The Prairie, Vol. 94 No. 22

the Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Sunny 81°F | 50°F

Prairie

Volume 94, Issue XXII

The sTudenT newspaper of wesT Texas a&M universiTy

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WTAMU to host premarital seminar Jordan fry sTaff wriTer

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TAMU will be hosting a Great Start Premarital Seminar on March 31 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Leann Gables, a Student Counseling Services professional counselor, said the seminar will cover topics such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, relational intimacy and passion.

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“The seminar is very interactive,” she said. “After receiving the information, couples will get to discuss the information with each other.”

Paula Schlegel, instructor of Communication, said premarital counseling is beneficial because it gives couples the opportunity to discuss issues that may have not come up or been addressed before.

“The challenges aren’t the same for everyone, but every couple will have challenges,” Schlegel said. “If we knew the exact problems

everyone would face, then your marriage license would have a ‘what to do’ handout attached.”

Premarital counseling is designed to help build and improve these skills.

“Verbal and nonverbal communication is how we connect with our spouse.

Communication keeps us connected and allows us to grow together,” Schlegel said. “Change will happen. The world will give us challenges and chaos. Being able to communicate ideas, dreams, challenges, goals, success

and disappointments keeps both partners on the same page so that they can keep moving forward together.”

Gables said the seminar will also help couples make the transition from dating to marriage and it will help newlyweds avoid typical problems that arise while learning to live together.

“The dynamics change with marriage and this seminar will help couples know what to expect,” she said.

Premarital seminar continued on p. 3

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Congratulations to NBS for their participation in the NBS National Convention Rookie Member of the Year: Zivorad Filipovic Alumni/Professional Coordinator of the Year: Wilson Lemieux Movie Trailer: Bryan Samuel and Zack Keenan

Readership WT comes back from Honduras trip BriTTany CasTillo sTaff wriTer

Part two of a three part series

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e gathered with families and past ambassadors at the Rick Husband International Airport on March 8. Everyone stood with supporters and luggage ready for our first flight to Houston.

After one night in Texas, we

boarded a plane to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Greenery and layers of clouds appeared when we flew over Latin America. The beauty was similar to the mountains of a tropical Colorado or like a foggy movie set of Jurassic Park.

We experienced the sultry air of Honduras immediately after exiting the plane. The sun was beaming on our pale skin and the warm temperature did not exceed the low 80s.

We drove to Danli from Tegucigalpa, which allowed time to process our new Spanish

surroundings.

There were no street lights, traffic signs or speed limits. Houses were built tucked away in mountains and school buses cruised roads as public transportation.

The next day we canoed down the Patuca River to Cola de Cajon. The 50foot canoe was carved by hand from a tall mahogany tree. The rain began to pour, but looking at each other in dripping ponchos gave the cold situation reasons to laugh.

Readership continued on p. 2

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phoTo CourTesy of BriTTany CasTillo Readership WT ambassadors Brittany Castillo, left, and Sarah Horn sanitize water with chlorine drops.

sporTs:

news:

feaTure:

CaMpus life:

online:

Lady Buffs win series against No. 1 Angelo State.

National marriage and divorce trends chart.

Check out additional Readership WT pictures.

French Pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet performs at WT. Page 5

Check online for additional reporting throughout the week.

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Readership continued from p. 1 The next morning we began our six-hour hike to the village of Las Piscinas. Again, the consistent rain ensured knee-deep mud and dodging slick areas was nearly impossible.

Finally, we reached the village and met our host Martha, her husband Don Claudio and their family. Martha immediately offered us coffee, eggs, beans and rice while Hondurans and Americans shared pieces of each country.

The next couple of days we woke early for a cup of coffee and cow milking. We assisted Martha in the kitchen and chopped wood. We visited Claudio’s sugar cane, yucca, corn and bean plantations and distributed supplies to an elementary school.

On our final day, we visited a local university and a tobacco factory. The university students were welcoming and the factory had several rooms containing hundreds of workers preparing customized smokes.

At our last dinner in the Valley of Angels, we talked about the adventures and obstacles that we had overcome. Many also shared personal self-evaluations from the unforgettable experience.

We woke early the next morning and prepared for the journey home the

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with heavy hearts. It was difficult leaving a natural and nurturing country.

“Culture shock” was not something I expected to experience with my home country. But, arriving in Houston was a harsh transition from placid Honduras.

Americans were at least a foot taller and obesity was more obvious than ever before. Labels, the language

Photo Courtesy of Brittany Castillo Honduran locals work at a cigar factory about eight hours per day.

Staff 2011-2012

Editor- Maria Molina Assistant Editor- Krystina Martinez Web Editor - Georgia Romig Layout- Kati Watson Ad Manager- Sheri Gibbs Faculty Adviser- Butler Cain

and signs were converted back to English. People were rushing places and careless towards one another. It was challenging leaving serenity and returning to urgency.

The week spent abroad felt like a semester of learning and growing.

Honduras’ citizens demonstrated the fulfillment of living a simple life.

I questioned why we made life so complicated when our responsibility is to appreciate each day. What would happen if we slowed down and like the Hondurans concentrated on loving people?

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Photo Courtesy of Brittany Castillo Readership WT ambassadors mingle with university students in Honduras.

Photo Courtesy of Brittany Castillo WTAMU ambassadors and local Hondurans show off their braided hair.

Reporter- Ashley Hendrick Reporter- Melissa Bauer-Herzog Reporter- Ryan Schaap Reporter- Matt Watkins Reporter- Lisa Hellier Reporter- Brittany Castillo Reporter- Chyna Tinney

Reporter- Jordan Fry Reporter- Daniela Fierro Reporter- Jessica Chandos Reporter- Jessica Bartel Reporter- Sarah Floyd Reporter- Jacob Cain Photographer- Alex Montoya

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The Prairie is a student-operated publication at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate, and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or students. The editorials that appear on these pages represent the opinion of the Prairie editorial board.

The views expressed by other columinsts are the writers’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the board’s views. Advertising rates are available upon request at (806) 337- 2090 or at theprairiewt@gmail.com. WTAMU Box 60754, Canyon, Texas 79016. The Prairie is distributed on Tuesdays during the semester and has a circulation of 1,500. It is printed by The Amarillo Globe-News.

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Premarital seminar continued from p. 1 Katie White, newlywed and Broadcasting/Electronic Media major, recently went through premarital counseling and a marriage conference and said it gave her the support she needed to adjust to married life.

“The things we learned helped us transition from dating to marriage because we had support from family and friends,” she said. “That is what premarital counseling is – guidance on how to have a home that is a safe place and how to make a marriage last in a world where 50 percent of marriages don’t last.”

Premarital counseling has proven to reduce divorce rates, Gables said.

“Statistics show that only 35 percent of married couples get premarital counseling,” she said.

“But premarital counseling is shown to reduce divorce rates by 30 percent.”

White said she would suggest premarital counseling to other couples because it couldn’t hurt.

“So many people make a commitment before God and family to love one person for the rest of their lives and just forget about that commitment,” she said. “Premarital counseling doesn’t stop once you get married; it helps you along the way to remember the commitment you made.”

The seminar is for seriously dating or engaged couples and is free and open to the public.

To register, contact Counseling Services at 651-2340.

News

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SportS Prairie Saints no more Baseball team defeats Tarleton State, 4

keltin Wiens

kWts sports Director

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continues strong start in conference M W att

atkins

staff Writer

love the New Orleans Saints. To be honest, the Saints are not my favorite team, but it is hard not to love the Saints and their story: winning the franchise’s he WTAMU Buffalo baseball first Super Bowl just two seasons ago after the city was team played a four-game series rocked by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. against the Tarleton State Texans in When it came out several weeks ago the Saints and Stephenville on March 23-25. The former defensive coordinator Greg Williams paid de- Buffs won three of four games to fensive players bounties for hits on offensive players, it build a 7-1 start in the Lone Star shook the foundations of the National Football League. Conference.

It was particularly frightening to NFL commissioner WT won the first game on March Roger Goodell. But I, along with several current and 23, 7-2 behind a four-run sixth former NFL players was not surprised this news broke. inning. The Buffs started the inning Why? Because it happens everywhere, not just with with an RBI double by junior Parker the New Orleans Saints. It’s just a matter of bad timing. Wood and capped the inning with a All in all, I like Roger Goodell. I think he is doing a sac fly by senior Eric Dorton. Senior fine job as the commissioner of the NFL. I like his poli- Justin Kuks (5-0) got the win going cies trying to protect personnel safety so that when 8.1 innings and giving up two runs players retire after long careers, they are not left with long-term health problems. Bounties on offensive players in the NFL is obviously not within Goodell’s Melissa Bauer-Herzog policies on player safety.

He still overdid the penalties. staff Writer Sean Payton, the head coach for the Saints was suspended by the NFL for one year. He can’t go to the he unpredictable Canyon facilities, can’t interact with players and can’t get a pay- weather provided Lady Buff softball check for a year. Greg Williams, the former defensive with a summer-like series on March coordinator now with the St. Louis Rams, was banned 23-24 against No. 1 Angelo State. indefinitely from the League. Mickey Loomis, the Saints The weekend would prove to be a general manager, was suspended for the first eight history-making one for WTAMU as regular season games. Pretty stiff penalties for an act senior Kim LeComte became the that is happening all around the NFL, not just in New all-time leader in runs scored in the Orleans.

Lone Star Conference on Friday with A bounty system may not be right, but it does hap- 208 runs. pen in the NFL. So why are the Saints being penalized The first of the three game series by the League for the bounty system and no other at Lady Buff Yard set the stage as team? Why not suspend Bill Belichick, the head coach Meghan Slattery had an RBI triple of the New England Patriots, for a year? Mike Tomlin in in the bottom of the third. Mallory Pittsburgh?

Wyatt had a sacrifice fly to make The answer? The NFL won’t suspend these coaches the lead 2-0. Marci Womack kept or other marquee coaches because their respective Angelo State scoreless, picking up teams make the NFL’s money. Penalties like this will a complete game shutout with only never happen in New York, New England, Dallas or seven hits and no walks. The 2-0 win Pittsburg simply because these teams are the most was Womack’s 10th win of the year. popular in a league that makes about $9 billion in “I think we’ve kind of found revenue. Therefore, the NFL is sending the strongest our mark and we’re clicking now,” possible message while at the same time protecting Catcher Meghan Brown said. “In the their major revenue-earning teams. beginning, we had a lot of different Despite the punishment dealt to the Saints, I don’t girls from a lot of different places believe we are done with the bounty systems just yet. and were finding out who we are.

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on five hits.

The Buffs got shutout in the early game on March 24 by a 3-0 score.

WT only managed two hits off of the Texan’s starter Pete Perez. Junior Ryan Houston (2-1) got the loss by giving up 10 hits and three runs.

WT was able to bounce back and make a comeback in the sixth inning of the late game. Trailing 2-0, the Buffs scored three runs in the sixth to take a 3-2 lead. TSU answered by tying the game in the bottom half of the inning, but senior Jordan Easom’s RBI single in the seventh gave WT a 4-3 win.

WT picked up a 15-4 win in the series finale on March 25. The Buffs put up an 11-run second

inning highlighted by senior Nick Marquez’s three RBIs. Marquez finished the game 3 for 4 at the plate hitting two doubles and driving in four runs.

The Buffs improved their record to 19-5 overall and 7-1 in the LSC after the 3-1 weekend. WT’s next series will a big one against the No. 9 Angelo State Rams in Canyon.

Game one of the four game set will be March 30 with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

“Overall, we are excited about where we are sitting in conference, but we know we have a long way to go before the end of the year,” Head Coach Matt Vanderburg said.

Now we are just starting to come in to who we are.”

The second game on Friday proved to be more competitive with the Belles making the first move, scoring two runs, including a leadoff homerun in the top of the first inning. ASU had a 3-0 lead going to the bottom of the second inning until Mercedes Garcia had an RBI single to bring Meghan Brown in to home plate for a run.

LeComte made history when tying the game at 5-5, but ASU pulled off the win when the team scored two in the sixth to take a 7-5 lead. The Lady Buffs attempted to catch up in the last two innings but Amber Spencer picked up the 7-5 loss with seven runs on eight hits and four walks.

Angelo State made the first moves in the Saturday game, getting three runs in the first four innings to take a 3-0 lead. However, Renee Erwin changed the momentum, getting WT’s first run of the day.

The Lady Buffs took the lead in the bottom of the fifth when Meghan

Brown sent one to left center field to bring Alyssa Lemos and LeComte home for a 4-3 lead. Womack ended the game with six outs to pick up the series win. Womack recorded three runs in seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts for a complete game win.

“We played great defense all weekend,” Head Coach Kevin Blaskowski said. “Mercedes Garcia was inserted into the line-up in the second game and [Saturday] and made some huge plays. I’m really proud of the way our defense is playing right now.”

The Lady Buffs return to the field on March 27 in Lubbock for a doubleheader against Lubbock Christian at 2 p.m before heading to Abilene Christian for a three-game series next weekend.

“Playing [Abilene Christian] is always a good time,” Pitcher Marci Womack said. “Hopefully we carry this weekend and use it as momentum to carry into Tuesday and next weekend. It will be a great week for us.”

Softball beats No. 1 Angelo State

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Campus Life Prairie French pianist plays at WT FFA promoted agriculture, 5

Daniela Fierro StaFF Writer

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he Arts at WTAMU: A Subscription Series and the WT Guest Artist Series presented French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet on March 22.

Senior Development Officer Joe Bill Sherrod said the process to bring the foreign performer was moderately difficult.

“Bringing Bavouzet was for our students and supporters,” Sherrod said. “It’s so they can be exposed to a worldwide entertainment.”

Bavouzet performed

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compositions by Claude Debussy and Franz Lisz.

The last time Bavouzet played in WT was over twenty years ago.

“I take piano lessons out of WT,” Pre-Vet and Animal Science major Kristen White said. “I enjoyed the great composers whom [Bavouzet] played.”

White said she enjoyed the passion Bavouzet put into his performance.

“I liked how he explained a little history of the composers he played,” she said. “It was interesting.”

White said she was surprised to learn he was from

France and found that out when she read his history.

“He [was] very expressive when it came to his performance,” Music Education major Chelsea Koester said. “You could easily tell that he felt the music as he played it.”

Koester plays percussion and said the similarities between the marimba and piano were apparent to her.

“The way he portrays dynamics and how he plays can be used by any performer,” Koester said. “He’s living the dream by being able to tour around the world.”

career development at WT JeSSica Bartel StaFF Writer

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TAMU hosted the 2012 Future Farmers Association (FFA) Career Development Events on March 23.

The gathering offered 17 agricultural events to FFA groups from five different states. Schools sent about four contestants to best represent their school, creating more than 2,000 FFA entries this year.

Contests included: Agriculture Mechanics, Agronomy, Equine, Poultry, Agriculture Communications, Cotton, Dairy Foods, Entomology, Farm Business Management, Land, Livestock

and much more. New events this year were Agriculture Communications and Veterinarian Technology.

Dr. Kevin Williams, assistant professor of Agriculture, said the contest would be impossible without the WT faculty and students’ assistance with Agriculture Ambassadors and other groups.

“These contests give students the opportunity to give something back to the next generation of high school students and see what these contests are like from the other side.” Williams said.

A student must be an active FFA member and currently enrolled in Agriculture Science classes to participate.

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Campus Life Prairie Educators Expo gives students job opportunities 6

Ashley hendrick stAff Writer

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ifty three employers and hundreds of students crowded the gym of the WTAMU First United Bank Center on March 12 for an Educators Expo.

The exposition was a chance for Education students to see and talk to potential employers who were seeking new graduates for possible job opportunities.

“I came to the expo to find any job openings…and what

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kind of different programs every district carries,” senior Bilingual Education major Mary Jane said.

Assistant Director of Career Services Kim Muller said a separate education fair is required for Education students despite the general job fair WT hosts every year.

“At the general fair, if you’re an [agriculture] major or an accounting major… there are lots of common businesses that will be interested,” Muller said.

“Because the employers who employ educators are such a

targeted group, it just made sense to do a separate event.”

Employers from South Texas to Central Kansas set up tables to entice education students to seek their school district for employment. Others offered educational work outside the traditional school environment.

“I love coming to this expo to try to find teachers that want to teach summer camps at the Discovery Center during the summer,” Mandi Reid, director of visitor experience at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, said.

Photo by Ashley hendrick Students listen to a representative from the Teachers Job Network at the 2012 Educators Expo.

Photo by Ashley hendrick Fifty-three employers set up tables to reach education students and possible future employees.

Reid typically hires recent or soon-to-be graduates who are hunting for jobs opportunities for the next school year. Such was the case for Bilingual Studies major Victoria Arambula, who is set to graduate this May. “I am trying to decide if I want to stay in this area or relocate,” Arambula said. “[The expo] gave me more information about what’s offered here and what’s offered in other districts.”

Although the occasional interview is possible for

students to obtain at the job fair, Mueller said most students just come to gather information and pass along their resumes.

“There are 53 school districts and [students] can spend two hours and talk to 53 potential employers,” Muller said. “If you wanted to do that on your own time, I can’t even imagine. I mean from Brian, Texas to Kansas and then from Sherman over to Lubbock into New Mexico, the geographic range is huge.”

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Look for the winning card in your copy of The Prairie on April 3, April 10 and April 17 to receive a $10 iTunes gift card.

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Top pop, country singles and albums for March 19 Top 10 Albums

Top 10 Pop Singles

Top 10 Hot Country Singles

1. Bruce Springsteen new entry “Wrecking Ball”

1. fun feat. Janelle Monae No. 1 “We Are Young”

1. Dierks Bentley No. 2 “Home”

2. Adele No. 1 “21”

2. Kelly Clarkson No. 2 “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”

3. Various Artists No. 4 “NOW 41”

4. Lady Antebellum No. 16 “Own the Night” 5. Coldplay No. 29 “Mylo Xyloto”

6. Whitney Houston No. 2 “Whitney: The Greatest Hits” 7. Drake No. 8 “Take Care”

8. Lil Wayne No. 37 “Tha Carter IV”

9. Luke Bryan new entry “Spring Break 4 ... Suntan City” 10. Andrew Bird new entry “Break It Yourself”

3. Adele No. 3 “Set Fire to the Rain”

4. The Wanted No. 4 “Glad You Came”

5. Gotye feat. Kimbra No. 9 “Somebody That I Used to Know” 6. David Guetta feat Nicki Minaj No. 8 “Turn Me On” 7. Drake feat. Rihanna No. 11 “Take Care”

8. Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars No. 7 “Young, Wild & Free” 9. Nicki Minaj No. 6 “Starships”

10. Katy Perry No. 5 “Part of Me”

2. Jake Owen No. 3 “Alone With You” 3. Taylor Swift No. 5 “Ours”

4. George Strait No. 6 “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” 5. Kenny Chesney No. 1 “Reality”

6. Blade Shelton No. 7 “Drink On It”

7. Lady Antebellum No. 10 “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” 8. Keith Urban No. 4 “You Gonna Fly”

9. Lee Brice No. 11 “A Woman Like You”

10. Montgomery Gentry No. 12 “Where I Come From”

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Campus Life Prairie Student Government, SIFE calls to “Fill the Field” 9

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Collected goods will be donated to non-profit organizations Krystina Martinez assistant editor

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TAMU Student Government and Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) will be co-sponsoring a humanitarian project called “Fill the Field,” which will take place on April 4 at the Buffalo Sports Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Student Body President Brandy Roberts was inspired to start this project after helping another TAMUS school with Fill the Field.

“I went down there and helped

[Tarleton] with [Fill the Field],” said Roberts. “I’ve communicated with last year’s executive board at Tarleton [to help start this at WT].”

The goal of “Fill the Field” is to cover an entire field with goods that can be donated to various non-profits such as Faith City Missions, High Plains Food Bank and more. Anyone wishing to participate can adopt a “square” or “unit” and must fill the entire area with items such as bottled water, nonperishable foods and clothing.

“This is going to be [hopefully] WT’s largest food drive and I support students

getting involved,” Roberts said. “I hope we can inspire other schools to do the same like Tarleton did for us.”

Several WT and local organizations have become involved with the project as well, such as Alpha Tau Omega, SIFE, KWTS and United Supermarkets.

“SIFE is always working with food drives and this really supports our criteria for Fighting Hunger initiatives,” Marco Jimenez, president and CEO of SIFE, said.

Miguel Sosa, philanthropy chair for Alpha Tau Omega, said he feels students should get involved in Fill the Field.

“Not all the goods are going to one place,” he said. “The items that are donated will be spread out to various pantries, missions and organizations in our area, so it is a great way to make a huge impact in our community.”

Anyone can participate in Fill the Field. Not only will there be designated units for various organizations, but there will also be “open” units available for anyone to contribute donations to as well. To sign up, visit http:// fillthefieldwt.weebly.com and print out the online form.

Social Justice Leadership conference held at WT

Sessions discussed world social issues,equal opportunities ashley hendricK staff Writer

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acism and discrimination was just one discussion topic touched on during the third annual Social Justice Leadership Conference at WTAMU. The conference took place on March 23 in the Alumni Banquet Facility and captivated the attention of students who participated in activities and workshops on the diverse aspects social justice brings.

“The purpose of the conference is to introduce students to the diverse issues of social justice,” Dr. Maritza DeLaTrinidad, assistant professor of History, said. “Social Justice means giving everyone, as a member of the community, a voice and a chance to be successful.”

Success in a diverse atmosphere was mentioned, but was not the focus for some sessions.

Associate Professor of History Dr. Martin Kuhlman emphasized the history of race relations at WT and its present efforts of promoting diversity during the “Race Relations at WTAMU: Where Are We Now?” workshop.

“I think to understand [integration at WT] we need to look at the background,” Kuhlman said.

“It’s interesting to look at how WT has evolved and how there are things we must recognize.”

What interested Behavioral

Science major Robin Curtis the most was the effects that diversity can have on bilingual groups in American society today.

“I came in with [thinking] we should just speak English in this country and I now have a wider view of why [speak] the different languages,” Curtis said.

Other sessions concentrated on stereotypes in the workplace, issues in immigration and the effects social media can have during rapid globalization and social

changes in the world.

Though each session had its own unique perspective, all tried to maintain a constant theme of social issues in the world and ways students today can help deliver equal opportunities to all ethnicities and culture groups.

“Everyone should have the same rights,” Jilian Youree, a senior Social Work major, said.

“Everyone should have the right and respect of diversity because we’re all different.”

Trinidad said it was important to know your own social views and realize why others see the world differently.

“We need to learn about our differences and we need to look at our own biases and our own educational backgrounds because we all come from different backgrounds and our own experiences filter how we see the world,” Trinidad said.

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Campus Life Prairie BWA gives out free ribbons for cancer awareness 10

Lisa HeLLier staff Writer

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he WTAMU Black Women’s Association (BWA) is giving out free ribbons to raise awareness of cancer as well as in support of the upcoming Relay for Life event. They passed out ribbons of various colors in the JBK on March 19 and 21. They will continue to pass them out on the 26, 28 and April 2 and 4.

They said it is important to not focus on just one type of cancer awareness and instead put an emphasis on all of them.

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“We’re just trying to raise awareness and let [everyone on] campus know that the Black Women’s Association is doing something to benefit this cause,” BWA President Nichelle Dawkins said.

Dawkins said, though she does not know anyone diagnosed with cancer, she realizes the future uncertainty.

She points out one can never know when a friend or family member could be affected by cancer.

“I don’t just want to be for the cause then, I want to be for the cause now,” Dawkins said.

For WT student Tiffany

PHoto by Lisa HeLLier BWA set up a table at the JBK on March 26.

Starghill, cancer is a serious problem that runs in her family.

She believes that raising cancer awareness is necessary and

that people get real insight into what it does to a person’s life.

“People get a view into it [cancer] and know what it is,”

she said.

Similarly, WT student Raleisha Martin said it is important to raise awareness about cancer.

“It helps show how many people it really affects,” she said.

The Black Women’s Association has registered a team for Canyon’s Relay for Life and are collecting donations.

As the BWA president, Dawkins wants to push the organization to be involved and give back.

Relay for Life of Canyon, TX will be held on April 20 at 7 p.m. at the WT Buffalo Sports Complex.

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Campus Life Prairie Nance Ranch provides opportunity for WT research 11

Ryan Schaap Staff WRiteR

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he Nance Ranch Feedlot Research unit in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Science gives students and professors the ability to research the cattle feeding industry in ruminant nutrition, management and animal health.

Dr. Michael Brown, professor of Ruminant Nutrition and Management, said they have a well-equipped research team.

“We have about six to eight people working in the research program at the WTAMU feedlot that consists of undergraduates, graduate students and full-time employees,” Dr. Brown said.

The current study involves liquid feed containing many levels of corn-condensed distillers from an ethanol industry. The goal is to assess the nutritional value of condensed soluble. Researchers

photo by Ryan Schaap

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are observing protein and energy value contained in the feed. “[It is a] wet grain that has added soluble. I have been curious about the protein degradability characteristics about this experiment,” Brown said. “Based on the performance of the cattle and what we know that is in the feed, we can calculate how much energy the soluble have to contain for us to see an outcome that we are looking for.”

The degradability of the solutions is high, confirming researchers’ suspicions. This validation provides concrete data available for future experiments.

Graduate student Justin Wallace, assists in operations of the feedlot including: mixing and delivering feed, monitoring and managing animal health, basic facility and equipment upkeep and various daily

activities.

“It’s a great way to get hands-on experience not only with feed yard operations but research projects,” said Wallace.

“The feedlot of WT is about onetenth the size of the average feedlot.”

Wallace is joined by two graduate students: Ryan Butler, who is also a fulltime employee, and Heather Hues. They also have a few undergraduate student workers including Criminal Justice major Keenon Harmon.

“I enjoy working on the feedlot because it’s real handson work,” Harmon said. “I grew up farming with a friend over in Plainview and also worked for Cargill.” photo by Ryan Schaap Results of the liquid feed study have yet to be determined. The next study includes zinc sources in supplements and in the feed.

Justin Wallace examines his herd at WTAMU’s feedlot located near Nance Ranch.

Steers line up to be fed the liquid feed.

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Herdsmen Hearts hosts Buff-A-Whoa drag show

Jessica chandos staff Writer

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n March 20 the Herdsmen Hearts put on a drag show event, Buff-AWhoa to raise money for Relay for Life. There were four categories for judging: evening gown, sports event, talent, and group dance.

The winner of Buff-A-Whoa was Calamity Suzie Cutesy.

Calamity Suzie Cutesy sings “Friday.�

In their dance wear, the contestants show their talents dancing to the Wobble.

Calamity Suzie Cutesy in her boa slinky dress.

Spunky Sandy in her purple gown.

Calamity Suzie Cutesy wins the Buff-A-Whoa drag show.

Sassy Pants Cassandra shows off for the cameras.

Allota Virginia during the evening gown event.