The Times-Delphic

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA | THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012 | VOL. 131, NO. 28 | WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

When an ‘A’ might not really be an ‘A’

Students use to the tradition plus-minus system have to adjust

by Brianna Shawhan

Staff Writer brianna.shawhan@drake.edu

Maintaining your GPA can be tough. Papers, tests, projects, labs — the workload can sometimes feel like it’s never-ending.

But you sigh in relief when final grades are posted and you discover that you just made the cutoff for an ‘A’ with a 90 percent, which gives you a 4.0 on Drake University’s grading scale.

Unlike many other colleges, Drake, with the exception of the Law School, doesn’t use a plus-minus grading scale for its students.

Student Records Analyst, Nancy Geiger said the graduate, undergraduate and pharmacy programs have been without the plus-minus system since the 1950s.

If a plus-minus grading scale was in place, a 90 percent would be an ‘A-‘ and a 3.7 GPA. Some students find it strange and frustrating that a 100 percent and a 90 percent are weighted the same, while other students feel that this system is overall easier and less stressful.

“I prefer Drake’s grading system.

Master’s programs require certain GPAs, and if there isn’t a plus-minus system then it’s easier to get a high GPA,” said junior actuarial science and finance double major, Earl Hall.

“The only situation I can see it being good for is if you get a ‘C+’ or a ‘B+’ because it’ll boost your GPA.” Sophomore health science major Alex Wagner also prefers Drake’s grading system, but says that whether or not Drake’s system has more benefits depends on the student’s situation.

“I think it depends on what situation you are in,” says Wagner. “If you get a ‘B-’, you are obviously going to want Drake’s grading system.

With Drake’s grading system there is a better opportunity for students who frequently just make the percentage cutoff for a letter grade to get a better GPA. “Kids aren’t as pressured or stressed out,” said Hall. “With a plusminus system kids will argue every last percentage point of their grade.”

Another negative of the plus-minus system is that it “reduces the abil-

ity of students to branch out and take a risk,” said Geiger.

Geiger is afraid that if a plusminus system were in place, students wouldn’t want to take classes that they’ve heard are challenging.

But there are some positives to a plus-minus system, depending on your major or what program you are in.

“I think it could be a good thing because you would have to work harder to get a higher GPA, so you would be forced into having to learn the material more,” said first-year pre-pharmacy major Pamela Sanford.

According to Geiger, Drake’s Law School implements a plus-minus system because they are highly competitive and rank their students based off of their GPA. There has been some talk about whether or not the pharmacy and business schools should also implement a plus-minus system.

“For pharmacy, they look at your math and science GPA apart from your overall GPA, so everyone is working hard to keep their GPA up, especially in the math and science classes,” said Sanford.

“It makes pharmacy more competitive because you have to compete to get into the program,” Laura Zbinden, a first-year international business major said.

When it comes to the College of Business and Public Administration, Associate Dean Chip Miller said that having a plus-minus system wouldn’t have much impact on the business students because GPA doesn’t matter much unless you are trying to get into a graduate program.

Employers are “more concerned about how well you can do things,” said Miller, while explaining that application is ultimately more important than grades. “They are aware that tests make up a portion of the grade, and some students don’t test well.”

However, he explains that a plusminus system would be advantageous when writing letters of recommendation for students because it would help better distinguish which students have consistently done the best work.

Mountains of mail

Do your grades make the cut?

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN HORSCH | managing/news editor

New faculty join the Drake family Four additions begin work on campus

by Taylor Soule

Staff Writer taylor.soule@drake.edu

CARTER OSWOOD | staff photographer

by Kathryn Kriss

Staff Writer kathryn.kriss@drake.edu

Anybody walking past the front desk of a residence hall in the last week would have immediately noted the mountains of letters covering it.

The front offices in all of the halls have been overflowing with mail and packages, leaving students to wonder what’s going on and if they’re going to get their mail.

During break, the mail is held at the Drake University Post Office, and then delivered to the residence halls when school resumes. Meaning, there is an extra 30 days worth of student mail at the halls. In a large building like Stalnaker Residence Hall, with its approximately 250 students, or even the massive Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall with over 450, that’s a ton of mail.

Mary Cecil at the University Post Office reports that usually the U.S. Postal Service sorts the mail intended for Drake students and delivers it to

the residence halls by a mail carrier.

It’s hardly touched by Drake on a day-to-day basis. Over winter break, however, the mail is sorted out, shipped to Drake and stored in the mail building. This way, there’s less handling and movement, which decreases the chance of anything happening to it.

Drake students also don’t have to worry about their mail getting rejected or sent back to them because the residence halls are closed, the way some other schools do. Once school resumes, a memo is sent from the Office of Residence Life to the head postmaster, and the backed up mail is sent to the school. It is then delivered en masse to the residence halls on the Tuesday that classes start back up again.

Upon delivery is where the real work starts. The front desk workers, especially the permanent ones

SEE MAIL, PAGE 2

inside

With a fresh layer of snow, a new fitness facility and the upcoming debut of a J-Term, Drake University is abuzz with new developments. Amid the anticipation of a new year, the university welcomed four new faces to the Drake faculty.

For many students, the Drake University Counseling Center is a destination off the beaten path. For Mark Kloberdanz, director of the counseling center, the brick building at 2116 Carpenter Ave., represents new opportunities to assure students that a listening ear is always available.

Kloberdanz began his post as director on Nov. 1, 2011. From academic issues to emotional issues, the counseling center offers a safe, confidential environment designed to support students.

“This is very private, and it’s very secure,” Kloberdanz said. “Whatever reason they (the students) would come for, an academic concern, emotional concern, whatever’s going on in their lives, they would feel more welcomed here as well as utilize us more.”

The Drake Counseling Center plans to play a role in student life this year.

“We want to be more present in terms of getting out from our building,” Kloberdanz said. “More a part of things that are going on, the different activities and being on more committees and just being more involved in the university.”

Kloberdanz added that he hopes to increase visibility for students seek-

ing support.

“I want to make the Drake Counseling Center more visible,” Kloberdanz said. “I want it to be where students see this not only as something that they have the option to use, but to feel that there’s no stigma in doing that. I feel, and my staff feels, we’re a real asset to this college but sometimes underused.”

Following just three months as a faculty member, Kloberdanz said that Drake’s campus is a comfortable, friendly place.

“I have had a marvelous first couple months here in terms of being welcomed by both faculty and students,” he said.

From skyrocketing textbook costs to homework qualms, new students face a sometimes overwhelming transition to college life. Fortunately, William Hatchet, the new student academic facilitator, welcomes concerned students with an open door and helpful advice.

Hatchet, who joined the Drake faculty in October 2011, works with first-year and transfer students to promote a positive academic transition.

After completing his master’s degree in public administration at Drake, Hatchet said that he wanted to build connections with college students.

“I chose Drake for a reason,” he said. “I believe in it as a great academic institution and also just a comfortable place for myself — very community oriented, very comfortable but also committed to academic excellence.”

With those qualities in mind, Hatchet said he hopes to reach out in the Drake community beyond one-

on-one communication with new students.

“I’m looking forward to building more connections with students,” Hatchet said. “I’ve started to have some one-on-one conversations with the students and different things with students that I assist, so continuing to do some of those things on a larger scale, being a part of programs where I can be in contact with a lot of students.”

Ultimately, Hatchet said he wants to assure new students that he is dedicated to their academic achievements.

“One thing I really enjoy most about my role is having the opportunity to help students that are in overwhelming situations,” he said.

“Providing that relief for students has been the best (part).”

Brittan Etzenhouser, director of fraternity and sorority life, knows the ins and outs of Drake’s Greek system.

Between managing Drake’s 18 Greek organizations as well as the Interfraternity Council, the National Panhellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council, Etzenhouser’s busy schedule represents a mosaic of tasks, goals and ideas.

After just three whirlwind weeks as a new faculty member, Etzenhouser is already looking to promote positive and personal change for students in Drake’s Greek system.

“I am looking forward to growth and positive change within the fraternity and sorority community,”

SEE STAFF, PAGE 2

NEWS

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

We got more of what you’re craving — Security Reports

Jane Hoe answers your booty calls and dishes out tips

Drake sophmore makes a splash with hip hop class

Hackbarth in the running for MVC Player of the Year

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PAGE 5

PAGE 7

NEWS

news

THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012 | PAGE 2

quote of the

day

BAD EDUCATION 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12 A former male Drake student contacted security and informed them of a theft that occurred in October 2011. The student stated that another male Drake student took three of his textbooks without his permission. He stated that the Drake student then went to the Drake University bookstore, returned them and kept the money from the sale of his books. The student was advised to contact the Des Moines Police Department to make a police report. The dean of students was notified about this incident.

6:14 a.m. Jan. 6 Security personnel responded to parking lot No. 22, located in the 2900 block of Forest Avenue, on a report of a theft from a vehicle. Security arrived on the scene and spoke to a male Drake student, who stated that he parked his vehicle in lot No. 22 on Jan. 5 at approximately 6:30 a.m. He stated that when he returned on Jan. 6 at 1:32 a.m., he noticed his backpack was missing. The student stated that he locked his vehicle when he left. There were minor visible scratches above the driver’s side door.

2:34 a.m. Jan. 6 Drake Security was notified about a robbery that occurred at a local business. This incident occurred in the 1100 block of 24th Street on Jan. 6. The business was located on a Drake Real Estate owned property. An unknown male suspect entered a business residence and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect did not brandish a weapon, but implied he had a weapon. The clerk complied with the suspect’s directives. The suspect then fled the scene. The Des Moines Police Department was notified and responded to the scene.

6:13 p.m. Jan. 6 Drake Security personnel were given the lost and found property that was located in the Bell and Knapp Centers. These items were given to security by a Bell Center monitor. The following items will be kept at the security office for safe keeping: four wrist watches, seven pair of glasses, one MasterCard credit card, one cell phone, one camera, one MP3 player, one iPod, one battery pack and eight sets of keys.

3:10 a.m. Jan. 8 While on routine patrol in the 2300 block of University Avenue, security personnel observed a dispute. Involved parties were two males and one female, all of whom were non-Drake affiliated individuals. During the dispute, security observed one male subject break a bottle and run towards the other male and female. Security notified the Des Moines Police Department, who arrived on scene shortly after and arrested the suspect.

9:57 p.m. Jan. 10 While on routine patrol Drake Security personnel found a purse lying on the ground in parking lot No. 4. Security identified the owner of the purse by the identification found in the purse.

Security contacted the non-Drake affiliated fe-

“

I work (for Drake Direct) because I want to make sure those kids get home OK.

—CAROL GRETCHEN, DRAKE DIRECT DRIVER | PAGE 3

male and informed her that her belongings were being held at the security office for safekeeping.

The purse was returned to the owner who inventoried the purse. She stated everything was there except for one five dollar bill. She declined to make a police report.

10:46 p.m. Jan. 10 A female Drake student came into the Security Office and turned in a brown wallet she found in the Knapp Center. The wallet contained a Drake University identification card that belonged to a male Drake student. The student was contacted by Security personnel. The next day he came to the security office and his wallet was returned. He stated it did not appear anything was missing from his wallet.

9 a.m. Jan. 11 Security personnel were notified by Facilities that a door to one of the dorm rooms in the Ross Residence Hall was locked with a chain from the inside. Security opened the room to conduct a welfare check since the rooms are supposed to be vacant at this time. While inside the room, security noticed what appeared to be three city signs mounted on the wall. This is in violation of the residential policy. The signs were removed and are being stored at the security office for further investigation. The director of residential life was informed of this incident.

9:30 a.m. Jan. 13 Drake Security was advised by a female Drake student that a theft had occurred. The student stated she parked her boyfriend’s vehicle in parking lot No. 22, located in the 2900 block of Forest Avenue this morning at approximately 12:30 a.m. She stated she was unsure if she locked the vehicle or not. She stated when her boyfriend, also a Drake student returned to his vehicle this morning at approximately 8 a.m. he noticed some of his belongings scattered in the parking lot. After inventorying his vehicle, the victim stated that his laptop and some computer accessories were the only items missing. DMPD was contacted and a police report was taken.

4:02 p.m. Jan. 14 Security personnel responded to the Goodwin-

Programming, what’s on your mind?

Kirk Residence Hall on a report of a male student who had collapsed. When Security arrived on scene they made contact with the Residential Advisor and the Drake male student who was conscious and alert. The student declined medical services and stated he had not had much to eat or drink all day.

2:12 a.m. Jan. 15 While on routine patrol in the 2600 block of Forest Avenue, Security personnel observed two small outside light posts had been damaged. It appears an unknown suspect(s) used force to knock over the light post. Facilities was contacted and responded to the 2600 block of Forest Avenue to repair the posts.

1 a.m. Jan. 16 Drake Security personnel responded to the 1000 block of 24th Street to assist DMPD officers with two intoxicated Drake students.

DMPD advised that the male and female Drake students were intoxicated and entered a parked vehicle which was not owned by either student.

Both students were transported to a local hospital for assessment and treatment. Later that evening dispatch was advised that both students were transported to county jail for public intoxication. The dean of students was notified about this incident.

9:30 a.m. Jan. 17 Security personnel responded to 30th Street and Forest Avenue on a report of a vehicle accident.

Upon arrival Security made contact with both parties who were not Drake affiliated. Both parties stated they were not injured and declined medical attention. DMPD arrived on scene and a police report was taken.

10 a.m. Jan. 17 A female Drake student contacted Drake Security to report that her bicycle was stolen. She stated she secured her bicycle with a lock to one of the bicycle racks located on the southwest side of Drake West Village One Residential complex. The student stated the theft occurred sometime over the break. She was advised to contact DMPD to make a police report and to update security with that case number.

FROM STAFF, PAGE 1 Etzenhouser said. “Being a member of a Drake fraternity or sorority is a great way to become immersed in the campus community. Members of our community are dedicated to scholarship, leadership, service and friendship, which are the pillars of fraternity and sorority life at Drake.”

Keeping those pillars in mind, Etzenhouser said that the Drake Greek system is a comfortable, influential place for students.

“We offer students a home away from home where they can be challenged to be a better man or wom-

CARTER OSWOOD | staff photographer

STUDENTS IN OLMSTED CENTER look through the various poster advertising campus programs.

by Jennifer Heartley

Staff Writer jennifer.heartley@drake.edu

Drake University is home to more than 160 student organizations; each is an opportunity for students to be involved. The options range from an anime club to hosting your own radio show. The question everyone wants to know is, “Do these opportunities meet students’ programming needs?”

Student Activities Board does everything it can to make sure that options are open to students. Jessica Hamilton, SAB’s president, oversees each event they plan. During each event SAB takes surveys and receives feedback through Facebook and Twitter to find out the interests of students on campus. The board uses this when it reviews an event at the following meeting.

“I encourage students to attend

our events and share their feedback,” Hamilton said. “Our committees are also a great way to get involved if students want to know more about the event planning process and have an interest in that. They can find out more about our committees at www.

DrakeSAB.com.”

Hamilton believes that the programming on campus does fit the need of students. She says that the needs of students are always changing, but so is the programming.

Hamilton makes sure to use the feedback from students to better future events. She has one-on-one meetings with each chair and co-chair on the executive board, which helps her hear suggestions from students on the committees. Hamilton said the most popular committees are Relays and Bands, but each committee has opportunities for the students involved.

>> Where? When?

What?

To find programs on campus visit: — www.drake.edu — www.drakesab. com — Olmsted Center — Hubbell Dining Hall

Late Night

Ice Skating WHERE Brenton Skating Plaza WHEN

Friday, Jan. 27 11 p.m. - 12:15 a.m.

MEET

in Olmsted Breezeway at 10:30 p.m.

Buses leave at 10:40 p.m.

Questions? Email dan.nottke@drake.edu

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDNEWSED@GMAIL.COM

“

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

FROM MAIL, PAGE 1 that some halls boast, are in charge of sorting all of the mail that comes in. Not only does the mail need to be sorted by person, the misdirected letters and packages need to be forwarded on to the right address.

Alice Cronin is the full-time desk receptionist at Stalnaker. She said a common problem in first-year dorms is that people change addresses and forget to update it.

She agrees that it’s all too easy to plug your school address into an internet site to order something, then set it as the default and forget to change it year to year.

There have also been a lot of students moving halls at the semester break, and even some who have moved off campus, leaving the school no forwarding address and no way to get incorrectly addressed packages to the right place.

Mail handlers recognize the problem of students arriving back from break as early as Jan. 14, but not being able to access their mail until Jan. 17 when classes start.

One suggestion was that the mail get delivered from storage to the resi-

an,” she said.

Etzenhouser also said that she already feels at home in Drake’s close community.

“To me, Drake feels like a tightknit family,” she said. “I enjoy the fact that Drake is so student-centered.

Students are involved in many of the important decision-making processes and their insight is always of importance to administrators.”

Drake has also named a new provost. Amid a field of nearly 70 candidates, the university selected Deneese Jones to take the helm of Drake’s academic affairs when she begins her tenure on June 1.

dence halls earlier, possibly when RAs arrive back on campus, or even when students return. This would give the front desk workers more time to sort through all of the mail before school really gets in swing again.

Many students believe that the best way to help mail get to them easily would be to update their address in MyDusis.

Lorissa Lieurance, director of residence life, also mentioned that an email was sent out right before the semester ended, reminding students that the residence halls would be closed over break and packages, like pre-ordered textbooks, should be held until school resumes.

All of the individuals working with the mail system have stressed that despite the fact the front desks may look crazy, it is no different than the start of other semesters. All residence halls have to endure the “two weeks of chaos” of sorting all of the backlogged mail before it settles back to normal. Talk to students and you will find out that very few packages have actually been lost, and letters will get to you on time. The start of the semester is a busy time for everybody, but it’s nothing the Drake mail system can’t deal with.

>> CAMPUS CALENDAR WHAT: SAB Ice Skating WHERE: Olmsted, Brenton Plaza WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 26, 10:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.

WHAT: Sussman Spring Leadership Conference WHERE: Olmsted Center WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m.

WHAT: Women’s Basketball WHERE: Knapp Center WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 30, 2:05 p.m.

FOR BREAKING DRAKE NEWS, CHECK OUT WWW.TWITTER.COM/TIMESDELPHIC

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

PAGE 3 | THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012

THE TIMES-DELPHIC Yet another celebrity has become an author. DSM native and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson announced this week that she has written a memoir set to be released in May.

opinions&editorials

Booty call: should I stay or should I go?

It’s Friday night. You’ve had a little too much to drink. You’re with your friends, and suddenly your phone vibrates. You look at it. It’s a text from the guy or gal you’ve been flirting with all week.

It’s go time.

“Heyyyyy sexxxi. Whatcha doin’ rght nw? ;)” Yep. It’s a drunk booty call, the most likely type of booty call on campus. Yes, drunk words are sober thoughts. But honestly, it’s decision making time — go to this person’s room and take care of business (and possibly lose your dignity in the morning) or go back to your room and sleep off your mistakes.

This skillfully drafted text message takes the cake. Yes, you could lose your dignity, but for the moment, everything is perfect.

I could tell you to “just do it,” but that’s your call.

Sometimes, though, you just have to do it. Hey, we’re all human. We have urges, why not act upon them?

Whether you decide to say “yes” to that booty call or not, it doesn’t matter.

Booty calls are a way to get with someone when you really need it.

Some people equate that to an almost

“friends with benefits” type of situation. If that’s what you want, fine. But sometimes, you just need a good ol’ sex session. There are many types of booty calls, but they all have the same purpose — you need sex.

But before you reach out into the dark abyss of possible sex-capades, you should know some booty call etiquette.

1. If you really like this person, don’t give him or her a booty call.

Seriously, bad idea. You’ll just end up feeling like there could be something between the two of you. Yes, there is. It’s called sex, and that’s all you’re going get. If you feel chemistry, it’s probably just the KY Intense you just used.

2. Don’t mass text for a booty call.

Honestly, if you thought you were losing your dignity by doing a booty call, you’ve already lost it by mass texting a bunch of potential partners. Nothing screams desperate like accidentally texting your mom, “Hey baby, wanna come over later? ;)” 3. Make sure you’re able to follow through. Nobody likes a case of “whiskey dick.”

4. Respect the answer. If the answer is “no,” then go to bed. If the answer is “yes,” get in bed.

These are just a few simple tips you could use. Now, here’s what to actually do when it comes to getting down on the fly. Personally, I think it’s best to just get down to business. A booty call is for quick and easy pleasure. If you show up to the person’s place and there are roses and candles, then I’d be a little bit worried that the perpetrator has more than sex on his or her mind. I’d be even more worried if there was some Marvin Gaye playing in the background.

Really, though, there are many ways to execute a booty call. You just have to get some practice. So, Bulldogs, get busy this weekend and show the world your booty callin’ strategies.

As always, get down to business and be sure to send me your questions. I want you to want me to answer your questions. I’m here for your voyeuristic and kinky tendencies. I’m up for it all.

JANE HOE | COLUMNIST

Hoe is the TD’s anonymous sex columnist.

She is a student at Drake and can be reached at janehoe.drake@gmail.com

Educate the yard: Letter to the editor ‘Black’ Greek life 101 I’m sure many of you have seen the 2007 film, “Stomp The Yard.” If you haven’t seen the film, it chronicles the life of a young college student and dancer who is the new guy on campus, and he joins a fraternity. The film centers on an age-old tradition of showing pride in one’s organization by “stepping.”

These organizations are not fictional; they do a lot more than step, and they are experiencing a rebirth right here on the campus of Drake University. The Divine 9, National Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations and Black Greek Letter Organizations are a few that are keeping the tradition alive. There are many names for these fraternities and sororities, but it is important that the Drake community knows which ones are alive and well on this campus.

On Drake’s campus, there are currently five chapters of these organizations. The Eta Tau Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority was established at Drake in 1973, the Omega Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was established here in 1925, the Theta Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity was established in 1970, the Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was established in 1923, and the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was established in 1978.

All five chapters have made their return within the past four years after lengthy periods of inactivity. The five chapters also have a joint chapter status with Iowa State University.

There are only eight current Drake students between all five of the different chapters. I know. I know. We’re a very small part of the Drake Greek community. So, I’m sure you’re asking yourself these questions: What do these organizations do on campus? Why haven’t I heard of you? Can only black people join?

The answer to each question, respectfully: 1. NPHC organizations have a primary focus of serving the communities in which they live. All five chapters have various different service projects each year in Des Moines and Ames. The NPHC organizations

go beyond raising money for different causes or foundations; they work with certain causes and foundations to improve the cities in which they live. We are still social organizations, however, and have fun, too (read the next column about “stepping”).

2. The next question is a bit more complex. You probably haven’t heard of some of these organizations because they are all newly returning, and very different from the IFC/ PHC system. These organizations do not participate in fall or spring recruitment (rush) activities, and they handle their new member prospects on an individualized basis. Interested parties apply for membership to each respective organization as they feel compelled to try and join. None of the organizations have houses on campus, and most chapters have never exceeded more than 40 members on their roster at a time.

3. The answer to the last question is simple. NO! An absolute resounding no. There have been, on this campus in the past, and currently still are non-black members in the various different chapters of these organizations.

So what does all of this mean to you? It means keep your eyes open and your ears perked up for the various different events, civic engagement opportunities and showcases from Drake’s very own representation of “black” Greek life. Yes, we will be stomping the “yard” (campus), but we will also be rebuilding the yard, informing and educating the yard, and we will be making our presence known in the yard.

MATT MARTIN | COLUMNIST

Martin is a senior public relations and theatre arts major and can be contacted at kenneth.martin@drake.edu

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884 jill.vanwyke@drake.edu

LAUREN HORSCH, Managing Editor

tdnewsed@gmail.com

ELIZABETH ROBINSON, Feat/Op Editor

tdfeatsopsed@gmail.com

EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA, Sports Editor

tdsportsed@gmail.com

MATT MORAN, Copy Editor

tdcopyed@gmail.com

KAILA SWAIN, Business Manager kaila.swain@drake.edu

it all year round, not just for a week. This summer, three of our brothers are going to ride bikes throughout Florida for a national awareness event for people with disabilities called Gear Up Florida.

We as Greeks don’t always do the best job of letting outsiders know these things, so I’ll speak for the whole community here and say we don’t blame you, yet. But, now that you know, we hope you can start defining us through the language and actions of the modern day Greek system, not the language and actions of “Animal House” or that silly Asher Roth song!

Ben Hoffman Member of Pi Kappa Phi Hoffman can be contacted at ben.hoffman@drake.edu

Our Two Cents •

We love live streaming. This week we had computers with the State of the Union, basketball games and other videos streaming during layout. Too bad Drake’s Internet wasn’t reliable enough for us to see the second half.

Campus has been a death trap. Slipping on the ice every time we go outside can be pretty scary. What happened to being prepared for snow?

•

Creighton. That’s all.

•

Have you been to Applebees lately? Go after 9 p.m. and get half-off appetizers. Our staff members really love that.

•

We’ve heard the new workout facility, Estrogym...um, we mean Underground Fitness.

Apparently there are more girls in the gym than guys.

C’mon guys, get your fit on.

The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The TimesDelphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

LETTERS & SUBMISSION POLICY

JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor

tdeditorinchief@gmail.com

fraternity. Please don’t define us through a physical structure (especially if we don’t have one!); we never say, “look at the people of the TD newsroom” because we recognize you or your organization through its people, not its physical structure.

When you think of us adding members, you want to use the word “rush” or “rushing” because that’s what you’ve heard. We don’t “rush,” we recruit. Rushing refers to running up to new students and trying to get them to join before they’ve unpacked their suitcases. That used to happen, but doesn’t anymore.

Lastly, PUSH America isn’t a philanthropy week, it’s a philanthropy. Part of why a lot of us joined Pi Kapp is because we own and operate PUSH America (the only fraternity to own and operate its own philanthropy), meaning we can do stuff for

STAFF EDITORIAL

•

THE TIMES-DELPHIC KRISTEN SMITH, Editor-in-Chief

First, I want to thank Kathryn Kriss for her wonderful article on Pi Kappa Phi, about our chartering. Any positive article on Greek life is great for the community, and of course, I appreciate any positive press of Pi Kapp. I would like, however, to clear up a few misconceptions, some about Greek life in general and some about Pi Kapp.

We, as a Greek community, are forced to fight stereotypes all the time. Every time an issue with drinking comes up, people look at us first. We get what you think Greek life is, and heck we even, as Ryan Price would say, “give you a lot of material,” sometimes. It’s the little things though, that really bother me.

So, it’s time to clear a few things up. Pi Kapp is not the “renewed house” on the block, simply because we aren’t a house; we are a chapter of a

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THE TIMES-DELPHIC

FEATURES

features

THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012 | PAGE 4

don’tmissthis

Spring Leadership Conference Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Olmsted Featuring keynote speaker Tracy Knofla and lunch with some Drake alumni

Sporting event atmosphere provides entertainment

by Kenzie Kramer

Staff Writer mackenzie.kramer@drake.edu

The pounding music, the sea of matching shirts, the mascot encouraging the team and the roaring crowd.

So many things go into planning an athletic event other than the sport itself. Ryan Gilmore, Drake’s director of marketing and promotions, is one of the people in charge of organizing what goes on at large basketball games, such as yesterday’s “White Out” game against rival Creighton. The first 4,000 fans in attendance received an official “White Out” T-shirt. Other basketball games in the past have had themes similar to this.

“There’s always something coming up, especially when you get into conference games. There’s all kinds of things happening,” Gilmore said.

Along with the white shirts, students who attended were able to receive other items, such as rally towels and banners, for being some of the first people in the door.

Contests for students to win prizes, such as discounts from businesses in the Drake Neighborhood, get students energized for the game and create the strong atmosphere. Fans get to watch

participants do wild contests, such as eating the most wings from Jethro’s, spinning around a baseball bat or shooting half-court shots. Gilmore said that contests are planned in advance by the Drake interns who work with the marketing team to get fans more involved.

The halftime presentation is organized with sponsors to create an entertaining show that keeps the excitement of the game alive. Academic and alumni awards are often presented at this time, in addition to unique shows, like acrobats on trampolines.

“On Saturday, we have the Isiserettes coming back in,” Gilmore said.

Music is another part that intensifies the game. Much of the music is switched up at each game. The music that is played is based off the flow of the game and how Drake is doing.

Music and games play a large role in creating the excitement at the basketball game.

“The students drive the atmosphere at Drake,” Gilmore said.

Gilmore said that he hopes that students will pack the house as Spike’s Army to cheer on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams for the rest of the season.

Upcoming Promotions Jan. 28 - MBB vs. Wichita State 8 p.m.

First 3,000 fans will receive a Drake Basketball rally towel courtesy of Fox Sports Jan. 29 - WBB vs. UNI 2 p.m.

First 1,000 fans will receive a Drake Bulldogs T-shirt courtesy of Bankers Trust JOEY GALE | photo editor

now leasing for fall 2012

FEATURES

PAGE 5 THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

Free cab service helpful for students, fun for drivers

by Bailey Berg

Staff Writer bailey.berg@drake.edu

Not too many people can say they’ve shuttled a flock of tutu wearing football players around, but for Carol Grethen, it’s just another Saturday night.

Grethen, a Drake Direct driver who is well known for calling passengers “hun,” said that it is moments like that that make her truly love her job.

Having worked for the company for six years now, Grethen is chalked full of funny stories of students’ latenight antics, though she asserts that the tutu incident from two Halloweens ago takes the cake.

“That’s just something I’m always going to remember,” Grethen said with a laugh.

The service is free to all Drake students and can be used for any number of reasons – if it’s too cold, if you’re too nervous to walk by yourself or if you’re just too lazy to trek across campus. That’s where Grethen

and the rest of the Drake Direct staff come in.

Late-night student taxi services have been growing in popularity on campuses everywhere. They guarantee students a safe ride home and have even cut down on potentially harmful situations.

“I work (for Drake Direct) because I want to make sure those kids get home OK,” Grethen said.

Drake University’s taxi service, now contracted through Trans Iowa, wasn’t always the transportation system for Drake students. Prior to Drake Direct, Drake offered a bus system entitled Safe Ride, where members of the security staff ferried around riders. Three times an hour the bus would stop at designated spots, making a complete loop every 20 minutes.

“Students decided they didn’t want to wait so long or would want to make more stops along the way,” Tricia McKinney, assistant director of campus security, said. “They thought our system was too rigid, so they came up with their own idea to

contract through Trans Iowa.”

Now the service runs nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., with the exception of fall, winter and spring breaks. However, these hours are extended to 3 a.m. during both finals weeks and Drake Relays week.

Unlike the Safe Ride program, Drake Direct will pick passengers up anywhere and take them directly to the front door of the riders’ destination, provided their pick-up and drop-off points are within the boundaries. The service goes as far north of campus as Clark Street, east to 22nd Street, south to Kingman Boulevard, and west to 35th Street.

“However, Drake Direct does not do bar pick-ups or drop-offs,” McKinney said. “It’s for poor weather, or if you’re alone and don’t want to walk somewhere by yourself. It’s more of a safety ride.”

Hailing the service is as simple as calling 515-282-8111 and flashing your Drake ID.

One time on Drake Direct...

“I really like Carol. She’s really funny and always talks to you.

And she always has good music playing.”

- Jennifer Bailey, sophomore marketing and public relations major

“Drake Direct is really nice when it’s really cold and also when you don’t want to walk alone. Or even if you’re in a group at night.”

- London James, junior accounting and finance major

“I think it helps prevent people from driving when they shouldn’t be, if you know what I mean.”

- Jim Hills, P1

Q&A: Hip Hop with Napoleon

Napoleon Douglas, Drake sophomore and Des Moines native is teaching students a new way to Move More at the Bell Center with a hip-hop dance class every Wednesday night.

Q: A:

Tell me about your hip-hop class and what you want to accomplish with it.

Q: A:

ANNELISE TARNOWSKI | staff photographer

Do students have to have any kind of dance experience to have fun in this class?

Nope, absolutely not. I make it so that it is very instructional; so you follow me, do what I do. It’s a lot of preparation for me before. I have to know the routines. I have to know what’s going on before hand, so that I can just repeatedly do it. I have been a parttime choreographer for about five to six years now so I’ve been very in tact with teaching people at many different levels how to dance.

Q: A:

So the premise of the class is that I have four dance routines lined up with a warm-up song and a closing song. So we stretch and everything at the beginning, and at the end, and I teach four shorter routines, and then I turn the music on, and we just keep repeating that routine. By that time, your body has been actively moving the whole time and you get the dance down. A lot of people like it because they get to learn new dance moves and get more comfortable in their own bodies. That’s what a lot of it is: being more comfortable in your own body, and getting a good work out.

Q: A:

How long have you been dancing?

I have just been dancing my whole life. It started at my church when I was really, really young, they had pantomiming and stuff and when I was 6 years old I started pantomiming where I would make up these miming kind of dances to these gospel songs. I’ve always been a mover, and always been a music person. I’m a vocal performance major so I love to perform, I love to move. Every chance I got, I was copying dances, I was the captain of my dance team in high school and we went to state a couple of times. I was in Isiserettes where I started really digging into the musicality.

What is the best part, for you, in teaching this class?

Just the amount of fun we have, honestly. You go in there and you see the biggest smiles on people’s faces. They just love it. I get to act goofy and people laugh at me, and we just have a great time. I think the interpersonal connection is just fun and people look forward to that every week and I’m glad that I can bring something to campus that people can enjoy. We have free facilities, so why not take advantage of them, and why not have fun while taking advantage of it.

by Annelise Tarnowski

Staff Writer annelise.tarnowski@drake.edu

Challenge pushes Winter weather beauty tips healthy lifestyle

by Kensie Smith

Staff Writer mackensie.smith@drake.edu

by Bailey Berg

Staff Writer bailey.berg@drake.edu

Every New Year’s we find ourselves making resolutions for the coming year. Often these goals are to fit in fitness, to quit smoking/drinking/eating carbs and sweets, get more sleep or to tame the bulge.

But many times college students find themselves so bombarded with the stress of studies, work and building professional resumes that they forget to include wellness and regular activity into their lives. That’s where the Live Healthy Iowa Wellness Challenge comes in.

The 100-day wellness challenge was launched as a way to promote positive and active lifestyles, and keep you accountable to your fitness goals.

“Accountability is really important in setting and achieving goals,” Assistant Director of Wellness Johanna Determann said. “One hundred days is a long time to commit to something, but what an accomplishment it would be to maintain the program for the semester.”

The challenge, which started on Jan. 23, will continue through most of the semester, ending on May 1.

Competitors can form teams of two to 10 people, and track either minutes of physical activity or weight loss, although according to Determann, more ambitious teams, like hers, are tracking both. Drake University currently has 13 teams signed up, comprised of students, faculty and staff. “(The purpose) is to unite people — friends, family members, businesses, schools — in obtaining and sustaining healthy lifestyles,” Deter-

mann said.

First-year Mark Reiter is using the challenge to train for Drake Relays On-the-Roads Half Marathon.

“I’d like to maintain between a seven and eight minute pace for all 13 miles,” Reiter said. “I’m also planning on running a full marathon this summer, so I’m hoping to better prepare myself for that as well.”

Determann, however, already spends a lot of time at the gym — she teaches a handful of group exercise classes at the Bell Center — so she’ll be spending the next 100-days sampling new activities, such a water jogging and yoga, that are low impact and relaxing.

Determann and Director of Wellness Jana Peterson are spearheading the endeavor to get Drake University students involved not just in this program, but other fitness programs as well. Their goal is to get participants fired up about the competition, and to educate students on a myriad of wellness topics.

This semester, they’re hosting a Wellness Lunch Series, where people can meet for lunch and discuss ways to live a healthier life. The series topics will include stress management and making the most of each day, easy and healthy snacks, and frequently asked questions in sports medicine.

The duo are also organizing Pack the Track days — where they will try to get as many people possible on the Knapp Center Track to exercise.

“These programs are a great way to get your friends, floor mates, housemates or peers together to reach a healthier goal,” Peterson said. “It’s for anyone that is interested in living and leading a healthier lifestyle.”

It’s those moments where the perfect guy walks up, or your boss finally notices you, or a longtime-no-see friend from high school wants to do lunch that you have absolutely nothing to do a touch-up with. The often forgotten essentials can make all the difference.

Carry this emergency beauty kit in a big purse, travel carry-on, or stash in the glove box, for your unexpected chance to shine.

1

Facial moisturizer — Winter is here and you need to keep that dry flaky skin from falling off the next time you’re face-to-face with a potential love interest.

Since harmful sunrays still strike (and are sometimes stronger) in the cold, get one with at least a 15 SPF. Try Total Effects Fragrance-Free UV Moisturizer with SPF 15, $15

2

Lip balm — Mmm crusty lips. Tinted lip balm can be sketchy depending on the rest of your makeup, go with a simple, classic balm for a touch of moisture to layer under lipstick if so desired.

Try Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm, $3

3

Tissues — Always keep a travel pack around. Use for lipstick smears, mascara blots and runny noses.

Hit the local boutique to snag cute or humorous designer prints.

Try Classy & Fabulous Pocket Tissues, $1.95 Dry shampoo — It’s like showering...with no water. Save your hair from oil and odor with that little bit of extra oomph.

Try Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo 5.7 oz, $5.39

4

Lash curler — Already mascara swiped lashes don’t need more gunk, they just need more lift. Curl quickly to make your eyes open for a wide, alert look.

Try Sally Hansen Sexy Curls, $5.44

5

6

Travel toothbrush — Garlic at lunch was an awful idea. Swipe with a fresh mint taste so you can smile bright and actually speak face-to-face with people.

More refined than mints and gum that can look tacky.

Try Colgate Wisp in Spearmint, $8 for 16

7

Band-Aids — You never know when those heels or snow boots might start rubbing your heels the wrong way. No one will see them, so splurge on the cartoon characters!

Try Hello Kitty Band-Aid, $2.54 a carton

8

Tweezers — Eek! There is one large, dark, brown hair between your eyebrows…and is that a grey hair? Pluck it. Stash a colorful pair so everyone is so distracted by your cuteness they miss you pulling off that awful hangnail.

Try Tweezerman Tweezerette Tweezers, $5.20

9

Mirror compact — For a fresh face, always keep a compact mirror with the right color of foundation.

It’s safe to stick with a lighter color of powder — avoid the orange!

Try Sephora Mineral Foundation Compact, $22

10

Lint roller — We love Fluffy too, but your LBD doesn’t. Yes, you’ll feel like your mother, but it’s worth the quick roll down to not look like Chewbacca.

Try Scotch Mini Lint Roller, $2.30

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012 | PAGE 6

men’s and women’s track and field squads will hit the road this weekend to DID YOU The travel to Lawrence, Kan. Both squads will participate in the Jayhawk Classic after KNOW? opening their spring campaign last week at the Iowa State Open.

sports MEN’S TENNIS

Bulldogs dominate first spring test, win 8 individual titles

by Dominic Johnson

Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu

Complete domination.

There is no other way to describe No. 67 Drake’s performance on Sunday during the final day of the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Individuals at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center. The Bulldogs entered their matches with a chance to win as many as nine titles out of a possible 10 tournaments. Of the nine titles, the Drake men won a record-tying eight.

The Bulldogs started the day with all three of their doubles pairings competing in the semifinals, and a little over an hour later, all three duos advanced to the finals of their respective draws.

Drake’s first title came at the second doubles position, where sophomore Robin Goodman and freshman Alen Salibasic dominated Illinois State to earn an 8-3 victory.

Junior Anis Ghorbel and senior Cesar Bracho, who were playing as a doubles team for the first time, took the third flight doubles title over Wichita State in similar fashion to their younger Bulldog counterparts with an 8-4 score.

“Bracho is a very good teammate to play with,” Ghorbel said. “Despite not playing doubles matches with each other before, we didn’t have any problem connecting with each other on the court.”

As impressive as the doubles titles were, it was at singles where the Bulldogs truly shined. With what could end up being the starting lineup at the first through sixth singles positions, Drake thoroughly outplayed its opponents, as

not a single match went to a third set.

At the top singles position, No. 51 Ghorbel battled against a familiar opponent in Alexander Pelaez of Illinois State. Ghorbel and Pelaez are considered by many to be the top two players in the conference, and the first set was indicative of that sentiment, as neither player was able to pull away from the other. As the first set entered into a tiebreaker, it was Pelaez who garnered the first set point, only to have Ghorbel fight it off with his signature booming forehands as the Bulldog took the first set 7-6 (8-6). From then on the match changed, as Pelaez looked frustrated and exhausted after failing to capture the first set, but Ghorbel only grew more aggressive and more accurate as the set went on. At 3-0 in the second set, Ghorbel hit a shot that left Pelaez literally sliding out of his own shoes.

“After (sliding out of his shoe), Pelaez was getting very mad, so I knew I just had to keep playing solid to finish him off,” Ghorbel said.

Ghorbel went on to finish the match at 7-6, 6-0.

Jean Erasmus’ match at the second singles position was no less impressive.

After winning the first set 6-3, Erasmus kicked it into a completely different gear, as he registered a 6-0 second-set win. This was Erasmus’ second MVC Individuals title in singles. Last year he won at the No. 3 position.

James McKie was in contention for the title at the third singles slot, and it looked like it would be the toughest match of the day for the Bulldogs.

McKie was faced with the challenge of taking on Illinois State’s Skip Span, the same player who had beaten him just

two days earlier in a grueling three-set match. Unfortunately for Span, the McKie he faced last Friday was not like the one he met in the finals. The Drake captain exploded out of the gates against Span, playing a much more aggressive and consistent game than he had before. As Span tried to make advances, McKie held his ground. A mix of powerful forehands from the baseline and crafty attacks at the net frustrated Span, and McKie made the rematch look routine with a 6-2, 6-1 score.

“I definitely played more aggressively on Sunday, and this time I managed to get more points off my serve,” McKie said.

Salibasic played powerful tennis against Wichita State’s Tomislav Gregurovic. Gregurovic, a familiar opponent of Salibasic’s from the junior circuit in Europe, attempted to match the Drake freshman’s power in both serves and ground-strokes, but Salibasic’s booming service game proved hard to break. The two opponents decided the first set in a tiebreaker, and it was the Bulldog who proved victorious. Salibasic continued to fire away and won the second set 6-4.

After dominating Illinois State’s Willi Peter in doubles, Goodman looked to do the same at the fifth singles position.

In a match that saw both players attack the net, it was Goodman’s mix of touch and power that earned a 6-3, 6-2 win to capture his first MVC Individuals title in singles.

Drake’s eighth and final title came at the sixth singles position, where senior Jonathan Hadash was locked into an intense battle with Bradley’s Eric

TAYLOR SOULE | staff photographer JUNIOR JAMES MCKIE (LEFT) and junior Jean Erasmus (right) head back onto the court at the State Farm MVC Individuals at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.

Nguyen. Both players were firing powerful ground-strokes at each other, but it was Hadash who was more consistent on the biggest points of the match. Hadash took home his first MVC Individuals title with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

The Bulldogs begin their dualmatch season this weekend as they travel to Harvard, Mass., for the twoday Harvard Invitational. Drake’s first match is against No. 66 DePaul. The Blue Demons may be the most dangerous opponent at the invitational, as they have already knocked off a ranked opponent.

Drake’s next match will be against

No. 73 Harvard. The host Crimson will be kicking off its dual-match season this weekend as well. The Bulldogs’ final opponent of the weekend will be Denver. Despite lacking a national ranking, the Pioneers are not to be taken lightly, as the team often dominates the Sun Belt conference and carried a national ranking much of last year.

“To beat ranked teams this year, we will have to compete hard at every spot,” McKie said. “I know we have so much talent on this team, so if we fight until the last point, we can be very successful.”

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Boyd looking to lead Drake in the spring season Bulldogs will try to take advantage of their matches at the Knapp

by Blake Miller

Staff Writer blake.miller@drake.edu

FILE PHOTO

After a short hiatus during winter break, Drake is back in action. The Bulldogs’ first test came last weekend in Norman, Okla., as they first beat Arkansas-Little Rock, 6-1, and then fell short against No. 25 Oklahoma, also 6-1.

“We fought very hard and showed no fear or hesitation in either match,” head coach Paul Thomson said. “We were able to control more points against Arkansas-Little Rock and held our own with the No. 25 team in the country, Oklahoma.”

The Bulldogs will now take on four opponents at home in the Roger Knapp Tennis Center, starting Saturday against Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.

“I’m a little nervous but excited,” freshman Nell Boyd said. “I love playing at Drake and feeling comfortable.”

Boyd, who has emerged onto the scene for the Bulldogs in only her first season as a college athlete, said she is confident about where the team is headed.

“The team is looking awesome,” Boyd said. “We just beat Arkansas-Lit-

tle Rock, 6-1, so that was a good start to our first meet this year, and Drake hasn’t won (its) first meet in 11 years.”

All success comes with things to improve, and Boyd is not shying away from this fact.

“Some of our doubles need to improve,” Boyd said. “But we are all working really hard on it and getting better every day.”

Thomson also agreed that the team can make improvements.

“We must continue to work on court positioning and setting ourselves up to finish more points,” Thomson said.

Of Drake’s 25 matches this spring, 15 will take place at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center. Non-conference matches include a trip to Green Bay, Wis., to take on Green Bay on Feb. 10 and Milwaukee the next day. The Bulldogs will also travel to Las Vegas to take on Seattle, San Jose State, Southern Utah and Idaho State on March 21-24.

Missouri Valley Conference opponents will follow, and then it is time for the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship on April 27 in Omaha, Neb. “Our goals are theory more than anything,” Thomson said. “Process over product and take care of the small things for big results. If we do that, the

wins will fall into place.”

Boyd was a little more precise when thinking of goals, as she is looking to contribute to the team in a big way in her young career.

“I’m looking to improve my doubles game a lot so that (senior) Amanda Aragon and I can be a better team,” Boyd said. “And I’ll be looking to win as much as I can in singles to help my team.”

The second leg of the four-game home stand is against South Dakota and North Dakota on Sunday and next Friday, respectively.

Catch their next match SATURDAY, JAN. 28 against Northern Illinois 9:00 a.m.

Roger Knapp Tennis Center

Here’s a look at all intramurals sports offered in the spring Same rules, new sports and fresh Tshirts welcome the Spring Intramural season.

Drake intramurals would like to welcome all of our athletes and staff back to school and back onto the courts for our spring season. If the fall semester is any indication of the play in the next few months, we can all count on more exhilarating competition, glorified champions in fresh T-shirts and superfluous verbal obscenities.

In honor of the new season and as a reminder to get moving this semester, I would like to present a short preview of the leagues available for everyone to participate in for the start of 2012.

BASKETBALL: Here is your chance to relive your real glory days of high school basketball in our same-sex, 5-on-5 basketball leagues. The sport is already underway, and we’re back to regular scoring with guys officially out of the doghouse when it comes to blocking a girl. With over

30 teams signed up for the league and only four spots for ultimate victories, the competition is bound to provide excitement. If you are in need of convincing, the intramurals staff urges all sports fans — and human beings in general — to come watch a fan-favorite, FIJI-originated team called Duff. At my best attempt to describe the squad, I would say that Duff is Des Moines’ amateur version of the white Harlem Globetrotters playing blindfolded with roller skates on ice.

Come see for yourself and feel free to make your own judgments whether or not the team actually possesses a stark amount of awful, creative skill.

RACQUETBALL DOUBLES: This is tournament-style play and entries are due by next Wednesday. The smaller leagues tend to receive less attention than the more mainstream sports, so depending on the amount of committed readers I have to this column, chances are you will make it pretty far in the tournament just by signing up.

BADMINTON DOUBLES: Also tournament-style play, and entries are due by Feb. 7. The sport is harder than it looks, but you can make yourself seem pseudo-skilled if you know to call the birdie a shuttlecock as well.

FLOOR HOCKEY: Entries are due by Feb. 8, but unless you started training three years ago, my predicted odds point towards many of the fraternity leagues dominating once again. The rules regarding using your personal hockey stick are a bit tricky, but I suggest one to heed my advice when I say that no matter what kind of stick you have, it is never a baseball bat. This league can be a lot of fun if you find some teammates that are able to have a good attitude when asked to potentially play at 11:15 p.m.

TENNIS DOUBLES: Entries are due by Feb. 15, and I typically do not see first timers coming

to play this one. Tennis is also a tough sport for the amateur, but if you are one of the hockey players with baseball envy, you can maybe try this one out.

INDOOR SOCCER: Entries are due by Feb. 29. Another popular league, and it is played on the full length of the Bell Center gym. We play with a “futsal” ball, which is much smaller and harder than a regular soccer ball. Rumor is that we may present a corec league this year. Stay tuned for results on the negotiations.

SOFTBALL: Entries are due by Mar. 6, and with fortunes of a good-weathered spring, several games will be played starting right after Spring Break and up until Relays. The leagues are both co-rec and same-sex. Players are typically inspired by the commencement of Major League Baseball around this time and inevitably give softball more likability than would normally be seen throughout the rest of

the year.

Once again, we welcome all sports fans back into the games and look forward to seeing all of you on the fields soon. Remember, the officials always have the final say, and no Drake ID, no play.

Until next time, please play by the rules.

HALEY BOSCO | COLUMNIST Bosco is a senior English and secondary education double major and can be contacted at haley.bosco@drake.edu

PAGE 7 | THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2012

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Hackbarth serious contender for MVC Player of the Year honors by the numbers

18.9 Points per game, leading the MVC.

10.7 Rebounds per game, also good for first in the conference.

50% Field goal percentage for Hackbarth, ranked 11th in the MVC.

91 Career blocks for Hackbarth, good for fifth all-time at Drake.

32 Hackbarth’s career-high, registered against Indiana State last Sunday.

by Taylor Soule

Staff Writer taylor.soule@drake.edu

Step by step, game by game and basket by basket, senior Rachael Hackbarth continues to climb the Drake women’s basketball all-time scoring ladder.

A ladder, however, cannot stand without a sturdy support system.

For Hackbarth, her teammates are just that support system. Even amid a record-breaking individual season, Hackbarth’s team-oriented mindset remains forefront.

Averaging 18.9 points per game alongside 10.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists, Hackbarth is in the hunt for the Valley’s highest individual prize: the Jackie Stiles Player of the Year award, given to the top player in the Missouri Valley Conference. Though that honor presents an exciting possibility, Hackbarth wishes it included her teammates.

“I wish it could be more of a team thing than an individual,” Hackbarth said. “It’s all connected, teammates screening well for me and giving me the ball. It definitely feels more like a team honor than an individual honor.”

After a stunning 32-point, 12-rebound performance against Indiana State on Sunday, Hackbarth moved past Jordann Plummer and Connie Newlin on Drake’s all-time scoring list.

Her 1,359 career points mark the culmination of her time as a Bulldog: four years of leadership, four years of hard work and four years of teamwork.

“She has a huge role on our basketball team,” Drake head coach Amy Stephens said. “Rachael leads by example.

She’s one of our hardest workers in practice everyday. She’s a great teammate, she’s encouraging and she’s positive. Rachael isn’t afraid to step up.”

Following last season’s departure of

Drake standout Kristin Turk, Hackbarth knew she needed to make critical plays in 2011-12.

“My teammates look to me to do that as far as being a strong inside presence in the paint,” she said.

Though the final stanza of Hackbarth’s senior season is just underway, Stephens looks to her for continued post-play prowess.

“What we need from her is to be consistent and to be a great leader and a fundamental post player,” she said.

“The more fundamental she is, the better she’ll handle it.”

Both on game day and in practice, Hackbarth keeps her eyes on the conference’s coveted team prize, an MVC championship.

“We just want to continue to reach to be in the upper half of the conference,” she said. “Our main goal is to compete for a championship.”

At 10-8 overall and 4-3 in the MVC, Drake sits in sixth place. Tomorrow’s battle with Bradley kicks off the first of four straight home games for the Bulldogs, and Stephens said that she knows how critical a top tier finish is for Hackbarth’s player-of-the-year prospects.

“For her to get that award, our team is going to have to finish in the top two or three (in the MVC),” Stephens said.

“She has to continue to be consistent to get that award because there are a lot of great players in our league. Our team success is going to play a factor whether she has a shot for that. Team success affects individual honors. You have to have individual numbers, but you also have to have team success. Players of the year lead their team to success.”

In a season characterized by ups and downs, heart-pounding finishes and last-minute losses, one memory stands out for Hackbarth.

On Dec. 11, the Bulldogs traveled to Madison’s Kohl Center to take on

Big Ten powerhouse Wisconsin. Just 74 miles away from her hometown of Colgate, Hackbarth contributed 20 points en route to a 65-54 Drake victory.

Surrounded by her family in the stands and her family on the court, the Wisconsin win marked a magical and,

of course, a team-oriented moment for Hackbarth.

“It was cool to play at home my senior year and have my whole family there,” she said. “That was really special.”

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Time to make a run, pivotal four game homestand could determine MVC seeding

by Taylor Soule

Staff Writer taylor.soule@drake.edu

Unpredictable comebacks, a heartbreaking overtime loss and a recordbreaking performance framed an exciting weekend on the road for Drake.

Facing two Missouri Valley Conference rivals in just three days, the Bulldogs experienced a barrage of basketball’s highs and lows last weekend.

Last Friday, Illinois State dealt Drake a devastating 71-67 overtime defeat. Just two days later, senior Rachael Hackbarth played the best game of her

career to lift the Bulldogs past Indiana State, 67-59.

Another MVC opponent, Bradley, comes to town tomorrow, and the Bulldogs are ready to storm the Knapp Center. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m.

For the Bulldogs, purposeful possessions will be key against an experienced

Bradley lineup.

Leah Kassing, just one of the Braves’ five seniors, leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game alongside 8.8 rebounds. Junior Katie Yohn also contributes a double figure average for Bradley at 12.6 points per game.

Besides a seasoned roster, the Braves average a whopping 68.8 total points per game compared to Drake’s average of 58.8 points per game.

Despite a 2-5 MVC record, the Braves pose a particular offensive threat: the 3-pointer. The Bulldogs look to keep a close defensive eye behind the arc against a Bradley team that is shooting 35.2 percent from 3-point land.

“Bradley is a really good basketball team,” Drake head coach Amy Stephens said. “I’m really surprised at their conference standing right now. They can beat anybody in our league. When they can shoot the three well, nobody in our league is going to beat them.”

Hackbarth looks to carry the momentum of Sunday’s record-breaking spectacle into tomorrow’s game. After boasting a career-high 32 points and adding 12 rebounds against Indiana State, she continues to ascend Drake’s all-time scoring list.

With the home stretch of her senior season just underway, Hackbarth said that she knows Bradley’s basketball bag is full of tricks.

“They have inside presence,” she said. “They always play hard. They usually have a deeper bench.”

Beyond smart shooting and watchful defense, the Bulldogs look to control their own destiny on their own court.

“Of those seven conference games,

five have been on the road,” Stephens said about the MVC season so far. “It’s critical we protect our home court and get wins. We control our own destiny.

You have to win your home games if you’re a top conference team.”

Tomorrow night’s MVC showdown kicks off a four-game Knapp Center swing for the Bulldogs, who are 10-8 overall and 4-3 in conference play.

For Hackbarth and the Bulldogs, the fans are more than a band of blue shirts with school spirit. The fans are members of the team.

“They’re always a huge help,” she said. “We always call them our sixth man because they bring us a lot of energy. We hope to protect our home court.”

A critical step toward victory is a quality week of practice.

“We just need to create a competitive environment in practice, and when we do that, our team will continue to improve, and our confidence gets higher and higher,” Stephens said.

Her players understand the importance of positive practice as well.

“We have to start off with a strong practice,” Hackbarth said. “If we don’t practice strong, it usually carries into the game.”

The Bulldogs know that defense is key against a dangerous Bradley offense.

“It’s going to be a battle,” Stephens said. “If we play well, we’ll win. If we play flat, we’re going to get beat.”

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

Drake’s tough week ends with second-placeWichita State

by Matt Moran

Staff Writer matthew.moran@drake.edu

Drake rounds out arguably its toughest week of the Missouri Valley Conference season with a tilt against Wichita State at the Knapp Center this Saturday at 8 p.m.

Heading into last night’s MVC action, the Shockers (17-3, 8-1) were tied with No. 15 Creighton for first place.

Wichita State took on Evansville (10-9, 5-4) last night while the Bulldogs hosted the Bluejays (18-2, 8-1).

Drake (12-8, 5-4) dropped a 66-52 decision at Northern Iowa on Sunday night. Senior Kurt Alexander continues to produce in the back court, and he netted a career-high 21 points. The Panthers snapped Drake’s four-game winning streak.

The Bulldogs’ top two scorers were kept in check. Sophomore Rayvonte Rice was held to just nine points while junior Ben Simons collected only seven points.

“There is a formula to win on the road, and we didn’t follow it,” head

coach Mark Phelps said in a postgame press conference. “Give UNI credit for that.”

Recently, Alexander has been Drake’s most productive player off the bench. The six-foot guard is averaging 12.0 points over his last six games.

“Kurt’s playing well. We need him to play well,” Phelps said. “It is a good sign out of Kurt, and hopefully we can build on that and get back home and get back to playing better basketball.”

The Bulldogs last faced Creighton in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 3. The Bluejays won that game 76-59, thanks to 24 points from the Valley’s top player-ofthe-year candidate, Doug McDermott.

Drake will take on Wichita State for the first time this season. The Shockers’ lone loss in MVC play came at the hands of Creighton on Dec. 31, 2011.

The Bluejays won that contest 68-61.

Wichita State is producing the second most points per game in the MVC (77.4), and it ranks first in defense, allowing just 60.8 points per contest. The Shockers have won their MVC games by an average of 16.7 points, also first in the league.

The balanced Wichita State squad is led by three seniors. Big man Garrett Stutz and guards Joe Ragland and Toure Murry average 12.4, 12.3 and 12.2 points per game, respectively.

Stutz also ranks fourth in the conference in rebounding, averaging 7.6 per game.

“They’re really good. They’re the top two teams in our league,” Phelps said about Creighton and Wichita State. “We’ve got to play them some time. We’ve all got to play them, but every game is tough. Every game in our league is tough. I think that’s what the Missouri Valley has proven this year.”

In the latest Collegiate Basketball News RPI Report, the MVC ranked No. 8 among the 32 Division I conferences. Last season, the Valley ranked No. 11 at the end of the season.

At this point in the 2011-12 season, both Creighton and Wichita State are expected to snag NCAA tournament spots.

But in the world of college basketball, nothing is guaranteed.

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