Times Delphic 12/03/2009

ELITE EIGHT Drake beat Boston College 6-4 Sunday afternoon, faces North Carolina next PAGE 6 SPORTS

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES-DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA • Thursday, December 3, 2009 • VOL. 128, NO. 20 • www.timesdelphic.com

President sends e-mail to students, faculty Monday

by LIZZIE PINE

Managing Editor tdeditorials@drake.edu

On Monday, President David Maxwell sent an e-mail to the Drake community about the administration’s responsibilities of prevention, education and support of the victims relating to the recent hazing and sexual assault incidents.

This was in response to a front-page article and a staff editorial in the Nov. 23 issue of The Times-Delphic, both of which reported that students and faculty found Maxwell’s original response to be untimely and insensitive.

In the recent e-mail, Maxwell said that the

SEASON OF GIVING

THE

Maxwell: we need your help

SAAC and SBA team up for Toys for Tots

by ALYSSE GEAR

Staff Writer alysse.gear@drake.edu

The Drake Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Sports Business Administration will team up this month for the first Toys for Tots Athletes’ Charity Ball. The ball is intended to benefit the Toys for Tots group and encourage future collaboration between the two studentathlete groups.

On Dec. 12, the Allen Fieldhouse will open its doors for the festivities at 9 p.m. Each Drake athlete is invited and may bring two guests. Admission is one new toy or three dollars per person.

“Student athletes often don’t get to socialize as a collective group, and when we do, it’s usually in practice gear,” copresident sophomore Colin Hagan said.

“This is an

opportunity for student athletes to come to a nice event, bring guests and raise money for a good cause.”

According to Central Iowa’s Toys for Tots, the Des Moines branch donated nearly 82,000 toys last year. The toys were distributed to 195 central Iowa organizations. This year, Drake SAAC and SBA will be contributing to that number.

Senior Deidra Dirth is the vice president of SBA and the community outreach committee chair of SAAC. Dirth said SAAC has been collecting money for Toys for Tots throughout the semester at Drake athletic events.

“SAAC has raised almost $300, and hopes to produce an

SEE MAXWELL, PAGE 2

Polk County distributes more H1N1 vaccinations

by ERIN HOGAN News Editor tdnews@drake.edu

Still using hand sanitizer profusely and carrying wads of Kleenex out of fear of getting H1N1? Luckily, Polk County officials have cut down restrictions on distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. Now, people between ages six months and 24 years are eligible to be vaccinated.

After offering three opportunities in November for qualified students to receive the vaccine, the American Republic Student Health Center was left with about 88 vaccines to distribute.

At that time, only very specific groups, such as those ages 5 to 64 with chronic health conditions, were eligible for the vaccine.

“We were definitely surprised we haven’t had a lot of takers,” Health Center registered nurse Lynn Bennink said.

Drake also publicized other distribution sites in Polk County on BlueView.

On Monday, the Polk County Health Department announced that, as of this Wednesday, the vaccine could be distributed to broader age groups.

“We couldn’t give it out to all students until we got the go-ahead from Polk County,” Bennink said.

Bennink said that the Health Center plans to distribute to remaining vaccines from the first rounds of distribution on Wednesday. They will request more from the county if they go through all of the vaccines the university has.

“We don’t want to hoard all of the vaccines until we see a response,” Bennink said.

She said that she is concerned students will bring viruses back to campus after Thanksgiving and winter breaks and that they are especially vulnerable to contracting the virus during stressful periods, such as finals.

“We’re hoping we have a lot of takers and can get a lot of people vaccinated on Wednesday,” Bennink said. n

equivalent amount through the Athletes’ Ball,” Dirth said.

Hagan said the money they’ve raised will buy more toys, especially athletic gear, for children in need. The basketballs, tennis rackets and baseball gloves collected at the Athletes’ Charity Ball will go directly toward making children’s dreams come true.

“As athletes, we can help children by supplying them with the instruments that helped spark our athletic careers as children,” Dirth said.

The donations will be displayed at the ball and presented to KCCI and the U.S. Marine Corps, the organizations in charge of operating the charity in central Iowa.

SAAC and SBA have a goal of 100 student athletes and athletic personnel attending the event.

Dirth said this is the first year the two organizations will hold a ball.

Last year, the athletic teams and the athletic department collected money and made a single purchase of toys for the program.

T h e evening will feature sports-themed activities, a presentation of the toys and proceeds and other entertainment for guests. n

SIFE teaches local kids ‘Don’t knock the mock entrepreneurial skills trial team’

by KENSIE SMITH

Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu

Small hands worked to craft beaded bracelets, tasseled bookmarks and colored magnets with an important goal in mind.

Fourth- and fifth-graders from the Haven Youth Center worked tirelessly on these projects to try their hands at small business.

Drake’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) introduced the program to teach the children about entrepreneurship. The students made all of the products on their own,

determined prices and then sold the merchandise at the “Small Hands, Big Plans” craft sale that SIFE hosted in the Olmsted Breezeway Nov. 18.

The participants said they enjoyed the chance to come to Drake and had a good time making the items.

“I liked that you could be creative when you make the crafts,” 10-year-old Manuel said.

A unique part of the project was each student had a special role in the “company.”

SEE SIFE, PAGE 2

photo by ERIN HOGAN |News Editor

SIFE MEMBERS lead a program that taught principles of entrepreneurship to kids.

by KENSIE SMITH

Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu

The jury hangs on the closing statement as the prosecution makes a passionate final stab at the defense. It’s not a high-profile case on C-SPAN, but students participating in mock trial—a competitive intercollegiate activity.

The team recently participated in the 9th annual Cornhusker Challenge on Nov. 14–15.

Mock trial requires a lasting commitment. Tournaments began in October, regionals are in February and the season concludes with nationals in April. Last year, the 2009 Nationals were held in the Bulldogs’ backyard, here in Des Moines.

To make it to the top and compete at nationals, the team uses hands-on learning for the complicated mock trial process. Sophomore Greg Boal explained the intricacies of the mini-trial system. Each team participates in four separate trials. In a given trial, one team plays the prosecution and the other plays the defense. Each team has six members. Three members act as attorneys and the others are witnesses.

The 23 students on Drake’s team are divided into three groups. One group has the members with the most experience, one is comprised of first-years and one has a mix of upperclassmen and beginners.

Each “match” has opening statements and the teams call witnesses. Cross-examination and

SEE MOCK TRIAL, PAGE 2

NEWS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

QUOTE of the

PAGETWO

DAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

PAGE 2

“I hope that next year’s group will be hungry to return to the conference tournament now that we have gotten a taste.”

— HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH PHIL MCDANIEL, page 7

SECURITY REPORTS THE FIGHT IS ON...

9:16 p.m. Nov. 17 Security received a call from a male student who stated there was a drunk male in his room trying to fight him and damage his room. It was determined that an underage-for-drinking male student had left the basketball game at the Knapp Center early because he was intoxicated. He was given a key to the victim’s room by another roommate so he could retrieve his hat. When the complainant returned, he found a previously unopened bag of Cool 12:36 a.m. Nov. 10 A security officer observed a motorcycle being driven by a male adult near Jewett Residence Hall. The male was recognized by the officer because of a previ-

>>

Ranch-flavored Doritos dumped all over the floor. The complainant told the other student to clean it up and that the fight was on. A bookcase and a curtain rod were destroyed in the altercation. The suspect student left, but was contacted by cell phone. He stated that he didn’t want to talk to officers because he was intoxicated.

The victim stated he didn’t want to press charges. The matter was coordinated with the dean of students.

ous encounter with him riding his motorcycle on sidewalks. When spoken to previously, the male merely shouted an obscenity at the officer, flipped him off and drove away. The officer

spoke to him again, and the subject yelled the same obscenity and attempted to leave. Another officer arrived and the male acted in the same manner and sped off northbound on 27th

Visit www.timesdelphic.com to participate in the new poll: Are the bells an improvement on campus?

Yes or no?

Drake students teach children the basics of business FROM SIFE, PAGE 1 Manuel had the role of “fashion consultant,” and fourth-grader Ciattle had a nametag indicating her role as “boss.”

“We helped teach them marketing skills and teach them positions in a company,” junior SIFE member Ingrid Zhao said.

SIFE works to encourage business and economic stimulus. The project introduced the elementary students to entrepreneurship to promote engaged citizenship.

“All the money we make, we’re going to take and send to Africa to help the poor people and kids,” Ciattle said.

The sale gave the young entrepreneurs the opportunity to give back to the after-school program they all attend and enjoy. Supplies for the crafts, such as the beads, paper and glitter, were all donated. The hard-earned profits will go directly to The Haven, a Children and Family Urban Ministries after-school program.

The “company” said they plan to donate some money to a charity in Africa and the rest

will go toward programming for their group.

“Depending on how much they make, they are going to try and take a trip or buy games for the program,” SIFE member Katelyn Massey said.

Massey said they’ve been working with the student group for over a month, volunteering at the after-school program each week.

“I think it’s a good event that brings all the kids to a college campus to have something to look forward to,” sophomore SIFE member Eric Griffin said. “And, it teaches them about business.”

To celebrate their success, the young merchants were treated to a meal at Hubbell Dining Hall, compliments of Sodexo.

The craft sale was one of several events of SIFE’s Entrepreneurship Week, which ran from Nov. 16 to Nov. 21. Other opportunities included an entrepreneurship panel of current and recent Drake graduates and a roundtable discussion with alumnus Michael Sweeny, a founder of Venture Capital Firm/InterWest Partners. A keynote address by Drake graduate and president of Monterey Mills, Dan Sinykin, and a service project for Craigslist tied up the week’s activities.

A special ceremony was also held to celebrate a $3 million gift from Drake alumnus Bill Buchanan, president of Unified Life Insurance Co. The donation will be used to found the William M. and Jean M. Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Housed in the College of Business and Public Administration, the center will offer a business lab setting for students to increase their skills under the direction of a full-time faculty member. n

Street, flipping off the officers all the way to Forest Avenue. Police were called, and the subject was located by security officers in the 1300 block of 34th St. The sandwich delivery man was advised on trespass for the entire Drake campus and his supervisor was advised.

2:49 a.m. Nov. 13 A security officer observed two females near a Drake parking lot located in the 1200 block of 30th St. One of the females had her trousers down and was urinating. The underagefor-drinking female student, who appeared to be intoxicated, stated she had been drinking in one of the residence halls, but could not remember which one.

The second female was also an underage-for-drinking student and stated she had been drinking at a bar earlier in the evening located in the 2300 block of University Ave. She did not ap-

pear to be intoxicated, but did produce a fake driver’s license. It was evident that she was trying to help for the safety of her friend.

Both students were seen back to their residence hall.

The dean of students was advised.

2:24 a.m. Nov. 14 It was reported that someone pulled an exit sign out of the ceiling on the third floor of Kirk Residence Hall.

3:57 p.m. Nov. 14 A male student reported that someone stole his passport out of his room in Herriott Residence Hall between Nov. 9 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 12.

12:48 a.m. Nov. 19 Between midnight and 12:48 a.m. on Nov. 19, someone removed a fire extinguisher from the wall on the first floor of Goodwin Residence Hall and broke a

4:22 p.m. Nov. 20 A male student stated he was injured when he fell off his skateboard south of Herriott Residence Hall.

Security administered minor first-aid to the student’s toe. The student declined any further aid and stated he would go back to his room and finish treating his injury.

4:10 p.m. Nov. 23 Security responded to 30th Street and Carpenter Avenue based on a call that a male adult smelling of alcohol was following students.

The male was encountered and advised on trespass for the Drake campus.

Mock trial serious about goals

photo courtesy of SARAH FRANCIS

MEMBERS OF THE DRAKE MOCK TRIAL TEAM have spent hours preparing for their tournament this weekend in Minnesota. This is just one of three groups of the team, which has been divided based on experience.

FROM MOCK TRIAL, PAGE 1 closing arguments are also evaluated. The trials are like a basketball game, where ideas are bounced back and forth and points are awarded to each attorney and witness. Each trial is composed of mini-trials, or steps in the process, which last two to three hours each.

Sophomore Sarah Francis enjoys the intensity and challenge that come with debating. The activity attracts a diverse group of participants with varying levels of experience.

“It gets really competitive sometimes,” Francis said. “You meet the most interesting people in mock trial.”

All participants have a different role to play in the case. Francis’ current role in mock trial is that of a murder accomplice.

First-year Emily Lofgren smiles when she cites her character as a “cheesy assistant.”

“It’s really fun to be both an attorney and a witness,” Lofgren said. “And it’s good to get to play a role that you don’t generally play in real life.”

Team members play their roles from opposing viewpoints, once on the affirmative side then on the defense. This switch in perspective allows the competitors to gain a deeper understanding of motives and factors behind a case.

“I personally joined because I’m planning on going into law, and it’s a good experience and preparation for law school,” first-year member Dakota Johnson said. “You get a lot of good practice of what you should do in a court room

Students react to e-mail FROM MAXWELL, PAGE 1 administration will do its part, but the students must do theirs.

“We need your help if we are going to be successful in this endeavor,” Maxwell said.

However, many students think the e-mail was ambiguous as to what actions will be taken.

“He didn’t make the actions too clear,” sophomore Joey Stych said. “I think the actions need to be taken faster. Clearly, this is an important issue; it won’t be blown over lightly.”

Junior Katie Henson said she thought he was going to list actions they had done, and that she didn’t understand exactly what he was doing.

Others agreed.

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDNEWS@DRAKE.EDU

window to a residence hall room. Also, paper towels were scattered in the men’s restroom.

with direct examination and making objections.”

Practicing using legal terminology is just one component of the skill set the team members acquire. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. twice a week and for three hours on Sunday, the debaters allocate their limited free time to building these skills.

All of the practice paid off at the Harvard Crimson Classic, in Boston, Mass., where Drake placed sixth in the national tournament this fall.

Last year, the team took the championship title at the Classic and participated at nationals.

“This year we have had a lot of success with individual awards,” junior Daniel Van Sant said. “All across the board people have been recognized. It shows that when people work hard on their individual part, they promote the team as a whole.”

The mock trial board members are looking to continue the winning trend this year. Five officers serve as the executive council of the team.

They are in charge of making critical decisions on behalf of the team.

Junior Valerie Whiting serves as the secretary. Whiting said the team has clear goals.

“One of the main goals is to win, and the most important thing is to educate people on how law works, articulate well and argue effectively,” Whiting said.

The team will have the opportunity to accomplish these goals at the Macalester Tournament in St. Paul, Minn. this weekend. The regional competition season will begin when students return for second semester. n

“I thought the e-mail was kind of vague,” junior Kara McCartney said. “He wants to decrease sexual assault and hazing, but he didn’t specifically list out how he was going to do it. He said he needed the students to do their role, but he didn’t say how he wanted the students to take active roles.”

Some students said that these incidents are not as rare as the administration thinks.

“It happens all the time—I don’t know if this was just more publicized,” Henson said. “It should’ve been a bigger deal all along.”

The e-mail also said sexual assaults and the misuse of alcohol are national problems, and Drake is not immune to them. Maxwell said there is more work to do.

Senior Chelsea Carter said that although she doesn’t see how task forces will help, she appreciates that Drake is addressing the issues.

“They are showing the Drake community that the safety of students is their main concern and they’re willing to take of it,” she said. n

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

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

OPINIONS&EDITORIALS TACKLING THE TOPICS

What happened to us?

Drake is our home for four years, let’s keep one another safe

W

hen I first came to Drake as a first-year student, I thought I had found a heaven on earth. Everywhere I went, I felt like I was part of a community.

Sure we have our cliques and there have always been a few rifts between certain groups, but I never felt like an outsider, always a member of a community. This year, that all changed. This year, what I came to love was ripped away from me, and I’m not alone in this. Something happened to us as a community this year, and we need to act now to fix it.

Drake currently faces two major crises. The first is our problem with alcohol.

The second is our problem with rape. It is shocking to me to even write that we have these problems, but the fact is, we do, and unless we address them head on, we’ll only continue to see them.

The main question that we have to ask ourselves is, “Who’s to blame?” It’s easy for us as a society and as human beings to shift the blame to others. So long as your conscience is cleared, you have nothing to worry about.

But herein lies our problem. By refusing to accept responsibility, we are unable to properly address our problems. Once we stop pointing fingers and start accepting the fact that we are at fault, we can begin the healing process.

And yes, I say “we.” No one person is at fault for what has happened, we all are. Who created an atmosphere of socializing that pressures people to drink, even if it means risking their own lives? Who allowed male students to view women as objects only to be used for sexual pleasure?

Who let our fellow students leave campus bars when it was clear they were not ca-

ROBB KREHBIEL COLUMNIST pable of making conscious choices? Who permitted underaged drinking to escalate to such an unhealthy and dangerous level?

Who said that burning signs protesting rape was acceptable? We all did. This is not the fault of one person, group or administration. This is the fault of a commu-

excuse it happening at Drake. And no, we cannot just move on. We cannot sweep this under the rug. We have to confront this head on, as a community.

So, what can we do to solve this problem? It will take work. I challenge every member of the Drake community to change their thinking. Don’t pressure people to drink themselves to death. Don’t let your friends leave bars with strangers. And respect each other at all times. When you see those that are doing these things, don’t just stand by, say something! This is our home for four years, and I refuse to sit idly by and watch my home fall apart. Perhaps most importantly, though, we must reach out to each other. Talk about it with your friends. It is almost impossible to understand the horrors that have recently unfolded, but we can prevent them in the future.

Upperclassmen, get to know the first-years. Talk to them, and let them know that we are from Drake University, and we look out for one another. I refuse to let a Bulldog be threatened in these ways ever again. Put aside your differences and understand that we must confront this together.

Together, we are united. Together, we can prevent these terrible events from happening again. Please, reach out and care. These are your peers, your colleagues and your friends. Do not let these horrendous acts define our college experience. Instead, let our unity as a community define it.

This is not the fault of one person, group or administration. This is the fault of a community. We are all to blame. nity. We are all to blame.

The most troubling thing about these tragedies is that, when talking to the first year class, they don’t seem to be concerned with what’s happening around them. I’ve heard remarks such as, “I’m sure it happened before this,” “Other schools are a lot worse,” “It’s not that big of a deal. Can’t we just move on?” Regardless of whether it has happened before, we have to deal with this now. Regardless of whether it’s happened at other schools, this does not

Krehbiel is a junior environmental science and politics major and can be contacted at robb.krehbiel@drake.edu.

LIFE: LIVING IT FROM EXPERIENCE

Booty call breakdown

BUZZ the BUZZ

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

OUTSPOKEN

PAGE 3

Are you still sleepy from all that turkey?

“

What do you think … … about shopping on Black Friday?

“

”

ERIN VANDERSCHEL Freshman

It’s really hectic, but can be helpful if you get there on time.

“

”

NIK MILLER Sophomore

It’s a waste of time. You do it once and that’s all you need.

”

“

Senior

“

Junior

“

Freshman

SASHA KALIAN

I’ve only been once. It was kind of crowded, but seemed under control. Not really for me.

”

Are there really benefits to friends with benefits?

T

his article goes out to a friend of mine who asked me to explore and discuss this topic. With that said let’s talk about booty calls. We all know people who do them, and people who refuse to, but this happens every day here at Drake. One person decides they are bored or horny, and picks up the phone, and sometimes it’s even just texting. How lazy do you have to be?

Let me warn you that I know this can be very dangerous. I will admit that I have never been a victim or participant of a booty call, so I am just telling you what I hear and what I believe on this topic.

However, I did get asked once in high school if I wanted to be friends with benefits. Anyway, in fairness, I will argue both the pros and cons of this controversial topic.

A booty call could be a great opportunity to get some while avoiding the time commitment of a relationship, along with all the drama that comes with it. However, time does play a key role in the booty call, seeing as how most of them occur in the wee hours of the morning after a drunken night at, say, Peggy’s. So, if you are willing to be woken up or to lose a couple hours of sleep, then maybe the booty call is for you.

Let’s start with the cons. It can be extremely difficult to draw the lines. How can you ever make sure that one of the people involved will not develop feelings for the other person? Well, it’s almost impossible. And if one person does, then the

JEN CALDER COLUMNIST fun is done. Another thing to consider is your reputation—once­­ people know you as the booty call king, it’s kind of hard to change that or have a real relationship down the road. And you will forever be thought of as promiscuous. As I said be-

quires little to no effort … OK, there’s a little effort involved, but I’m not going to get into that. If done correctly, or in the beginning, this “relationship” is no muss, no fuss. There is no need to go above and beyond, or demonstrate how you feel to the other person. Also a plus, there is no need for roses and romance, it’s quick and down and dirty. You do not need to commit yourself to someone, so you could still date others or mess around with more than one person. Plus, if you find a quality booty call, they are always there to fulfill your needs and usually gone within 30 minutes at the latest. But there has to be a mutual agreement that this is strictly “friends with benefits” or even “acquaintances with benefits.”

I do want to warn the ladies, especially, that this could be extra difficult because of all our emotions.

When women become sexually involved, emotions are bound to catch up with you, and it is only a matter of time until someone ends up getting hurt, and, unfortunately, it is usually the girl.

So, in closing, booty calls could be loads of fun and exactly what you are looking for, but just be cautious and leave your heart at home.

I can’t imagine that, “Thank you, please put your pants on and go,” ever really goes over well. fore, late nights can be difficult to schedule around. Also, it can be awkward and just plain uncomfortable. I can’t imagine that, “Thank you, please put your pants on and go,” ever really goes over well. One cannot help but feel somewhat used. If this is someone who was your friend before, you also run the risk of destroying the friendship.

Now, let’s discuss the pros to the infamous booty call. This relationship re-

THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884 MATT VASILOGAMBROS, Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu LIZZIE PINE, Managing Editor tdeditorials@drake.edu JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu ERIN HOGAN, News Editor tdnews@drake.edu MATT NELSON, Features Editor tdfeatures@drake.edu

SARAH ANDREWS, Photo Editor tdphotos@drake.edu KENSIE SMITH, Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu HOLLY WORTHY, Copy Editor holly.worthy@drake.edu KYLE GLASER, Web Editor tdweb@drake.edu

MARY BESS BOLLING, Sports Editor tdsports@drake.edu

TYLER O’NEIL, Relays Editor tyler.oneil@drake.edu

PHIL KREZNOR, Business Manager tdbusiness@drake.edu

CALEB BAILEY, Ads Manager tdads@drake.edu

Calder is a sophomore public relations major and can be contacted at jennifer.calder@drake.edu.

MEREDITH BELL

I’ve only gone once.

Personally, I think it’s hilarious because people are running around at all hours of the night acting crazy.

”

PIERCE BERTSCHY

Where I’m from, it didn’t seem as crowded as I thought it’d be. We were able to get everything in a safe and early manner.

”

Share your views on columns and editorials online.

www.timesdelphic.com

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 Times-Delphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

LETTERS & SUBMISSION POLICY The Times-Delphic strives to represent student views as accurately and honestly as possible. We rely on readers to provide us with criticism, comments and new ideas so that we can continue to serve the interests of the students in the fairest possible way. We encourage interested readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s name and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published.

Deadlines for guest submissions are noon Tuesday for the Thursday edition and noon Friday for the Monday edition. The Times-Delphic reserves the right to edit letters and submissions for space and in the interest of taste. Letters and submissions reflect only the opinions of the authors and should be limited to 250 words.

ADVERTISING POLICY The Times-Delphic’s business office is located at 2507 University Avenue, 124N Meredith Hall, Des Moines, IA 50311. The Times-Delphic is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. The newspaper is distributed for free around the Drake campus. All advertising information is to be submitted noon Tuesday for the Thursday edition, and noon Friday for the Monday edition. Advertisements can be designed by The Times-Delphic or submitted via e-mail. We accept cash and check. A 10 percent discount is offered for prepayment on advertisements. The business office can be contacted at 515-271-2148.

@

BULLDOG BYTES WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

© The Times-Delphic

Access additional information and multimedia – including slideshows, videos and interactive features – from The Times-Delphic online.

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

FEATURES

FEATURES Get thin, not cold.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

DON’T. MISS. THIS.

PAGE 4

The drama “Oleanna” plays tonight at 8 p.m. in Studio 55 of the Harmon Fine Arts Center.

Tickets are $1 with a Drake ID.

DORM ROOM BOOT CAMP

DESK PUSH UP Polish those guns by cleaning off a small corner of your desk. Place your arms on your desk and extend your legs straight out behind you. Proceed to do an up-anddown movement like a regular push up.

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

by HEATHER HALL

Staff Writer heather.hall@drake.edu

WATER BOTTLE WEIGHT CURLS Water bottles are more than hydrating bladders — they can serve as adjustable weights in dozens of exercises.

Curl them, bench them or extend them. Bonus: you’ll burn calories walking to the drinking fountain.

BUTT-UP Need an excuse to clean your room? Shove the crap in the closet and get on the ground. Lie on your back with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift up your torso and butt while keeping your abs and butt tight.

We all want to be healthy and fit, don’t we? We’re college students, we’re teenagers, we want to be noticed by the opposite sex, and that’s why we have facilities like the Bell Center. With weights, exercise equipment and the pool, it sounds like a good plan at the beginning of every year. You tell yourself, “I’m going to work out at least three times a week,” which turns into “I’ll work out every couple days,” then it just goes away.

The gym may not work for everybody, especially in the dead of winter, when it’s 25 degrees below freezing, and you live in Ross, or any dorm for that matter. You don’t want to drag yourself all the way over to the other side of campus, so why not just work out in your room?

While you could just whip out 100 sit-ups and 100 push-ups, let’s try and mix it up. Sparkpeople.com suggests many quick and easy options that anyone can mix and match to build a convenient workout: • Marching in place • Stepping up and down the stairs or running the stairs in your building • Side steps • Jogging in place or high-knee running in place • Jumping jacks • Kickboxing moves (front kicks, squats, side kicks, punches) • Dancing to your favorite music Fortunately, we don’t live in little shoebox rooms here at Drake. We’re lucky to have a good amount of space to move around, so that’s not the problem. Experts say everyone needs about 30–45 minutes of cardio a day with stretching. So, dish out some jumping jacks when you’re on a study break. Here are some more ideas: • Squats • Leg raises – lie on your back with your legs straight out. Lift your legs to a 90-degree angle and lower slowly, repeat • Calf raises • Bicep curls with water bottles • Butt-ups – lie on your back with your legs bent with feet flat on the floor. Lift up your torso and butt while keeping abs and butt tight • Push-ups – place your hands on your desk, and extend your legs straight out behind you. Proceed to do an up-and-down movement, like a regular push-up against the desk

Looking for some good workout videos? Try the “Powerhouse Collection: Pilates.” The 3-DVD set offers easy, cardio and powerhouse pilates for all levels. It even comes with a body band to extend, lengthen and intensify your pilates experience.

• Lie on back, extend legs and lift them up about 6 inches off the ground. Lift your torso and shoulders up, extend arms and lift them up and down 10 times, go down and repeat back up • Leg and arm extensions – Get on hands and knees and extend your opposite leg and arm. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat with opposite arm and leg If you want to fork out some dough for the good of your body, there are many DVD workout options. Sometimes you just need to stop thinking and allow someone else to tell you what to do.

You can focus on different parts of your body — abs, butt, legs, arms — and you can chose what kind of workout you want to do- — yoga, Pilates, dancing and kickboxing. The choices are endless.

If you Google search for “Dorm room workouts,” there are a lot workout videos available to download that are free or very cheap (and legal). Then turn it into a party by setting up your laptop in the hallway and invite a crowd of people to join you.

That way you’re getting your workout in, and you get to hang with your friends.

Although it’s hard to find the time to work out, the luxury of not having to leave your room to get one in should make it easier.

Every couple days, just take a half-hour break from studying, put on some gym shorts and get to work. Your body will thank you for it later. n

Dorm-room exercising devices ANKLE AND BALL WEIGHTS If you want to spend a little less money but still have access to a high-quality workout, invest in some ankle and ball weights.

You can wear the ankle weights during normal leg raises, jogging or certain ab exercises. Ball weights are more versatile than traditional weights, and more fun, too.

Cost: $10 - $20

BOSU BALL For a rock-solid workout, you can’t beat a Bosu Ball. This little blue hemisphere can rock your abs and calves all at once, and with a little variation, provide a solid upper and lower body workout experience. Literally dozens of exercises are possible.

Make sure to get one that includes a pump, however.

Cost: about $90

YOGA MAT If you’re feeling like trying out a more exotic workout, a yoga mat might be the perfect choice.

Dozens of stretching positions are possible.

Cost: about $20

PAGE 5

FEATURES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

Students discuss religious tolerance and differences in a safe, friendly way gious topics,” said Colin Faux, copresident of DID and a Mormon.

From the beginning, the discussion participants recognized the importance of being respectful. Lechtenberg structured the meetings A Jew, a Mormon and an atheist walk into a formally, starting with introductions that inroom. What happens next? cluded names and religious affiliations. Students If that room is in Medbury Hall, then the wishing to share followed a method that allowed three are treated to an intelligent and respectful them to express their own viewpoint. Each opinconversation. The talks are part of the Drake ion started with, “In my perspective as a Roman Interfaith Dialogues (DID) meant to address Catholic,” or “In my perspective as someone the similarities and differences of religions. DID who is Jewish…” is seeing what it means to coexist and put it to “The initial fears were that one person or practice. one group will try and apostatize, or convert, the The new student organization started last rest of the group,” Lechtenberg said. year as part of a Wednesday night series at Jamie Schenker, copresident of DID and St. Kate’s Catholic student center. Kyle Lech- a Jew, thinks it’s important to spread the right tenberg, the director of worship in the Roman ideas about religion.

Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, started the “We want to hear about religious faith from program. individuals of those faiths, not rumors,” Schen“The interker said. faith dialogues Lechtenberg are especially was pleasantly important,” surprised with the Lechtenberg level of interest said. “In the of the program college environin its first year, ment, it can be and it quickly bethe first time came a successful people talk with Wednesday night others from all program.

– COLIN FAUX, copresident of DID faiths.”

As attendance Meetings grew, some conare open to all cerns about the students’ relilocation of the gious ideologies. Most participating students are meeting were brought up. monotheistic, but approximately 20 different “We started moving the meetings on campus faiths are represented, including Judaism, Mor- because we didn’t want students to feel a push monism, Jainism, Ba’haism, Islam and Christi- towards Catholicism,” Schenker said. anity. A big challenge for the group is ensuring The move also helped connect the group’s that students who consider themselves agnostic goals with the university’s. or atheist are given a voice.

“DID is seeking to help Drake fulfill its mis“(Our goal is) to civilly discuss diverse reli- sion to build global citizens, by involving stuby ANDI SUMMERS

Staff Writer andrea.summers@drake.edu

“ ”

It’s the only place on campus where students are not expected to belong to a certain religion.

photo by TIFFANY KRAUSE | Staff Photographer

JAMIE SCHENKER, ELIZABETH FEINSTEIN, SAMARA SILVERMAN, COLIN FAUX AND JEREMY SCAVO are speakers in the Drake Interfaith Dialogues.

dents in this active part of world culture,” Faux said. “The ramifications of religion is a global reality,” Faux said.

DID is now in its second year and is in transition into becoming an on-campus student organization. Brad Crowell, professor of religious studies is slated to be the faculty advisor.

Lechtenberg is excited to see collaboration with students and professors.

“It’s the only place on campus where students are not expected to belong to a certain religion,” Crowell said.

The group meets once a month to discuss a chosen topic. November’s topic was “The Laws and Writings of Our Faiths.” It was both a show -and-tell where members could bring in religious texts and discuss what makes texts sacred.

“One thing that I learned about the sacred texts are that missionary religions, like Mormonism and Islam, pass out copies of their sacred texts frequently, as a way to get people to join the religion,” Schenker said. “I hadn’t realized that part of proselytizing was passing out sacred texts to anyone, mainly because this is definitely not Jewish custom. I find it useful to compare other religious traditions to my own traditions in order to better understand my own faith.”

Along with stimulating discussion, the group

tries to visit different places of worship. The monthly field trips transport students to different faith realms, like a Muslim Masjid—a mosque, a Mormon church and a synagogue.

In April, the group plans on inviting the rest of the university to an interfaith panel discussion. The question and answer session would share topics discussed over the year.

Benefits of interfaith discussions have also translated into the community. In his work with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, Lechtenberg utilized his experience to schedule an event for the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Iowa. The event included an interfaith discussion between 11 different religious leaders and people of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths worshiping together.

“Coexist, within the religious context, means to share the space we live in, despite our religious differences,” Faux said. “A very important concept to learn today, because we are now a global community where religious differences stare us in the face.”

Within the walls of Medbury 116, there is religious dialogue that will result in tolerance, not conflict. DID proves that it is possible to learn from one another to gain new insight to coexist. n

TD CRIBS: THINK YOU GOT STYLE?

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The TD wants to see the finest of Cribs at Drake. Send in pictures of your snazzy and stylish space, whether a dorm room or apartment, to:

tdfeatures@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

THE SNOWMAN IN OLMSTED was adorned with snowflakes on which were written the holiday wishes of children. Drake students took the snowflakes and gave the gifts on it to the children.

>>What’s going on?

campus calendar TODAY PERFORMANCE

FRIDAY LECTURE

WHERE Medbury Honors Lounge

Prof. Mary McCarthy, Dept. of Politics and IR, Humanities Center Colloquium Series WHERE Medbury Honors Lounge

WHEN 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHEN 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Drake Writers and Critics Series - Writers Night

THEATER

CONCERT

SATURDAY THEATER

SUNDAY SPORTS

Cirque Dreams Illumination – theatrical acrobatics

Betsy Ross Dodgeball Tourney - 5-8 player teams – $5 per team

WHERE Civic Center of Greater Des Moines WHEN: 2 p.m.

WHERE Bell Center

PERFORMANCE

WHEN: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

LECTURE

Drake presents drama “Oleanna”- $1 with Drake ID

Drake Wind Symphony and Drake Concert Band

Christmas Madrigal Dinner featuring Drake Choir - $50

Prof. Thomas Rosburg, High Adventure: Climbing on Mount Rainier

WHERE Studio 55 - FAC

WHERE Performing Arts Hall FAC WHEN 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE Parents Hall Upper Olmsted WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

WHERE Olin Rm. 206

WHEN 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHEN: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

FOR BREAKING SPORTS NEWS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDSPORTSNEWS

2

PAGE 6

STELLAR STATS Number of non-seeded teams left in the NCAA tournament— Drake and Maryland.

MEN’S SOCCER

Bulldogs advance to round three Drake will play No. 5 seed North Carolina Friday

by MARY BESS BOLLING Sports Editor mary.bolling@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

SENIOR GOALKEEPER MICHAEL DROZD takes a goal kick in the first round of the NCAA Championship tournament against Western Illinois at Cownie Soccer Complex. Drozd suffered a game-ending injury in the sweet sixteen match against Boston College Sunday.

>>

The Drake men’s soccer team took off from Des Moines International Airport yesterday morning en route to its NCAA Championship Tournament quarterfinal match against North Carolina, scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern Time.

After defeating Boston College 6-4 Sunday, the Bulldogs advanced to the Elite Eight (Friday’s game).

The winner of the match will go on to the NCAA College Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C., and will either face No. 1 seed Akron or No. 8 Tulsa Dec. 11.

Friday’s match will mark the first time the two teams will faceoff, but the Bulldogs are not going into the competition blind.

In preparation for the game, Head Coach Sean Holmes said he watched video of the opponents to scout their strengths, weaknesses and style of play.

“We’re completely confident,” Holmes said. “We’re unfazed about playing anyone, anywhere.”

North Carolina defeated Indiana en route to the Elite Eight.

Holmes said he doesn’t plan to change the team’s lineup at all for the game, although he said he was not sure of the status of goalkeeper Michael Drozd, who sustained an injury in the game against Boston College that benched him for the second half of the match. Senior midfielder Luke Gorczyca said the team is not worried about potentially having to switch keepers.

“Drozd has been a building block of our defense, but we have confidence in Jordan Kadlec,” Gorczyca said. “He’s a strong keeper and he’s done well.”

Gorczyca scored two of Drake’s six goals in the game against BC — his first multi-goal tally in one game this season.

Gorczyca’s scoring was not the only thing out of the ordinary during the match. The win over BC was the result of a game Holmes described as “wacky.”

“It was the most unbelievable game I’ve

ever been a part of, as a coach or as a player,” Holmes said.

Boston College scored the first two goals while holding Drake to a shutout until the 31st minute of the first half. The Bulldogs recovered from the 2-0 deficit with goals by junior midfielder Michael Noonan and senior midfielder Kevin Shrout.

“To be down 2-0 on the road and to come back is incredible,” Holmes said.

The team carried the momentum through the first 45 minutes of play.

“Once you get that first goal after being down, it just gets everyone into the game,” Noonan said. “We were all pretty pumped up at half.”

Just before the halftime whistle blew, starting goalkeeper Drozd suffered an injury that benched him for the remainder of the game.

Sophomore keeper Jordan Kadlec replaced Drozd in the second half.

“Our backup keeper really inspired us with the way he played, being big in the box and making saves in the second half,” Noonan said.

Less than two minutes into the second half, BC freshman standout Charlie Rugg found the back of the net, putting the Eagles ahead 3-2.

Senior forward Garret Webb answered back, scoring at the 56:42 minute-mark. The referees contested the goal, calling it back for a moment. After deliberation, the refs awarded the tying goal to Drake.

The tug-of-war scoring pattern continued for the next 13 minutes as Drake took the lead at 4-3 after senior midfielder Luke Gorczyca scored. BC tied the match at 4-4 as another freshman, Kyle Bekker, scored off of a Rugg assist.

That was the last time Drake would lose its lead as Gorczyca scored the fifth goal in the 70th minute.

Noonan said the team’s strategy changed after the fifth goal. The team kept the forwards back and focused on defense to remain in control and in the lead.

Junior midfielder Matt Kuhn’s goal in the 83rd minute solidified Drake’s lead, lifting the Bulldogs to 6-4 over the Eagles.

“Everyone was ready to fight for the ball in the box, and that’s how we scored,” Noonan said. “But it was a fight to keep the lead until that sixth goal was scored.”

The action-packed game was the highest scoring so far in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Noonan said. n

Visit www.timesdelphic.com to fill out your own bracket & a chance to win an autographed Drake soccer ball

1 Akron

3 Wake Forest

8 Tulsa 5 North Carolina

DRAKE

6 UCLA

VS.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Maryland (unranked)

2 Virginia

(unranked)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Drake returns with close finishes

by JACK THUMSER

Staff Writer john.thumser@drake.edu

The Bulldogs split a pair of down-to-the-wire games last weekend at the Saint Mary’s Hilton Concord Tournament, including a 66-65 victory over University of Arkansas-Little Rock sealed by a game-winning runner with two seconds left by senior guard Jordann Plummer.

The shot served as redemption for Friday’s 76-73 defeat against tournament host Saint Mary’s, in which Plummer was called for traveling just before making what would have been a game-tying 3-pointer.

The Bulldogs are now 3-2 on their young season that also features an impressive victory over No. 24 Iowa State.

“Our overall performance was very good on the offensive end during the Saint Mary’s tournament,” Head Coach Amy Stephens said. “We continue to make really positive strides offensively, but our improvement on the defensive end still needs to be better, and our rotations and rebounding must improve.”

On Friday, the Bulldogs played a strong first half and seemed to be in control with a 45-34 lead. Junior guard Kristin Turk came off the bench and led the charge for Drake, scoring 12 points in a five-minute period and 14 total in the half.

As a team, the Bulldogs shot 43 percent from the field and 50 percent from three in the first half.

The second half, however, belonged to Saint Mary’s.

Led by Louella Tomlinson, the Gaels shot 63 percent from the field en route to a 42-point half.

The 6-foot-4-inch Tomlinson was nearly unstoppable, going 13-for-17 for 26 points. She also grabbed eight rebounds and blocked seven Bulldog shots.

“Louella was tough to guard because she could score from the outside, off the dribble or with her back to the

basket, and she is an excellent free throw shooter,” Stephens said. “She is a very intelligent basketball player as well.”

With 37 seconds left and the Bulldogs down by four, sophomore guard Amber Wollschlager hit her third 3-pointer of the game to bring Drake within a point.

Saint Mary’s sealed the game, however, with a layup by Jasmine Smith with 13 seconds left.

Wollschlager scored nine points on the game and was 3-for-5 from 3-point range. Senior forward Monique’ Jones added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting while grabbing 10 rebounds.

The next day, Drake was in the opposite scenario.

Against Arkansas-Little Rock, the Bulldogs got off to a slow start, making just 9-of-20 shots and scoring only 24 points.

The second half was a whole different story, however, as Drake shot a record 16-for-20 (a school record) and 3-for-4 from 3-point range.

The Bulldogs were down seven with 12 minutes left when Jordann Plummer took control of the game. The senior scored four points and had two steals that propelled the team to a 6-0 run and pulled the score within one.

The score remained close for the rest of the game until Plummer ultimately gave the Bulldogs the lead with her last-second heroics.

Plummer finished the game with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting while dishing eight assists.

Jones and Turk also had efficient games, both shooting 5-for-7 and scoring 16 and 15 points, respectively. Jones also controlled the boards, pulling in six rebounds.

“We hope to build off our defense in the second half of the Arkansas-Little Rock game,” Stephens said. “We also had a key defensive stop at the end of the game which we can build on.”

The Bulldogs will carry the momentum of the lastsecond win into next weekend’s Air Force Tournament in Colorado. n

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDSPORTS@DRAKE.EDU

XVaa [dg hjWb^hh^dch$l d g Zcig^Zh$Xdcig^W `$ j b^hh^dch$ldg` i^dc $ Z c i g^ Xdcig^Wji^dch$h j W h^dch$ldg`$Zci b^ g ^ ig^Wji^dch$hjWb Zh$X ldg`$Zcig^Zh$X ^hh^d d i^dch$hjWb^hh^ cig^Wj d c h $ld Zcig^Zh$Xdcig^W j i hjWb^hh^dch$l ^dch dg`$$ F[h_f^[ho 7hj WdZ B_j[hWho @ekhdWb will begin accepting submissions on a rollingbasis starting Monday, October 26th 2009.

Submissions sought in the areas of Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Art and, for the first time, Music.

To submit, please send your submission(s) together with a cover letter including name, e-mail address, phone number, and title(s) of work as an e-mail attachment to f[h_f^[ho6ZhWa[$[Zk in a Microsoft Word document formatted in 12 pt., Times New Roman font. Art submissions must include digital images, title, dimensions and medium.

IkXc_ii_ed _i \h[[ WdZ ef[d je Wbb mh_j# [hi WdZ Whj_iji _d j^[ :[i Ce_d[i Wh[W$ Music submissions should be sent as an mp3 attachment, but still include a cover letter containing the aforementioned information.

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

PAGE 7

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

VOLLEYBALL

Creighton halts Drake’s record season

by DOMINIC JOHNSON

Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu

The Bulldogs couldn’t carry over the season’s newfound success into the Missouri Valley Conference tournament this weekend.

“We have talked all season about learning from losses, as well as repeating the things that we do well during our victories,” Head Coach Phil McDaniel said. “I hope that the group will retain these lessons as we approach next season.”

The Creighton Bluejays stopped Drake from continuing its breakthrough season last Thursday as they went on to beat the Bulldogs in three sets (25-14, 26-24, 25-22).

The Drake squad came out tentative in the opening minutes as Creighton took the first set skillfully.

“I think that nerves played a part in our loss Thursday,” McDaniel said. “We seemed to make a few mistakes that we typically don’t make on the court.”

The Bulldogs fought back in the second and third sets, but Creighton clung to the momentum and capitalized on each of the Drake squad’s mistakes to win the final two sets by a narrow margin.

“Creighton was able to keep us out of system quite a bit, especially in the first game,” senior Chelsea Lauersdorf said. “However, I really think we hurt ourselves more than anything by making errors.”

The squad isn’t dwelling on the Creighton loss so much, as they are ready to improve on one of the most successful seasons in over a decade.

This season, the Bulldogs had a record of 22-12—the first time since 1995 that the squad won over 20 games in one season. This was also the first time since 1998 that the team reached

the MVC Tournament.

“Coach has a great ability to get his players to believe in and commit to the team,” Lauersdorf said. “The coaching staff is definitely on the right track when it comes to building a name for the volleyball program.”

The team will be losing three of its anchors from this season­ as seniors Lindsay Schryver, Emily Madden and Lauersdorf graduate.

“All three will be tough to replace as they each bring their own particular skill set to the court,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel is hoping that this season’s juniors will be able to fill the void left next season.

“The juniors will be expected to lead the team, beginning next semester in off-season workouts,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel is also looking to his underclassmen and incoming freshman to bring depth to a team that will have to compete in a very strong 2010 MVC. “We have four young ladies coming in that will add speed and intensity to our group,” he said. “I am looking for these additions to the roster to come in and push the veterans on the team.”

McDaniel said he is aiming to improve his squad’s defensive skill as well as the speed of the offense.

“We will be focusing on getting better in all aspects of our game,” junior lebaro Alana Wittenburg said. “As a team, we need to get better at making the play when it needs to be made.”

McDaniel said he believes that the team’s tenacity and focus Drake has exemplified this year will be the key to success in next season’s conference.

“The Missouri Valley Conference will be strong again next season,” he said. “I expect the conference to be competitive next season—top to bottom.”

Like every year, one of the team’s main goals

>>MOST WINS IN 13 YEARS

photo by ALEX MASICA | Staff Photographer

THE VOLLEYBALL TEAM huddles on the Knapp Center court. The Bulldogs ended one of their most successful seasons in over a decade with a loss against Creighton this weekend. is to take the MVC title.

“I hope that next year’s group will be hungry to return to the conference tournament now that

we have gotten a taste,” McDaniel said. “The younger girls on the team really know what it takes to win. n

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Drake has high expectations for Hy-Vee Classic

by MATT MORAN

Staff Writer matt.moran@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

SENIOR ADAM TEMPLETON keeps his eyes focused on the basket as he pushes into the arc. Templeton grabbed key rebounds in the final minutes of play against Austin Peay.

The Drake men’s basketball team opens a fourgame homestand this weekend when they host North Dakota, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and University of Texas-Arlington at the Hy-Vee Classic.

The Bulldogs are coming off of a 78-72 win at Austin Peay last Friday, and hold a 2-4 record.

“The win at Austin Peay was a big confidence builder for the team,” junior point guard Ryan Wedel said. “Winning on the road is always a key to success for any team.”

Drake will face SIU-Edwardsville on Friday, while North Dakota will play University of UT-Arlington.

The winners of the two games will play Saturday, and the losing teams will play in the consolation game.

Wedel, a transfer from Arkansas State, has been a key addition to the Bulldog backcourt this season.

He leads all Missouri Valley players in 3-point baskets with 18, shooting 56.3 percent behind the arc. He is also Drake’s leading scorer averaging 15.5 points per game.

Senior Josh Young played in his 100th career game against Austin Peay and broke out of a shooting slump.

He started the year 2-for-17 from 3-point range, but made three of five, scoring 13 points. Young needs 33 to become Drake’s all-time 3-point leader.

Young needs 330 points to become the university’s all-time scoring leader. He currently ranks seventh.

Drake has been doing most of its damage from the perimeter this season, averaging 9.5 3-point baskets per game. They have already had 10 or more in three games this season, compared to only seven games last season with double-digit 3-pointers. Wedel and freshman Ben Simons lead Drake in shooting, combining for more than half of the team’s 3-point field goals.

“This team has a lot of guys that can score and

that means the defense cannot key on just one player,” Wedel said.

Beginning the season, Drake has done especially well from the free-throw line. The Bulldogs are shooting 77.9 percent, and neither Wedel nor Simons have missed an attempt yet. Young is shooting 85.7 percent at the line.

Drake’s first opponent, SIU-Edwardsville, is in the second year of a four-year Division I reclassification process. SIU-Edwardsville has lost to Missouri Valley members Illinois State and Evansville this season.

Sophomore forward Mark Yelovich leads the Cougars in scoring, averaging 13.7 points per game.

The Bulldogs will play either North Dakota or UTArlington Saturday. North Dakota is also in the second year of the Division I reclassification process, and is coming off a 16-12 season. UT-Arlington was 16-14 last year, finishing third in the West Division of the Southland Conference.

Rebounding was one concern Head Coach Mark Phelps had coming into the season. Losing two-time Missouri Valley Conference-leading rebounder Jonathan Cox to graduation, Phelps was concerned who would take his place.

“It will be a challenge,” Phelps had said in a Drake press release. “We will have to rebound by committee.

Everyone in the front court will certainly have to have a major focus on rebounding.”

Senior Adam Templeton and freshman center Seth VanDeest have worked to fill the void. Templeton is averaging 5.3 rebounds per game, while VanDeest is averaging 4.7.

Despite the slow start to the season for the young team, Wedel is confident the Bulldogs will get back on track.

“We have made a lot of improvements since the first game,” he said. “We are playing much better together as a team and we have a lot of confidence as a whole.” n

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Spike cheers his way to a spot at Nationals at Disney Bulldog mascot will compete in Florida in January

by KENSIE SMITH

Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

BULLDOG MASCOT, SPIKE shoots T-shirts into the crowd during an event in the Knapp Center. Spike earned a No. 6 seed in the competition set for January 2010.

The cheers are getting louder and the competition is getting more intense. The crowd is not rooting for a last-second 3-pointer or a final run for the touchdown, but for the best tail-shake and cartwheel.

On Jan. 15, the Universal Cheer Association will host the best furry, fuzzy and feathery spirit leaders from across the country at the College National Mascot Championship.

Drake’s own Spike the Bulldog will travel to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World to bring home the gold.

Competitors were chosen through twominute audition tapes with four required areas, including game-time performance, fan interaction, on-campus student interaction and community volunteer work.

The videos were also evaluated on broad categories, such as character development.

Spike’s video was sent in on Nov. 1, and the recently reported results seeded the Bulldog No. 6.

Who are the students behind the mask

of Drake’s favorite bulldog? The Drake Mascot Team is a secretive group dedicated to bringing smiles to the fans and increase “bleed-blue” spirit. Members’ identities are kept secret to establish Spike as his own character, rather than a recognized student in a costume. Only one member will actually be able to compete, but the entire team hopes to travel to Florida to cheer Spike on.

Cheering at the games requires a large effort on all of the team members, and the unidentified Spike correspondent reported that the team was “absolutely ecstatic” to be chosen to nationally compete.

The team recognizes that there is a lot of creativity and cooperation that will go into making Spike’s routine the best it can be.

“It feels amazing to have national recognition for all of the effort that we have put in this year,” the unidentifiable mascot representative said. “It will be a lot of work to put everything together before the semester ends, but we’re up for the challenge.”

At the competition, Spike will be judged on a one-and-a-half-minute choreographed performance to showcase the best of his spirit skills. The mascots all hope to leave a lasting impact on the spectators.

“Spike will be judged on crowd appeal, crowd interaction, creativity, animation, use of props and overall impression,” the Drake mascot representative said.

Competing with the best, such as the defending national champion “Chip”

from the University of Colorado, Spike will need to practice his moves. The “fistpound and explode” move is a signature cheer that gets everyone, from kids to alumni excited for the games. Along with Spike’s specialty bouncy swagger, dancing is sure to be incorporated into the routine.

“Dancing is also something that Spike likes to do,” a mascot team member said.

“He doesn’t always have the best moves, but he has more than enough energy.”

This energy has fueled the Drake sports teams throughout the semester.

He helped with morale on the football team, ended its successful season with an 8-3 record, including a 6-2 league record.

“He’s always energetic and enthusing the crowd,” football player Cam Good said. “I’d be looking at the field and hear the crowd laughing behind me, I’d turn around and it was all because of something Spike did.”

Spike is not only a star on the field, but also a cheerleader for the community. The Bulldog has accompanied sports teams when they do volunteer work and projects off campus.

“I remember one time we were volunteering at a school and there were about 80 kids cheering and yelling as Spike ran out to meet them out and signed shirts with the rest of the team,” Good said.

Catch Spike in action tomorrow at the men’s basketball game against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in the Knapp Center at 7:30 p.m. n

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

ADVERTISEMENT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

PAGE 8