrms, 2 full bath, lic for 3. On Grand River, next to campus. Washer + dryer available. Parking included! Private backyard! 517-233-1121.

8 STORY BRAND NEW Aug 2013, downtown, The Residences, corner Albert/Grove, 2 & 3 bdrm, luxury living, washer/dryer, parking incl. Live in the heart of campus-no bus pass required! www.cronmgt. com or 351-1177 A+ TREEHOUSE NORTH new opening fall 2013!

2 bdrm apt, Evergreen/ Oakhill, great deal, top floor, balcony, cathedral ceiling! www.cronmgt. com or 351-1177 AMAZING PET Friendly Apartments! On Grand River just east of campus. Spacious 2 bdrms.

Split floor plan. Free heat + water, plenty of parking. Call 517-268-8562.

Go State!

+3

AWESOME POOL views!

Huge! 1 bdrm next to campus. New Hot Tub! Spacious floor plan, tons of closet space, newly remodeled. Heat and water incl. One left! Call 517-268-8481.

CHOOSE WOODSIDE Large one bdrms w/ cool layout in a quiet residential neighborhood. On CATA, minutes from downtown EL. Enjoy a balcony, dishwasher & microwave. Call 233-1108. For more info.

NEXT TO campus Spacious 2 bdrms, lic. for 4. Partially furnished with heat incl. Free tanning! Priced right! Avail fall â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13. 517-489-3083. dtnmgt.com NOW LEASING 1 bedroom apartments and studios for 2013-14.

Contact CRMC at 517337-7577. www.crmc1. com

Houses/Rent 1220 LILAC, new listing, 4 occupants, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. west side of campus. Avail August. $400 per occupant. 517-349-8662

ABOVE AVERAGE 613 Lexington Lic. 4, Eamon Kelly 714.654.2701 or enkellyjr@gmail.com

STORAGE BOGO. Buy 1 full mo., get 1 full mo. free. Premier Storage Haslett. Call 517-3399856 for details.

HOUSE FOR Rent. 4 bdrm, 2 bath. $1500/mo.

517-482-3624 HOUSEMATE NEEDED. Room open on Durand St. Rent is $625 + utilities. Great location, big backyard. Parking available. Call 586-260-8749 REDUCED PRICE $440 each. 1230 Lilac. Lic 5 Lg rms. Aug â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13. Near Breslin, w/d. 927-1338

Subleases SUMMER SUBLET large 2 bdrm in quiet building behind Bagger Daves.

Rent negot. 332-8600

35,0( /2&$7,216

Â&#x192; 6WXGLRV %HGURRP $SWV Â&#x192; 'XSOH[HV 7RZQKRXVHV Â&#x192; +RXVHV IRU WR SHRSOH

&$// )25 63(&,$/6

RU YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH

ZZZ FUPF FRP

6 | THE STAT E N E WS | T U E S DAY, M AY 2 8 , 2 01 3 | STATENE WS.COM

Sports+features statenews.com

E N T E R TA I N M E N T B L O G

AMANDA BYNES’ ERRATIC ANTICS CONTINUE

Amanda Bynes went from entertaining her fans in front of a live audience on shows like “All That” and her very own “The Amanda Show,” to entertaining people in real life. The only difference now is that her fans are laughing at her and not with her.

OMAR THABET | THE STATE NEWS

BASEBALL

Spartans fall short of NCAA Tournament The MSU baseball team not only failed to receive an at-large bid to the 2013 NCAA Baseball Tournament yesterday, it was the final team left out of the field.

Head coach Jake Boss Jr. expressed disappointment in the missed bid.

“I think we had a good enough ball club to compete at a national level and (we’re) disappointed that we weren’t selected and (also) disappointed that we were the (final) team out,” head coach Jake Boss Jr. said.

The 30 conference champions automatically qualify. The remaining 34 teams are selected at-large by the NCAA Division I Baseball Committee.

According to various media outlets, the Spartans (33-17 overall, 12-9 Big Ten) were not predicted to receive a bid after coming up short of the Big Ten Tournament.

MSU likely needed to sweep its final Big Ten series against Penn State to receive a bid to the tournament.

“We kind of made our own bed and now we have to lie in it,” Boss said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys on next year’s ball club and hopefully we’ll learn from this

experience.”

Indiana earned the Big Ten’s automatic bid and No. 1 seed after winning the conference tournament. Illinois earned an at-large selection and are a No. 3 seed.

This marks the secondstraight season that two Big Ten teams have been selected to the NCAA Tournament.

Boss said the team is losing an great group of seniors that consists of seniors pitchers Cody Huge, Trey Popp, Andrew Waszak, Joe Zwierzynski, pitcher and first baseman Trevor Cousineau and outfielder Jordan Keur.

“We lose an outstanding group of seniors, Boss said. “All those guys have put their heart and souls into this ball club and it’s unfortunate that we can’t continue playing.”

The NCAA Tournament begins with 16 four-team regionals hosted by the highest-seeded teams.

One winner advances from each double-elimination regional to the super regionals. The super regionals are a best-ofthree format.

The eight winners of the super regionals advance to the College World Series, which will be held from June 15-26 in Omaha, Neb. MATTHEW PIZZO

Federally insured by the NCUA

SPORTS+FEATURES EDITOR Omari Sankofa II, features@statenews.com PHONE (517) 432-3070 FAX (517) 432-3075

TR ACK AN D FIE LD

MSU advances 12 to NCAA Championships

By Matthew Pizzo

Sophomore Tori Franklin jumps at the NCAA Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 12 in Columbus, Ohio.

Twelve Spartans advanced to the NCAA Championships.

mpizzo@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS ■■

The MSU track and field team advanced 12 Spartans to the NCAA Championships at the NCAA East Preliminary Championships last week.

Sophomore Tori Franklin, freshman Caleb Rhynard and the women’s 4x400-meter relay team qualified Sunday for the national meet for the first time since 1983, joining Lonnie Pugh, Antonio James and Beth Rohl, who qualified on Thursday, and Keenan Michaels, Sarah Birkmeier and Leah O’Connor, who qualified on Friday.

The women’s 4x400-meter relay consists of sophomores Jellisa Westney, Alicia Evans, Jaelynn Pryor and senior Alysson Bodenbach. The sophomores advanced to nationals with a season-best time of 3:36.39.

Winning the women’s triple jump competition, Franklin advanced to her second national meet. Franklin automatically qualified for the NCAA Championships after moving into first with a mark of 13.36m/ 43-10.

A lso qualif y ing in t he 5,000-meter run Saturday was Rhynard. He posted a time of 14:04.47 to advance to his first national championship meet. He is one of only three freshman to qualify in the event.

For discus, Lonnie Pugh, Antonio James and Beth Rohl qualified on Thursday.

Senior Keenan Michael won his heat for the second day in a row to automatically qualify in the 400-meter hurdles. He clocked a season-best time of 51.33 in the quarterfinals to advance to nationals.

Sophomore Sarah Birkmeier will advance in the pole vault after she set a personal record with a mark of 4.10m/ 13-5¼.

Sophomore Leah O’Connor automatically qualified for the

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

national meet for the secondstraight year in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. She clocked a time

of 10:00.73 to finish third overall in the event.

The 12 members of the team

will travel to Eugene, Ore., to compete at the NCAA Outdoor Championships on June 5-8.