Times Delphic 12/10/09

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES-DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA • Thursday, December 10, 2009 • VOL. 128, NO. 22 • www.timesdelphic.com

WHAT’S

INSIDE

>>BREAKING NEWS: It’s snowing.

IF YOU MUST TRAVEL ...

DO IT RIGHT • Wear your seatbelts (all positions, all persons) • Place plenty of room between your vehicle and others sharing the road (this can help reduce multi-vehicle crashes) • Let someone know the route you plan to travel and when you are expected to arrive • Carry a cell phone (do not use while driving, only during an emergency) • Take your survival kit (this will be a necessary should you become stranded) For the latest road conditions and any closures, call 511 (in Iowa) or 800-2881047 (nationwide) or www.511ia.org.

Internet users are encouraged to use the low-bandwidth option. Due to peak demand, the high-bandwidth option may not function properly.

– IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pi Kappa Phi comes to Drake Fraternity joined campus in October

by ERIKA SEVIGNY

Staff Writer erika.sevigny@drake.edu

The motto of the national chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is “Leaders by Choice.”

This fall, 22 students joined the fraternity’s newest colony chapter at Drake, seeking a brotherhood based on character, leadership, academics, sportsmanship and service.

“Pi Kapp is looking to bring something different and leave a legacy at Drake University,” Ian Weller said. Weller is the archon, or president figure, of the fraternity.

“The Drake Greek community is at a crossroads,” he said. “Pi Kapp wants to lead a change in the direction Drake University wants to see.

We maintain an emphasis on leadership and on fraternal bonds.”

The fraternity’s establishment and recruitment strategy on Drake’s campus was relatively quiet, focused mostly on seeking out interested individuals directly.

“We had a quiet but personal approach to recruiting, with a ‘quality recruits quality’ motto,” Weller said. “We had a lot of help from friends that are already involved in the Greek system and knew of men that weren’t in a house yet that had the characteristics we were looking for.”

Members have said that the fraternity is extremely focused on education.

“The men in Pi Kappa Phi are extremely driven and goal-oriented,” senior Zach BalesHenry said. “I got involved with the fraternity because it is extremely focused on leadership and goal accomplishment and places great emphasis on academics.”

Bales-Henry is a recent addition to the fraternity. He will be initiated with the other members of the Drake chapter founding father class in fall 2010.

“Being a part of the first class is really exciting,” Bales-Henry said. “I feel as if I will be leaving a legacy at Drake through my involvement.”

Sophomore Seejo Valacheril was among the first students to take interest in the fraternity when the national leaders came to Drake to start the recruitment process. He has been

SEE PI KAPPS, PAGE 2

PAGE 8 SPECIAL

JOE TO THE WORLD

STAFF EDITORIAL

CHRISTMAS MOVIES?

SITTING WITH SANDY

A very Barlow Christmas— one student’s views on Christmas gift giving.

What we can take from one of the most news-packed semesters at Drake.

Movies you wouldn’t expect to have holiday cheer.

Drake’s athletic director sits down with the TD to reflect on the fall.

PAGE 3 OPINIONS

PAGE 3 OPINIONS

PAGE 4 FEATURES

PAGE 7 SPORTS

Police called 71 times to bars THE DUBLIN

KEY Theft

Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 19, bars in the Drake area attracted 71 calls to Des Moines Police. Here are the causes:

Conflict (fights, disputes, assaults, etc.)

Disturbing the peace Medical issues Investigations (alarms, wanted people, etc.)

Miscellaneous

WEST END

THE LIBRARY

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Theft: 3 Conflict: 17 Disturbing the peace: 23 Medical issues: 9 Miscellaneous: 16 Total: 71

PEGGY’S

SAKI 21

The Dublin draws the most police calls, owner says it’s not unique

by TYLER O’NEIL

Relays Editor tyler.oneil@drake.edu

The Dublin bar was the source of 44 police calls in the last year, nearly four times as many as Peggy’s and West End, both tied at 11.

Police trip logs, which record when officers were called to a specific location, show there were 71 calls to bars surrounding campus between Jan. 1 and Nov. 19 of this year.

The Dublin garnered the most calls with 44, Peggy’s and the West End Lounge each had 11, the Library Café had three and Saki 21 Lounge had two.

Records show over 20 different reasons for calls, ranging from parking issues to possible assaults and fights. Although the trip log indicates the reported reason for the calls, it doesn’t mean there was police action, such as an arrest.

Annie Baldwin, owner of The Dublin, said the numbers are deceptive. Of the 44 calls, 19 were complaints about disturbing the peace, likely from apartments surrounding the clublike bar. Baldwin said four calls were canceled, and, to her knowledge, no one has been arrested at The Dublin.

The 25 remaining calls still give The Dublin a call total double that of the next highest bar. Of the 17 calls made to campus area bars reporting conflict-related incidents (fights, disputes, etc.), 11 were at The Dublin.

Baldwin said the reason the bar has attracted so many calls is because of the capacity of the venue. Most campus bars are fairly small with occupancy limits of around 100. The Dublin bar has a capacity of 329, so Baldwin said that, given the number of people that visit the bar, the quantity of calls is proportional to the other establishments.

The Dublin fell into the spotlight midNovember when two Drake students were assaulted after leaving the bar in the early hours of Nov. 15. The Des Moines Register later reported that four sexual assaults have been related to the bar in the last six months, with one of the rapes occurring inside a bathroom of the establishment.

The assaults prompted a meeting between Baldwin and members of Drake University administration. Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari said it was “a productive meeting” and “the owner wants to work with us to resolve the issues surrounding underage drinking.”

Baldwin has not said what changes will be

made at the bar.

The recent incidents associated with The Dublin have not gone unnoticed by other community officials. However, Thomas Vlassis, former councilman and longtime community leader, said the bar is likely to maintain its liquor license. He had not heard of any suggestions to re-examine The Dublin’s license renewal, which was passed by the city council in early fall.

“You’re talking about someone’s businesses and possibly taking away their livelihood,” Vlassis said.

Vlassis said the bar’s license would not be endangered unless a police investigation found unlawful activity being perpetuated by the bar owners.

“If there is trouble or we get complaints, they will investigate,” Vlassis said.

Any issues would ultimately be addressed with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD), which regulates the sale of alcohol.

Iowa ABD records indicate four of the bars around campus have had violations within the last three years: • West End Lounge had a serving after-

SEE BARS, PAGE 2

Spears replaces Koska’s senate seat

by HOLLY WORTHY

Copy Editor holly.worthy@drake.edu

A new face will represent campus organizations next semester—Byron Spears will be Drake’s newest organizational senator in January.

Spears was elected Nov. 11 by the 27 student groups represented in the organizational council this semester, OC cochair Megan Hutcheson said.

The OC was in need of a new representative since the current organizational senator, Jenny Koska, will study abroad in Costa Rica this spring.

The eight students who applied for the position were given a chance to speak to the OC at its Nov. 4 meeting. Spears spoke about his desire to represent all groups and emphasized the importance of attending organizations’ events as a senator.

Spears, a junior history and politics double major, said he decided to run for the position because of his interest in the political process.

“Drake Student Senate does represent an opportunity to get things done on campus, whether

SEE SPEARS, PAGE 2

photos courtesy of STUDENT SENATE

BYRON SPEARS will replace JENNY KOSKA as an organizational senator in the spring.

photo by TIFFANY KRAUSE | Staff Photographer

STUDENTS participated in this season’s “Holiday Wish” party.

Drake grants holiday wishes

by KENSIE SMITH

Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu

Laughter filled Olmsted Center Sunday as children received gifts that fulfilled their holiday wishes.

The “Holiday Wish” party was the culmination of the monthlong fundraiser sponsored by Student Senate. A snowman figurine in Olmsted held snowflakes detailing the wish list of underprivileged children. To get into the charitable spirit of the season, students and faculty were invited to pick up a snowflake, purchase the personal gift and turn the wrapped item in to the Student Life Center.

All 320 snowflake wishes were successfully granted—280 presents were returned and the rest were made possible through money donations. The program served 26 families with a total of 81 children. Without the fundraiser, some of these Des Moines students may not have received anything for the holidays.

“Student Senate always enjoys sponsoring the fundraiser and supports this outreach to the community,” Student Body President Ben Olson said. “We really like working with all of the kids and donating the gifts. We hope the event helps to make the holiday

SEE WISH, PAGE 2

NEWS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

QUOTE of the

PAGETWO

DAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 2

“Your roommate might have eaten your chicken salad, but then he got hospitalized for food poisoning. Did he eat your food or save your life?”

— JOE BARLOW, SEE PAGE 3

SECURITY REPORTS declined fire/rescue for minor cuts to her face but did call her father to take her to a local hospital.

EYE FOR AN EYE 12:24 a.m. December 4 A staff member called to report there was a male south of Olmsted who appeared to be intoxicated and wiping blood from his face. The male student was found a short time later entering West Village. The male student was found staggering around inside the building and was looking in the wrong area for his room.

He was directed to his room and 10:43 a.m. Dec. 1 Security and police responded to 33rd Street and University Avenue based on a motor vehicle accident. A female not associated with the University stated she

tried opening his room door with his vehicle remote (it didn’t work).

His roommate eventually opened the room for him and stated he would care for him. The intoxicated student was too intoxicated to answer many questions, including how he got the cut on the corner of his eye. The matter has been coordinated with the dean of students.

dropped a water bottle on the floor of her vehicle and it got stuck on the gas pedal. She said that caused her vehicle to veer and strike a parked van on the south side of University Avenue.

The van lunged forward and struck another parked vehicle. A female student and faculty member were the owners of the parked vehicles and they were contacted. The female suspect

8:25 a.m. Dec. 4 Security and police responded to 30th Street and Forest Avenue based on a hit and run report. A male not affiliated with the University stated a truck struck his vehicle at 30th and Forest and did extensive damage. He was not hurt. The suspect driver stated he didn’t have a driver’s license and did not want to be arrested. He did give the victim his phone number and left the scene.

Police contacted the driver, who stated he was at home with his small child. Police went to his residence and he was issued citations for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license, failure to have control and

hit and run.

11:14 p.m. Dec. 4 A resident assistant reported that an exit sign and ceiling tile had been broken on the second floor of Kirk Residence Hall.

1:18 a.m. Dec. 6 Police officers arrested a male student for underage intoxication and for criminal mischief as the student was seen breaking side mirrors on vehicles in the 3100 block of University Avenue.

A second male student was on-scene and wanted to know what he could do to fix the situation. He was told he would not be needed and could leave. The dean of students was advised.

12:54 a.m. Dec. 7 Security responded to Morehouse Residence Hall

Bar licenses likely to go unaffected by police reports FROM BARS, PAGE 1

Happy Holidays from The Times-Delphic Staff!

New fraternity aims to recruit 30 members FROM PI KAPPS, PAGE 1 elected vice archon of the organization.

“During the recruitment process, we spent a lot of time in the Olmsted Center talking to potential members and getting to know them, as well as planning informational sessions and oneon-one meetings for them to learn more about the fraternity and for us to learn more about them,” he said.

Valacheril said the organization’s recruitment goal is to reach 30 members by the end of the semester. Pi Kappa Phi currently has 22 pledges, recruiting its largest numbers from Drake’s sophomore class.

The members are involved in a number of other student organizations, including Student Senate, the Residence Hall Association, Drake track and field team, campus fellowship and ROTC. “The diverse group of men we’ve assembled

really shows that we welcome anyone that shows an interest in leadership, academics, service and brotherhood,” Valacheril said. “We’ve brought together people from all walks of life to form a strong brotherhood.”

As the newest addition to the Drake Greek community, the fraternity will participate in spring rush and social activities, including a number of exchanges and a formal event. The men will also begin work on raising money for their philanthropy, Push America.

Valacheril said that Pi Kappa Phi is the only NIC (North-American Interfraternity Conference) fraternity that has founded its own nonprofit philanthropic organization.

Since its founding in 1977, Push America has raised over $8 million for people with disabilities across the United States. They sponsor activities like Build America and the Journey of Hope, a cross-country bike trip to fundraise and build brotherhood.

“The dedication to the philanthropy Push America that Pi Kappa Phi as a whole has shown was one of the main things that persuaded me to join the fraternity,” Bales-Henry said. “I really believe in the cause and it’s cool to see how my involvement in something that is meant to bring me enjoyment while at college will impact the lives of so many other people.” n

hours violation in March 2007, resulting in a seven-day license suspension.

• The Dublin had a sale-to-minor violation in May 2008, resulting in a $500 penalty.

• The University Library Café had an after-hours violation in March 2007 and a sale-to-minor violation in March 2009, resulting in a $500 penalty.

• Margaret’s (a.k.a. Peggy’s) had its first sale-to-minor violation in October 2007, resulting in a $500 penalty. A second sale-tominor violation in November 2009 resulted in a $1,500 penalty and a 30-day license suspension.

Special Projects Coordinator for Iowa ABD Judy Seib said violations of this magnitude often don’t affect license renewals. n

2:02 a.m. Dec. 6 A security officer observed two males walking unsteadily on the Greek Walkway. Both were underagefor-drinking male students.

They were not sure how much they had consumed and were unsure of where they had consumed the alcohol. Both were cooperative and were asked to call a friend to get them back to their residence halls, which was accomplished. The dean of students was advised.

FROM SPEARS, PAGE 1 we all realize it or not,” he said. “I’d like to be a part of that.”

Along with the other OC senators, Spears will run bimonthly OC meetings and will work closely with the Student Fees and Allocations Committee next semester to ensure student groups receive sufficient funding, Hutcheson said.

Spears said he was cautious to give specifics of what he will do during his term, seeking to avoid “empty promises.”

“I do want to offer a different perspective while on Senate,” he said. “Not to take away from anything current members have already done, but something new is needed. I want to stir things up.”

Although he won’t be inaugurated until the first meeting of next semester, Hutcheson said he has already established a presence in Senate.

“Since he found out he was elected, he’s been at every Senate meeting and every OC meeting,” she said.

Spears said that, even though he’s become more involved on campus recently, he doesn’t expect his newest extracurricular to interfere with his other activities.

“I’m still the VP of (Coalition of Black Students),” he said. “I’m still in the History Honor Society. Now I’ll just have three- to four-hour meetings on Thursdays, too.” n

photo by TIFFANY KRAUSE | Staff Photographer

CHILD gets a temporary tattoo from a DRAKE STUDENT at the Holiday Wish Party.

Children wish for more Drake fun FROM WISH, PAGE 1 very special for everyone involved.”

The children and their guardians were invited to the party to receive their wish gifts and interact with Drake students who volunteered to distribute the gifts and facilitate the party games. Families were greeted by a team of holiday color-clad students and then directed downstairs, where they were met with a wide array of activities.

The 50 children in attendance were not the only ones who got to play games like Twister or color holiday pictures. A large number of Drake student volunteers helped decorate cookies, assist with the presents and play with the kids.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for college students to give back to the community,” volunteer Allie LeClair said. “I know there was a lot of hard work that went into it, and it definitely shows.”

Senate community outreach liaison Jennifer Field coordinated both the fundraiser and the party.

“It was definitely a lot of work, but seeing the outcome of it all really made it worthwhile,” Field said.

Santa Clause and Spike the Bulldog crashed the party to celebrate the holidays with the children.

“The kids loved all the activities they were able to do with all of the volunteers, and their faces were priceless when they saw Santa and Spike,” Field said.

Parents drifted to the sides of the lower Ol-

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDNEWS@DRAKE.EDU

based on report of injury.

It was determined a female student fell out of bed and sustained a cut on her leg.

Fire/rescue was called and the student was transported to a local hospital.

msted, observing the fun. Many had more than one child receive a snowflake wish gift.

“The kids are having a ton of fun—eating cookies, drinking hot cocoa,” said Flor Comeralda, mother of boys Jose, Mike and Alex. “I’m very glad that we could come and appreciate the party.”

Drake worked with Des Moines Public Schools to determine which children would be a part of the program.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for many different children from different public schools to come together and celebrate,” Jean Phillips, director of health services for Des Moines Public Schools, said. “I, and the school system, am very thankful for the time and love that went into this. We always enjoy working with Drake University.”

While the kids were excited to receive their gifts, they also had much bigger Christmas wishes. When asked what they wanted Santa to bring, the cookie and frosting gang shouted out high-tech toys like the Xbox 360, a flat screen TV, a motorcycle and an iPod. Some wanted simpler wishes granted.

“I want a girlfriend,” 8-year-old Robbie said.

The organizers of the party were grateful to all that contributed to its success.

“I just wanted to say thank you to all of the people that granted a child’s wish this year, it will truly make their holiday season,” Field said.

“To all of the volunteers that helped out at the party, it wouldn’t have been a success without them, and I can’t thank them enough for bringing joy to these children’s faces.” n

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

PAGE 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

BUZZ the BUZZ

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

OPINIONS&EDITORIALS LIFE: LIVING IT FROM EXPERIENCE

STAFF EDITORIAL

Don’t set the bar-low

A newsworthy semester

A comprehensive guide to gift-giving

I photo illustrations by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

A

s the holidays draw near and my veins slowly fill with hot cocoa, I am faced with a dilemma. A dilemma that comes every year but I am still unprepared for—holiday gift-giving. The idea seems simple: buy a gift for loved ones and receive their thankfulness in the form of hugs. On paper it is brilliant, but in reality, gift-giving is a nightmare. I wrote this column as a comprehensive guide to all things gift-giving, because I know a thing or two about the subject. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas, but this guide should work for every occasion in which gift-giving is customary.* The first question that anyone needs to ask is: Who deserves a gift? Should you buy a gift for your neighbor? Your best friend? Your mother? One thing I like to do is make a personalized naughty-andnice list. For example, if your friend doesn’t let you borrow his corduroy pants, he is on the naughty list. If your grandmother calls you by your older brother’s name: naughty list.

If someone ends poverty: nice list.

I have to admit that it is not always clear-cut. For example, your roommate

might have eaten your chicken salad, but then he got hospitalized for food poisoning. Did he eat your food or save your life? Sometimes there are only questions but no definite answer.

Then you need to ask how much should you spend. This is largely dependant on how much money you have. If you only have $20, don’t buy $30 worth of presents (unless you have a credit card.) If you are short on money, the only time it is acceptable to make a homemade gift is if you are under the age of six. Otherwise you must purchase something from a store. One thing that many people forget to factor in: what this person got you last

JOE BARLOW COLUMNIST year. If they bought you socks, then buy a gift in the $5-$10 range. Hair care products merit $20-$30 gifts; happiness, $40 gifts. Remember, no matter what you buy, they have no choice but to love it. As the saying goes: It is the thought that counts.

Now onto the hardest part— what to buy? Some stupid people would suggest following the lists of what people want. People often tell me what they want for Christmas and I know exactly what they are trying to do—make me look like an idiot. They want to show that they have power over me; power to make me go out and buy “what they actually want.” Sorry losers, I’m not going to fall for that old trick. Here are the rules that I shop by: Rule 1: Always include a picture of yourself (and here’s the important part) in a frame. Everyone is really happy when I give away pictures of myself. They always say, “Joe, you really shouldn’t have.”

They usually pretend to be disappointed, but I know that they are grateful on the inside.

Frames are key to include because then they have no excuse not to hang it up or put it on the mantel. I like to include action shots including me shirtless on a horse, me shirtless on a boat or me shirtless at a car wash. Any of these will work. (If you are feeling really generous, you could even Photoshop your head onto an exotic animal like a giraffe or a turtle. I gave my dental hygienist a picture of my head on the body of a dragon. She tells me it is prominently displayed in her mudroom.)

Rule 2: Try to buy something that you will also enjoy doing/using. Do you need a new racquetball partner? Does your band need a tambourine player? Are puppies fun to play with, but too much trouble to actually own? These are all great

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

gifts for people who are close to you. Also, feel free to include a note mentioning that your band needs a tambourine player, even if you don’t give them a tambourine. They may be interested anyway.

Rule 3: Know the stereotypes. It is a fact of life that every year dads receive neckties or mugs. Why? Because dads are either at work or drinking hot liquids. That’s it. Mugs and ties are great because you can get them personalized. Suppose your dad is a fan of sports. It is perfect (and totally thoughtful) if you get him a tie with balls on it. It doesn’t matter what you buy, your dad will love it. I know for a fact that many of the ties I have purchased for my dad have never even been worn, because he loves them so much. Moms are easy too— lotions and candles. Moms like smooth skin and/or burning wax.

Lavender is always the best choice, even if they haven’t gotten through last year’s bottle. I have purchased so many candles through the years that I am pretty sure our smoke detector is broken from all the lavender. For a brother, I suggest a nice cap. Brothers love wearing caps, especially if something they like is displayed on the front. That’s why I give my brother a hat with my face embroidered on it. The added expense of getting a custom hat is worth it, knowing that my brother has my face above his head when he hangs out with his cooler, more attractive friends. I don’t have a sister, but I know exactly what they like.

Younger sisters love pink things, especially unicorns. I recommend a pencil and notebook set. Older sisters want a good man in their lives. That’s why I recommend giving sisters my phone number and perhaps a framed picture of me as a muscular centaur.

So that’s it. I know that I have given you all the tools that you need to become a successful gift-giver. If all else fails, write a column for your school newspaper and dedicate it to your friends and family.** Then you don’t have to buy any gifts for anybody! Suck it, Santa. * Except weddings. Just buy a toaster. ** This column is for my loving family and friends. Merry Christmas!

Barlow is a senior broadcast news major and can be contacted at joseph.barlow@drake.edu.

Twitter hash tag: #iowadeathstorm09

Our take on the headlines

n our time at Drake University, we find it difficult to think of a more eventful semester than the one we’re now completing. Some have said that these have been dark days at Drake, but how easily we forget the good events that make the Drake experience unique and invaluable.

From stories like Joe Barlow’s Emmy nomination, to Hollywood movie productions filming at Drake, and all the way to Maya Angelou’s amazing lecture, there’s been plenty to celebrate. Even Drake athletics have been great this year.

Men’s soccer made Drake history by making it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, men’s football was second in the Pioneer Football League and volleyball made it to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for the first time in 13 years.

Don’t be mistaken, there have been terrible and tragic events this semester that will, unfortunately, shape many students’ Drake experiences. Stories that were out of character for this university made headline after headline—athletic alcohol suspensions, a student death, an attempted impeachment of the vice president of student life, the Student Senate rift with the student body, fraternity hazing, Phi Delta Theta’s suspension and two

reported sexual assaults.

Many of these events will remain in the minds of Drake community members and Des Moines residents for a long time. There is word that Iowa might ban Everclear, the high-proof grain alcohol that was used in the hazing of a first-year fraternity pledge. Unfortunately, every article from now until the state potentially bans the liquor will mention Drake University.

These events should not define Drake. We should be proud of our Drake experience. What we can do is move on from this and make this campus stronger than we left it.

That is why we’re pleased to see Provost Michael Renner starting two studentrun committees—one on sexual safety and another on alcohol abuse. Drake administration has been working hard behind the scenes to try to enact effective change.

These problems will not be fixed overnight. It’s going to take a lot of work. What we have to realize, however, is that we cannot rely solely on Drake officials to fix these problems. Students must work on this, too.

There has been a lot to report on this semester and we, at the TD, have worked very hard to bring the most accurate and timely news to campus. We hope that we did our jobs respectfully and responsibly.

Good luck with finals, drive home safe and happy holidays.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Senate and recycling My education at Drake has enlightened me to momentous amounts of information that has made me substantially more knowledgeable. This knowledge comes with the price of responsibility, and a recent course I have taken with professor David Courard-Hauri, called Civic Environmentalism, has certainly opened my eyes to the consequences of our lifestyle. This course informed me of the consequences of how our incessant construction and building has negatively affected the environment. I won’t get into detail about the consequences of urban sprawl, but I would like to inform the students and faculty of Drake about some ways to combat the problems affecting our environment.

As a community at Drake, we can make a difference together through green initiatives, and I feel as a college, it is our responsibility to lead the way. As a school and a community, we should be promoting local recycling, responsible planning and zoning practices. Drake certainly has plans for future growth, and it is imperative that the administration take into account the effects impervious surfaces will have on the local environment. Most importantly, Drake and its affiliates should lead through education and example.

– RYAN C. WOODS Sophomore

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FEATURES

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FEATURES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

DULAP students will perform Japanese karaoke at the Des Moines Botanical Center Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

DON’T. MISS. THIS.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Cracked Slightly

Christmas movies

PAGE 4

You’ve heard of “A Christmas Story,” “Prancer” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” but some holiday movies have a tendency to slip below the radar. Here are some festive films you might not have noticed.

DIE HARD (1988)

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

A BICYCLE NEAR JEWETT RESIDENCE HALL is buried by the snowstorm on Wednesday.

Drifts progressively covered the wheeling unit as the blizzard progressed.

One of the greatest action movies of all time is also adorned with festive holiday touches. John McClane (Bruce Willis) intends to reconcile with his wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedalia), at the company Christmas party. The married couples quarrel is interrupted when terrorists, led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), invade the building, plunging McClane into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

The Christmas holiday is present throughout the movie, featuring holiday tunes both in the soundtrack and hummed by the villains. Besides, who can forget the message, “Now I have a machine gun, HO-HO-HO,” written in blood on the chest of a dead terrorist?

Intervarsity leader uses faith in work

GREMLINS (1984) Christmas trees don’t usually try to kill people, but one infested with bizarre creatures nearly does in this horrorcomedy. The story starts when Randall Peltzer illegally buys an adorable, Furby-ish creature called a “mogwai” from a curio shop for his son Billy as a Christmas gift. Three strange, but strict, rules accompany the purchase—don’t let it into sunlight, don’t let it get near water and never, ever, feed it after midnight. Things quickly go awry as the rules are broken and the mogwai multiplies and transforms into an army of terrifying, greenish creatures that quickly overtake the town on Christmas Eve in frightening and hilarious ways.

Amy Schoepf engages students’ souls

by KATRINA WIDENER

Staff Writer katrina.widener@drake.edu

When Amy Schoepf agreed to become a leader for Drake University’s Christian group Intervarsity, she was not expecting to stay more than a year. She had just earned her degree in sociology at Drake and wanted to continue her schooling to become a teacher. But now, four years later, Schoepf ’s still in the job, placing her plans on hold to help others. She couldn’t be happier.

A 26-year-old Des Moines native, Schoepf has seen what giving a hand to those in need can accomplish, from poverty-stricken families in St. Louis to former child prostitutes in Ethiopia.

Her favorite age group to work with, though, is college students since they are at a time in their lives where they decide who they want to be.

“College is crucial to human experience,” she said.

Schoepf ’s own college experience was transformational and came on the heels of a more difficult time in her life. When she was growing up in a self-proclaimed – HILARY “staunch, Christian home,” all she had ever known was her family and her faith. Her father was a Baptist pastor and her entire family consisted of strong believers in God. When her parents broke the news to her that they were getting divorced, everything she knew came crashing down around her. She and her family were excommunicated from both the church and their extended Christian family.

“Any faith I had as a kid was blown up, then, was gone,” Schoepf said.

High school was a time for rebellion and resistance. However, when she was a freshman in college, a Spring Break mission trip to the poorest areas of St. Louis, Mo., helped Schoepf realize her drive to minister to others. This trip allowed her to get back on track with her faith, and eventually led her to her current position with Intervarsity.

At this time in her life, Schoepf says working

“

with Drake students is her “dream job.” Her favorite part is being able to provide a safe space and a sense of family for the students who are far from home.

“I feel like the people at Intervarsity are a group that you can’t find anywhere else on campus in a way that, no matter what, you can be yourself and you can be accepted,” sophomore Hilary Henak said. “That’s something that’s really nice to have when you are away at school.”

In addition to helping students on campus, Intervarsity enabled Schoepf to be part of a trip to Ethiopia where she, with other Intervarsity members, spent time serving as goodwill ambassadors.

For Schoepf, the trip validated everything she had been working for, and it cemented her drive to continue that work. Although Schoepf had several good memories in Ethiopia, like learning how to make Ethiopian coffee, the hard times were what led her to dedicate her life to serving others. For the entire six weeks they spent there, Schoepf worked with former child prostitutes, many of them AIDS orphans who had no other way to make money.

HENAK, sophomore “Basically, I would say every 10 feet there was a shack lined up, about the size of a single bedroom, and young girls—like 12 or 13 (years old)—would be standing outside waiting to be purchased. Some shacks had cradles inside because the girls wouldn’t have enough money for proper birth control and ended up having babies. It was the most horrific experience, I can’t even describe it.”

Seeing how life was for these girls and other Ethiopian citizens not only instilled a lasting motivation for her to help others, but also created a need for her to continue efforts in Africa.

She plans on taking another trip this summer, and would like to even end up adopting an Ethiopian child in the future to continue serving others.

“The most rewarding thing to me is helping people engage their soul.” n

I feel like the people at Intervarsity are a group that you can’t find anywhere else on campus in a way that, no matter what, you can be yourself and you can be accepted.

”

>>What’s going on?

campus calendar TODAY PEACE CORPS

Learn about how to volunteer in the Peace Corps WHERE Jewett Lobby

FRIDAY PERFORMANCE

Othello and Cabaret performance of Broadway classics for final exams WHERE Studio 55 in Harmon Fine Arts Center

WEEKEND PERFORMANCE

Drake DULAP students performing Japanese karaoke

WHEN 7 p.m.

WHEN 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

WHERE Des Moines Botanical Center WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

515 MAGAZINE

OBSERVATORY

RECEPTION

515 Magazine Launch Party

Drake Municipal Observatory will host stargazing and a lecture

Reception for December graduates

WHERE Gateway Market, 2002 Woodland Ave. WHEN 5:15 p.m.

WHERE 4898 Observatory Rd. in Waveland Park WHEN 7 p.m.

WHERE Levitt Hall Old Main WHEN: Noon

HOME ALONE (1990) The highlights of this comedy include watching an 8-year-old smash, bang and outwit a duo of wonderfully inept criminals. Behind the slapstick, however, is a holiday comedy with a lot of heart to it. Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is left behind after his family mistakenly forgets him and jets to Paris for the holiday. Initially, Kevin is thrilled at the lack of parental supervision, but when the danger of being home alone escalates, he begins to miss his family. Kevin’s mother (Catherine O’Hara) is a memorable character as she struggles to rejoin her son in a journey across oceans and countries. Memorable quote: “Keep the change, you filthy animal.”

THE THIN MAN (1934) This classic comedic mystery is set on Christmas, when Nick Charles, a retired detective, is pulled back into the service when his friend, Clyde Wynant, vanishes. Wynant is possibly involved in the murder of his former girlfriend, Julia Wolfe, but his daughter, Dorothy, refuses to believe he did it. Slowly, Nick and his wife, Nora, piece the story together, consuming plenty of martinis as the bodies pile up. The couple’s witty and dynamic exchanges make the dialogue sharp and poignant. The identity of the killer is finally revealed during a famous dinner party scene.

A WISH FOR WINGS THAT WORK (1991) Charlie Brown isn’t the only animated character with his own Christmas special. Opus the Penguin, a major character in Berkeley Breathed’s comic strip, “Outland,” dreams of having the ability to fly. He researches various ways, eventually purchasing a machine that should grant his wish, but changes his mind at the last minute. On Christmas Eve, he finally learns the true power of his natural penguin abilities. Memorable quotes: “Wait outside, Bill, and try not to give anyone rabies.” “Pull up.

Pull UP. Don’t suck a duck into your turbines.”

PAGE 5

FEATURES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

ARTS. LIVING. MOVIES. MUSIC. WEEKEND. REVIEW | FUNNY PEOPLE

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ is clever Film has a dark tone

by MATT NELSON

Features Editor matthew.nelson@drake.edu

If Mr. Fox wants to save the lives of his family and friends from the cruel clutches of three murderous farmers, he’s going to have to find his wild side.

The stakes may be high for the Fox family in “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” but the comedy and animation have never been more spot on. The dark content of the film—gun-toting farmers, a blind knife-wielding housewife and teenage fox angst—coupled with lighter subplots make the movie easily accessible to all ages.

Adults will identify with the Fox parents’ struggle to protect their family and maintain a functional relationship, while younger kids will be delighted by the intricate stop-motion animation and antics of the supporting cast.

The movie begins just as the risk-taking Mr. Fox (George Clooney) and his future wife, Felicity (Meryl Streep), are caught in a fox trap after a botched chicken heist. Felicity chooses this time to tell Fox she is pregnant, and that he must abandon his thieving ways if they want to live a regular life.

Two years—12 years in fox time—later, the couple and their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) are living routine lives underground with Fox having become a newspaperman. Ash is a typical moody teenager: Short for his age and largely overlooked by his father.

On an impulse, Mr. Fox moves the family to a large tree near three prosperous and heavily guarded farms carrying various produce and owned by the meanest farmers around.

Initially, Mr. Fox is able to resist the temptation of raiding the farms, but when his athletic nephew Kristofferson (Eric Chase Anderson) comes to visit, he just can’t help operating another heist.

His choice carries grave consequences. The farmers, named Boggis, Bunce and Bean, have clearly never heard of PETA and have no qualms about shooting, digging and blasting the Foxes

photo courtesy of ALLMOVIEPHOTOS.COM

MR. FOX, voiced by George Clooney, must save his family and friends in the stop-motion animated adventure film, “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” Fox faces off against Boggis, Bunce and Bean, three terrifying farmers, over the course of the movie. from their homes. The Fox family is forced to flee deep underground, where Mr. Fox must deal with angry ousted neighbors, starvation and an angry wife. For Fox to save all he holds dear, he’s going to have to be extraordinary.

Mainstream stop-motion animation films have been few and far between in the last decade, but “Fantastic Mr. Fox” absolutely shines as a success. While the artistic style is initially hard to get used to, the viewer quickly becomes entranced by the attention to detail and intricate movements. While it’s definitely not a smooth, clean-cut Pixar movie, the characters are just as endearing and the story just as gripping.

The voice cast carries a surprising amount of star power for an animated movie; Bill Murray (“Caddyshack”) voices Badger, Mr. Fox’s real-estate agent, and Willem Dafoe (“Boondock Saints”) gives life to a bizarre rat working as a security guard in Mr. Bean’s barn.

With a gripping storyline, good writing and solid animation, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is nothing short of—well—fantastic. n

SHOWTIMES Carmike Cobblestone 9 8501 Hickman Road, Des Moines 4:30, 7:30, 9:50 p.m.

Carmike Wynnsong 16 5233 NW 84th Street, Des Moines 1:45, 4:30, 7:30, 9:50 p.m.

Century Des Moines Jordan Creek 20 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines 11:15 a.m., 1:30, 4, 6:55, 9:20 p.m.

Smokey Row offers hot coffee and cheery atmosphere in times of cold Nearby coffee shop is an escape from college life

by KENSIE SMITH

Copy Editor mackensie.smith@drake.edu

photos courtesy of SMOKEY ROW

SMOKEY ROW PATRONS have the space to spread out all their study materials.

photos courtesy of SMOKEY ROW

SMOKEY ROW offers a variety of coffee, ice cream and fountain drinks.

Walk into Smokey Row Coffee House and you might feel the need to start dancing. Amidst the bright Christmas lights and clinking cups, the murmuring holiday music is just enough to induce an uncontrollable smile.

Take a glance at the large chalkboards lining the wall behind the illuminated bakery case—Smokey Row mixes the menu of a classic diner with the sophisticated drink offerings of a SoHo cafe.

Main entrees include paninis, fresh salads and specialty soups in steaming bread bowls. Or make this a weekend breakfast stop without the worry about sleeping in, because breakfast is served all day.

The coffee shop opened Oct. 2, perfectly positioned near Drake’s campus. Located at 19th and Cottage Grove, it’s convenient enough to grab a morning cup of joe and make it to class without a rush. The coffee shop is complete with a drivethru, making it even easier to get your caffeine fix on the go.

If you do happen to have a free hour or two, no time will be lost sitting at Smokey Row. A free Wi-Fi connection makes it a student study spot. And, if people-watching is one of your hobbies, sit in a comfortable booth for just five minutes and you’ll observe a diverse array of visitors not often spotted at our justoff-campus hangouts. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s children running straight to the ice cream, locals munching on a hearty chicken potpie dinner and senior citizens sipping black coffees from colorful mugs.

The eclectic decorations parallel the variation in customers.

Smokey Row creates a comforting ambience, making visitors feel right at home. Old-fashioned Coca-Cola signs share the room with contemporary dangling lights; the space houses a mix of 1950s-throwback with a modern touch.

“Smokey Row was wonderful-looking, eclectic, modern and an overall exciting experience,” sophomore Jess Hendricks said after a first-time visit. “I definitely will be going back there.”

Smokey Row is larger than the majority of coffee shops in the area. It also offers a uniquely free meeting room area for facilitating larger groups of people.

“It (the meeting room) is booked at least twice a day for all types of different groups: study groups, business meetings and parties,” Krista Bennett, a Smokey Row representative said. “We have been very happy with the diversity of the customers from the neighborhood and all over Des Moines.”

The original Smokey Row Coffee House & Soda Fountain

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opened in Pleasantville, Iowa, back in 1998. On Monroe Street, where the business was housed, multiple fires had consumed many of the buildings since the late 1800s. Locals had affectionately deemed the group of buildings plagued by fire “Smoky Row,” and the nickname transferred to the shop.

Original decoration characteristics also transferred. High ceilings and red, brick walls stabled on wooden floors are a shared characteristic of the four different shops. Each sporting an inviting brick and windowed storefront, Smokey Row Coffee Co. also has locations in Pella and Oskaloosa.

In other towns, the coffee houses have hosted musical acts, poetry slam sessions and even politicians. On the campaign trail, candidates McCain, Romney, Thompson, Richardson and Edwards all stopped at a Smokey Row for a delicious drink.

President Obama has even visited twice to sip on tea.

For any coffee lover, presidential or not, the menu will only deepen the affection for caffeinated beverages. Specialty drinks, such as the Butterfinger latte, Dutch chocolate mocha and the “nutty Irishman,” will add just the right amount of flavor mixed with espresso. Coffee can get to be an expensive habit, and while not cheap, Smokey Row is in the same price range as other area coffee choices.

“Des Moines is blessed with many great locally owned coffeehouses that, like us, roast their own coffee and are passionate about the bean,” Bennett said. “We love that we are part of that scene and are glad that we can differentiate ourselves with our addition of great food.”

Planning to stick around Drake for the summer? Make sure to take advantage of the planned live music on the outdoor patio and stage. But, while it’s still snowy outside, warm up in a corner of Smokey Row with a textbook, voodoo chai and a smile. n

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER FAVORITE PLACE TO CRAM WITH COFFEE? MARS CAFE

2318 West University Ave.

FRIEDRICH’S

4126 University Ave.

ZANZIBAR’S

2723 Ingersoll Ave.

Short on cash?

The Times-Delphic is

in need of a copy editor.

Make friends, make money,

and get the experience you need.

APPLY TODAY >>Send a resume & cover letter by Thursday to Matt Vasilogambros at delphic@drake.edu

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

AROUND THE

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

FOR BREAKING SPORTS NEWS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDSPORTSNEWS

PAGE 6

STELLAR STATS

27

Points Jordann Plummer scored in the championship game of the Air Force Classic last weekend.

MVC Indiana State 7-0

1

Players to watch: #13 Deja Mattox #21 Amanda Pedro

Creighton 5-1

2

Players to watch:

#21 Megan Neuvirth #11 Sam Schuett

Drake 5-2

3

Players to watch: MVC player of the week #21 Jordann Plummer

>> next up North Dakota

Wichita State

4

5-2

Players to watch:

#1 Marisah Henderson #12 Jessica Diamond

Illinois State

5

3-2

Players to watch: #40 Ashleen Bracey #32 Maggie Krick

photo by EMILY TOZER | Staff Photographer

FRESHMAN GUARD KAYLA PERSON has contibuted offensively to a season that has placed the Bulldogs third in the Missouri Valley Conference standings. The team will take on an experienced North Dakota squad, led by four seniors.

Drake opens promising season Plummer leads Bulldog offense led to three-game win streak

by JACK THUMSER

Staff Writer john.thumser@drake.edu

With the improbable Drake men’s soccer Elite Eight run and the men’s basketball team off to a slow start, Bulldog fans may be wondering where to look for the next exciting Drake team.

The answer could be found in the women’s basketball team.

Led by senior guard Jordann Plummer, last week’s Missouri Valley Conference player of the week, and a strong supporting cast, the Bulldogs are 5-2 on the early season and have won their last three games. Their record is third best in the MVC, with just three nonconference games remaining until the conference schedule begins Dec. 31.

They also proved they could play the underdog role when they took down in-state rival and No. 24-ranked Iowa State on Nov. 22.

Head Coach Amy Stephens said the win over ISU was big, but she

expects even more out of her team as the season progresses.

“We’ve got great kids who are incredibly smart,” Stephens said in a press release. “It’s a big win, but it’s not the end-all. There’s such a bigger picture at Drake than just beating a Big 12 team. We’re looking to play for and win championships.”

Stephens’ goals may seem lofty, but it’s tough to deny the team’s talent, drive and improvement.

Since losing their opening game by two on the road to the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Bulldogs have won five of six games and outscored opponents by an average of 8.5 points per game.

In their home opener against Chicago State, the Bulldogs showed how effective they can be when running on all cylinders. Plummer led Drake with 19 points on 8-for13 shooting and also had five steals.

Senior forward Monique’ Jones, junior guard Kristin Turk and sophomore guard Amber Wollschlager all scored in double figures as Drake

rolled to a 82-60 victory.

For this well-rounded squad, however, having multiple doubledigit scorers has become a common theme. Drake’s high-scorer club for the season includes Plummer with 16.9 points per game, Turk with 12, Jones with 11.4 and sophomore forward Rachael Hackbarth with 11.6.

Jones is an integral part of the team, not only for her scoring, but also her rebounding—7.3 per game—and defense pressure by the basket.

The senior duo of Plummer and Jones was particularly impressive during the recent tournaments the Bulldogs played in. Drake won one of two games at the St. Mary’s Hilton Tournament in Moraga, Calif., then swept their two games in the Air Force Classic in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“Jordann Plummer was incredible this weekend,” Stephens said in a press release after the St. Mary’s tournament. “Jordann and Monique’, the seniors, I’m just so

proud of their effort.”

The Bulldogs looked particularly strong in the Air Force Classic last weekend, as they took down Texas A&M–Corpus Christi 56-46 and Air Force 85-67. Plummer tied a career-high with 27 points against Air Force, 19 of them coming in an impressive second half in which the Bulldogs scored 58 points.

Next up for the Bulldogs, is North Dakota on Sunday at the Knapp Center. Drake has yet to lose on its home court and will likely continue its winning streak against the Fighting Sioux, who are just 2-6 on the season and 1-3 on the road.

After North Dakota, the Bulldogs will travel to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes Dec. 20 and then finish their non-conference schedule against New Orleans on Dec. 22. The Bulldogs kick off their conference season New Year’s Eve on the road against Illinois State. n

SPIKE’S ARMY

BARRACKS

There are some big games for Spike’s Army faithfuls to get out and support the Bulldogs this weekend, complete with ugly Christmas sweater-themed nights at the Knapp Center.

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• Friday at 7:05 p.m.: Men’s basketball takes on South Dakota for its opening Drake Invitational game at the Knapp Center.

UGLY SWEATER THEMED GAMES!

• Saturday at 5:05 p.m.: Men’s basketball will play its second Drake Invitational game against Binghamton at the Knapp Center.

• Sunday at 2:05 p.m.: The women’s basketball team will return from a week’s rest and face North Dakota at home at the Knapp Center.

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.

Get a jump start on your career

Drake University

Career Fair February 4, 2010 3 – 6 PM Olmsted Center

Open to all majors and all class levels

Professional & Career Development Services

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDSPORTS@DRAKE.EDU

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

PAGE 7

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

with

>>SITTING SANDY

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

Q&A:

The Times Delphic asked Drake athletic director Sandy Hatfield-Clubb to review the semesters sports success. Here’s how she responded.

What did you think of the football team’s first year competing in the PFL?

What other fall sports stood out to you?

“Another team that’s done extremely well “Football was projected to finish sixth at this fall is the volleyball team. Historically, in the beginning of the season. That just gives the last 10-15 years, the program has really you an idea of how outstanding their season struggled for wins. Two years ago, we got a was—it was really extraordinary. They sur- new coach. He brought in 12 wins his first year here (2008). This season, the team qualipassed all expectations.” fied for the MVC Championship for the first time in nearly 15 years. Coaches and players Soccer garnered national attention were telling me they were the most improved, and recognition this year. Did that certainly in The Valley and possibly the nareflect on Drake? tion.”

“Any time a Drake program is that successful, it’s a great accomplishment. They finished Do you have any final comments in the top eight teams in the country and that’s spectacular. What’s really special about that is about the semester?

“I love the way Drake University does that they’re also the team with the most Acasport.

We have some very driven, outstanding demic All-Americans in the nation. And we’ve got numerous men on the football team get- student athletes. It’s a privilege for me to be ting their doctorates and in pharmacy school a part of this program and to work with the people responsible for recruiting and coachwhile playing a D-I sport.” ing these players.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL

photos by SARAH ANDREWS |Photo Editor

TO THE POINT

Drake looks for young team to click over break

MATT MORAN COLUMNIST

photo by SARAH ANDREWS |Photo Editor

FRESHMAN FOREWARD BEN SIMONS jumps above awaiting Iowa State opponents in a game the Bulldogs lost 70-90. Simons and his fellow first-year athletes have brought a youthful vitality to the team that will be key in Drake’s success this season.

Bulldogs prep for Drake Invite Home tourney’s matchups could boost season wins

by MATT MORAN

Staff Writer matthew.moran@drake.edu

KEYS TO THE GAME

The Drake basketball team will take on South Dakota and Binghamton on Friday and Saturday at the Knapp Center in the Drake Invitational. The Bulldogs are coming off a win against North Dakota from the second round of the Hy-Vee Classic this past Saturday and hold a record of 3-5.

DOMINATE ON DEFENSIVE

1

Drake began the year with weak defense, allowing IUPUI and Iowa State to score a total of 88 and 90 points, respectively, on the Bulldogs. The defense has tightened up since those games, but the matchup zone will still be a way to victory.

Drake lost the opener of the Hy-Vee Classic to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville last Friday, but Head Coach Mark Phelps said he was proud of the team’s response.

“I give the guys a lot of credit for bouncing back,” he said.

The Bulldogs will face South Dakota, part of the Great West conference, Friday. The Coyotes are coming off a massive 111-59 win over South Dakota State and stand at 5-3.

Jake Thomas leads South Dakota in scoring, averaging 14.4 points per game. Tyler Cain is the leading rebounder with 7.3 per game, while contributing 13.6 points.

Binghamton has had a wild ride in the past year. The team made its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance last season, by winning the America East conference tournament over Vermont.

Binghamton lost to Duke in the first round.

In the offseason, recruiting and academic controversies arose which resulted in the dismissal of six players from the team. The Bearcats have struggled so far this season, going 3-6 in their opening games.

Transfer player Ryan Wedel leads Drake in scoring with 14 points per game. Senior Josh Young is averaging only 10 points per game, but finished with 17 against North Dakota. Phelps said he was satisfied with the play of his star senior.

“He is a guy with a lot of pride,” Phelps said. “He is leaving a great legacy here at Drake.”

Drake will have to rely on its strong shooting, as the team has shot 37.6 percent from beyond the arc this season, and 77.3 percent at the line. n

YOUTH TALENT MUST STEP UP

KEEP UP FOCUS IN THE CLUTCH

Drake has to be pleased with freshmen performances this season. Ben Simons leads them all in scoring at 9.8 points per game, and is coming off a rough invite.

He’ll bounce back at the Drake Invitational. Seth VanDeest needs to continue to be a force down low.

The Bulldogs have had a slight problem closing games down the stretch this year, letting SIUE come back and steal a win as well the IUPUI loss. Young has to take control down the stretch and make plays for his teammates for Drake to win close games.

2 3

Most Drake fans would say that the start of the men’s basketball season has been a disappointment.

A 3-5 record, with losses to Iowa State, SIUE and IUPUI, have highlighted the start to the Bulldog season.

Be patient, Drake fans.

There have been difficult losses to deal with to start the year, but that is what these early games are for. This is a young team, with four, sometimes five, freshmen contributing big minutes in every game.

One thing is certain: These guys have talent.

There’s a reason why ESPN rated this freshman class the top recruiting class in the Missouri Valley Conference. Ben Simons is a pure shooter who can really carry a team. Seth VanDeest has stepped right into the starting center role and has played tremendously.

Aaron Hawley has come off the bench and has been instant offense at times, making large contributions in two of Drake’s victories.

David Smith could possibly be the most athletic guard on the team, and Reece Uhlenhopp provides depth in the front court.

Phelps said before the season that these players would play early and often, and he has held true to that statement.

“We’re excited about our freshman,” Head Coach Mark Phelps said at the Drake basketball media day. “They’re going to get thrown right into the fire.”

Another newcomer that has had a strong start to the season is junior transfer Ryan Wedel. Wedel leads the team in scoring, averaging 14 points per game. He is the Bulldogs’ most potent 3-point shooting threat.

Throw all of these newcomers in with veterans Josh Young, Craig Stanley, Bill Eaddy and Adam Templeton, and Drake is sure to be a contender.

Right?

Well, that question hasn’t been answered yet, but I think they will be. It takes time for young, talented players to gel with a veteran core. The goal is to be at your best at the end of the season, not the beginning. Winning is a process, and it takes time to be a consistent winner.

The stretch starts Dec. 19, when Drake travels to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes. Although Iowa is in the midst of a rebuilding season, it is still a Big Ten team. The Bulldogs then come home to face San Diego State on Dec. 22, who nearly missed an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament last season, and made the final four of the NIT tournament.

A week later Drake starts play in the Valley, opening with a home game against Bradley. Bradley has a win against Illinois, who at the time was ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press Top 25, on its resume.

Drake also plays at Creighton and Southern Illinois and has a home game against Illinois State before the spring semester begins. Creighton finished second in the conference last year and made the NIT, and are a dark horse to crash the NCAA tournament this year. Southern Illinois is always a force to reckon with in the MVC, and Illinois State may have the best player in the conference in senior guard Osiris Eldridge.

We will find out what the Bulldogs are made of in the next month. A 3-5 start is nothing to get too worried about, and Phelps agrees that that is the approach to take.

“Anger is one letter away from danger,” he said.

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

SPECIAL

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2009

PAGE 8

WINTER

wonderland At 1:13 p.m. on Tuesday, Provost Michael Renner sent a campus-wide e-mail announcing that Drake would close at 3 p.m. Students reacted in various ways. Some made their way to the library, a few called their parents and others took to Quad Creek with trays from Hubbell to enjoy winter weather fun. Students participated in snowball fights and sliding across the slippery sidewalks. They even began sending Facebook invitations about a possible snow day on Wednesday. Approaching finals didn’t stop them from embracing the weather just as fourth-graders celebrate coveted school cancellations. That just goes to show that you’re never too old for a snow day. photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo Editor

photo by TYLER O’NEIL | Relays Editor