Times-Delphic 02/11/2010

VALENTINE’S The Dos and Don’ts

DAY >>PAGE 3 OPINIONS

of V-Day gift-giving.

THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

DES MOINES, IOWA • Thursday, February 11, 2009 • VOL. 128, NO. 28 • www.timesdelphic.com

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Student assaulted at local bar

by HOLLY WORTHY

Copy Editor holly.worthy@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor

THE PHI DELTA THETA DRAKE CHAPTER was suspended for four years following the hazing of a first-year fraternity pledge in early November.

Two Drake University students plead guilty to hazing charges

by MATT VASILOGAMBROS Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu

T

he concluding note to the hazing affair involving first-year student Nate Erickson has finally come, as two Drake students plead guilty on Feb. 3 to hazing charges.

According to Iowa courts records, junior Skylar Otto and sophomore Joseph Hatchett plead guilty as part of a plea deal they made with prosecutors. They were sentenced to 12 months probation and 80 hours of community service, while also having to pay a $65 fine and undergo substance abuse evaluations.

Out of the 80 hours of community service, records indicate that 40

can be completed through Drake.

Originally charged with hazing leading to serious injury—a serious misdemeanor that could lead to over one year imprisonment—the sentence was dropped to hazing with no injury, which brought the charges down to a simple misdemeanor.

Otto and Hatchett were also given differed judgment, meaning that their records will be cleared of the charges if they meet all of the probation requirements.

On Wednesday, according to the court records, they turned in an envelope that included a victim impact statement, among other documents.

This plea comes after November’s “pledge dad” event involving several members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity that almost led to Erickson’s

death. In the early hours of Nov. 8, Erickson was rushed to the hospital after medics found him unresponsive and “nearly unable to breathe by himself,” according to the Des Moines police report. Police reports indicate his blood alcohol content was 0.500—nearly six times the .08 legal limit in Iowa.

Because of this event, the university suspended the chapter for four years, making the 11 members living in the house move out. Also, fraternity pledges were not given the opportunity to officially join the chapter.

With the Phi Delta Theta house empty, the Greek letters taken down and the fraternity effects placed in storage, fraternity alumni can look forward to a fresh start. n

MAJOR DATES IN THE HAZING AFFAIR Nov. 8 Hazing takes place at a pledge dad event at “The Carter.”

Nov. 16 Drake suspends the Phi Delta Theta chapter for four years.

Feb. 3 Otto and Hatchett plead guilty to hazing charges.

by NICOLE WILKE

Staff Writer nicole.wilke@drake.edu

by JACKIE WALLENTIN News Editor tdnews@drake.edu

SEE HANSON, PAGE 2

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor

Cedeno earns coveted fellowship

Security chief awarded Spirit of Drake award Wanda Everage. David Wright. Renae Chesnut.

David Maxwell. All of these Drake faculty members are past recipients of the Donald V. Adams Spirit of Drake Award, a prestigious distinction given to inspirational leaders. Last month, Campus Security Chief Hans Hanson joined the list as the 2010 award winner.

“It came totally out of the blue. I’m really, really proud of getting it,” Hanson said. “People who have won in the past are people really dedicated to Drake.

I feel guilty for winning because I was just doing my job. I know there are a lot of people who do the same thing.”

Hanson received the award and was honored at halftime during the women’s basketball game against the University of Northern Iowa on Jan. 22.

The Spirit of Drake Award was established in honor of Dr. Don Adams who defined the “spirit” of Drake and worked to make Drake a truly outstanding university, says Assistant Athletic Director Mark Kostek.

The award is presented annually by the Drake Athletics Department and recognizes a faculty or staff member who they feel has been invaluable to the community.

“Hanson embodies the characteristics of the Spirit of Drake Award in many ways,” Kostek said. “A strong advocate of the students and an active campus community leader for many years, Chief Hanson is

A Drake student was taken to the hospital early Sunday morning after being punched and head-butted in the bathroom of a local bar, according to a Des Moines police report.

Junior Sean Stanton went into the men’s restroom at The Dublin around 1:15 a.m. After exchanging unpleasant words with two other men at the urinals, the men left before shortly returning and delivering three head butts and multiple punches to Stanton’s head and face, according to a Des Moines police report.

A fraternity brother later took him to Mercy Medical Center where he received treatment for a concussion, facial swelling and cuts.

A witness overheard one man admit to punching Stanton at the bar; Stanton later identified the other perpetrator by a photo.

Contrary to what the police report indicated, Stanton said that the attack was not Greek-related.

A detective is working on the criminal case, but Stanton has not yet pressed civil charges against the suspects.

In 2009, Des Moines police made 44 recorded trips, or “calls,” to The Dublin between Jan. 1 to Nov. 19. Of those calls, 11 were for reported conflict-related incidents (fights, disputes, etc.). n

Drake University junior Victor Cedeno is busy. In fact, he is very busy. Cedeno is majoring in politics and psychology, with minors in philosophy and economics. He has been a Drake Orientation Leader, a student ambassador and is an officer for Phi Gamma Delta. He has also worked in the Office of Student Records, as a waiter at a country club, as an intern at the Iowa State Capitol and as a debate coach at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines.

Cedeno now has another credential to add to his resume: This month, Cedeno was accepted to a highly competitive Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program (PPIA) with the University of Michigan.

The program lasts from June 5 to July 24 with all transportation, housing and books paid.

Cedeno will participate in workshops, professional development, resume building and interviewing, among other activities.

S

“The only way I can describe it is like boot camp for public policy,” Cedeno said. “It is graduate school preparation, and I’ll be doing quantitative analysis, economics and policy analysis.”

Cedeno attended the Democratic National Convention in the summer of 2008 and during that weekend he found out about internships and fellowships for those interested in public policy.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Cedeno was not eligible for most of the internships at the time because he was not a United States citizen. When he did become a citizen, he started to apply.

“Professor Eleanor Zeff was the one who really encouraged me to apply,” Cedeno said. “I honestly did not have high hopes.

I was completely surprised when I actually got in. I’m forever grateful for the work that she put towards this. It just wouldn’t have happened without her.”

PPIA has an outreach focus on students from groups who are underrepresented in leadership

TAND OUT

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor

VICTOR CEDENO earned the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship at the University of Michigan.

SEE CEDENO, PAGE 2

NEWS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

QUOTE of the

PAGETWO

DAY

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

PAGE 2

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No matter what kind of card you get—cheap, expensive, mushy, funny, singing or even homemade (aww)—the thing that makes it special is what you write inside. Make it heartfelt and meaningful.

— LAUREN EHRLER, SEE PAGE 3

SECURITY REPORTS suggested a homeless shelter as he had no money. A police vehicle was called to assist.

LATE NIGHT MUNCHIES 2:03 a.m. Feb. 4 A security officer stopped a male and female near Crawford Residence Hall. The underage-fordrinking female student produced a fake Kansas driver’s license that was made out of a fast food restaurant gift card. It is unknown if there was any monetary value left on the card. The female had slurred speech and alcohol was emanating from her. The male stated they had been drinking at a bar located in 10:50 a.m. Feb. 4 Security responded to Herriott Residence Hall based on report of someone having a BB gun in his room. The male student turned the toy gun over to security.

the 3000 block of Forest Ave. The underage-for-drinking male student produced his Iowa driver’s license as well as a Kansas license belonging to another person not affiliated with the university. The fake driver’s license and the license belonging to another person were confiscated. They were all seen back to their residence hall. The matter has been coordinated with the dean of students.

2:20 p.m. Feb. 4 A staff member of the Drake post office advised he struck a vehicle in a Drake parking lot.

The female student victim was called and a police report was filed.

11:13 p.m. Feb. 5 A male adult was advised on trespass at Carpenter Residence Hall. The male stated his wife had just left him and he was looking for somewhere to stay. Police were called and

2:11 a.m. Feb. 6 A security officer observed a vehicle strike another vehicle in a Drake parking lot north of Carpenter Residence Hall.

The suspect driver tried to escape but got stuck in the snow.

The 19-year-old former Drake student had been drinking and struck a vehicle belonging to a female student. The victim and police were called.

The suspect’s vehicle was impounded and the suspect was arrested for intoxication.

3:14 a.m. Feb. 6 Security responded to the third floor of Stalnaker Residence Hall based on report of a male sitting next to the toilet and trying to vomit into the toilet.

The underage-for-drinking male stated he was OK but that he had four or five beers.

He stated he was at the univer-

sity to visit a friend and that he and the underage-for-drinking female student were drinking at a bar located at 35th Street and University Avenue. The dean of students was advised.

3:15 a.m. Feb. 7 A security officer observed two suspicious males standing around near 32nd Street and Carpenter Avenue. Both students advised they had been drinking at their home and then at a bar located in the 3000 block of Forest Ave. and that they were waiting for a friend to pick them up. One of the students was underagefor-drinking. When asked how the underage-for-drinking student got into the bar he stated he just walked in. Their ride arrived and they were taken away. The dean of students was advised.

3:30 a.m. Feb. 7 A security officer observed a female swaggering near 32nd

Fellowship brings student to the Univerity of Michigan this summer FROM CEDENO, PAGE 1 positions in government and international organizations. There are five institutes across the country, including at the University of Michigan, Princeton University, the University of Maryland, the University of California-Berkeley and Carnegie Mellon University.

PPIA also encourages its students to apply to a specific list of graduate schools after the program, and if they are accepted, the students will receive at least $5,000 in scholarships.

“All these schools are schools that I would usually be screaming to get their attention,” Cedeno said. “This (fellowship) guarantees me at least a shot with them, and that’s why I feel so fortunate about this. This program gives me a step up because it tells every graduate school that I am trained in what they’re looking for. It’s like having a foot in the door.”

Cedeno hopes to complete law school and graduate school for public policy at the same time. Separately, the two degrees would take five years, but together, Cedeno hopes to complete them in four.

“I’ve always wanted to go to Harvard (University),” Cedeno said. “Getting into Harvard once is bad enough, but if you get a dual degree you have to get into two different schools. All the Harvard schools are top 10, which is intimidating, but I really think that if I put a lot of work into this program, there’s no way I can fall below a certain standard.”

Cedeno hopes that his work at PPIA can help him take steps toward achieving his dreams. He wants to get involved in government down the road and help shape immigration and education policies.

“Law is my passion, I’ve always been interested in it,” Cedeno said. “Public policy is something I’ve learned a lot about lately, and I’ve realized how much I can make a difference with

photo by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor

VICTOR CEDENO will be spending seven weeks at the University of Michigan this summer taking courses to prepare him for graduate school, which he hopes will be at Harvard. that.”

Cedeno said he feels a responsibility to make a difference and be a role model for other people with dreams of changing the world.

“If I’ve been able and lucky to go to Drake, it puts the responsibility on me to turn around and show other students that they can do it,

too,” Cedeno said. “A lot of students that have the same background as me don’t feel like this is something that we can do. Their mindset may be that this is not a Latino thing to do; and it’s wrong because I’m doing it. Maybe I’m the outlier, but it shouldn’t be that way.” n

Drake considers new leadership concentration leadership mentor. Classes will also try to incorporate leadership activities on and off campus, working through nonprofit or government-based programs.

For guidance, the committee looked to sevBy the spring of 2011, students might have the opportunity to add a concentration in leader- eral other universities with similar programs, including Valparaiso University, Creighton Uniship to their respective majors.

Thomas Westbrook, professor of education, versity, Butler University and the University of sits on the Leadership Concentration Commit- Maryland-College Park.

Westbrook said that the employers he has tee along with several faculty members. He said the committee will propose this to the University sought out would look favorably on this concentration because this program would help stuCurriculum Committee this semester.

Westbrook said that since Drake puts such a dents make a difference.

“Community folks—business, state governwide emphasis on leadership programs, like the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute and the ment, nonprofit—all said that after they reEmerging Leaders Model, it would be in best in- viewed our thinking and our thoughts about this terest of the university to see what other colleges that this could really provide our students with an edge,” he were doing in the forsaid. “This could mal, academic sense. add an added This is where the idea It’s a great opportunity enhancement to of a leadership conthe Drake expecentration originated. for students to learn how rience that they Since the univerto be leaders, but sitting would be looksity doesn’t have an ing for, that they undergraduate maaround learning how to would use.” jor in leadership, it be leaders isn’t the way it So far, only would be impossible a few students to form a minor for it. works. have previewed The program would – ADAM BAIRD Westbrook’s probe a 20-hour interdisposal, including ciplinary concentrastudent athletes, tion that would apply to all the colleges. Students would be admitted to and he said he does not have a grasp of how popular it would be at Drake. He did say that the program by their individual college.

He said that what most colleges are doing is every college he visited that had a leadership assisting students in advancing their knowledge, academic program showed wide support for the skill level and attitude around the concept of concentration or major among students.

Adam Baird, a first-year pharmacy student, leadership. Westbrook says that this is the goal said that he likes the idea of a leadership conof the committee.

In addition, students will be paired with a centration in theory, but said that it might not

by MATT VASILOGAMBROS Editor-in-Chief times.delphic@drake.edu

“

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDNEWS@DRAKE.EDU

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work in practice.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to learn how to be leaders, but sitting around learning how to be leaders isn’t the way it works,” he said.

“You don’t learn leadership by going though classes, you learn leadership by action.”

Amy Harren, a sophomore advertising and marketing double major, said that by participating in Adams Academy and on-campus activities, students already learn the necessary leadership skills.

“I feel that my resume is for that,” she said. “I think having leadership positions shows that you are a leader, not something that says you were taught how to be a leader.”

John Lytle, professor of journalism, said that he did not like the idea of a concentration in leadership because of the extra work he sees for faculty members and the practical experience students might miss out on.

“You weigh in one way or another, we seem to have lots of concentrations at Drake,” he said.

“And concentrations often involve faculty having to gin up courses and find students to enroll in the classes. I’m not sure what the concentration in leadership prepares anyone to do, but that’s just the professional instructor speaking.”

Jan Wise, director of student leadership and service programs, sits on the Leadership Concentration Committee and said in an interview last spring that she likes the idea of the concentration, as it’s just another addition to the uniqueto-Drake opportunities the university provides.

“We want to make the leadership go beyond just the undergraduate extracurricular experience,” she said.

Westbrook said that the concentration is still proposed and not finalized, as it has to be approved by the University Curriculum Committee. n

Street and Carpenter Avenue.

She was recognized as the same underage-for-drinking female student encountered by security in almost the same location a week prior. Alcohol emanated from her breath and her speech was slurred. She was obstinate and aggressive.

She was escorted on foot back to Ross Residence Hall. A resident assistant was called to be made aware of her condition and met the officers and intoxicated student at her room. The student entered her room and a roommate was present. The matter has been coordinated with the dean of students.

5:40 p.m. Feb. 7 Security and police assisted with a motor vehicle accident at 29th Street and Forest Avenue. A female student and a female not affiliated with the university were involved.

There were no injuries and information was exchanged.

FROM HANSON, PAGE 1 one of the great constants and sound voices of reason for Drake University and the Athletics Department.”

Hanson began his career at Drake as an undergraduate student, receiving two degrees in 1972. He then held the position of lieutenant at the Des Moines Police Department for 19 years before returning to Drake as security chief. Hanson’s wife and two daughters also attended Drake.

“Drake has just been the school for my family,” Hanson said. “We have a whole history here; it’s just natural.”

Hanson said he looks forward to his future at Drake and believes his experiences will only continue to be positive.

“Drake is always changing,” Hanson said. “Since my experience here as an undergraduate, we have done well as an institution. I’m so proud to be a part of Drake. These 18 years have gone by so fast because I’ve had a good time doing it.” n

Students raise funds to fight breast cancer

by NATE HEINEKAMP

Staff Writer nathan.heinekamp@drake.edu

According to the American Cancer Society, over 192,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Other than skin cancer, it is the most common cancer among women— and, after lung cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

To help combat these statistics, the Drake University chapter of Colleges Against Cancer will host the “Bowling for Boobs” fundraiser event on Feb. 18 from 6-9 p.m. at Merle Hay Lanes in Des Moines. Colleges Against Cancer is a nationwide alliance of staff, faculty and students devoted to eliminating cancer by raising money and hosting fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. The club promotes cancer advocacy on campus and in the community.

According to second-year pharmacy major and publicity chair Emily Hoffman, the idea for the event was presented at the Colleges Against Cancer’s Midwest conference, and the club wanted to help Drake students get more involved in the fight against cancer.

The cost is $10 if you register by Feb. 12. Registration is via e-mail at cac@ drake.edu and should include your name.

If you do not register before the event, it will cost $12 at the door. The cost will cover two games and shoe rental. All proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society to help fund research. n

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

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

OPINIONS&EDITORIALS YOUR MONEY

The

Dos&

Don’ts of T

Love

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

the BUZZ

Don’t like Valentine’s Day? This year, you can celebrate the Chinese New Year on Feb. 14.

Valentine’s Day go-to gifts may not always be the best choice

o whom it may concern: I don’t know what your girlfriend wants for money on a food item, it should at Valentine’s Day. However, I can tell you what she most definitely does least be edible, right? not want: the typical cliché gifts. While sometimes keeping it simple The next cliché gift is a little touchy— is the best route, it can go terribly awry. You may be shocked when I stuffed animals. Countless teddy bears from start attacking your most beloved go-to gifts, but please keep an open mind. It junior high boyfriends are packed away in my will be worth it in the end. attic that I don’t have the heart to throw away.

First of all, flowers. Yes, flowers are a great gift or surprise for any occasion, What’s a girl to do with a multitude of stuffed bears especially Valentine’s Day. Nothing says “I love you” adorned with red and pink hearts and bows? Especially LAUREN EHRLER in today’s world more than a dozen red roses. if they all have “I Love You” banners stitched across them.

So if that was your plan: Stick to it! But Not that stuffed animals can’t be meaningful, I just think COLUMNIST I want to target those boys who plan they are better left in the 8th grade. on taking the shortcut. And by I have heard of cute dates where a guy takes his girl to Build-Ashortcut, I mean the ultimate Bear—now that is more special than, again, picking up a bear in the shortcut: carnations. Blue, pink and yellow dyed valentine aisle of Wal-Mart. But unless your valentine happens to collect stuffed animals carnations are the furthest thing from roman- and has proper display arrangements or has been begging for a stuffed giraffe, I would steer tic. clear of teddy bears, pigs, whales, manatees or any other animal you can think of.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the card. While you think this may be the easiest step, don’t let it fool you! Just pick one up on your way home, right? Wrong. There are many routes to consider while picking out a card. You could go the 99 cents route, the mushy route, the funny route or the newly added singing card route. All can be special and sentimental or all can be meaningless, dependent on one simple factor: you.

What girl wants to awkwardly pretend like she is reading all of the mushy, gushy poetry that some writer at Hallmark plastered all over the front of the card you picked out, only to open it up and find nothing more than, “Love, Your Name,” scribbled inside? Answer: No girl. No matter what kind of card you get—cheap, expensive, mushy, funny, singing or even homemade (aww)—the thing that makes it special is what you write inside.

Make it heartfelt and meaningful. You can keep it light and cute or tell her your deepest feelings, it’s up to you, but make it mean something. And even though she might pretend like it’s not a big deal, I can promise you that she will tuck it away somewhere special to pull out and read again and again later.

Side note: I know we are all poor college kids, but, please, boys, don’t use that as an excuse. Valentine’s Day comes around once a year and many of your girlfriend’s friends will most likely ask her how well you did, so strive to make it special. If you are tight on cash, use your creativity to still make the day meaningful, or if your date is also tight on cash and strapped for gift ideas, maybe you could both agree to just do something fun together and split the cost.

Whether you decide to go with the cliché gifts, think up something on your own or do just spend the day together, remember that Valentine’s Day is really about showing the person you care about how much you appreciate them.

That doesn’t have to be achieved with fancy gifts or flowers, it can be achieved with a simple “I love you.” Not stitched across a bear or written on a box of chocoMaybe it’s just lates. Not even from three dozen red roses, but me, but I am a firm hater of carnafrom you. tions. It could be due to a few too many bad prom corsages or

the fact that they don’t even smell good. I think most girls would agree with me in saying that they would prefer to receive one beautiful rose rather than a dozen Easter-colored carnations. And if you’re still into quantity but can’t afford Ehrler is a first-year broadcast major and can be contacted at lauren.ehrler@drake.edu. roses or want to be original, try some flowers that are actually pretty, like daisies or lilies.

Moving onto chocolate. Before you get all distressed, let me say that I love chocolate and so do most girls. However, there is nothing worse than receiving a huge over-decorated box of chocolates that you can’t enjoy. Having to bite open half of every chocolate in the box only to find an assortment of nasty fillings is not my idea of eating chocolate. Like Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box CORRECTION of chocolates, you never know what you might get.” I’d prefer not to get orange cream.

The Times-Delphic incorrectly identified the victim of last Thursday’s burglary as Dannette Instead of strolling down the valentine aisle at Wal-Mart, is it so hard to go to a real chocolate Kenne, assistant dean of the College of Business and Public Administration, when it was shop, for example, Betty Jane’s? Hey, I think they will even wrap the box special for Valentine’s Annette Watson, the career development manager of the CBPA. Day. At least then you would know what you are buying and could even ask for suggestions, instead of trusting the heart-shaped box with the most embellishments. If you are going to spend your

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I would like to thank everyone for their support in the upcoming Drake Haiti Relief Week.

I would like to clear up the story that was written in The Times-Delphic last Thursday about Haiti Relief Week. While I am assisting with the organization of the event, the International Students Association (ISA) is not the only organization doing the event—nor am I the main organizer. I would like to give junior Kovie Biakolo credit for coming up with the idea and then marvelously executing it. She has been in contact with President David Maxwell to help with funding the event (like funding the cost of T-shirts that will be sold throughout the week).

Biakolo got in touch with different groups, such as RAYGUN to get the shirts printed, and has been working with the Sports Business Association, Student Senate and the Student Activities Board for their support in these events.

Again, thank you for the recognition and understanding of how important the events will be and I recommend that students come out in support.

Sincerely, Earl Lee earl.lee@drake.edu

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 JACKIE WALLENTIN, News Editor tdnews@drake.edu

JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu HOLLY WORTHY, Copy Editor holly.worthy@drake.edu

KENSIE SMITH, Features Editor tdfeatures@drake.edu

MATT MORAN, Copy Editor matthew.moran@drake.edu

MARY BESS BOLLING, Sports Editor tdsports@drake.edu

KYLE GLASER, Digital Editor tdweb@drake.edu

SARAH ANDREWS, Photo/Design Editor TYLER O’NEIL, Relays Editor tdphotos@drake.edu tyler.oneil@drake.edu PHIL KREZNOR, Business Manager tdbusiness@drake.edu

CALEB BAILEY, Ads Manager tdads@drake.edu

Dear Editor, I am writing in response Monday’s article, “Don’t play the blame game.” Why is it that the first two sentences of this article question the trustworthiness of the victim twice? The article about the burglary in Aliber Hall did not start out questioning the validity of the claim of the Drake faculty member.

Aaron Harrison asks that we not make statements such as, “the victim is never at fault” regarding sexual assault because it’s “tacky, offensive and inept” and would stall progress. The sad fact is that he is assuming a sexual assault is the victim’s fault unless a conscious effort is made to avoid this. As Aaron so adeptly and inadvertently pointed out in his first two sentences, the victim is almost always blamed and questioned in a sexual assault.

Also, of course the task force should look into the cause of rape, but ignoring how to “punish those who commit [sexual] assault,” is enabling rape to happen without consequences for the offenders. Furthermore, I find the idea that a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol would eliminate drinking is ridiculous and naive.

I think the following message is important and should be repeated as much as possible: rape is never the victim’s fault, and I for one will not tolerate victim-blaming.

Andy Johnson andrew.r.johnson@drake.edu

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.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

DON’T. MISS. THIS.

Sweet spots

PAGE 4

“Inherit the Wind” staged reading Sponsored by Engaged Citizen Experience and DUSCI, at Sheslow Auditorium, Feb. 14, 2 - 5 p.m.

for Valentine’s Day in Des Moines

by JESSICA MATTES

Staff Writer jessica.mattes@drake.edu

Need help planning a flawless Valentine’s Day? Des Moines offers activities for both young couples and singles this holiday season.

Before the big day arrives, however, the perfect gift for that special someone should be carefully purchased and enfolded in love. Not sure what your valentine craves? The basic gifts are acceptable year after year.

Every February millions of men send flowers to their wives and girlfriends. Luckily, Drake has a privately owned, highly recognized flower shop within walking distance of any dorm or nearby home.

Irene’s Flowers, located at 1151 25th St. (next to Drake Diner), receives orders over the phone and online. Even though pre-made bouquets can be found on the store website, special orders are the most common, according to owner Chris Graziano.

“Customers can call or come in, select a color or fresh mix with their set price amount,” Graziano said. “Roses are usually the most popular.”

Is the relationship not quite ready for the flower of love? There are other options. If you missed the chance to build a bear with SAB in the Olmsted Breezeway last Wednesday, Jordan Creek has a BuildA-Bear store located on the upper level. Bears average $15 to $20 depending on the outfit and style. It is a simple and personalized way to show you care.

With roses, stuffed animals and and maybe chocolate ready, the next step is a dinner reservation—and planning ahead is the best advice on this busy dining holiday. Multiple restaurants in the -Camilla Saunders Des Moines area would fit the occasion, but one stands above all others. Bistro Montage was elected the most romantic Des Moines restaurant by Urbanspoon Des Moines.

“This is the place to enjoy perfectly prepared French food,” Tom Perry said in his 2009 “Des Moines Register” article. Bistro Montage, located at 2724 Ingersoll Ave., received 4 1/2 stars from the “Register” in the summer of 2009. The exceptional presentation and exquisite table settings only begin to describe the ambiance of the restaurant. The Bistro Montage has a few reservation times available for Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, Des Moines is jam-packed with many notable restaurants.

“I’m pretty sure all the restaurants over by Jordan Creek will be busy on Valentine’s Day, but P.F. Chang’s will probably be packed,” said junior Alyssa Frakes, a Des Moines native.

Love is neither true or false, love is love.

>>MAKE THE DATE

If you’re looking for something less fancy, Mars Cafe is offering “cheap date night” specials Thursday through Sunday.

The coffee shop is offering food, drink and dessert combos ranging from $9.95 to $19.95 from 6 p.m. to close.

FLOWERS “This is a great opportunity to treat your love to a romantic night out on the town without breaking the bank,” said Irene’s Flowers owner Larry James Jr. in a press release.

1151 25th St. When the night is flourishing and options still spinning, couples may choose to spend the rest of the night in their GIFTS home, enjoying flames from the burning wood fire and Jordan Creek Town watching a romantic film with microwave fresh popcorn.

Center Others may want to check the theater for any showings.

The highly anticipated romantic comedy, “Valentine’s 101 Jordan Creek Day,” will premiere Friday. A flick for all to enjoy, it features Pkwy an all-star cast including Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, JesWest Des Moines sica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kutcher, Anne Hathaway, Eric Dane, Julia Roberts, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner and FOOD Taylor Swift.

“I’m going to see (“Valentine’s Day”) Friday with some Bistro Montage girlfriends,” said sophomore Amanda Charpentier. “I think 2724 Ingersoll Ave. it would be super cheesy to see “Valentine’s Day” on Valentine’s Day.” MOVIES Singles looking for an enjoyable group activity should Merle Hay Mall check out the coffee house performance hosted by SAB. The show will feature Jason LeVasseur Friday evening on PomerCinema antz Stage. It is sure to be a great setting to work on home3850 Merle Hay work and enjoy music.

Road, As with any year there are some who do not look forward to the loving holiday. Charpentier elaborates her opinions MUSIC about Valentine’s Day by saying the holiday is a Hallmark creation and she does not look forward to it.

Melodie Proffitt Band “I don’t get real hyped up about Valentine’s Day,” she El Bait Shop said. “My boyfriend, sophomore Luke Tourville, will be out 200 S.W. Second St. of town; we may go to dinner sometime around Valentine’s Day. On the actual day, I will be going on a date with a girl from my floor and her family,” Her ideal Valentine’s Day would include dinner and a Disney movie. Charpentier’s best Valentine’s Day memory is seeing a $2 movie with her best friend and eating junk food all day. n

>> Looking for another concert?

Who–Van Stellenberg, featuring Drake students, Stella Hart, Devin van Holsteijn and Adam Gallenberg Where–Mars Cafe When–February 12 @ 8 p.m.

Got

Love?

There’s an app for that

by KENSIE SMITH

Features Editor tdfeatures@drake.edu

The iPhone, Blackberry and Droid are attached to our ears and thumbs at all times. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, make the best of this ever-present technology. As poor college students, cards get tossed, stuffed animals get lost and chocolates are consumed within a minute—and that’s not economical. For some inexpensive ways to express the love this Sunday, U.S. Cellular recently released some tips and tricks for phone utilization.

CALL ME! Phone your valentine when you think their phone will be off and leave an epic long voicemail. Include lyrics by Celine Dion, “My Heart Will Go On,” or Stevie Wonder, “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” TXT ME! No time to call? Shorthand the love!

Its F8 – It’s fate Urs 4 Evr – Yours forever Luv U – Love you Luv U2 – Love you too Ur A QT – You’re a cutie U make me :) -You make me smile ;) – Wink U R 4 Me – You are for me APP IT UP Have an iPhone or iTouch? Download the Hershey’s “Blow a Kiss” and the “pink V-day eCard” complete with chocolate-y M&M patterns.

DON’T PICK UP What’s the main subject for almost all songs?

Download one of the many love ballads from your favorite artist, as your ringtone. Then, whenever you’re in pubic let the song play all the way though. It helps share Valentine’s Day spirit.

A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 TEXTS Can your phone take pics? Snap a (PG) photo of you in a romantic place, holding a valentine or blowing a kiss. No MySpace photos please.

SILENCE Whatever you end up doing for the day, make time for your loved ones and turn off the distractions. Make full eye contact with dates, listen to what they are saying and share your true feelings—without static inbetween. n

PAGE 5

FEATURES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

Sizzlin’ with Skillet

Grammy-nominated to open for Shinedown

by MATTHEW NELSON

Staff Writer matthew.nelson@drake.edu

Get ready to get rocked.

The hard rock band Shinedown will be playing at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines on Friday, Feb 12.

Skillet, a twice Grammy-nominated hard rock band, will be opening for Shinedown. The band is known for its mix of genres, culminating in a diverse sound that keeps their albums and music fresh.

Their most recent album, “Awake,” charted No. 2 at the Billboard Top 100, according to billboard. com. The album included the radio-friendly hits “Monster” and “Hero.”

Skillet started as a collection of different artists from different genres coming together to produce a fresh and different kind of rock music, said John Cooper, lead vocalist of Skillet.

“We were a side project of several bands,” Cooper said. “Someone said, ‘We’ll take all these members of different bands and throw ‘em together, like in a skillet, cooking something new.” Hence, the name of the band became Skillet.

“When you think of Guns n’ Roses, you think of guitar playing,” said John Cooper, lead vocalist of Skillet. “When people think of Skillet, it’s not necessarily identifiable with a certain sound.”

Cooper said the band has enjoyed touring with Shinedown. photos courtesy of WWW.STARPULSE.COM “The Shinedown guys and crew have been really nice to us, just treated us really good, with a lot of respect.” Cooper said. He added, laughing, “That doesn’t always happen. It’s been a fun tour, and I wish it could go on another four weeks.”

Skillet’s Feb. 12th show will be the third in a string of five shows in six days. Cooper isn’t concerned about getting worn out; he said the band once played 19 shows in 21 days.

“When you’re on the road, you’re ready to play,” Cooper said. “It’s about having the crowd experience. You have a job to do, you know?”

Prior to show time, Cooper usually runs a half-mile, does pushups and jump rope. He added that he absolutely has to do, “Sad, but true,” by Metallica before each show.

“That’s kind of my pre-show warm-up,” Cooper said.

If he has any qualms about opening rather than headlining, Cooper isn’t showing them.

“The thing about headlining is that people come to see you play,” he said. “For the opening band, you’re playing in front of people who for the most part may have never seen you play live before. There’s going to be some people that who have never even heard of your band… You got a chance to rock their face off, blow their minds. They’re either going to be fans of this opening act, or they’re moving on. You get the chance to do your job.”

He wants the crowd to have a positive experience.

“I want them to leave feeling better than when they came,” Cooper said. “People going through hard times, terrible things at home and in the world… whatever they may be, I want them to come to a rock show where they can get crazy, bang their head and get loud, but also feel there is hope in life.” n

>> If you’re going...

Who–Shinedown with Skillet and Puddle of Mud When–Feb. 12, Doors open at 7 p.m., Show starts at 8 p.m.

Where – Val Air Ballroom Box office tickets are sold out!

Rob Johnson:

by CORRINE.CLARK

Staff Writer corrine.clark@drake.edu

Man behind the music

Rob Johnson is a well-known figure on the Drake University campus and in the greater Des Moines area. Between his involvement with peers on campus and dedication to the music industry, Johnson has made an impact on this campus.

During his freshman year, Johnson was listening to the radio in his dorm and realized there were no stations dedicated solely to R&B/hip-hop music. Johnson, an avid hip-hop listener, thought Des Moines was in desperate need of a station that played music other than country and soft rock.

Johnson, along with fellow classmate and close friend, Kirby Webber, wrote a proposal for the jock manager at 94.1 The Dog. A few weeks later, the duo named Bad Boys aired. Johnson dedicated the first song they played, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” by Al Green, to his mother and ultimate role model, Jaunice Johnson.

Back in Chicago, Jaunice Johnson listened to – ROB JOHNSON, senior the program on the Internet and thought the name didn’t fit. Rob Johnson came up with a new name

”

My favorite part about my job is the people. I love to meet new people.

>>What’s going on?

”

campus calendar TODAY FILM

FRIDAY LECTURE

Documentary on British Rule of India sponsored by SASA

Humanities Center, Colloquium series by Nancy Berns

WHERE Olmsted Bulldog Theatre

WHERE Medbury Honors Lounge

WHEN 7 p.m - 8 p.m

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

EVENT

CONCERT Singer Jason Levasseur sponsored by SAB

“Cheap Date Night” specials and deals WHERE Mars Cafe 2318 University Ave. WHEN 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

WHERE Olmsted Pomerantz Stage WHEN 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY PARTY

Chinese New Year sponsored by MASA WHERE Morehouse Ballroom WHEN: 8 p.m - 12 a.m

PARTY ‘90s Party sponsored

by CBS WHERE Black Cultural Center 1155 28th St. WHEN: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Did you know .. .

The aff writer for both Kevin Biggins, a st leveland Show, C e Th nd a uy G Family . e J-School in 2001 th m o fr d te ua d ra g The Drake Fund

and tag line, “Young Legendz: not yet, but soon to be.”

Four years later, Young Legendz is a campus-renowned group and has grown to about 15 members. YL is not only on the radio now; the group puts on events like “Teens for Jeans” and monthly rap battles on Thursdays at 9 p.m. at local venue Sake 21.

You can catch Young Legendz on the radio every Wednesday through Saturday from 4-5 p.m. on 94.1 The Dog. You can also learn about the group and events on the Young Legendz Radio Show Facebook group.

Rob Johnson has gained experience in the music industry not only on the Drake campus, but has also worked for Des Moinesbased Atlantic Bad Boy Records as a college talent-marketing scout. As a talent scout, he travels around the state and the city area marketing music for groups signed to the label. He also looks for new people to bring to the record label. Johnson has met music figures from Slipknot and Young Jeezy to P. Diddy.

During the spring semester of his junior year, Johnson stepped back as leader of the group and had Jasmine Kelly take over as president of Young Legendz.

Johnson is still active with the group, but works more on finding photos courtesy of ROB JOHNSON connections for YL, like Bad Boy ROB JOHNSON, a senior politics major, co-founded the Records.

Although he has focused radio program YoungLegendz. on it during his college career, Johnson does not want to stay in the music industry after graduation. He is majoring in politics and hopes to get into politics in his hometown, Chicago. If Johnson does stay in the Des Moines area after school, his first goal is to be a city councilman or representative of the area.

Johnson currently serves the Des Moines Music Committee and Des Moines Music Coalition. The Committee and Coalition help to get better music and nightlife to Des Moines.

While Johnson is very involved in the music industry, he does not play any instruments. In high school, Johnson did try to play the drums, but “was not successful.” Johnson and some friends also started a disc jockey company during their freshman year called the Spirit Squad. They DJed all the school’s pep rallies and dances. The Spirit Squad is still active at his high school, Loyola Academy in Chicago.

Between politics, school, music and his social life, Rob Johnson has managed to become a campus figured that many students know and are able to say hello to. Johnson doesn’t take any of his success for granted.

“I am blessed,” he said. “That is why I volunteer every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Boys and Girls Club, because I feel tremendously blessed, and it could all go away like that.” n

SPORTS

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

FOR BREAKING SPORTS NEWS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDSPORTSNEWS

4:58.17

PAGE 6

STELLAR STATS Just .83 seconds behind first place, junior Casey McDermott’s mile time earned 3rd in Lincoln.

MEN’S TENNIS

Drake faces nationally ranked opponents

by DOMINIC JOHNSON Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu

After posting convincing wins over Northern Illinois and Memphis, the Drake men’s tennis team will take on the role of the underdog for their next matches as they face some of the strongest teams in the country.

The Bulldogs look to keep their undefeated season intact as they head to Colorado this weekend for two matches against nationally ranked Brigham Young and Denver.

“These matches are all opportunities,” Head Coach Jimmy Borendame said. “We have nothing to lose and lots to gain.”

Borendame’s squad will start the weekend off against No. 62 Brigham Young University.

BYU has six matches under its belt this season and each was a win.

“They are currently undefeated,” Borendame said. “As I research them, they seem to be a very tough opponent.”

On Sunday, the squad will take on No. 63 Denver. Denver also comes into this weekend with a 6-0 record. “(Denver Head Coach) Danny Westerman is an old friend and has really built up the Denver team,” Borendame said. “He will have his team ready to play.”

WEEKEND MATCH-UPS: Denver: No. 62 (6-0) BYU: No 63 (6-0) photo by MATT NELSON| Staff Photographer

FRESHMAN JAMES MCKIE returns with a backhand during Sunday’s match against Memphis.

The team will take on two top teams in the nation this weekend in Colorado.

Despite being the underdog in both contests, Borendame said he believes his team has the

ability to win both matches this weekend.

“I had a lot of confidence in this team to be-

WOMEN’S TENNIS

gin with, but the win over Memphis the other day increased my confidence,” Borendame said.

Against Memphis, the squad started off strong, winning two of the three doubles matches to earn the doubles point.

In singles, freshmen Jean Erasmus and James McKie were both able to come back from being down a set to win both their matches, while senior Gui Marsiglia survived a first set tiebreak to go on and destroy his opponent in the second set. Junior Mauricio Ballivian played lights-out tennis to finish his opponent off quickly in two clean sets.

“The entire team picked it up a notch,” Borendame said.

Borendame believes that his team’s confidence and fitness will play a big role if they are to get wins this weekend.

“The air is thinner, so our fitness will be tested,” Borendame said. “In addition, we will be playing with special balls due to the elevation.

We will make the necessary adjustments and be ready.”

Drake returns to the Roger Knapp Tennis Center on Feb. 24, when the Bulldogs will take on the No. 58 Iowa Hawkeyes.

“The Iowa match has been on my mind since I took this job,” Borendame said. “I am anxious to see if we can pack the Roger Knapp Tennis Center that night.” n

MEN’S GOLF

Drake swings for third in Big Four Tourney Early season injury downs Schweinefus

by SKYLAR BERGL

Staff Writer skylar.bergl@drake.edu

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

SOPHOMORE JESSICA AGUILERA extends her racket to return a ball during an early season match. The women’s tennis team will travel to Lincoln Saturday in search of a win to redeem their 0-2 season defecit.

Bulldogs hit the road to face Huskers in Lincoln

by DOMINIC JOHNSON Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu

The Drake women’s tennis team will travel to Lincoln, Neb. this weekend with one goal in mind: to reenergize after a slow start to the 2010 season.

On Saturday the Bulldogs will take on No. 56 Nebraska.

The Huskers, who have a perfect 6-0 record so far this season, will be the squad’s first nationally ranked opponent of 2010.

Nebraska has already beaten two Missouri Valley Conference teams with a 6-1 victory over Creighton and a 4-3 win over No. 74 Wichita State.

The Huskers will come into the Drake match with plenty of momentum, having beat two nationally ranked teams in the past three weeks. They are coming off an impressive 5-2 victory over Wyoming.

“I have not seen them play this year, but in the past, we have had some good competition with them,” Head Coach Urska Juric said.

On Sunday the squad will take on the Air Force Academy Falcons. Although the Falcons are not nationally ranked, they enter the weekend on a seven-game winning streak and a 7-1 record. Since losing their opening match to Colorado, the Falcons have posted dominating wins over their opponents with 6-1 and 7-0 victories.

Wyoming will play Air Force before the Bulldogs, possibly taking away their momentum by Sunday.

“They are good teams and we will have to be ready to compete this weekend,” Juric said.

Despite last weekend’s loss to the University of IllinoisChicago, Juric saw good things in her team’s performance, pointing out that the Bulldogs had opportunities to win despite UIC holding steady.

“Although we lost, I think the girls battled very hard.” Juric said. “And I am sure this match will help us get better in the long run.”

Juric has been focusing on doubles in practice this past week. In NCAA dual matches, doubles is played first by three teams composed of the top six players on each team. Winning the doubles point in each match will give the Bulldogs a confidence boost for the six singles matches that follow.

Coming into the spring campaign, the men’s golf team had seen some ups and downs.

They posted their first big win at the Nebraska Championships, but saw their best player, Cody Schweinefus, go down in the process.

Junior Cody Schweinefus sustained a back injury at that tournament, where the Bulldogs took first overall, and Schweinefus earned individual honors by posting the best overall score with a total of 207.

After Schweinefus rehabbed the injury for six weeks, he returned on two weeks of practice for their last tournament of the fall, the Husky Invitational in Texas in late October.

While the tournament was a wet and wild one, the Bulldogs managed to place eighth overall behind the play of senior Luke Joy. Joy placed ninth overall with a total score of 219 after experiencing a rain delay on the first day of play.

“We really like the progress that we had made from the last spring season into the fall season,” said Head Coach Scott Bohlender. “We posted our first tournament win in the fall, but our No. 1 player ended up hurting his back at the same time. So we had a pretty big drop from our No. 1 to our No. 6 player.”

But with a new spring campaign opening this past Saturday with Big Four match play, the Bulldogs can focus on the future with all golfers healthy.

The Bulldogs face a flurry of tournaments—four in the next five weeks—to help get them back on the right track after a three-month hiatus.

The tournament featured the four Division I college schools from the state of Iowa as they teed off at the Lone Tree Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

After falling in the first round of the tournament to the University of Iowa by a score of 6-0, the Bulldogs rebounded strong in the second round against Northern Iowa.

By a score of 4-3, the Bulldogs beat out the Panthers and sealed a third-place finish.

Behind the play of Schweinefus and senior Nick Shimon, the Bulldogs placed two golfers under total scores of 150. With scores of 75 and 72, Shimon, an Arizona native, paced the Bulldogs with a total score of 147. Schweinefus followed just one stroke behind with scores of 76 and 72 for a total of 148.

“Well, it was an early year event and I don’t think that many teams played up to their potential, to be honest,” said Bohlender, referring to earlyseason play. “We managed to keep most of our scores in the 70s but we didn’t have any really stellar play.”

Junior Brad Reierson posted rounds of 73 and 77 to round out a total score of 150 while no other Bulldog golfer scored lower than 156.

“We haven’t really seen grass in three months, so we’re trying to get back to that,” Bohlender said. “What we’re really trying to do is just make sure we keep track of all our stats as the season wears on.

Hopefully by that time we’ll be back to the state we were in early September.”

The Bulldogs return to action this weekend at the Drake Alumni Outing in Santee, Calif., followed just a few days later by the Carlton Oaks Invitational Feb. 15 and 16. n

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

DOUBLES DUO AGUILERA AND PATTERSON celebrate a point last weekend at a home dual. The pair has won both of their past two doubles matches.

Confidence will be key for this young Drake squad against the more experienced Nebraska and Air Force teams.

“In terms of confidence, I think we are getting more and more as the season goes on,” Juric said. n

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

TRACK AND FIELD

Family ties bind for track athlete Tyse Samani boasts closeknit nature on track squad

by EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA

Staff Writer eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

There’s no denying that junior Tyse Samani has become a valued member of Drake University’s athletic community. She is an important part of the women’s track and field team. Her events include jumps and hurdles.

Samani is a dedicated competitor; she’s someone who appreciates the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team. Samani embraces all the opportunities that Drake has offered her.

“I chose Drake because of its academic reputation and because of its track and field program,” Samani said. “When I graduated from high school it was a symbol of achieving one major goal in life and all the hard work that was put forth in accomplishing it. It opened a new door with opportunities and I’m happy to say that that door was Drake.”

Samani is a management major with a concentration in law who describes herself as an “easygoing” and “determined” individual.

Being able to participate in Division I track and field had always been one of the goals she strived and worked hard for.

“Track was one of my many goals in high school and I was determined to make that happen,” Samani said.

Polite, educated and well-spoken, Samani understands that through all the work and dedication, a team becomes a family.

“Track means dedication, discipline and family,” Samani said.

“You have to have dedication in order to move forward. Discipline builds confidence and character, and family is your team— always there to pick you up.”

Samani certainly values this sense of family that has been instilled on this team. She is happy to help create this unique bond with her team.

“I’m around my team nearly every day, whether it’s at practice, traveling or spending some quality time at Hubbell (Dining Hall),” Samani said. “Our team has a strong bond and I’ve always been able to keep that closeness with the majority of my teammates.”

Freshman Marissa Smith, who participates in sprints and hurdles, talked about the leadership that Samani displays.

“She’s a great mentor. She sets such a good example for the

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

JUNIOR TYSE SAMANI has led the women’s track squad with top finishes this season. Placing in the top three in the high jump at her first three meets, with a first-place finish at the Jayhawk Invitational in January. freshmen on this team,” Smith said.

Samani acknowledges missing her real-life family, however, as a native of Kansas City, Mo., she also said she misses Kansas City barbecue.

Aside from track and field, her hobbies include going to the movies and listening to good music on long car rides. Samani is also interested in traveling.

Interestingly enough, Samani is quite the volleyball player, as well.

“I played volleyball for all four years in high school. It has

always been my other passion aside from track,” Samani said.

With the season well underway, she has high hopes for herself and for the track team. Samani recently finished in a tie for first in the high jump event at the Jayhawk Invitational.

“I expect great performances from the team in general. I think we really have the skills and attitude that we need to do well this year in conference,” Samani said.

As for her future after graduation, Samani proudly intends on attending law school—something fitting for a well-rounded individual who continues to constantly challenge herself. n

MEN’S BASKETBALL

photo by EMILY TOZER| Staff Photographer

FRESHMAN GUARD KAYLA PERSON approaches the arc at the Knapp Center. Drake will have a home court advantage again Thursday against Evansville.

Drake faces chance to end losing streak

by TIM WEIDEMAN

Staff Writer tim.weideman@drake.edu

The Drake women’s basketball team will attempt to end its five-game losing streak Thursday night when they return to the Knapp Center for the first time in three games to face the University of Evansville Purple Aces at 7:05 p.m.

The Bulldogs are 11-10 on the year after losing six of their last seven contests. The team’s 4-7 conference record puts them in seventh place in the Missouri Valley conference standings.

Evansville sits in last place in the MVC with an overall record of 4-18 and a conference mark of 1-10. While the Bulldogs’ losing streak is currently the longest in the conference, the Purple Aces are struggling with a three-game skid of their own.

The Purple Aces may have come to Des Moines just in time for the Bulldogs to get back on the winning track. Despite the recent struggles, Drake’s 68.6 points per game is good for third in the MVC. The Purple Aces are last in the conference in both scoring offense and defense, totaling only 57.5 points per game and giving up 73.2 points per game.

Those numbers could translate into high point totals for Drake’s numerous scoring threats.

Evansville’s weak defense could mean Drake senior Jordann Plummer, whose 15.5 points per game leads the team, is in for a big night.

Sophomore Rachael Hackbarth, the Bulldogs’ second-leading scorer had point totals in the double-digits three straight games before being held to only nine points against Missouri State last Sunday. She will look to post closer to her 12.1 points per game average.

Junior Kristin Turk cranked out a career-high 24 points last Sunday against Missouri State and could also pose a threat to the Purple Aces. Twenty-one of her points came off 3-pointers.

Something will have to give in the match-up between Turk and her Purple Ace defenders, as Evansville boasts the MVC’s best 3-point field goal defense. The Purple Aces’ opponents are hitting only 29 percent of shots from behind the arc.

Senior Amy Gallagher leads the Purple Aces with 10.8 points per game and 32.5 minutes per game. n

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

FRESHMAN AARON HAWLEY bodies up on a Creighton defender. The Bulldogs face a turning point in their season this weekend as they travel to Terre Haute, Ind., to take on Indiana State.

Road game to determine momentum for Bulldogs

by MATT MORAN

Staff Writer matthew.moran@drake.edu

The Drake men’s basketball team will travel to Indiana State on Saturday to face the Sycamores at 1 p.m. The Bulldogs took an 11-14 overall and a 6-7 Missouri Valley record into Wednesday night’s game against No. 18 Northern Iowa.

Drake dropped a 60-46 decision to Indiana State on Jan. 3. The Sycamores used a 21-4 run to close out the game as the Bulldogs shot 2-for-11 in the final 8:51. Freshman Aaron Hawley and senior Josh Young led Drake in scoring with nine apiece. The loss sent the Bulldogs to 0-3 in the Valley.

Since then, the season has turned around. Drake became the first team in MVC history to lose the first four

conference games and win the next five.

Young became Drake’s all-time leading scorer last Saturday against Illinois State. Heading into Wednesday’s game, Young needs four 3-point baskets to become the all-time leader in 3s, and 25 free throws to become the career freethrow leader.

Young has led Drake in scoring this season, averaging 14.0 points per game. Over the last seven games he has averaged 18.4. Junior Ryan Wedel is second with 11.6 points per game.

Young is one of 10 finalists who were selected for the 2009-2010 Lowe’s Senior CLASS award in basketball. Finalists are selected based on achievements in the classroom, character, community and competition. Fans can vote for the winner online at seniorCLASSaward. com or text MBBALL to 74567. These votes, combined with those of coaches

and media, will determine the winner.

Senior Adam Templeton has played extremely well since MVC play started.

Templeton averages 10 points per game and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game, which is also good for third in the Valley.

Templeton is the conference leader in 3-point field goal percentage at 45.7 percent.

The Bulldogs lead the Valley in 3-point baskets and are 15th in the nation, averaging 8.4 per game. Drake is also fifth in the country in committing the fewest turnovers per game, averaging 10.2. Drake ranks sixth in country in free-throw percentage at 76.1 percent. n

Check out online coverage of yesterday’s game vs. UNI

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