Times-Delphic 05/03/2010

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

DES MOINES, IOWA • Monday, May 3, 2010 • VOL. 128, NO. 44 • www.timesdelphic.com

A CAMPUS IN MOURNING

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor

A MEMORIAL SERVICE was held on Saturday to mourn the death of Drake sophomore Ben Backstrom (top). President Maxwell and students spoke at the Agora (below) before moving the service to University Avenue. There, the university dedicated a tree in his honor (right). On Wednesday, Intervarsity sponsored a prayer service in the Morehouse ballroom that gave visitors the opportunity to light candles and write messages to Backstrom (right).

Memorial service held Saturday Intervarsity to honor life of Ben Backstrom hosts prayer

by JESSICA MATTES

Staff Writer jessica.mattes@drake.edu

Campus was silent on Saturday, a sign of the Drake community’s collective grief from the death of sophomore Ben Backstrom. After a morning funeral, Drake held a memorial service, allowing students to speak of personal experiences and memories associated with Backstrom.

The Rev. Ted Lyddon Hatten opened the service with a discourse on grief.

“We are currently in a thick tangle,” Lyddon Hatten said.“Welcome to the jungle. But like any jungle, don’t go in alone. No one is alone during this time of grieving.”

One of Backstrom’s closest friends, John “Ginger” Jansen, read a favorite quote of Backstrom’s at the memorial service. “’I’m the guy who specializes in R&R—resilience and resourcefulness, as well as some rest and relaxation,” Jansen read. “But give me a problem, and I will give you five solutions, ‘cause that’s the way I am.’”

Jansen considered himself a close friend of Backstrom. He spoke of many memories they had together. His final memory was sharing a cigar during the last Saturday of Relays.

“Ben came up to me and handed

service Wednesday night

me this really expensive cigar, and he said ‘This one’s for you and me, bro,’” Jansen said. “Ben would console and discuss any problem. He always had the solution. I’m really going to miss him, but he’ll live forever in our hearts.”

Following Jansen, the friends of the fourth floor of Herriott Hall, the “Penthouse,” spoke of the bonds they had formed in their first-year experience.

Residents of the floor had formed a sort of family, with some students representing mother figures, the resident assistant thought of as a father and other students as brothers and sisters. The group presented a handcrafted storybook to the Backstrom family.

Associate professor of sociology Nancy Berns read a poem she authored after the death of her first-born child.

The poem encouraged family and friends to remember Backstrom, and not to be afraid to feel joy again.

“Ben did know joy, and did celebrate life,” Berns said.

Tears flowed as students, faculty and family members moved from the Agora to the gathering at Backstrom’s tree, planted by Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall. His hat stood on a small easel nearby.

Lyddon Hatten closed the ceremony with this insight in reference to a fleeting butterfly: “Nineteen years, fleeting. I know you saw it and it was beautiful.” n

by KRISTEN SMTIH

Staff Writer kristin.smith@drake.edu

>>INVESTIGATION UPDATE Drake sophomore Ben Backstrom died from a gunshot wound, a pastor told those at Saturday’s funeral service in Wakonda Christian Church. The pastor told the congregation at the request of Backstrom’s family. Last week, state detectives and Warren County officials said that they were treating the case as a homicide, but did not have any information at that time.

Backstrom’s autopsy information will be released today. Check timesdelphic.com this afternoon for that information.

Students lit candles and shared memories Wednesday night at a vigil hosted by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in honor of Drake University sophomore Benjamin Backstrom.

Intervarsity students led the night with prayers and Bible passages as family, friends, students and faculty members filled Morehouse Ballroom in remembrance of the Ben. “We wanted to create a space for people to come and grieve,” Emily Hanson, a sophomore and member of Intervarsity said. “This is a time for the community to come together and have a chance to heal.”

Stations were set up throughout the room, including an art contemplation area, a separate room for those who wished to speak or pray with someone privately and posters on the walls where people could write down memories about Backstrom or send prayers to his family.

One prayer read, “To Ben’s family and friends, Psalm 34 says that ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; to those who are crushed in spirit.’”

Another said, “Ben’s family: Your son influenced so many people in so many ways. We will always love him.”

In the dim lighting, dozens of candles glowed brightly. People were encouraged to light a candle and say a prayer for Backstrom and his family. The candles spelled out the words ‘Faith,’ ‘Hope’ and ‘Love.’

Backstrom’s loved ones were comforted by

SEE MOREHOUSE, PAGE 2

Student Senate meets for the final time of the session Hubbell North plans presented to senators

by RACHEL KAUFFOLD

Staff Writer rachel.kauffold@drake.edu

The last meeting of the 23rd Session of Student Senate was dedicated to Sodexo, including the future of Hubbell North and meal plans, service awards and the seniors of Senate.

Dannie Crozier, General Manager of Sodexo, presented an overview of the plans for Hubbell North, which will be completely ready for operation by Welcome Weekend 2010.

This new area, which has yet to be named, will have an international menu in addition to the current Spike’s menu. It will also include various entertainments such as an Xbox, a Wii and a pool table. Crozier also said that other options include a virtual mini-golf and a jukebox with the ability to download songs from the Internet is also being considered.

Before Welcome Weekend, Sodexo will hold a soft opening for the faculty and staff that will

be on campus to make sure that everything is running smoothly before students arrive.

Finally, Crozier spoke about the changes in the meal plan options starting in the fall, par-

ticularly the block meal plans. Although the four-meals-per-day restriction will still be in place, students will simply have a running total of meals instead of starting a count again every

week. The 395-block meal plan is the equivalent of the current 21-meals-per-week plan. However, there will be two points during the semester where students can exchange meals for flex dollars, at a rate of five dollars per meal.

“We’re trying to come up with more flexibility for students’ meal plans,” Crozier said.

Senate also created a Distinguished Service Award, which, according to the motion, will go to the person who does not sit at the Senate table and has “demonstrated the greatest effort, commitment, and dedication to Student Senate.” The first recipient of this award will go to Student Body Auditor Cory Vancura.

Finally, the seniors around the table were recognized for their work in their last year on Senate, and they were given time to reflect on the year and give advice to incoming senators.

This week, the new senators will be inaugurated, and there will be one meeting of the 24th Session of Student Senate before the school year comes to a close. n

NEWS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

QUOTE of the

“

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

”

PAGE 2

Mother’s Day–an annual celebration of all the great moms in the world– requires a unique, simple gift. As students get older, the regular coupon books for a ‘free hug’ and a handprint in clay doesn’t cut it.

PAGETWO DAY SECURITY REPORTS:

—JESSICA MATTES, SEE PAGE 4

relays edition (part 1)

INDECENT EXPOSURE 2 a.m. April 18 A security officer observed a male walking on the north side of Cole Hall with his genitals hanging out. When seeing the officer he zipped his pants and began running. The officer was on bicycle and merely followed until the male petered out.

When completely exhausted, the underage-for-drinking male student said he had been drinking at a bar and ran because he knew he had done something wrong. He was asked to call someone to come and get him. His sister showed up in a cab and drove him home. The matter has been coordinated with the dean of students.

2:06 a.m. April 20 A security officer observed four males near the northwest corner of the Olmsted Center.

Two were tipping over a cement trash can and one was attempting to tip over a picnic table. When observed by the officer, they all ran. One fled north and the other three stopped near the Goodwin and Kirk Residence Hall Complex. An underage-for-drinking male student previously stopped for an alcohol violation on Aug. 23, 2009, and a male not affiliated with Drake University set the damaged trash can back in place. Both stated they had been drinking at an off-campus residence on Forest Avenue, but they couldn’t remember just where.

The third male that stopped was an underage-for-drinking male student who couldn’t remember where he was drinking either. That particular student had a fake driver’s license and it was confiscated and turned over to police for investigation. A fake driver’s license confiscated on April 18 was also turned over to police for investigation. The two fake

driver’s licenses were similar in make. The dean of students has been advised.

8:40 p.m. April 20 Security received a report of a male window peeking while walking his dog on April 19 near Crawford Residence Hall, but he could not be located at that time. A security officer observed a male and dog fitting the same description on 27th street near Olin Hall. He was observed a short time later looking in windows at Crawford Residence Hall and was stopped. Police were called and the subject was advised on trespass.

2:30 p.m. April 21 A female visitor reported she left her purse unattended between 2 and 2:05 p.m. in Cowles Library on April 21.

When she returned she advised that a 10 dollar bill was stolen from her purse. Other monies and credit cards remained in her purse. There are no suspects as no one was seen in the area by the victim or staff in the building.

9:15 p.m. April 21 Two male juveniles were seen on top of the Studio Arts Hall.

They were rounded up and advised on trespass for the Drake campus. They obviously had no business being on top of the Studio Arts Hall.

4:02 a.m. April 22 A male was seen opening a car door (CCTV) and then unlocked the front passenger door in a Drake parking lot located in the 2800 block of University Avenue. A female entered the passenger side and climbed into the back seat.

The male then climbed into the back seat. Security Officers knocked on the window and had the two replace their clothing that was no longer on their persons. The underagefor-drinking male student and a 25-year-old female not affiliated with the university were advised to move on.

5:40 p.m. April 22 A facilities staff member reported she observed a Sodexo female staff member crash into a railing with a golf cart near Meredith Hall and has

left the scene. The Sodexo staff member was found a short distance away and stated she thought everything was OK as the cart she was driving was not damaged. However, the concrete is now cracked and the railing appears to be unstable and unsafe. Facilities have been notified.

12:15 a.m. April 23 A security officer observed a female lying down in the 3100 block of Forest Avenue. The 21-year-old female not affiliated with the university had a weak pulse and had vomited on herself. Fire/rescue was called and they transported her to a local hospital.

1:17 a.m. April 23 Four males were observed on the west side of the Drake parking lot located in the 1300 block of 32nd Street. One of the males had just tossed away a joint and also stated that he and the others had been drinking at a party. He was not a Drake student and also stated he was intoxicated. He was observed to have slurred speech.

He was advised on trespass and he and the other three left the campus.

1:38 a.m. April 23 Security responded to the second floor of the Goodwin and Kirk Residence Hall Complex based on report of a theft of a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher was found, but it had been discharged in the hallway. After a few minutes the fire alarm activated. A fan was obtained to clear the air.

Upon clearing the room next to where the extinguisher had been removed; empty and full beer containers as well as empty liquor bottles were found.

One of three underage-fordrinking residents of the room returned and stated he hadn’t been around and that everyone

uses their room for parties. He then obliged to open the refrigerator where 14 beers and two partial bottles of liquor were found. The student dumped it all. A second resident returned and stated he hadn’t been there either. The third resident was not seen. The director of residence life was present during most of the ordeal.

4:40 a.m. April 23 Security responded to the Olmsted Center based on report from a staff member that he had found a student sleeping near the restrooms. The underage-for-drinking male student stood up and stated he had been at a bar located in the 2300 block of University and then went to a party somewhere at a friend’s house on University Avenue. He produced a fake Missouri driver’s license and stated that he had no other means of identification. That was not true as he produced a legitimate license and his Drake I.D. He was walked back to his residence hall and a resident assistant was advised of his condition.

The dean of students has been advised.

11:02 a.m. April 23 Security responded to 28th and Forest based on report of a male being cared for. It was determined an underage-fordrinking male student was intoxicated and giving a female a piggyback ride. He tripped and fell on his face causing a deep laceration to his forehead, a cut on the chin and scrapes under his nose. He was transported to a local hospital by a friend. The dean of students was advised.

2:05 p.m. April 23 A male staff member reported someone struck his vehicle while it was parked in the 2600 block of Clark between 5 a.m.

and 1:00 p.m. on April 23.

4:23 p.m. April 23 Security responded to the stadium based on report of an injury. It was determined a female had tripped on the west concourse and injured her ankle. Midwest Ambulance personnel treated her ankle and she refused any further attention and that her husband would take her to a hospital.

6:30 a.m. April 23 A male attendee of the Drake Relays stated two juveniles sold him two tickets for $25. When he tried to enter the stadium he was told that the tickets were no good as they had already been used. The juveniles were found and advised on trespass.

They only had 20 dollars on their persons and gave it back to the attendee. He was satisfied. The juveniles stated they thought it was a good idea to try and sell the two tickets they had found on the sidewalk.

7:09 p.m. April 23 Security responded to Ross Residence Hall based on report of a male and female being disorderly. It was determined an underage-fordrinking male student was intoxicated and having an argument with his female student girlfriend. She was upset because he was dancing with other girls at a party on 34th Street. On the way back from the party they began arguing and she punched him in the nose causing it to bleed. They were separated and told to remain in their own residence halls for the remainder of the night and to stay away from each other for the same period of time. The dean of students was advised.

Blue is Green campaign continually growing Vigil offers

chance to gather in prayer

by JACKIE WALLENTIN

News Editor jaclyn.wallentin@drake.edu

Since 1894, Drake University’s colors have been white and blue, with hundreds of current students and proud alumni sporting the signature hues. Three years ago, a new color was added to this heritage: green.

To recognize Drake’s desire to participate in environmental sustainability, President David Maxwell signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. More than 680 colleges and universities are involved across the country.

Drake launched the “Blue is Green” initiative in 2007 to bring this environmental commitment directly to campus. By creating opportunities to engage the university in sustainability efforts, Maxwell and the Sustainability Committee hope to make “going green” a permanent Drake fixture.

Junior Robb Krehbiel stood as the university’s sustainability intern, as well as the president of Drake’s Environmental Action League (DEAL), a group of students committed to protecting and preserving the environment. Krehbiel believes the “Blue is Green” initiative has been a constant source of growth since its inception.

“It is easy for many students to become quickly discouraged by what is seen as a lack of interest on the part of the administration, but from personally working with administration and facilities, I know for a fact that huge, yet simple, changes have been made and Drake is becoming a more efficient institution as a result,” Krehbiel said.

DEAL is the most active student organization with the Sustainability Committee. Members are in constant communication with the administration, faculty, staff and student body to engage the entire community in advancing the initiative.

Despite the initiative’s success, Krehbiel says that the large scope of sustainability makes fast changes difficult.

“The problem with the ‘Blue is Green’ initiative is that it is a very big problem to tackle, and these things take time,” Krehbiel said. “Big projects that are currently being looked at may not happen until every one of us have graduated, but just because it takes time does not mean it’s bad. The process is continuing.”

For over a year, DEAL, facilities and the administration collaborated about the possibility of bringing a single-steam component to campus recycling.

On Oct. 1, 2009, Drake received a grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to fund the new program. Matching funds from the university provided the rest of the necessary funds, according to Director of Facilities Mark Chambers.

FROM MOREHOUSE, PAGE 1

file photo by ERIN HOGAN | Staff Photographer

A BLANK PARK ZOO EMPLOYEE shows students exotic animals during Drake’s Environmental Action League’s ‘Earth Week’ last September.

Single-stream recycling means recycled commodities are processed together, rather than separately. Hall Executive Councils no longer sort recyclables when they collect them each week, cutting the process down from 60 minutes to 10 minutes.

“The contracted recycling company (Greenstar) comes and picks up all of the dumpsters and transports the recycled materials to a processing plant where it is thrown into a giant sorting machine,” DEAL member and sophomore Matt Jurysta said. “The machine separates all the materials into their rightful category.”

The materials are sold to private corporations to be reprocessed into new materials.

These products are sold back to Drake, which allows the single-stream process to begin again with students who are able to place the materials in recycling bins located around campus.

“The current expansion of single-stream to include recycling bins throughout campus has been great. Many students have informed me that these bins are helpful, but we need more,” Krehbiel said.

In addition, DEAL has been collaborating with Sodexo to transform the dining process to include more sustainability programs.

“We’ve been working with DEAL and their initiatives,” Dannie Crozier, general manager for Sodexo said. “In the fall, when DEAL members saw people doing sustainable acts, they

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO TDNEWS@DRAKE.EDU

were given coupons to be redeemed at our coffee shops.”

One program that Sodexo began this year aims to eliminate plastic bag usage in the dining halls. During Welcome Weekend, all incoming first-year students were given free reusable tote bags. Crozier said she hopes students will use these in place of plastic bags whenever possible.

To do their part in the “Blue is Green” initiative, Sodexo has enacted many other changes throughout the past few years including using corn-based packing in their to-go containers, buying grass-fed beef from local Iowa farmers, eliminating Styrofoam trays and using 100 percent recyclable wraps for their subs.

“The key is actually using recycling bins and taking personal responsibility. Everyone is to blame,” Crozier said. “We have to change our way of thinking. The more we can support that type of movement, the more ripple effects are seen through (the) community.”

The initiative has reached across campus, with sustainability resolutions appearing in residence halls, facilities, transportation and even energy management.

“The initiative is a formal way of acknowledging current Drake sustainability efforts while engaging the university in fostering responsible practices that support human well-being, environmental compatibility and a healthy earth for future generations,” Krehbiel said. n

strong embraces and soft music. President David Maxwell expressed how the vigil helped even those who did not know Backstrom well to begin to deal with grief.

“These kinds of gatherings allow us to take in the burdens of each other’s sadness,” Maxwell said. “Tonight just shows that he was a very special young man, and he touched people in a special way.”

In the midst of the somberness in the room, sounds of laughter could be heard as friends and family reminisced about Backstrom.

First-year Jared Hanel said he had only good memories of Backstrom, and that he was the most selfless person he had ever met.

“I’ve never met anyone so full of life,” Hanel said. “He was friends with everyone, even all the security and staff. He was wellknown in the Drake community. I really miss him.”

Hanel hoped that people saw the vigil as a celebration of life, rather than the mourning of a friend’s death.

“It shows how quickly someone can be taken away, and really how precious life is,” Hanel said. “He was always thinking of others. He went out being a hero and that thought helped me get through all of today.”

The walls were filled with similar stories.

Students wrote about their first meeting with Backstrom.

“More than anything, I remember Ben being wherever someone needed help. We miss you,” one student scribed on the memory wall.

Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari said he was glad Backstrom had been in his first-year seminar class.

“He was a terrific student, and a nice young man,” Bakari said. “I would see him around campus here and there, outside of class, and he was always pleasant and always respectful.”

Bakari said he was impressed with how the students organized the event and how everyone feels the loss of a member of the university’s small, tight community.

“The students know what they need in a time like this,” Bakari said. “They are immediately there for each other. Drake students have such a grateful heart.”

During a closing prayer, over 80 people bowed their heads in silence as they remembered the vivacious, young man that Backstrom was.

“A bright smile that will never fade,” read a memory from a poster. “You will truly be missed.” n

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

PAGE 3

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

the BUZZ

OPINIONS&EDITORIALS

Start studying for finals now; it’ll pay off.

POLITICS

Divorce vs. same-sex marriage Why is one acceptable, but the other not?

I

was on Facebook one day scrolling through my news feed and came across my friend’s status, which read, “Larry King is getting his eighth divorce, Newt Gingrich is on his third marriage and Elizabeth Taylor is possibly getting married for the ninth time. Jesse James and Tiger Woods are, well…you know. Yet the idea of same-sex marriage is what is going to destroy the institution of marriage? Really?!”

I agree with this, because if we are allowing people to marry and then divorce, why are we prohibiting certain people from being married at all? A well-known reason is the church’s opinion on same-sex marriage. I’m a religious person in the sense that I have my own faith and beliefs, and I think that everyone is entitled to his or her own belief. However, I do think that allowing divorces and not allowing same-sex marriages is somewhat hypocritical.

Some churches are against same-sex marriage because, according to the Bible, marriage is to be between a man and a woman. They believe that by allowing homosexuals to marry, it would destroy the institution of marriage. This seems a bit hypocritical to me, considering divorce seems to be a type of destruction against the institution.

If we, as a society, are going to allow heterosexual marriages to take place, even though the majority of them end after 10 years, most in divorce, then why can’t we allow the same thing for homosexuals?

If the church is going to say that allowing homosexuals to marry goes against the ideals of the Bible, then no

BRYN GOLDBERG COLUMNIST

marriage should be allowed to end in a divorce. By getting a divorce, the couple is destroying their marriage and, in a sense, the institution of marriage as a whole.

“Until death do us part” is a vow to God that the couple promises to fulfill, but if they divorce, they are breaking a promise to themselves and God.

If we, as a society, are going to allow heterosexual marriages to take place, even though the majority of them end after 10 years, most in divorce, then why can’t we allow the same thing for homosexuals?

Some churches base their reasons for being against same-sex marriages on the Bible. Now, if they are to look at the Bible for one thing, they should for all. If they are going to forbid homosexuals to marry, then they should not allow marriages to end in divorce.

I do not see how those churches can allow heterosexuals to marry, making a promise to their spouse as well as God, and then allow them to break both promises. And yet, they will not give the same respect to homosexuals who want to marry their spouse and make the same promise to God. The “Golden Rule” of the Bible, at least from how I have learned it, is to treat thy neighbor as thy self. If you are allowed to marry but tell your neighbor they may not, that is breaking the rule.

I am not saying that homosexuals would not divorce or that divorces are unnecessary. I am simply saying that if one person is allowed to divorce while another cannot even marry, then that is hypocrisy.

Goldberg is a first-year public relations major and can be contacted at bryn.goldberg@drake.edu.

STORIES FROM THE DORM

Just get up and go Explore random experiences to help enjoy life

L

ast Saturday night, my friend Jeff and I were talking about how we have always had this urge to just get up and go off somewhere, explore the country or world, forget about everything and just live our life with no pressures.

As soon as we said that we had a silent moment, we looked at each other and said, “Do you want to just go driving for a bit?”

We walked to his 2002 GMC Sonoma, never mind that it was 2:30 in the morning. Earlier I had told Jeff I never smoked a cigar so he decided tonight was going to be the “night of firsts.”

Our first stop: Kum ‘n Go. After we picked up the cigars, we started driving down University Avenue, not knowing where we would end up. We eventually decided that downtown would be a good option.

With the w i n d ow s rolled down, smoking cigars and listening to Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister,” I could tell it was going to be a wonderful night.

We took the exit for downtown Des Moines and took in the city. We took a left turn onto Locust Street; straight ahead was the capitol building.

This is when we decided that we wanted to eat on the capitol building.

We questioned its legality, but after a thorough Google search, we realized there are no laws declaring when a person cannot be on the

building grounds.

After being scared from So off we went in search the potential zombies, we got of a place to eat. Since it was our Lunchables and headed so late, our luck was slim. back to the Capitol. We soon We followed a road having arrived there, sat down on no idea where it would lead the steps and looked out to us. We passed a Quizno’s, see the beautiful skyline of QuikTrip and a McDonald’s, Des Moines staring back at REBECCA MATALONI but we figured the French us. fries would be gone by the Nothing can describe COLUMNIST time we made it back to the how wonderful the night capitol. We wanted to find a had become. There we were, Wendy’s because neither of eating our lunchables on the us had been there, which would continue our steps of the Iowa State Capitol at 3 a.m., looktheme of firsts, but we couldn’t find one any- ing over the city of Des Moines. where.

The weather was getting a bit chilly, so We decided to travel a little further, which when we finished was an awesome idea. Lo and behold, we spotted a Hy-Vee on the left side of the road.

Next came the hard part: debating what food to get. I recommended Lunchables. It just felt right since it was the first time I eaten Lunchable since the third grade.

Upon entering the store, we did not see human existence until the fourth aisle. If you have ever seen the movie “Zombieland,” we felt like we were in it. The two people we eventually saw did not move as we walked past and had a deep gaze on their face. We walked past the same aisle within three minutes and the people were in the same position. Talk about strange.

our picnic, we decided maybe it was time to head back to Drake. During the drive back, we were determined to have the song on the radio be a final closer for our epic night.

Nothing was on. It was either orchestra or Justin Bieber. I’d take the first over the latter. Just as we began crossing Cottage Grove Avenue, Billy Joel saved the day.

After having this inspiring experience with Jeff, I have realized that I need to enjoy life to its fullest. Why waste time worrying over something so small, when in 10 years it won’t matter?

Take risks, be brave and do something that has meaning. Enjoy what the world has to offer.

Mataloni is a first-year news/Internet and music major and can be contacted at rebecca.mataloni@drake.edu.

Why waste time worrying over something so small, when in 10 years it won’t matter?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR The story about the Step Show was great, but the Young Legendz Radio Show was the reason why the step show happened. They were the team that got all the step groups the performers and the DJ. I’m just wondering why they were not mentioned in the article at all and they were the people who did all the work. CBS only paid for the host Cocoa Brown, NPHC only paid for the DJ, DJ Commando and Drake University only gave us Sheslow. Everything was planned, organized and put together by YL and I don’t think that is fair to not have them mentioned at all.

Rob Johnson robert.johnson@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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURES

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

FEATURES

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

DON’T. MISS. THIS.

Make a memorable

PAGE 4

Tie dye fundraiser for homeless youth, in memory of Ben Backstrom, in Goodwin-Kirk courtyard from 2 p.m.–6 p.m., $1, includes T-shirt, rubber bands and dye.

Save the date this Sunday

Mother’s Day

Just because you live away from home now doesn’t give you any excuse to forget

Fashion-forward Fashionable moms enjoy shopping whether it is for themselves or their children. Pick up something she will look fierce in and ask a local shopper of the same build to try it on. If they like the fit, it’s a win.

Every Drake student’s mother should be equipped with the ‘Drake Mom’ Tshirt. Luckily, Drake Bookstore is fully stocked with family attire as well as Drake Relays apparel and decor.

by JESSICA MATTES

Staff Writer jessica.mattes@drake.edu

Caffeine Queens

Mother’s Day—an annual celebration of all the great moms in the world—requires a unique, simple gift. As students get older, the regular coupon books for a “free hug” and a handprint in clay don’t cut it anymore.

As college students, parents realize the current financial situation most students are facing; simplicity is key in these struggling times.

Walgreens, Target and the Drake Bookstore are hot spot shopping stops when searching for the one fabulous gift for this Mother’s Day.

Cuisine Connoisseur

Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, $29.99 at Amazon.com

Craving a home-cooked meal from mom’s kitchen? Pick up a cookbook with endless recipe options and tag a favorite recipe with a family photo. Buy the ingredients together at the downtown Farmer’s Market. It’ll be bonding time and you’ll get healthy, fresh products for a good price. Luckily for you, she’ll know instantly what to make the first night of summer break.

Drake coffee mug, $10.99 at University Bookstore

Coffee mugs in bulldog blue come at a low price for a mother’s everyday use. Consider buying two — one for home and one for the office.

Barnes and Noble, Starbucks and Caribou Coffee are always selling mugs and coffee cups. Pick one up and stuff a gift card in. Add a little confetti, which always makes a gift seem larger than it is.

Cafes and grocery stores are also promoting new, improved flavors, like local coffee haunt, Smokey Row’s Snickerdoodle brew. Organic and natural food stores offer a great selection of free trade, pesticide-free coffees. Try picking a new, bold flavor and her original favorite for more morning options.

Active & Athletic

Busy Bees For on-the-go soccer moms, comfort is important. Check her shoe size and see the sale section of online shoe retailers. The popular Asics running shoe brand can be found at all shoe stores and shipped directly home. Tom’s Shoes are popular, boat shoes that are also stylish, comfortable and will go with almost any outfit that gets thrown on in a rush. Don’t, however, do the step-ntone shoes, she could be taken the wrong way.

Drake Mom sweatshirt, $36.99 at University Bookstore

Saucony Women’s Grid Cohesion 3 Sport Shoe, $44.99 at scheelssport.com

Sporty moms can stay stylish, even while working up a sweat, in gear that helps a workout in every kind of weather. Whether she jogs around the block or trains for marathons, a wide selection of Nike Dri-fit, Under Armour ColdGear and North Face running tops will make her often-limited exercise time more efficient. If she’s into yoga, bright colored mats, water bottles and organic cotton pants will help her find that little piece of peace in her day.

Deluxe classic yoga mat, $19.99 at yoga.com

StudentAlumni Association All that and a tray of desserts

by KENSIE SMITH

Features Editor tdfeatures@drake.edu

The music was blasting and desserts were going fast as future alumni milled around the Olmsted patio last Wednesday. The Student Alumni Association (SAA) launched its first event in an effort to attract members for next year.

SAA is a new organization that will promote connections between alumni and current students through networking events. The group is run by a group of eight student alumni ambassadors—a group of, by and for the students.

For a $25 membership fee students will receive a SAA T-shirt, logo-emblazed glass and an automatic invitation to all events.

Members will have the opportunity to attend events such as a formal alumni dinner, philanthropy event and a downtown Des Moines networking function. They will also receive free tickets to one of the biggest basketball games of the season.

Plenty of students signed up for more information, snacked on cheesecake and parfaits and chatted with some of the student alumni ambassadors.

The location was the perfect setting for attracting interest and, Amelia Meith, a junior education major, said the event turned out to be a great success.

“A lot of people stopped by,” Meith, a student alumni ambassador, said. “It was good to have the opportunity to connect before the group kicks off events in the fall.”

The student alumni ambassadors are employed by the Office of Alumni and Development and work in different areas of connecting the university with graduates.

Meith said SAA will be presented at first-year orientation sessions and will have a booth at the fall activities fair.

Helping with the direction of the group is Jonathan Brendemuehl, assistant director of alumni and parent relations.

The 2008 Drake school of journalism and mass communications graduate said the group is displacing Future Alumni

Network club, which ended in 2009. The club ended mainly due to a lack of clear goals and involvement.

“We took this year to plan things out,” Brendemuehl said. “We did a lot of research and planning and based it off of some similar, model programs around the country.”

Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa both have active student alumni groups. ISU has the largest SAA in the nation, with over 5,000 student members. The cyclone club boasts discounts on everything from Coldstone Creamery ice cream to copies at the UPS store, from a huge number of restaurants, clothing stores and online vendors.

The group’s main goal to form and maintain connections is similar to initiatives at Creighton and University of Florida.

Students milled about at the launch event including senior business major, Kyle Lewandowski, an economics and management double major, who will join the ranks of alumni after graduation said he was enthusiastic to see a group get started to help keep the ties to the university strong.”

“I’m excited to see everyone come out,” Lewandowski said. “People seem excited, and it’s not just for the desserts.”

To help gain publicity, the Alumni Office-sponsored a reception for SAA at Mars Café on April 15. The event featured complimentary coffee drinks and a gift. It was a taste of potential free gifts that could be included in membership.

Potential members aired their enthusiasm about the group.

“I’m definitely interested,” Alex Hendzel, a first-year pre-pharmacy major, said.

“I think it’s good any time a new organization comes to campus and can attract interest.”

Look for SAA active on-campus next year. The group hopes to inspire a life-long passion of the history and hopefulness of Drake. n

P PAGE 5

FEATURES

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

eriphery

>> Get your read on

Literary journal launches with a new perspective on writing and art

by JESSICA MATTES

Staff Writer jessica.mattes@drake.edu

Mars Café hosted students, faculty and fans Thursday for the Periphery Journal launch party.

This year, the student-produced volume consisted of 12 poetry selections, seven fiction, four nonfiction short stories and nine art selections.

Senior Chelsea Hicks, editor-in-chief of the Periphery journal was impressed with the turnout for their event.

“The event went wonderfully well, great attendance,” Hicks said.

“A lot of people published came out to read and families and friends came to support them.”

The number of entries the submitted by students of all majors was even more impressive.

“We received a record number of submissions this year,” Hicks said. “Over 150 pieces of work were considered for publication.”

Submissions came from students of all majors and classes.

Sophomore physics major Matt Nelson had two pieces selected for publication. Nelson’s short story “The Wolfhound” and poem “Alive” were also selected as award-winning pieces in this year’s journal. “’The Wolfhound’ was the product of a short story class with Professor Timothy Bascom my freshman year,” Nelson said. “Our final assignment was a 10-page short story about anything we wanted, as long as it incorporated ideas we had talked about in class.

“Originally, the story was about a guy running who got bit by a dog, but while I was writing this I kept asking why? Why is he running? Eventually the story emerged from itself and continued emerging.”

Nelson and others chose to read their stories out loud on the

slightly elevated stage in Mars Café. Kristin Thomas’s story, “How to be His Little Sister,” had a powerful effect on the audience. She said the tale, which described the death of her brother, “broke my parents’ hearts for the second time.”

Tears streamed in all directions as Thomas struggled through portions of her emotionally charged tale.

Writers felt honored to present their work to fellow classmates and excited listeners. Comparably, the Periphery staff was equally as honored to present the work they had critiqued and published.

“I think it’s an honor to publish their work and an honor for students to have an opportunity to get their work published,” Hicks said.

In the upcoming year, freshman Mariah Marconi will take the reins as editor-in-chief of Periphery 48.

“She’ll definitely be needing editors next year,” Hicks said. “If people want to get involved and would like a position on staff, they should contact her.”

Artists and writers on campus, no matter the major, can send in art or written pieces for consideration for next year’s journal.

Copies of Periphery are available around campus or online at www.peripheryjournal.com. n

>Think magazine The senior magazine and news/Internet majors capstone publication delves into issues about the mentally ill, pollution and Afghanistan. It’s for anyone interested in the sections of home, heartland, nation and world topics.

For more content, click to www.thinkdsm.com

>DUiN The Drake University Independent Newspaper offers a satirical publication about social issues like how to deal with women, bad pick-up lines and regrets about college. It’s for anyone looking for a quick laugh and funny photos.

>> Quick-reads If you like these quick blurbs, pick up the grey-covered Periphery journal.

Obstetrician Gynecologist: in search for his Pot of Gold

Take a break from reading textbooks and pick up these new publications by and for students.

To comment likes and dislikes, e-mail duin@drake.edu

The Wolfhound

by Matt Nelson, page 53 I awoke when the sky had been colored a light tinge of pink. My sister Donna had already awoke, and sat at the kitchen table, wearing her small eyeglasses and Cinderella pajamas, pretending to read the National Geographic and actually sipping at a cup of coffee.

by Kelly Lawler, page 20

My Scarlet Freedom

Hello, I’m not Mr. Incredible, I’m Dr. Incredible.

Somebody’s trying to kill me!

He wrote on a twenty-dollar bill, and taped it to the foyer mirror.

An astute Andrew Jackson in a though bubble said, Kelly, kick some ass today at the speech tournament!

I spent 26 months, three weeks, and four days in federal custody.

I’m not bitter about my punishment. I guess I’m one of the few felons who actually think their punishment fit the crime. At the age of 20, I was convicted for the possession of an unregistered firearm.

by Kevin Clark, page 65

>Drake magazine The newest edition of the publication highlights articles about campus and generational topics. Read about new technology, music and forms of feminism.

Also, check out how to live to age 100. Read if you like other magazines like GQ or Glamour.

For more content, click to www.drakemagazine.com

ARTS. LIVING. GAMING. MOVIES. MUSIC. WEEKEND.

GAME: Just Cause 2 | VERDICT:

For kicks and giggles Mission game mixes elements to “suspend disbelief”

by JAMES VANECHAUTE

Staff Writer james.vanechaute@drake.edu

photo courtesty of PLATFORMNATION.COM

JUST CAUSE 2, features protagonist Rico Rodriguez as he jumps out of helicopters, parachutes and drives huge Hummer off-roaders. The game will set you in the middle of missions as your character refuses to give up.

>>What’s going on?

campus calendar TODAY EXHIBITION

Four senior thesis works in sculpture, painting, drawing and graphic design WHERE Anderson Gallery, Fine Arts Center WHEN 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

SHOW

TUESDAY BAND

Owl City, tickets $25 WHERE Val Air Ballroom 301 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines WHEN: 7 p.m.

CONCERT

Chris Pureka, acoustic artist $10 in advance, $12 day of show

Turner Jazz Concert performance by Drake Jazz I

WHERE WHERE Vaudeville Mews Olmsted Pomerantz 212 Fourth St. Stage WHEN WHEN 6:30- 8p.m.

7 p.m. p.m.

WHERE Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts WHERE Center Sheslow Auditorium WHEN WHEN 5:15 p.m.p.m. -9:30 6:15p.m. p.m.

7:30

WEDNESDAY RECITAL

Strings Studio performance, free admission WHERE Sheslow Auditorium WHEN: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

SHOW

Idols In Concert, Katelyn Epperly & Lilly Scott, tickets $8 WHERE Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar 5485 Mills Civic Pkwy WestWHEN: Des Moines 7 p.m.

- 8:30 p.m.

WHEN 8 p.m.

Those getting tired of linear games with Mission A that has to lead to Mission B could just cut loose with “Just Cause 2.”

This sandbox-style epic, developed by Avalanche Studios and Eidos Interactive, puts you back in the control of Rico Rodriguez. Rico’s new mission is to travel to the fictional island of Panau and overthrow the oppressive leader, Pandak “Baby” Working with the three main anti-government factions: the Ular Boys, the Reapers and the Roaches, gamers must instill chaos across the island and weaken the government’s hold.

Players can advance the storyline by completing Agency missions, or they can simply open other areas of the island through faction missions.

Things aren’t as simple as they seem, however, and a conspiracy and international power struggle over Panau’s precious oil fields explodes, leaving players with the choice to determine who will remain in power once the smoke clears.

“Just Cause 2” is a healthy blend of great game elements; the scenery is lush, vibrant and extremely realistic. Watching the sun set over the mountains or the glistening of water in the bays really looks like it would on an exotic island. There isn’t a single portion of land players can’t access through the plethora of vehicles, including cars, planes, helicopters or boats.

Rico’s grappling hook and parachute really set the game apart from others in the genre. The hook allows players to reach any point, high or low, rapidly; combine this grapple effect with a never-ending supply of parachutes, and you can slingshot yourself anywhere on the island.

Here is where the game parts with its thus far realistic tone. Rico can never run out of parachutes, and the physics of the game are a little skewed. If you happen to fall off of a cliff, Rico

>> Looking for

more games to play over summer vacation?

instantly hits terminal velocity and goes “flying squirrel,” gliding freely without the parachute.

Hit the grapple button, and Rico pulls himself rapidly to Earth, sustaining no damage.

In general, a fall from almost any distance will not be fatal. Even plunging a car headfirst into a valley will result in little more than a dent to your health. Whereas other games like “Call of Duty” or “Grand Theft Auto” try to keep things realistic, “Just Cause 2” allows for a temporary suspension of disbelief. Whether it be multiple gunshot wounds, standing on top of grenade blasts, being hit by a car or staying underwater for 12 hours, Rico just does not die.

The artificial intelligence is also not too bright, even on the hardest setting, so there is never a mission where a player might find himself overwhelmed. There is a challenge, but the game lacks the killer-instinct AI that can make a game difficult.

Most people will say that the lax AI, unrealistic physics and low-difficulty make the game a poor choice, but they are actually what make “Just Cause 2” so fun. It takes itself seriously, but only to a point. When it comes to just having a good time, cutting loose and exploring/destroying an island, “Just Cause 2” reigns supreme.

The lapse of reality and physics doesn’t detract from the game — it adds to it.

“Just Cause 2” mixes a realistic setting and premise with a ridiculous, straight-from-anaction-flick feel. The plot is weak and the voice acting is sub-par, but that’s not the point. The focus is the gameplay and extremely sophisticated sandbox engine. The missions are designed to showcase the different aspects of the system and let the user have a lot of free-roaming fun without completely letting them off the chain.

Gamers looking for structure and plot will find a decent attempt, and the fun-loving adrenaline junkies will find more than ample room to have a great time with no strings attached. n

Lost Planet 2

Xbox 360, PS3—release date May 11

Prince of Persia

Xbox 360, Wii, PS3—release date May 18

Alpha Protocol

Xbox 360, PS3—release date June 1

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

SPORTS

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

FOR BREAKING SPORTS NEWS WWW.TWITTER.COM/TDSPORTSNEWS

14

PAGE 6

STELLAR STATS

The number of strokes that kept the women’s golf team from the top spot during the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

MEN’S GOLF

WOMEN’S GOLF

Drake pulls through for strong MVC final tourney

Season swings to a close Drake brings home second-place finish, top individual honors

by EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA

Staff Writer eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

by EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA

Staff Writer eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

Drake’s men golf squad was able to bring back a respectable fourth-place finish at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. Injuries and inconsistency have marred a season full of ups and down for the Bulldogs, who finished with a final score of 949, 27 strokes behind three-time consecutive champion Wichita State.

“It was a pretty good finish based on what we’ve been through,” said head coach Scott Bohlender. “We were not consistent and we had some injuries throughout the year.”

Bohlender was content with the way the team fought back after a rough first round.

The bulldogs tallied a 333 in the first round, before bouncing back with a 313 and a final round of 303.

“We gave them a big lead, but we came back and beat a lot of schools,” Bohlender said. “We came as close as we can after giving a huge lead.”

For the Bulldogs it was junior Brad Reierson leading the way this time. Reierson concluded the tournament with a final score of 227 in the 54-hole tournament, good enough to place him tied for second in the individual honors podium.

There is still a lot to look forward to for next season. Drake will return most of its top players and will hope that the struggles they have faced this season will help them succeed in years to come.

“We should have a very good year,” Bohlender said. “In two or three years we will be able to compete in the national stage.” n

Led by senior sensation Olivia Lansing, the women’s golf squad closed out a successful season with a secondplace finish at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament that took place at the Rolling Hills Country Club.

Drake finished with a combined score of 923, falling behind by 14 strokes to Illinois State. With the victory Illinois State earned the automatic bid to participate in the NCAA Tournament, an honor that has never been accomplished by the Bulldogs.

“I felt really good about the progress we made,” said head coach Scott Bohlender. “We gave them a pretty good run; we were trying to nip a program that has been on top the last few years.”

Lansing took home top medalist honors for the second time in her career. She finished with a final score of 219 to win the individual MVC title. In addition to that, Lansing was selected to her third straight All-MVC conference team and was selected by the NCAA Women’s Golf Committee to participate in the NCAA Regionals.

“She has been outstanding this season,” Bohlender said.

The success enjoyed by the women’s squad this year has to be directly attributed to their distinguished seniors.

Drake’s four seniors, Elena Vukmir, Amanda Vogt, Kelly Godwin and Lansing were able to lead an experienced squad and almost take home the MVC crown.

“This was the year we were gunning for with our first graduating class,” Bohlender said. “We will be re-starting next year but we really made great strides.”

Assistant Coach Leanne Smith mentioned earlier in the year that the team’s goals were “to improve every round and win the conference championship.” Well, after watching how close the women’s squad came this year, the future sure looks promising. n

>>WOMEN’S MISSOURI VALLEY TOURNAMENT RESULTS

>>MEN’S MISSOURI VALLEY TOURNAMENT RESULTS

First T-15th T-18th T-21st

Brad Reiserson, 227 Ben Freeman 235 Luke Joy, 242 Jared Gustafson, 245

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

SENIOR OLIVIA LANSING follows through, earning the top score in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. After a strong senior year in both conference and tournament play, Lansing garnered an invite for the NCAA Regionals.

DRAKE ATHLETICS

First T-15th T-18th T-21st

Olivia Lansing, 214 Elena Vukmir, 236 Amanda Vogt, 238 Michelle Mathwick, 239

CREW

Non-scholarship sports still recruit top athletes Drake brings in student-athletes who make studies a top priority

by SKYLAR BERGL

Staff Writer skylar.bergl@drake.edu

They can make or break a prospective student’s decision to attend institutions based upon how much they receive. College scholarships affect many who pick and choose colleges based on academics and, more importantly, affordability.

Student-athletes must face similar choices as non-athletes when it comes to choosing a college. When powerhouse colleges such as Ohio State, USC and Florida look for athletes, however, they have more resources to work with, including scholarship funds, huge alumni donations and stellar reputations.

Drake University has those too, but not every campus athletic program has the same amount of athlete-drawing resources.

The football and crew programs in particular are non-scholarship specific programs. So what’s the appeal? How do these programs go about finding true student-athletes who want school and sport in the same situation?

Head Football Coach Chris Creighton has a simple answer.

“We want the same students who are coming to Drake normally, not just for sports,” Creighton said. “The fact is, whether or not you’re getting scholarships, Drake is a great opportunity. The students who value education want the best of both worlds; they are the people who we want here at Drake and in our program.”

Before coming to Drake in 2007, Creighton had always been in a scholarship-offering program. He said a non-scholarship situation isn’t much different, but said he prefers the attitudes non-scholarship athletes bring to the table.

“One of the biggest benefits of being nonscholarship is that our athletes are more passionate about the sport,” Creighton said. “If they want to stop, they walk away, and we avoid having potential cancers within the team.”

The recruiting process remains different as well, but can easily be translated from a scholarship-offering program. Essentially, the recruiting process proceeds as if visits were scholarships. The football program can only offer a set number of official visits (56) and thus must make it worth the time of the prospective student.

The fact remains, however, that the students coming to Drake interested in a sport are also the ones getting scholarships from other programs. Twenty-three of the 34 freshmen on the football team turned down scholarships from other football programs.

Head Crew Coach Charlie DiSilvestro said that a lot of the interest for Drake’s crew program comes from students who simply want to try the sport out for the first time.

“If they haven’t rowed in high school, then they get to go through our ‘Learn to Row’ program,” DiSilvestro said. “It happens basically during a try-out period where we teach them how to row if they’ve never done so.”

With so many different classifications within crew, it works out that everyone on the team gets to race. There are no separate traveling and non-traveling teams; they all travel.

Retaining athletes in crew is similar to many other programs.

“It’s difficult to be a rower due to the physicality of it,” DiSilvestro said. “It’s pretty much on par with swimming or distance running with how much they train. So, if they don’t enjoy that kind of effort, then they tend not to stay with it. Grades play a role as well. With so much time committed to crew, grades can fall, and if they do, they can cause athletes to leave.”

Although prospective students face a hard choice between schools and not receiving money for athleticism can be a drawback, Creighton doesn’t complain.

“We see our non-scholarship status as a positive,” Creighton said. “Our athletes represent Drake at a high level, and not just for scholarship money.” n

GREAT PLAINS ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE Open Four A Varsity Eight A Open Four B Novice Eight Novice Four

photo by KYLE GLASER| Digital Editor

Drake finished with three total first-place honors and two second-place honors at the Great Plains Rowing Championships, fairing well in all contests.

Positions for next year’s TimesDelphic staff editors now available: Managing/News Sports Features/Opinion Relays Photography

Web/Digital Web Assistant Graphics Design (2) Ads Manager

Applications are due May 4 by 5 p.m.

Interviews will take place May 5-8. Submit a cover letter and resume to elizabeth.pine@ drake.edu. Contact Lizzie Pine for questions.

PAGE 7

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Ice sport approved in time for summer Student gets senate’s goahead to bring official curling club to Drake

by MORGAN WOODROW Staff Writer morgan.woodrow@drake.edu

Curling has been a longtime entertaining and competitive sport that was inaugurated into the Olympics in 1998. Evoking thoughts of ice and snow, the sport has gained popularity in the northern states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Now, it’s begun to make its mark on the Midwest, at Drake.

John Maher, a Wisconsin native and first-year pharmacy student, knew that there was something missing around campus when he arrived in August.

“I curled in high school and I loved it,” Maher said, “But when I came to Drake, I realized that nothing really fit that niche. I wanted to continue with curling and I really thought it would help the Drake community by exposing other people to the sport.”

Maher has been working with the Student Life Committee at Drake for the past few months to register a curling team on the Drake campus.

Curling is a sport played on a long span of ice with a target on the far end surface. A curling team is made of four players. One player begins at the top of the ice and pushes off of a “hack,” which is similar to a starting block in track, to slide down the ice while pushing a smooth-bottomed stone.

When the player releases the stone, the stone will start to curl—hence the name—down the ice. Two players follow the stone down the ice and sweep in front of the stone to manipulate its curling direction. The fourth player stands near the target and shouts out orders to the sweepers about speed and direction; this player is in charge of the strategy of each curl.

The strategy of curling is to get the stone in position to block an opponent’s shot, to take out an opponent’s shot, which is done by hitting another stone and deflecting it off the ice, or to get it as close as possible to the target. The winning team is awarded one point for every stone closer to the target than their opponent’s stones.

To register the curling club, Maher first submitted an organization registration form to Assistant Dean of Students Melissa Sturm-Smith. Since submitting that form, Maher has gained temporary registration.

Student Body President-Elect Samantha Haas, one of Drake’s senators-at-large and the chair of the Student Life Committee, explained the following steps after gaining temporary registration status.

“During this time, the group is responsible for submitting a constitution and then the group leadership must come before the Student Life Committee and tell the committee why they should be approved as a Drake Student Organization,” Haas said.

Maher has been preparing for each step of the process ahead of him. A common concern with a new organization is the finan-

AP photo

DANISH CURLERS practice the originally Scottish sport in their home country’s uniform. Drake’s curling club is expected to begin playing by next spring. cial aspect. The main concern is whether there would be a particMaher has already gained approval of those criteria from the ipation fee for any students interested in joining the curling team. Student Life Committee. Next, Maher convinced Student Senate “I’m hoping there won’t be a fee to curl,” Maher said. “If of the curling club’s eligibility as an official organization. there is one, I’m hoping it will be minimal. Eventually, I hope that “If approved by a majority vote of the whole of Senate, the the curling team will have sponsors to donate and cover student group is eligible for all privileges any other official group is, Haas costs.” said.

Thankfully, Maher has already eliminated one cost.

The mailbox in the Student Life Center, ability to apply for “I’ve already been able to find brooms to be donated, and I’m annual funding and access to meeting places are some of those only hoping that the Student Senate will help pay for the stones privileges Haas spoke of. and ice time,” Maher said.

Maher has been confident about his registration process, and Maher has talked with the local ice arena in Des Moines, Met- he has become more exhilarated as the curling club approaches ro Ice, and they are enthusiastic to accommodate regular curling its final step in the process. practice with the new Drake team.

“I’m quite sure it will be a success,” Maher said. “The people Haas explained that along with considering the financial as- helping me found it have very good leadership skills and there’s pects of registration, Student Senate deliberates other subjects a lot of enthusiasm. There really is a lot of interest here on camsuch as the group’s function at Drake, the benefits the group will pus.” bring to campus, effective involvement in the organization and Student Senate voted in favor of Maher and the curling club. the group’s ability to uphold itself in the future, among other He hopes to have the club functioning by next year’s spring sethings. mester. n

CLUB SPOTLIGHT

Bulldogs split weekend road games against Purple Aces

TRACK & FIELD

photo by NICOLE BRAUNSDORF| Staff Photographer

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

JUNIOR BRYNNE DORDEL focuses mid-pitch in an early-season home game. Dordel’s record is now 15-7 this season.

by MATT MORAN

Copy Editor matthew.moran@drake.edu

The Drake softball team traveled to Evansville, Ind., to take on the Evansville Purple Aces on Saturday, and went 1-1. The Bulldogs dropped the opener 5-4, but bounced back to take the nightcap, 1-0.

The top of the lineup did all of the offensive damage in game one. Senior Elena Leon launched her 10th home run of the season and the 33rd of her career. The shot extended her school record of career home runs.

Leon combined with the second and third hitters in the lineup, senior Kelsey Kahler and junior Erin Mollohan, to go 5-for-10 and score all of Drake’s four runs.

Trailing 5-2 in the fifth, sophomore Torey Craddock rocked a two-run double to drive in Kahler and Mollohan to cut the lead to one. Evansville clung to a one-run lead and held on for the finish.

Craddock’s double was the only one for the Drake lineup outside of the top three hitters.

Junior Brynne Dordel struggled on the mound, allowing seven hits and four earned runs. However, she managed to last the entire game and settled down late to give the Bulldogs a chance. The Drake offense could not muster up a comeback, and Dordel’s record dropped to 15-7 on the year.

Junior pitcher Jenna DeLong was brilliant in game two, tossing a complete game shutout while allowing four hits and striking out six to move to 15-9 on the season.

DeLong aided her own cause by scoring the game’s only run.

She drew a leadoff walk in the fifth inning, and junior Molly McClelland came through with an RBI double. It was one of three Drake hits on the game.

The Bulldogs moved to 30-17 on the year and 11-10 in the Missouri Valley. Drake sits in a three-way tie for fourth with Northern Iowa and Missouri State. The battle for first is boiling down to

IOWA MUSCO INVITE RESULTS WOMEN’S Nicole Braunsdorf, 3rd in 1,500-meter run Casey McDernott, 3rd in 3,000-meter steeple chase Deidra Dirth, 2nd in Discus Courtney Heinz, 4th in 3,000-m steeple chase Cambria Pardner, 2nd in triple jump Tyse Samani, 4th in high jump Sarah Yeager, 3rd in 1,500-meter run Marissa Smith, 5th in 100-meter hurdles Ari Curtis, 6th in 100-meter hurdles

photo by SARAH ANDREWS| Photo/Design Editor

DRAKE SOFTBALL has relied on its top offensive threats in the last few games, with all of game one’s runs coming from the team’s top three batters.

Southern Illinois, Illinois State and Creighton. The Salukis are 17-4 and lead the Redbirds by one-half game in the standings.

The Bluejays are in the third at 15-6.

Drake finishes the regular season this week with a doubleheader against Kansas on Wednesday and a three-game set against Southern Illinois this weekend. All five games are at home. n

MEN’S Jeff Grassmeyer, 4th in 1,500-meter run Shaun James, 5th in 100-meter dash 7th in 200-meter dash Josh Bangert, 6th in 100-meter dash Dan Karys, 3rd in triple jump Kevin Harp, 5th in javelin

SPECIAL SPECIAL

THE TIMES-DELPHIC ELPHIC

around

DSM

MONDAY , MAY 3, 2010 MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010

PAGE PAGE 8 8

Trendy cafe in Beaverdale aims to reinvent the lunch hour

Hollow: IfSleepy you’re in the mood for a quick, casual lunch, Flarah’s offers a delicious option. Owner Erin making Van Dorin started winter the business 10fun years ago making cheesecakes out of her home for friends. Since then, she’s expanded her venue and menu. She’s most famous for her chicken salad (she recommends having it on the puff pastry) and cheesecakes, but her soups, salads and quiche are all well worth a taste.

For more information, visit flarahs.com, or try it out yourself at 2815 Beaver Ave.

by SARAH ANDREWS Photo/Design Editor tdphotos@drake.edu

Although the snow is finally melting, take one last winter adventure at Sleepy Hollow Sports park before it closes (weather permitting).

Activites at Sleepy Hollow range from advanced ski and snowboard runs to snow tubing or the new Zipfy sled. For those that want to try something new, free ski and

board lessons are always available from one of the trained instructors.

If you’re on a budget, go on a Wednesday or Thursday night when rental and lift ticket packages are only $20. And don’t worry too much about the melting snow— Sleepy Hollow makes its own when Mother Nature slacks off.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park is located at 4051 Dean Ave. Des Moines, IA 50317.

For information on hours and more, visit www.sleepyhollowsportspark.com. n

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor