In this Issue
astern tatesman E Live Pink —SBleed Blue Vol. 92 Issue 9
February 21, 2014
EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE EST. 1908
BY Jamie Fink Editor
Editorial- Pg. 2
News- Pg. 3
Athletics- Pg. 7&8
Eastern recently hosted their annual “Real Fans Wear Pink” night. Fans and Students who wore pink got in free, in order to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Pictured above are members of EOSC Cheer: Sarai Voorhees, Amy Jo Davis, Hannah Truitt, Courtney Cohen, Brittany Gilbert, Carlie Lynn-Snow, Valerie Evans, and Kristen Crawford. Photo by Jamie Fink
Eastern Oklahoma State College recently hosted their annual “Pink Night” to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer and the Kay Yow Foundation. The event was put together by Eastern Oklahoma State College and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. The event encouraged students, fans, faculty, and staff to substitute their blue and gold for pink attire to help raise breast cancer awareness. Fans who wore pink received free admission into the home conference ballgames against Seminole State College. During half time of the women’s game there was a special recognition of all cancer survivors and family members of those who have lost loved ones to the
disease and were recognized for their courage and bravery. “We’re honored to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer, a terrible disease that has personally touched so many of our lives,” said Eastern head basketball coach Amber Taylor. “We hold this game dear to our hearts because it is about so much more than basketball. I hope it serves as a reminder for women about the importance of getting screened and early detection.” Basketball teams across the nation wear pink during the month of February, usually, and have similar recognitions during games for the Play4Kay initiative. The Kay Yow Foundation was founded from the vision of former North Carolina State SEE
PINK PAGE 6
Aldridge addresses students for Black History Month “Always do your best. What you do now, you will harvest later.” ~Og Mandino “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” ~William James “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” ~Henry Ford
BY SHARELL COLLINS Staff Writer On Feb. 19, Eastern hosted a presentation by Dr. Harold Aldridge in honor of Black History Month. Dr. Aldridge, emeritus professor of Psychology at Northeastern State University, discussed the experiences and contributions of African-Americans from ancient times to the present Dr. Aldridge began his teaching career at Memorial High School in Tulsa. He retired from NSU in 1997 after teaching psychology for 27 years. He also spent several years officiating basketball in the NJCAA, NAIA, NCAA D-I and D-II, as well as the professional American Basketball Association. Dr. Aldridge talked to the audience about some of his expe-
riences growing during a time of segregation. In his younger years, he was allowed to sit only in the back of a bus and had to drink from a different water fountain than white people. Dr. Aldridge talked about how our history books forget to mention not only African American people, but also Native American and Hispanic people as well. Dr. Aldridge went on to show a series of slides which depicted ancient Egyptians and Europeans as having African-American features. Dr. Aldridge currently breeds, trains and shows Tennessee Walking Horses. He also plays and sings country and Delta blues music and has a thirddegree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He has written numerous research articles and two unpub-
Dr. Harold Aldridge, emeritus professor of psychology at Northeastern State University, was the guest speaker for Eastern’s presentation of celebration for Black History Month. Aldridge’s presentation was titled, “The Psychology of the African-American Experience.” Photo by Sharell Collins
lished manuscripts. He is currently compiling his years-long research, including personal in-
terviews on the segregation and desegregation of public schools in Oklahoma.
Opinion
Page 2
February 21, 2014
EDITORIAL
Inside view of campus isn’t picturesque
NEWS BRIEFS
EOSC Book Club meeting date set for Feb. 25 The EOSC Library will be hosting the first Spring semester Book Club meeting on Feb. 25 from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. The book that will be read was chosen at the International Book Festival by the vote of the attendees. The title of the book that was chosen is “Out Stealing Horses” by Per Petterson. The library will be offering snacks and door prizes throughout the duration of the discussion. Everyone at all Eastern locations is invited to attend and participate.
EOSC Photo Club spring photo shoot March 8
I always hear about how worried school officials are about how our campus “looks” yet nothing is getting done. I am embarrassed at how our buildings and facilities look. Are we blinded by what we want to see, instead of what it actually looks like or do we simply just not care? The coaches and professors trying to recruit prospects for their programs and teams are always giving prospective students tours. If I was a student touring this campus, I wouldn’t just walk away - I would run to get away from here after walking into one of the dorms or buildings on campus. The dorms here at Eastern are disgusting, pitiful, whatever word you can think of that has a negative meaning then that perfectly describes them. If you are looking for a good, asylum-type room to live in, well, congratulations, Miller Hall is the dormitory for you. If you are looking for something with a little more space, but uncontrollable amounts of mold, well
The Eastern Photo Club will be hosting a spring photo shoot on Mar. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “The photos will be set up for children and we are hoping that the photos are coming at a time that children can be dressed in their Easter outfits or a cute spring outfit.”“We have set prices for packages pretty low, hoping that we get a good response. Of course, with that said, we also hope that people will be generous in helping our students realize our fundraising goal.” The photo shoot is a fundraiser for the Photo Club’s educational trip to Italy in May. Please contact Kristen Turner by e-mail at kturner@eosc.edu for pricing details and scheduling, or by phone at 918.465.1720.
Johnston Hall
congratulations again, Johnston Hall is the place for you. As many people say, “it is hard to find good quality work these days,” the same must be for Eastern. The halls of the facilities on this campus are grotesque. The tiles might receive a good sweeping ever so often, and mopping does nothing to appease the eye. I have witnessed the same mud and trash stains on the Johnston Hall stairwell ever since we have returned for the spring semester. Is it that hard to sweep and mop the stairs? The walls are not any better. I seem to think that almost every wall on this campus is the same off-white color. I am sure that white was one the most affordable options for the college to choose, but like they say, “You get what you pay for.” In this case it would be cheap. There is one major issue that I have with every building on campus. Each building no matter what the age, seems to be mold infested. Pick a building, look at the bathrooms, corners, ceiling tiles, etc. and you will find that at least one of these places has mold growing from it. Let us not forget, however, the most iconic structure on this campus - the Clock Tower. The Clock Tower was given as a gift to the college by gracious donors. It is deteriorating and falling apart. The clocks faces never tell the same exact time, let alone the correct time. If we are neglecting what is supposed to be the most symbolic structure on campus, then what does that say about the rest of this campus? How would the donors feel if they were to come tomorrow and see what shape the Clock Tower is in? The students are struggling for their opinions to be heard. We don’t show up to ESGA meetings, because no matter how many times we show up to express our opinions or to tell what’s wrong or broken and needs to fixed, we get shut
Johnston Hall
down. However, not all the blame is on maintenance or administration. Students need to grow up. Learn a little bit of responsibility and take care of the place you are living in. I’m sure you do not tear up your house the way you trash this campus. You are an adult so act like one. The way these issues are (or are not) being taken care of at Eastern is the reason I feel that students are acting and doing these things. These issues will not be settled between students, the administration, and the staff
until something changes. There is, however, still one thing that must change in order for these issues to happen, and that is the need for better management and communication. If it takes restructuring departments or even searching for new managers who know what they are doing, so be it. Something has to be done! Things have to change, and it’s time that the students are heard and present their problems and possible solutions to the college and community.
Pictured clockwise are examples of broken sheetrock, exposed pipes and electrical, and one of several mold infested ceiling tiles in Johnston Hall. However, the same problems can be seen in other building across campus.
News
February 21, 2014
Page 3
Higher education chancellor focuses on college completion From submitted reports
With the demand for employees who have certificates and degrees continually increasing, college completion remains the top priority in the state of Oklahoma. That was the message delivered by Chancellor Glen D. Johnson as he presented the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s FY 2015 legislative agenda to an audience of southeastern Oklahoma lawmakers, community leaders and educators at Pete’s Place in Krebs on Jan. 23. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education recently voted to request $76.3 million in new state appropriations during the upcoming legislative session. The total budget request for FY 2015 is 7.7 percent higher than the current year’s appropriation.
“Oklahoma’s system of higher education is the state’s road to jobs and prosperity,” Johnson said. “No entity in state government can help Oklahoma reach its goals of educational excellence and workforce development faster or more comprehensively than public higher education. Our budget request would support our institutions’ ongoing commitment to produce more college graduates, which increases our state’s per capita income and strengthens our state’s economy.” The State Regents are requesting $55.1 million for Complete College America performance-funding needs. This investment will provide state colleges and universities funding for additional course sections, full-time faculty and financial aid. These dollars will also fund information technol-
Phi Beta Lambda
ogy equipment, library resources and other operational needs that will provide continued support for student success. The State Regents are also seeking $2.5 million for online education and degree completion technology. This will enable students to enroll in additional course sections and will provide for improved software development and training. The State Regents are requesting $10 million to fund a competitive grant program that will enhance higher education institutions’ efforts to expand specialized student services, including focused advisement, career counseling and job placement, veterans’ programs, and financial education. Increased financial aid funding will also be a priority for the State Regents in the upcoming legislative session. The State
Eastern joins statewide network From submitted reports
Phi Beta Lambda members are preparing to attend the State leadership Conference which will be held March 27-29 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Students will compete in different business related events against other students from across the state. Pictured are a few members of the officer team: Jeanette Gonzalez,President; Aaron Boggs, Vice President; Courtney Woods, Secretary; and Dustin Welch, Reporter.
Regents seek to increase funding for the concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to take credit-earning college courses, by $3 million, and are requesting $1.5 million for the Oklahoma Tuition Aid and Oklahoma Tuition Equalization grants and $250,000 for an adult degree completion community scholarship match. The State Regents are also requesting an additional $250,000 for the Summer Academies program, which provides interactive learning opportunities for Oklahoma eighth- through 10th-grade students in high-demand science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The total appropriation request for FY 2015 is $1.06 billion.
Eastern Oklahoma State College has joined a growing, statewide network dedicated to assisting Oklahoma’s foster care children in their efforts to attain a college degree. “R is for Thursday” is a collaboration of higher education professionals, community members, educational specialists from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, as well as foster care alumni who are currently attending or plan to attend college. The group is working toward increased understanding and support of former foster care youth attending Oklahoma colleges and universities. Participating institutions have designated program advocates who can help foster care alumni navigate their college experience and overcome potential barriers as needed with one-on-one assistance. Dr. Stephen Glazier, vice president for Student Affairs, will serve as the program’s volunteer advocate at Eastern. “We recognize there are
substantial differences in degree attainment between young adults who have been in a foster care system versus others in their peer group,” Glazier said. “It is our hope that this initiative will help close the gap between these two groups and provide the support needed for these students to be successful. As a community college, our mission is to reach out and be an active partner within our service area.” The program’s name came from a foster care alumnus. When asked what she would tell other foster care alumni who were new to college, the student said “R is for Thursday.” She explained that as a new freshman, she didn’t understand that the letter “R” is used to indicate a class that meets on a Thursday and she didn’t have anyone to tell her about that small, but important fact about college life. Organizers felt that statement captured the essence of the program. For more information about support services available at Eastern, call 918-465-1767.
Eastern Statesman Staff Jamie Fink, Editor Guy Folger, Senior Staff Writer Sharell Collins, Staff Writer Ieyanna Williams, Staff Writer Tiffany Lefler, Staff Writer Brittney Helmert, Staff Writer Kristen Turner, Adviser
Published twice monthly from August through May by students of Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, OK. Opinions expressed in the “Statesman” are not necessarily those of the Eastern student body, faculty or administration. Opinions expressed in articles, columns or letters are those of the individual writers. Members of the Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, Community College Journalism Association, Student Press Law Center and Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association. Letters to the editor are not only welcomed, but encouraged. All letters must be able to be verified with the author’s phone number, address, and e-mail address. The editor reserves the right to edit to fit space limitations and to comply with libel laws and good taste. The publication is issued by EOSC and is printed at a cost of about $50 per page. Telephone is (918) 465-1714. E-mail: statesman@eosc.edu.
News
Page 4
February 21, 2014
Student Union avoids the bulldozer once again
By Guy Folger Senior Staff Writer
The Old Student Center, or E.T. Dunlap Student Union building, because of its past asbestos content, has been scheduled for demolition for some time now. The fibrous mineral asbestos was widely used for insulation in building construction, between 1900 and 1975, because of its fire retardation capabilities and noise absorption. Although the effects of asbestos’ toxicity have been known almost as long as it use, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that ridding the country of its existence was initiated. In Oklahoma, specifically Eastern Oklahoma State College, asbestos removal has been a long drawn out process. First this form and then that form and the other form and resubmit that second form and finally EOSC re-
ceived a grant. So, with grant in hand, the asbestos was removed last July and hauled away by the appropriate entities. Demolition of the building, of course, has to be done when classes are not in session because of the heavy equipment involved and scheduled dates have come and gone due to various reasons. The last scheduled period was over this last Christmas vacation, but the overabundance of rain made that an impossibility. So, now the demolition is scheduled for this coming May. Since the building has a large basement, the plan is to cave some of it into itself. “We will bring fill dirt in over that, compact it, and then we are scheduled to build a veteran’s memorial on the front part of it. Whatever is left, we will probably just build a parking lot on the back part,” said Eastern President Dr. Stephen Smith.
GET YOUR PINK ON
Pictured is the E.T. Dunlap Student Union building. The Student Union was built in 19_ _, and was named after the former Eastern President E.T. Dunlap. The Student Union has received a new demolition date upcoming in May. Photo by Guy Folger
COLUMN
Couponing,where to start? By Sharell Collins Staff Writer
Eastern cheerleader, Amy Jo Davis, gets the crowd involved during Eastern's Pink Out game Feb. 20.
Many people are interested in couponing to save money; they just do not know where to start. Being an avid couponer myself, it took me a little while to figure it out and I am going to share with you what I have learned. If you are a student who lives in a dorm, you don’t have a lot of extra room to keep a stockpile. The key is to start slow and realize it will take some time to get everything down. The first thing you need to do is figure out how many people you will be couponing for. Are you couponing for yourself, yourself and a roommate, or several roommates? Let’s say you are couponing for you and a roommate. Second, you will need to
start buying four newspapers every Sunday. To find out how many inserts and what coupons are in those inserts, you can go to www.sundaycouponpreview.com, they have a coupon schedule that will tell you what inserts will be in each Sunday paper. Third, you are going to need something to keep your coupons in. I have found that a crate and hanging file folders work best. Make a hanging file for each month of the year, and then you will need to make a folder for each week of that month. Finally, you can put each insert from that Sunday into that week’s folder. Example: February 9, 2014 will have two inserts, 2/09/14 Redplum and 2/09/14 SmartSource. This will help to keep them organized so you can simply go to the
week you need and pull out the insert to clip the coupon. Each week’s inserts are different and do not always have both a Redplum and SmartSource. The Proctor & Gamble insert comes out usually the end of each month, so there is only one of those. You can also find coupons online at such places as: www. coupons.com, www.smartsource.com, www.redplum. com. Many companies will have coupons on their Facebook pages as well. I have a separate folder for them and I organize them by expiration date. Facebook is also a great way to find other couponers who are willing to share their tips and lessons. If you are interested in learning to coupon, there are many ways to get the information you are searching for to get you started.
News
February 21, 2014
Page 5
Eastern students attend National TRiO Day Eastern Oklahoma State College students recently helped celebrate National TRiO Day at the State Capitol. The theme for the event was “50 Years of Fulfilling Educational Dreams,” a reference to the three federally-funded educational opportunity outreach programs that were developed in the 1960s. Hundreds of students from colleges and universities across the state gathered in the chamber of the House of Representatives to hear inspiring stories from TRiO participants who overcame obstacles to earn their college degree. Speakers at the event included Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson, Representatives Lisa Billy, T.W. Shannon, Mike Shelton and Todd Thomsen. Rep. Anastasia Pittman, a former TRiO mem-
ber, and Corey Taylor, an Emmy award-winning producer and former Upward Bound Director, also made remarks. Eastern students attending the event included Dustin Welch of McCurtain, Ieyanna Williams of Haworth, Deborah Clark of Talihina, Taylor Burch of Arlington, Tex., Susan Bond of Wilburton, Dana Welch of McCurtain and Robert Rivera of Wilburton. The federal TRiO programs are designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
MAY COMMENCEMENT
Graduation is just around the corner — complete graduation check today By Guy Folger Senior Staff Writer If you are going to graduate from Eastern Oklahoma State College this May, you have to get a graduation check done with your advisor. “A graduation check is basically checking a student’s degree plan for whatever major they are enrolled in to make sure they have completed all the classes required for that degree,” advises Jennifer Labor, EOSC Registrar. A graduation check is required so that the institution will know who is graduating. To start the process, students should first see their advisor. The advisor will forward the completed degree check to the Registrar’s Office. After this is done, the student may fill out the application for graduation located in their WebAdvisor account. Application for graduation forms should be filled out Feb. 17-21. Spring graduates are required to participate in the Graduation Ceremony. Students who are unable to attend need to notify the Academic Affairs office.
Eastern students recently attend the National TRiO Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Students were able to speak and take photographs with state representatives and senators while at the capitol. Pictured from left to right, front row: Dustin Welch, Ieyanna Williams, Deborah Clark, Taylor Burch, Susan Bon, Dana Welch, Cindy Waldrop, Student Support Services; and Robert Rivera. Back row, from left to right: Kinya Meineke, Student Support Services; Donnie Condit, State Representative; Jerry Ellis, Senator; Dr. Stephen Glazier, Eastern Vice President of Student Affairs; and Dr. Karen Harrison, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Scholarship opportunities await By Sharell Collins Staff Writer Students always need extra cash, scholarships are a way to help put extra cash into your pocket. Have you ever wondered how people get scholarships? There are many scholarships available to students; you just have to know how to go about finding them. A good place to start is by researching local scholarships. You can do an internet search, or go to the www. eosc.edu website. Eastern’s website has a tab labeled Financial Aid and Scholarships which has a list of all Institutional and Foundation Scholarship available at EOSC. Another way to find out about scholarships would be to talk to the Financial Aid of-
fice to see if they know of any other scholarships available or talk to your school counselor. Many alumni set up scholarship foundations to help future students. These may be general scholarships or can be based upon your field of study. If you are Choctaw and have a CDIB card, Choctaw Nation has several types of scholarship that you can apply for. Choctaw Nation also has a program called Scholarship Advisement Program that can help you find scholarships. You can sign up at www.choctawnation-sap.com. You can also check with local businesses, some already have scholarships set up; others may be willing to set one up. Businesses like KFC, Dollar General, Carl’s Jr. and McDonalds all offer scholarships.
www.facebook.com/easternstatesman
You can usually find their applications on their websites, if not just go into your local business to pick one up. Your parent’s place of work is another place to check, they may have scholarship opportunities as well. If you are willing to put in a little time and effort, applying for scholarships can pay off in a big way. There are so many scholarships available for just about any field of study, you are bound to find a couple to alleviate the strain on your pocketbook. Here are some websites to get you started on your search: www.scholarships. com, www.mycollegeoptions. org, www.oklahomaheritage. com/scholarships, and www. studentscholarshipsearch. com. www.collegescholarships.org.
News
Page 6
Eastern students visit d u r i n g H i g h e r E d D ay Senator Larry Boggs’ weekly ‘In the Know’
We’ve just concluded the second week of the 2014 session. There was a lot of activity this week at the Capitol, with several groups coming to visit with lawmakers about various issues and many bills being heard in committee. One issue that’s been getting a lot of attention is a bill that would move state employees hired after November 1, 2015 from a traditional pension plan to a 401 (k)-style plan. Supporters point out the workforce is changing. While people in my generation tended to take a job and stay there for decades, today people are more likely changing jobs several times throughout their careers. A 401 (k) enables them to take their retirement funds with them from job to job. It would also help the state to better address the unfunded liability issue. I do want to stress that this bill does NOT include current state employees and it does NOT include teachers. In addition, state employers with the designation of “Hazardous Duty” jobs are exempted, along with fire and police. The bill was approved by the Senate Pensions
Committee this past week and now goes to the full Senate. One of my bills also has been given its first hearing. Senate Bill 1517 would ensure that the left lane of a four lane highway would be reserved for passing unless traffic or other conditions required the use of the lane for travel. It is now awaiting a hearing in full Appropriations. The Senate Appropriations Committee gave its approval to a proposed $160 million bond issue to make long-overdue repairs to the state Capitol building. Pieces of the outside of the building are literally falling off, and the plumbing and electrical are dangerously old and outdated. This bond issue will help us take proper care of this historic public building and make sure it is safe for those who visit and those who work here year-round. Tuesday was Higher Ed Day and Home Educators Day. I was honored to have lunch with Eastern Oklahoma State College President Dr. Steven Smith, students, faculty and alumni. I was very pleased to once again see several of the alumni. One of which was coach Stanley Funderburg, my high school football coach. He comes from a family of eight brothers who served our
country so very well when called to duty in the Oklahoma 45th Infantry. Thank you for your service Coach. On Wednesday the Child Advocacy Centers had display on the 4th floor, which many lawmakers and others in the building came to see. In addition, the EOSC TRIO group was up here; the McAlester Community Economic Development Director and the Manager stopped in. Danny Baldwin, with KEDDO, and his wife, Leigh, visited the office. Some other folks were by and we talked about changes taking place with our volunteer fire departments. Let me say this without hesitation, I will let nothing change the work or progress that you as volunteers have made and are making for the people of rural Oklahoma. There were numerous visitors in this week and I was fortunate to talk with some of them. To those I missed – I’m sorry I missed you, but please know that you are appreciated and welcome to stop in anytime. To contact me at the Capitol, please write to Senator Larry Boggs, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 522-B, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at boggs@oksenate.gov, or call (405) 521-5604.
February 21, 2014
Counselor’s Corner
Staying safe during Spring Break
Does the warmer weather have you thinking about Spring Break? Spring Break can be a time for rest and relaxation away from the rigors of college life. Here are some tips for staying safe during your vacation: • Make sure your friends and relatives know where you are vacationing, your departure and return dates, and your specific itinerary. •Avoid carrying or displaying large amounts of cash. •Go out with friends you know and trust and stick together as a group. •Don’t drink and drive and always wear your seatbelt. •Walk in well lit areas. •Carry your cell phone at all times. •Don’t consume alcohol in excess; be mindful of your limit. Before traveling abroad, check out the Department of Homeland Security’s website www.dhs.gov for travel warnings and regulations for International travel. Some other options for a school-free week include: •Relaxing and catching up on some much needed R&R. •Reconnecting with your family. •Volunteering or going on a mission trip. •Job shadowing a professional in your field of study. Hope you have a safe and relaxing Spring Break! Tina Ray and Sandra Robertson Library Building, Enrollment Center Offices 156 and 157
Would you like to join the Statesman?
The Eastern Statesman is looking for writers, graphic designers and anyone interested in maintaining our website. Contact Kristen Turner at 918.465.1720 or kturner@ eosc.edu.
Pink
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
University head women’s basketball coach Kay Yow. Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. Yow, however, would lose her bout with cancer in 2009. Before her death she joined forces with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to help
raise money for research to find a cure for the disease. In the seven years of the Kay Yow Foundation and Play4Kay over $10 million dollars has been raised for scientific research for related programs in finding a cure for women’s breast cancer.
Pictured at left are Eastern fans recognized at halftime of the “Pink Night”, at the C.C. Dunlap Fieldhouse who are survivors of breast cancer or are family members of those who lost their bout with breast cancer. Photo by Jamie Fink
February 21, 2014
Sports
Page 7
Lady Mountaineers outlast Lady Belles on “Pink Night” By Jamie Fink Editor
EOSC Lady Mountaineers- 63 SSC Lady Belles- 55
Eastern Sophomore, Aundrea Davis (12), let’s a play develop as she handles the ball for the Lady Mountaineers late in the first half. The Lady Mountaineers would go on to defeat Seminole State 63-55. The win gives the Lady Mountaineers their 22 win on the season. Photo by Jamie Fink
Caught Stealing
Pictured above, Mountaineers baserunner Nick Walker, is thrown out at second base as the Eastern Mountaineers took to the field against Coffeyville Community College on Sunday Feb. 16. The Mountaineers were able to win one of three games against Coffeyville bringing the Mountaineers to a 3-8 start to the season. Photo by Jenna Mabry
On Thursday, Feb. 20, the Lady Mountaineers were looking to bounce back from a single digit loss to the hands of the NEO Lady Norse. The Lady Mountaineers, who entered the game posting a 21-4 overall record and a 12-2 conference record, were facing the Seminole State College Lady Belles who were looking to upset the Lady Mountaineers at home. The Lady Mountaineers started off slow but posted a 16-11 lead with less than nine minutes to go before the half, off of a steal by Shay Carter. However, Seminole was able to keep it close as the Lady Belles would hit consecutive three-pointers and take the lead 17-16. The Lady Mountaineers struggled in their first game back from the loss, committing 13 turnovers in the game. Eastern’s turnovers led to many breaks for the Lady Belles as they were able to capitalize on the Lady Mountaineer turnovers and keep the game within a manageable margin. The Lady Belles were lead by Lauren Fonteno and Reagan Widener who combined for 23 points. The Lady Belles ability for equal scoring by every player was a key factor in the contest as everyone contributed in the close loss. The Lady Mountaineers went into the half leading by just five points 29-24. The Lady Mountaineers were needing a spark, looking for something or someone to get them going, and in the second half they found that spark. Sophomores Jordan Franks and Kaya Johnson lead the Lady Mountaineers in the second half. Franks and Johnson both posted double-doubles for the Lady Mountaineers as Franks scored 16 points and had 12 rebounds.
Johnson led all scorers with 19 points and also posted 12 rebounds on the night. Johnson and Franks led the Lady Mountaineers to an eight point victory over the Lady Belles as the Lady Mountaineers won 63-55. The Lady Mountaineers are currently ranked #18 in the NJCAA Division 1 women’s basketball national poll and look to close out the regular season with two more wins. The Lady Mountaineers will close out the season at home against Redlands Community College on Saturday, March 1, with the game scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. followed the Mountaineers last home game scheduled for 5 p.m.
Lady Mountaineer sophomore, Jordan Franks (22) drives to the basket for two of her 16 points in the close win over the Seminole State Lady Belles 63-55. Photo by Jamie Fink
Eastern defenders Shay Carter (32) and Ayanna Holtz (15) try to block a shot against a Seminole State shooter during the Lady Mountaineers victory on Feb. 20. Photo by Jamie Fink
Sports
Page 8
February 21, 2014
Mountaineers fall further into conference standings By Jamie Fink Editor CONNORS STATE 88, EOSC MOUNTAINEERS 83
Alex Lofies Age: 18 Hometown: Del City, OK Major: Athletic Training Favorite Subject: English Favorite Professor: Mrs. Schweitzer Favorite Athlete: Russell Westbrook Favorite Food: Chicken Favorite Movie: Coach Carter If I were coach for a day I would: Instill good work ethic in my players I cant live without: The Bible Class: Freshman
Marcus Springer Age: 20 Hometown: Memphis, TN Major: General Studies Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Athlete: Tony Parker Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite Movie: Radio I cant live without: Music Class: Freshman
On Feb. 13, the Eastern Oklahoma State Mountaineers traveled north to Warner to face the Connors State Cowboys and stay toward the top of the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Mountaineers were looking to avenge a 98-88 home loss suffered at the hands of the Cowboys earlier this season. However, Eastern would again fall just short as the Connors squeaked out the home win 8883. Eastern entered the night’s ballgame posting a 17-6 overall record and a 6-5 conference record. The Mountaineers, who entered conference play with a 9-0 record, have struggled to win close conference ballgames. With that said, the Mountaineers rank first in the conference in made three-point attempts and second in the country in the same category. They were able to connect on 12 three pointers. Taking away the Mountaineer three-point shooting game proved to be the nail in the coffin for the Mountaineers. Eastern started the game hot as the Mountaineers took a 9-5 lead in the opening minutes. But just as fast as the lead was gained, it slipped away. Connors had control of the contest for the most part. After technical fouls were issued to both squads, Connors held a 4441 halftime lead. Connors came out of the half looking to put the game away early as they went on a 7-0 run. The lead grew to 48-41 before an Eastern timeout. Cutting the lead to within five, Eastern scored 14 straight points. Eastern’s maintained the lead at nine points at the 10-minute mark. Aaron Young led the Mountaineer attack with 25 points. Mike McCode finished with 17, DeVaughn Purcell contributed 14, and Alfonzie Wilson added 12 more points.
Jeremy Jones Age: 17 Hometown: Shreveport, LA Major: Computer Tech. Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant Favorite Food: Hamburgers Favorite Movie: Next Friday If I were coach for a day I would: Run my team I cant live without: Cell Phone & Basketball Class: Freshman
Eastern sophomore, Mike McCode (30) drives into the lane against a Seminole State College defender during the second half of the Feb. 20 contest at the C.C. Dunlap Fieldhouse on the Eastern Campus. The Mountaineers defeated the SSC Trojans 92-73. Photo by Jamie Fink
The game of runs continued as the Mountaineers were unable to hold on to the lead with only eight minutes remaining The Cowboys were led by Willie Atwood and Devante Robinson, who combined for 50 points. Young tried his best to manage the game and keep the Connors’ lead down, but the Cowboys made one last surge getting the win.
Connors went on a 14-4 run to grab a 77-71 advantage with 3:25 left in the game. Eastern has one home remaining as they will take on Redlands Community College on March 1. Eastern will then begin preparing for postseason play as they are poised for a third straight trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Jamie Evans Age: 18 Hometown: Memphis, TN Major: Athletic Training Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Professor: Coach Ashley Favorite Athlete: Kevin Durant Favorite Food: Pasta Favorite Movie: The Sixth Man If I were coach for a day I would: Push my player to their limit. I cant live without: Basketball Class: Freshman