T he W hetstone The independent newspaper of Wesley College Visit us online at www.whetstone.wesley.edu
Athletics rule stirs up student free speech and intimidation issues By Benjamin E. Lykens A new The Whetstone policy instituted this summer by the athletic department will give Whetstone reporters less access to athletic coaches and students by allowing reporters to arrange interviews with them only after getting permission from a public relations (PR) spokesperson hired in 2011. The policy came only a couple of months after The Whetstone published three stories about the athletic department and the football team, in which students expressed unhappiness at the way other athletes and regular students have been treated in contrast to the football players. One of the articles informed students that Athletic Director Mike Drass may not have
enforced a judicial board ruling against one of his players. Steven Kramer, sports information director, imposed the rule, and said the policy was created to benefit the Whetstone. “People who want to go into this business, they have to go through the proper channels,” Kramer said. “I did it for The Whetstone’s benefit and the department as a whole.” Whetstone adviser Professor Victor Greto of Media Arts said it was not done for the benefit of The Whetstone. “It was done to limit the free speech of students who want to talk to each other, and helps the athletic department control any story that the newspaper may want to report and write,” he said.
Greto said there are many “proper channels” within which journalism must work, but journalists also “go around” those channels in order to find the truth behind what an official policy may be. “The Whetstone reporters could not have written those important stories about how dissatisfied students were and how they’re being treated if they had to go through a PR person,” Greto said. The Whetstone has since attempted to set up a meeting with a coach and players but the meetings were denied. Wesley President, Dr. Johnston said that Steven Kramer’s job was to help all media outlets, which include The Whetstone. “My understanding of Mr.
September 2012
What’s Inside
Students say they are happy newspapers are back on campus, page 2
Wesley welcomes new marching band and its teacher, page 4
Part of “Softball Team Rules 2012” that all players had to sign
- JUMP to ATHLETES, page 8 Monte Carlo Night a huge success, page 6
Tazed and Confused: Wesley student tells his story It started out a normal day for senior Philip Cooper – until he decided to take a stroll from his house on New Street without his clothes, was tackled by Dover police officers after someone called 911, and was arrested. He has since returned to school. Cooper said he’s not sure what happened, but he may have had a bad reaction to marijuana. Police say that Cooper “was believed to be on PCP,” although they admitted they could not determine if drugs were involved at all. Cooper was arrested for resisting arrest. “I know I had the same marijuana most the campus had that day,” Cooper said. “My drug screen only showed traces of
By Melissa Boyd The Whetstone
marijuana in my blood.” Cooper said he does not remember fleeing his house or discarding his clothes. “I don’t know exactly what drew me outside,” he said. “I don’t know what got me to take my clothes off. Honestly, by the time I was running, I was just running to the brightest thing I could see. Something inside had me feeling that was how I was going to survive. Run, don’t let darkness catch you.” Cooper was initially charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and public display. The police report states that two police officers, “attempted to make contact with the naked suspect who was standing in a crowd only wearing a T Shirt that was pulled up on his chest.” Cooper didn’t answer police,
Students say they love the new plazas on campus, page 9 The Whetstone / Melissa Boyd
so officers appeared behind and in front of him. Police say that Cooper “took an aggressive fighting stance” when they tried to talk to him, told him to get on the ground, which he did, but officers tried to handcuff Cooper, “he pushed up off the ground attempting to flee.”
- JUMP to COOPER, page 5
Check the Whetstone online for weekly updates! Go to: www.whetstone.wesley.edu
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Students say they are happy newspapers are back on campus By Bianca Bailey The Whetstone At the end of last semester, school officials decided to stop funding the free USA Today and New York Times newspapers to students and faculty. After student surveys that determined students were upset about the school taking away the free newspapers, determined students and faculty partnered up to figure out how to bring the newspapers back. The Student Government Association (SGA), Office of Student Affairs, and The Whetstone created a partnership and cover the costs of the newspapers, bringing the media outlets back on campus. SGA President Bryan Zarou was the leading student to bring newspapers back on campus. “For my first two years at Wesley, I was able to walk by the elevator, see the rack, and pick up a paper,” he said. “It was the way I stayed informed with the
events of the world, especially because I am too busy to sit by a computer and read it.” Zarou said the printed newspapers are an important source students should have readily available to them on campus. “This has the potential to be the only key to world news most students get,’ he said. “And because it is easily accessible, it is more beneficial.” Freshman Morgan Williams likes the newspapers. “I really like the fact that we have both the New York Times and USA Today,” she said. “It gives us a choice,” she said. She said she has always read the newspapers. “I wasn’t here when they stopped issuing them on campus, but I am glad they are back for me to utilize,” she said. Sam Marston reads a copy of The Whetstone, as he does everytime it prints, as well as a daily copy of The New York Times.
The Whetstone / Grace Massara
Wesley plans to build multimillion-dollar student center By Arielle Suggs The Whetstone Wesley plans to build a new multi-million dollar student activity center, equipped with a two-story fitness center, gymnasium, lockers and extra rooms. The new student center will be across from Wentworth Gym on Governor’s Avenue. The date of completion is still unknown. Fundraising will determine the schedule, said Chris Wood, vice president of institutional advancement. “It is certainly safe to say that the cost will be several million dollars,” he said. “The Board of Trustees has approved a multiyear capital campaign for the college, which is nearing the end of its first year.” The Trustees’ campaign paid for Streetscape and is currently funding the Frear building renovations. “It is our intention to fundraise the cost of this facility from our alumni and friends,” Wood said. He said the new building will benefit all Wesley students. “The fitness center and gym-
Staff Fall 2012
Editor-in-Chief - Melissa Boyd melissa.boyd@email. wesley.edu.com Managing Editor and Online Editor - Lamesha Green Lamesha.Green@email. wesley.edu
nasium in particular will provide enhanced opportunities for exercise for students,” he said. “Student athletes, particularly the basketball and volleyball teams, along with their fans, will have a new facility to showcase their
Sports Editor - Benjamin Lykens Benjamin Lykens@email. wesley.edu
Staff Writers Bianca Bailey Linnea Cavallo Nick Deterding Marissa Hayes Grace Massara Arielle Suggs
skills. Commencement could also be held there in the event of bad weather.” The building will have more seating areas for students and fans during sporting events or college events.
Online Staff
Clemente Bacote Chelsea Jackson Sam Marston John Wolgamot
Advisers
Adviser- Victor Greto Online Adviser- Dr. Tery Griffin
Photo provided by Chris Wood.
Wood said students can expect updates on the project. “President Johnston will continue to provide updates on our building projects and fundraising
efforts, and Wesley’s electronic and print publications will provide updates as well,” he said. Bryan Zarou, president of student government association, said the building will be a great addition to Wesley. “The new student building will be a great benefit to new Wesley students because it creates a homey environment to student organizations,” he said. “It would create a level of autonomy so that student organizations will have their own offices for creating their events.” Senior Taylor Young agrees that the new student center will benefit Wesley students. “We need more room [on campus],” she said. “Right now, we are really limited.” Zarou said the new center might help students become more involved on campus. “It will give students a sense of pride in sitting in their own environment, making their own decisions,” he said. “Hopefully, it will encourage students to get more involved.”
Join The Whetstone! The Whetstone is always accepting photographers, reporters or comic artists. Come to our meetings at 4 on Tuesdays in CC419! Contact Melissa.Boyd@email.wesley.edu for more information!
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Many students on the “5-year plan” By Bianca Bailey The Whetstone College used to be a 4-year deal. For many students at Wesley College, not anymore. Factors such as transferring, changing majors, starting college as an undeclared major, not taking enough courses, or taking the wrong courses contribute to an extra year for many students. “I use to be very embarrassed about attending Wesley for a 5th year, but I have learned to embrace it,” said “super senior” Keeyana Talley. “I’ve changed my major more than three times, but I couldn’t be more happier to be a psychology major.” Talley said one of her favorite things about her major is that she
loves her professors. “My professors are amazing and extremely supportive,” she said. “No one told me that changing my major would set me back a year, but having the support of Mrs. Riddle and Mrs. Stephens, I definitely didn’t feel any pressure. Each of them respected what I wanted to do (help others), but also cared for me enough to give me the ugly truth.” Talley said that she wasn’t aware changing her major could affect her graduation date. “I’m glad that I am in a major I really enjoy and not a major I would have regretted,” he said. If a student is a double major, it
may be difficult to graduate on time. Kirk Brooks, a major in both Business and Accounting, is also a student on the five-year plan. “I was aware when I picked up a second major that I would be here an extra year,” he said. “It was because of the timing of my declaration and when classes are offered that I had to stay an extra year.” Brooks said that he had support from his family to help him with his decision to double major. “My parents were a big help and were supportive of both a second major and a fifth year,” he said. “I just felt that one extra year and a couple more classes
were worth it for a second degree and a potentially better standing in the work force upon graduation.” Students who are not aware that they have to take an average of at least 15 credits a semester may have to take extra credits their senior year or they may have to graduate a semester/year later than expected. However, Wesley does have seniors who graduate on time. Senior Jasmine Burris is confident in her graduation date. “I filled my semesters with the maximum of 18 credits, especially if I needed to drop a class,” she said. “I also mapped out everything so whenever I needed
an important class, but my course load was too full, it was offered during a semester that I could take it.” In order to graduate on time, students have to have a game plan from the beginning and stay completely on track. College can be the place where young adults figure out what they want to do, but sometimes it might cost another year.
Freshmen Common Reading Program a hit with new students By Arielle Suggs The Whetstone
This fall, Wesley introduced its first Freshmen Common reading program. A faculty committee picked Mark Haddon’s 2003 novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. “In part, it focused on a young man who was in process of a major transition in his life, just as our first-year students are,” said English professor Linda DeRoche. “It is also just a good read.” A free copy of the book was given to all first-year students. “The Office of Student Affairs provided funding for the program,” DeRoche said. “Copies of the book were given during the summer orientation session.” The intention of the Freshman Common Reading Program was to give first-year students a common learning experience, said Frances Riddle, director of academic advisement who coordinated the program. “It provided a common experience to unify the learning of ev-
ery first-year student,” DeRoche said. “We wanted our students to be reminded throughout the summer of their most important work at Wesley: the learning experience.” DeRoche, Dr. Tery Griffin, Professor Victor Greto, Dr. Thomas Sturgis, Professor Rebecca Benson, Student Life activities director Sarah Smith, and Riddle, served on the committee, which met through the spring. “We selected the book, recruited faculty discussion leaders, and developed strategies for the program’s success.” Thirty faculty members volunteered to conduct 45-minute book discussions on the morning of Aug. 17. “Such discussions should be at the heart of their Wesley learning experience,” DeRoche said. Professor of Education Jill Cole led one of the sessions. “In my discussion group, we made text to self and text to world connections,” Cole said. “We also discussed opinions of the book.”
The Whetstone / Melissa Boyd
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is about an autistic boy’s “quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog.” Cole was excited to have the program at Wesley. “I knew of other colleges that had similar programs,” she said. “It is a good idea for students to share a common experience.” First-year students supported
the program as well. “I actually liked the book,” freshman Leah Eubanks-Mattress said. “I liked that the main character, Christopher. He was very smart and knew what he wanted out of life.” First-year students said the
class helped them get to know each other. “I felt connected to the people in my discussion group because I have an autistic sister and other people in my group were close to someone autistic,” Eubanks-Mattress said. “I was glad to know that other people knew what it was like.” Freshman Lanice Patterson said her English teacher used the book in his class. “In Dr. (Jeff) Gibson’s class we’ve already had to write an essay,” Patterson said. “We could choose to write about how we related to Christopher or which parent we thought was better.” The 2012 school is just the beginning for the Common Reading Program for first-year students, DeRoche said. “We will begin planning soon for next year’s Common Read,” she said. “We really believe in the program and want to make it an annual part of the first-year orientation experience.”
Hey, you: it’s not “gym,” it’s “physical education” By Arielle Suggs The Whetstone Whatever you do, don’t tell Professor Patricia Sherblom you like her gym class. “Physical education is a subject in which we study the mind, body, and spirit or the cognitive, psychomotor, and social/emotional domains,” said Sherblom, director of the physical education program. “Gym is a building short for gymnasium. It is a classroom within a school or recreation center where we conduct physical education; it may double as a lunch room or auditorium.” Fabrice Lohier, a senior in the physical education program, agrees with Sherblom. “When I think of gym, I think
of recess,” he said. “Gym is a place. Physical education is instructed physical activity.” Sherblom said that gym cannot be a class. “We don’t teach gym, we teach in a gym,” she said. Physical education professionals and students say they are not offended when people confuse gym with physical education because they understand that people may not know any better. “The kids at the YMCA have tutoring and then I take them to the gym, so they think of me as ‘the gym teacher,’” said Lohier, who also works at the YMCA. “I am not offended when I am called a gym teacher because
Wesley.edu Dr. Sherblom is a physical education professor
that’s what people know growing up. Growing up, I never heard my teachers referred to as physical education teachers. Even on the schedule it said, Gym.” Sherblom said she thinks it’s funny. “I find it amusing because people don’t understand how complex it is to teach physical education,” she said. “We’re teaching people through experiential learning in a four dimensional space, as they go through all levels of motor development.” Sherblom said that physical education students develop a meaning of physical education that extends far beyond the definition of gym.
“The purpose of physical education is to create a physically educated person,” she said. “We’re trying to help people enjoy moving so that they stay physically active for life.”
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Wesley welcomes new marching band and its teacher By Lamesha Green The Whetstone They’re bringing a new sound to the Wesley community. The marching band, a new elective offered this semester at Wesley, invites students to join a musical-filled environment ready to entertain the crowd at Wesley events. “My plan is to start a great tradition here at Wesley,” said Brian Cass, an adjunct professor who directs the marching band. “Our main goals are to play well, entertain the crowd, and show off the color guard.” Although this is his first year teaching the marching band at Wesley, Cass is no rookie when it comes to music. “I have about 25 years in band to offer my students,” he said. “I started playing the sax in the fourth grade and then marched tuba in high school and college.” Cass earned a B.A. degree in the arts in music education, and is pursuing his M.A. in music education at Boston University. The marching band quickly caught the attention of most students. “I decided to join because I
Marching band director Brian Cass teaches a class of Wesley students in the chapel have previous experience with music from being in a band in high school,” said Senior Shanna Bryant. “It really was a fun extra activity and I am looking forward to seeing what the band has to
showcase and Wesley embracing people’s musical talents.” Cass wants to put on a great show. “About 25 students have signed up for the course,” he said. “I am
The Whetstone / Grace Massara
very excited and looking forward to constructing a great semester and eventually will have something put together for our first performance.” Students are excited to see what the future outcome of the Wesley marching band holds.
“The marching band is something new on campus other students as well as myself can get involved with,” said sophomore Rebecca Tham. “It would be cool to see it grow.” Tham also said she interested in color guard. “Although I don’t know how to play an instrument, I still wanted to be a part of the marching band since I love music,” she said. “So I decided, why not join color guard.” Other students want to wow the crowd by bringing live entertainment to the football games. “I used to play drums in a band when I was younger and what I loved most was how the crowd would react to the band’s performance, especially the drum line,” said sophomore Cameron Chaffin. “Now that Wesley is offering a marching band this year, I am willing to contribute my talent to making a good outcome, better yet performances the Wesley community will never forget.” Freshman Damyra Price also can’t wait to show off the color guard routines at the football games during their half time performance.
Students engaged with first FYE lecture: Beer, Booze and Books By Bianca Bailey The Whetstone
Freshman seminar speaker Jim Matthews grabbed many students’ attention when he began talking about his own problems with alcohol during the first freshmen seminar of the year, “Beer, Booze and Books.” Having gone to college in the 1960s, Matthews admitted that he used several drugs drank a lot of alcohol when he was a college student. “Most kids learn that they should not drink before they turn 21,” Matthews said. “They [know they] should not drink and drive.” Matthews said he believes that kids should learn more references to alcohol, drunk driving, and drugs before they go to college. Students used their cell phones to answer poll questions during the lecture, including their amount of alcohol consumption, sexual activity and study hours. Matthews also showed clips from different Disney films and various party films, such as “Superbad,” which show underage drinking. “Many college students rely on
alcohol to socialize, which is a major problem,” he said. “This is due to the fact alcohol lowers inhibitions as well as control.” Freshmen were not the only students in attendance. Some professors made attendance a requirement or as an extra-credit assignment. “Because I am 21, I have a different outlook on alcohol,” senior Khalil Norris-Jermott said. “However, just knowing some of the facts allows me to see how alcohol can affect the average student and how important it is to do things like drinking and partying in moderation.” Freshman Kaheem Reynolds said he enjoyed the lecture. “[The lecture] was informative and I enjoyed the jokes and things he made while teaching me that college is not always about drinking and having fun,” he said. Matthews said that he likes to “read the crowd.” “Some of the things I said can have different effects on students,” Matthews said. “When I talk about the ‘family side’ of alcohol and not the ‘party side,’ many students get serious and
Guest speaker Jim Matthews uses data from polls on how college students feel about drinking, where “OK to get drunk once in awhile receives the most votes quiet. You can see when it affects them individually, like they have had to deal with it in their lives personally.” Matthews also said there need to be better ways to handle sub-
stance reliance. “There isn’t always an addiction, “ he said. “Sometimes people, such as myself, deal with substance abuse disorders where it is not an addiction, but can still
The Whetstone / Grace Massara
have the same devastating effects. My goal is to not tell them to drink, but watch out for the signs of the problems.”
HEALTH FORMS DUE OCTOBER 1 DEADLINE TO THE WELLNESS CENTER *If the required forms are not on file in the Wellness Center by Oct. 1, your student account will be fined a $100.00 nonrefundable fee. Need to check if the Wellness Center already has them? Staff will be in the Center from M-R from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and F 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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Wesley about to begin renovations at Frear Building By Melissa Boyd The Whetstone Junior Jen Grillo is looking forward to when the Frear building on at 300 S. New Street opens so that her nursing classes might have a little bit more space. Wesley received more than $1.3 million from grants and private donations to fund the renovations for the building. “I’m excited for the building,” Grillo said. “It is going to be a great addition to the nursing department, providing us with the space we need to accommodate all of our nursing students. I’m sad I potentially will only be able to use it for a year [if the renovations are completed before spring of 2014].” The building will specifically benefit health science majors, like nurses, but will also benefit the general student body and faculty, said Wesley President William Johnston. “Areas will be designated, particularly for the nursing department,” he said. “The designated nursing area will include simulations labs. But the building will benefit more than just nursing, including general classrooms, faculty offices and computer labs.”
Johnston said the building might open up possibilities for the college to create a new major in the health sciences department. “There is room within that building for the college to create another major,” he said. “Most likely a health science major because the primary use of the building will be for nurses and health science majors.” Grillo said she hoped Wesley does offer a new health science major for incoming students. “I would love to see Wesley offer more majors in the medical field,” she said. “It would give students even more opportunities.” Wesley received the building from the government two years ago. Johnston said the plans for the building are complete, but Wesley is still awaiting approval from the federal government to begin the renovations. “We have yet to receive the official open date from the federal government,” he said. “We have hopes to receive the OK to start renovation from the federal government by the end of this year.”
Johnston said the building will take several months to complete renovations. “We’re hopeful it will not take a year to complete,” he said. Freshman Theori Williams said she can’t wait for the opening of the Frear Building. She is taking her core freshmen nursing classes, but has to take
the nursing test and pass before being admitted into the program. “I think it sounds good to have an extra building for nursing because it’s where you can actually get your stuff done,” she said. “Being a nursing major, bigger labs and study areas would be very beneficial. There’d be more space for students and more
Whetstone file photo
people would be able to take labs. I think the nursing program would grow.” A little more than half a mile away from campus, the building is a 13-minute walk. The college is considering offering a shuttle to students, Johnston said.
Cont. from COOPER, page 1 One of the officers tazed Cooper on his back with two probes for five seconds. Cooper was then handcuffed and taken to Kent General Hospital after an ambulance arrived, 25 minutes after police called for ambulance assistance. “I didn’t know what was happening,” Cooper said. “I just found myself handcuffed, then being taken down by multiple police officers.” In the hospital, Cooper said he was confused. “I’m in the hospital bed, handcuffed to the bed,” he said. “There’s blood everywhere and there’s a cop grinning there. He wouldn’t answer when I ask him why I’m here and why I’m cuffed.” Cooper was hospitalized from early morning Friday until Sunday. Because of the tazer shot, he said, one of his kidneys
starting failing and the hospital had to stabilize him physically and emotionally before releasing him. All charges against Cooper were dropped, but he was arrested again on Sept. 6 for resisting arrest. Cooper said the police arrested him for the second time because they claimed he had not responded to their house calls. He was arrested at Wesley College by two Dover police officers while he was in his meeting with Kevin Hansbury, director of residence life. “Police initially told my parents that they weren’t doing anything,” Cooper said, referring to his dropped charges. His court date for the second arrest is Oct. 17. Cooper had several meetings with Mary Alice Ozechoski to determine his status at Wesley.
“I spoke to her before and she said I would be good to return as long as I had a psych evaluation, which I had that same weekend, and as long as the doctor says okay, which she has,” he said. Ozechoski confirmed there was an incident on Sept. 23, but said she could not comment due to FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act). “I do not have formal charges from the police,” she said. “We do not know who called the police, but whoever did call the police did the right thing.” Walt Beaupre, head of Wesley safety and security, also said he could not go into detail due to protection laws. “The police were called and on-scene before Wesley security,” he said. “We didn’t know about it until Dover police called us.” After his release from police
the second time, Cooper said he was allowed to return to campus, as long as he remains a commuter student. He must also seek outside counseling and speak with an on-campus counselor. Cooper said he has been trying to figure out what happened that night. “It wasn’t in my control because my mind was gone,” he said. “I didn’t drink, and marijuana was in my system, but my where my mind was just wasn’t where reality was.” He said he thinks stress and wanting more from life affected him negatively. “Thursday was one of my most productive days in a long time,” he said. “I don’t have class on Fridays, but I was already starting on my homework for the next week. I ziplined, and it was such a good day. It started to go downhill when I was with my
friends and everyone kept asking me how I was doing.” Cooper said he began smoking marijuana with his friends and began to talk about wanting more out of life. His friends kept asking him questions that he couldn’t answer and he felt strange. Later, the feeling got worse. “I just didn’t want to be around where I was,” he said. “If that was my time to cry out to God, I was this close to doing it. The next minute, I’m outside and pacing.” Witnesses at the scene took photos via Instagram and uploaded them onto Facebook. The photographers of those photos denied the Whetstone permission to publish the photos.
Join the National Society for Leadership and Success today! Why join? -Become great leaders on campus -Participate in community service at the Shepards Place -We have 217 members and counting -We won an award for most promising emerging organization on campus as far as new organizations go -We work together as a team and have fun with organizing events we do on campus -We participate in family day -Great way to get involved on campus -Looks great on a resume -Gives members great opportunities for jobs after graduation including letters of recommendation from different speakers that are debuted at our speaker broadcasts Join today! Contact Jennifer Post for more information
Photo provided by Jennifer Post
Wesley Dessasow, Chole Khuen, Jennifer Post, Erica Martin, Dr. Colleen DiRaddo, Mr. And Mrs. Dr. Johnston, Tatiana Arthur, Jenai Copeland, Keeyana Talley, Mark Oldenburg, and Kadihja - all board members of the NSLS
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Monte Carlo Night a huge success By Marissa Hayes The Whetstone What other Wesley College event could send a student away with nearly a quarter-million dollars in chips? Wesley College celebrated its 3rd annual Monte Carlo Night, sponsored by Student Affairs in the Wentworth Gym on Friday, Aug 24. Students were handed $50,000 worth of chips to play blackjack, poker, birdcage and Russian roulette. “We wanted to officially welcome our new students to Monte Carlo Night,” said Ladarius Thompson, head of Student Affairs. “Tonight was definitely a success and we had a great outcome. I am excited for next year’s Monte Carlo Night.” Students turned in their chips to collect tickets, which allowed them to place bids for school supplies, snacks, and an Xbox Kinect at the end of the night. “I absolutely loved Monte Carlo this year because there were more things to do and more people came out to support the faculty,” said junior Chea Sloh.
The Whetstone / Grace Massara
The Whetstone / Grace Massara
Dr. Paul Olsen teaches a crowded group of students how to play Birdcage (also known as Chuck-a-luck). “It was really nice meeting and Hold’Em. “I had a fantastic spending time with new stutime.” dents.” Teachers weren’t the only ones One of the highest winners of having a good time. the night came from the poker “I really had a fun time tonight table. and there was nothing I would’ve “I had a guy leave the table changed about it,” said freshman with over $200,000 worth of Candice Mitchell. chips,” said Joseph Nicolai, an Senior Tanyetta Sanders said adjunct faculty teacher in busishe agrees. ness and the dealer for Texas “This is my second year com-
Professor Ann Rogge guards the prize table while students decide on which bags to put their tickets in ing,” said Sanders. “I believe games from the previous year this year was the best because since there was more space in the there were more people that gym.” showed up and there were more Sophomore Jasmine White prizes.” agrees. Other students suggested ways “I liked Monte Carlo Night this Monte Carlo Night could have year, but last year it was better,” been better. she said. “I liked when the loca“I loved Monte Carlo Night tion was in the Den because the this year,” said sophomore Tyona lighting made you feel as if you Kinlaw. “I would’ve added more were in a real casino.”
Students enjoy ziplining to help celebrate Plaza All pictures by Grace Massara
Junior Corinne St. Jean hangs mid-air as she travels down the zip line on Aug. 23
Ryan Strain nears the end of his zipline experience, about to plow into the soft cushions at the end of the line
Don’t forget! Check The Whetstone online weekly for news! www.whetstone.wesley.edu Send us your thoughts on our new website layout or your comments on any of the stories, and we might put your comment in our printed edition!
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New professor joins physical education department By Marissa Hayes The Whetstone Before becoming a professor, new physical education professor Steven Groccia had other dreams that he wanted to pursue. “At first, I wanted to become a professional athlete,” he said. “I didn’t care what sport it was, because I played soccer, basketball, and baseball during high school.” After struggling to receive college recognition, Groccia had a change of heart. “It was more of a growing up thing,” he said. “I started to realize in high school that there were no Division 1 schools knocking to give me scholarships. In doing so, I figured the next best thing to actually playing the sport is teaching it.” Groccia is a native of Holden, Mass., and attended Springfield College and received his Master’s degree at Salem State College. “I am defending my Ph.D. on next Friday, and that’s at Springfield College back in Massachusetts,” he said. Before coming to Wesley and
receiving his Ph.D., Groccia taught at a public school for nine years. “In my early conception, I correlated coaching and physical education,” he said. “I now know they’re two different entities and physical education is more widely needed in our society.” Groccia said he had a great interview with Wesley. “I had a chance to meet the faculty and was able to observe on some of the classes,” he said. “I love the curriculum, and I love my students.” Students agree that agree that Groccia is adding depth to the Phys. Ed program. “I think Dr. Groccia is doing a great job so far,” said senior Michael McQuarrie. “It seems that all of the Phys. Ed. majors are excited to have another professor in the department to make the program stronger. I only have one class with him but I’ve learned a lot so far. He definitely brings with him some solid expe-
rience for us to learn from.” Physical Education major Anna Baker agrees. “Dr. Groccia is a great addition to Wesley,” Baker said. “His classes are interactive, entertaining, and formative. I am positive he will bring great ideas to the Physical Education Department.” Groccia is teaching six classes this semester and is determined to bring more than just sweat and exercise to his students. “I plan bringing my wealth of knowledge related to teaching and physical education,” he said. “I think I know how to prepare them for success in their field.”
The Whetstone / Marissa Hayes
Students slide and splash at the Beach Bash By Bianca Bailey The Whetstone Complete with water slides, and many students dawned in bikinis, the Beach Bash on Aug. 22 was something for all students to do to cool off on one of the last hot summer days. Everyone received leis and partied to the music being played by “The Drummer and The DJ,” a combination of a drummer and DJ who lives in England. Students danced on the amphitheater stage and ate of cotton candy, snow cones, and nachos. The Student Activities Board (SAB) put together this event. President Chris Fucetola and Vice President Jessica CurryKeith were enjoying the festivities, while making sure everything ran smoothly. “It is a good turnout,” Fucetola said. “It is better than last year because of the beautiful weather, even though it was a call for a hurricane.” Curry-Keith also said the weather helped for a great turnout. “The weather played a great part and a lot more people showed up,” she said. “The warm weather was a blessing. The courses and slides are a lot of fun and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.” There were six different inflatables that included two water slides, an obstacle course, and a basketball hoop. Many of the students slid down the water slides while others raced each other through the obstacle course.
The Whetstone / Bianca Bailey
The Whetstone / Bianca Bailey
Seniors Kiana Long; Shaun Brown; Marvin Bond; and Jaime Stokes enjoy themselves at the SAB Beach Bash
Students wait in line for the obstacle courses
Despite all of the various activities, some people were fascinated by the DJ. “The DJ is the best thing by far,” said Junior Gloria Ogunleye. “ I am having a great time and I am glad that there are a lot of other things to do other than the water slides because I did not
that the students have a fun and safe time.”
want to get wet.” There was also a dance contest where people were allowed to “show their stuff”. “[SAB] will have many more events,” said Evita Wade, the SAB adviser. “The events will all be fun and exciting so look out for them. We are here to ensure
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September 2012
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Q&A with Professor Susan Bobby By Jeremy Harper The Whetstone Contributor Jeremy Harper: How long have you been teaching? Professor Susan Bobby: Since 1993. JH: How have you changed your teaching style since you started teaching? SB: When I first began teaching I was more strict. I relied heavily on the notes that I would take to class every day. Now, I am more laid back and I find myself improvising more often. Even when I do bring notes, I often find myself not using them. This isn’t something I would’ve been able to accomplish when I first began teaching. Since then, I’ve gained more experience and confidence as a teacher. JH: What have you taught at Wesley College? SB: I have taught College Writing, Literature for Composition, Expository Writing, American Literature, Fairy Tales, Adolescent Literature, Magical Realism, and Public Speaking. JH: What’s your favorite class to teach? SB: It’s a toss-up between Fairy Tales and Adolescent Literature. Really, it depends upon
the group of students I have and how interested they are in the material. JH: What rewards do you get personally from teaching? SB: Teaching allows me to solidify my identity as a person. I feel most normal when I’m teaching, but also I enjoy watching students grow as they progress through school. I like to see a student in a beginning course and then see them again in a more advanced one. When a student displays more knowledge, confidence, or even just enthusiasm it makes it all worthwhile. JH: Where’d you go to school? What was your major? SB: Millersville University, as an English Major. JH: What drew you to this field? SB: I thought it would be the easiest to get As in with the least amount of effort. I certainly wasn’t going to go to school for math or science. I wasn’t too interested in challenging myself. It turns out that English wasn’t that easy. JH: What was your worst or
most interesting job as a student? SB: My worst job as a student was as a pharmacy clerk over one winter break. I more or less ran the register, but after my first day, after only four hours of work, I ended up coming down with mono and had to quit for the remainder of the break because of it. However, had I continued working it would have been awful and I would’ve hated it. My best job would have to be as an assistant to a secretary at my father’s gas company. I was treated well, paid well, and had to very little work to do. JH: Where were you born and raised? SB: Lancaster, Pa. JH: What is your favorite movie? SB: I would have to say a tossup between “I Heart Huckabees,” directed by David O. Russell, and “Rushmore,” directed by Wes Anderson. JH: What is your favorite book? SB: Again, a toss-up between “The Golden Compass,” by Phillip Pullman, and “Lighthouse Keeping,” by Jeanette Winterson.
The Whetstone / Melissa Boyd
Professor Bobby near her office on the fourth floor of College Center JH: What’s your favorite type of music? SB: I enjoy the Alternative genre, specifically the band The Foo Fighters. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only bring one band’s catalog of material, I would be content forever with The Foo Fighters. JH: What is your favorite hobby? SB: Cross-stitching. My mother taught me when I was young-
er. I worked with it through high school and a little bit in college. Now I don’t even have conventional art in my house, I just have cross-stitching hung up on my walls. JH: What are you most passionate about in life? SB: Finding people, activities, or endeavors that I love and putting my all into.
Sign up for intramurals today! Including volleyball and dodgeball this semester, contact Robert Price or James Peditto for more information!
Wesley’s Daily Crime Log: August and September Date/Time Occurred 8/22/12 8/22/12 Various 8/23/12 8/23/12 8/24/12 8/25/12 8/25/12 8/26/12 8/26/12 8/27/12 8/30/12
Nature of Crime General Location Trespassing Amphitheater Suspicious Person In Front Of Gooding Hall Harassment College Campus Disorderly Conduct/ North Plaza Resisting Arrest/Lewdness Conspiracy/Theft Off campus Hit and Run Accident Gov. Ave in Front of Malm. Alcohol Violation Campus Grounds Burglary/Theft Wesley Property Noise Violation Off Campus Alcohol Violation Off Campus Trespassing/Soliciting Gooding Hall 5 Failure to Comply/ Carpenter Hall Disorderly Conduct/ Noise Violation 8/31/12 Vandalism Carpenter Hall 8/31/12 Alcohol Violation Malmberg Hall 9/1/12 Suspicious Person College Campus 9/2/12 Trespassing North plaza 9/2/12 6 Alcohol Violations Roe & Malm. Halls 9/3/12 2 Failure to Comply/ Carpenter Hall Disorderly Conduct/ Incense-Candles 9/3/12 2 Noise Violations Carpenter Hall 9/5/12 Burglary/Theft Carpetner Hall 9/6/12 Failure to Comply Malmberg Hall
Disposition Closed (Left Campus) Opened Closed (Referred for Disciplinary) Closed (Arrested by DPD and Referred for Discplinary Closed (Arrested by DPD and Referred for Disciplinary) Opened (Reported to DPD) Closed (Referred for Disciplinary) Opened (Reported to DPD) Closed (Fined by the DPD and Referred for Disciplinary) Closed (Fined by the DPD and Referred for Disciplinary) Closed ( Escorted off Campus) Closed (Referred for Disciplinary)
Closed (Referred for Disciplinary) Closed ( Referred for Disciplinary) Closed (Left campus) Closed (Left campus) Closed (Referred for Disciplinary) Closed (Referred for Disciplinary) Closed (Referred for Disciplinary) Opened Closed (Referred for Disciplinary)
September 2012
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Students say they love the new plazas on campus By Linnea Cavallo The Whetstone Torn up streets. Worrying about getting hit by a car on your way to class. Two benches and a trash can. This is what Wesley campus used to offer their students. Until this fall, that is. This past spring, Wesley received a $2.5 million grant to construct a north and south side plaza. The construction started on May 7 and finished Aug. 24. “They’re still fixing some minor issues, but it’s about 99.5 percent finished,” said Sarah Smith, director of student activities.
The Student Government Association and Alumni Association also raised money for the project. The largest amount of money came from a Delaware infrastructure fund grant. No tuition funds were used to complete this project. The plazas were designed by the Becker Morgan Group in Dover with Whiting-Turner as the general contractor. Most students are delighted with the plaza. “It was a difference I was not expecting,” junior Gregory Bergin said. “I think it’s a great change,”
senior Mia Brocco said. “The campus looks awesome.” “I think it’s a huge improvement,” sophomore Rylee Gould said. “It looks more like an actual campus and not just buildings thrown around. Definitely a huge step and maybe they can add to it.” Administrators said they hoped
the new look will help with retention rates and bring in more and better freshmen. “So much of selling something is the outside look, and the new plazas have done nothing but help the school improve its facade,” Smith said. With multiple shootings just steps off campus last school year,
many people believe having a closed street is safer. “I think having the streets blocked off like they are, and a lot more lighting all around campus will discourage outsiders from coming on campus,” Bergin said.
The Whetstone / Melissa Boyd
Viewed from the South entrance to College Center, the campus looks clean and inviting
The South Plaza of campus is now one of the biggest features of Wesley
The Whetstone / Melissa Boyd
So you think you read The Whetstone...? Let’s test it! Across
4) What senior is confident that she will graduate on time, rather than do the “5-year plan?” (last name only) 7) Who ran the freshmen seminar about beer, booze, and books? (last name only) 8) What student said she felt sorry for the victims in the Penn State sex scandal? (last name only) 10) What is the number one recommended activity that statistically helps improve grades?
Down
1) Professor _____ of art 2) What day does Club Hoopla meet on? 3) Monte Carlo night had a TV, an XBOX and food for prizes, among other gifts. What professor mainly guarded the prizes while students gambled? (last name only) 5) The location of the Involvement Fair was... (no spaces) 6) The marching band is directed by Brian.... 9) Freshmen had to read this book before starting Wesley: The Curious ______ of the Dog in the Night-Time
Be sure to catch the next edition of The Whetstone, the week of Sept. 24, to compare your answers!
*Puzzle generated by Melissa Boyd, regarding articles in the current Whetstone edition
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Opinion
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Stop bullying students By Melissa Boyd The Whetstone
The Whetstone / Melissa Boyd
I’m not an athlete. I tried soccer once in high school, but I’m really just not a sportsy person. I prefer academics – reading, writing, even a little bit of math and science. However, if I were an athlete, I would have a serious problem with my coaches or athletic leaders telling me I had to talk to one of them before I was allowed to speak to any of my other classmates, whether that classmate was a writer for The Whetstone, or a speaker on Wesley radio or
television. I suppose the athletic coaches don’t trust that their athletes will say the right thing. I suppose they think everything going through one person will help boost the program the right way. Then again, maybe athletes will say what’s really happening and it’ll surprise us all, including their coaches. Perhaps what they say might jeopardize the school’s alumni funding. Who knows why athletes’ freedom of speech and press has been denied? The new requirement that all athletes must first go to Steven Kramer, the “director of sports information,” before speaking with any Whetstone reporter (or any other media outlet), is ridiculous. Of course, I am the editor for the Whetstone, so telling my writers that they can’t talk to
The Whetstone invites students to speak their minds The Whetstone, Wesley College’s independent student newspaper, asks you, the students at Wesley College, to use our editorial pages to speak out on issues that affect you and the campus, from freedom of speech to teacher-student relations to how you’re treated and respected. It’s easy to do: write a letter to us (send to Melissa.Boyd@email.wesley.edu) of no more than 400 words. Provide us with your cell phone number. We will edit for space and grammar, and will contact you to make sure it’s you who is sending us the column. We’re looking for an interactive dialog among Wesley students who are concerned about what’s going on around campus, regarding all concerns. We won’t print unsubstantiated rants or letters that merely complain without facts. Other than that, it’s up to you. Let us know what’s going on and what concerns you – and even how you might think the problem may be solved certain people without getting permission first rubs me the wrong way. I just won’t do it. I don’t have to do it. My writers don’t have to follow the rule because I will not be enforcing strict punishment on them – as seems to have been threatened to have been done to some athletes, as reported by some faculty. (See page 1 – picture and caption of the softball rules and regulations). However, if I were an athlete, I would be wondering why my coaches don’t trust me enough to speak my mind. And even if they don’t trust me, who cares? Why are they prohibiting my freedom of speech? I understand that The Whetstone published articles last spring where students, athletes and non-athletes, stated their opinions that football players
Are many of us subliminal racists? By Hodges Horton The Whetstone Contributor Subliminal racism. You do it every day. When you socialize in the College Center; when you pick your roommates for next semester; when you pick your seats on the first day of classes. Have you ever asked yourself why you chose the friends you have? Everyone might agree that you chose your friends through similar interests, similar personalities, activities or social groups. But have you ever asked yourself if you choose your friends because of their race? We force ourselves to believe that we are not racist or prejudice to people outside of your own race. What we fail to realize is that our everyday actions point directly to the contrary. Being racist or prejudiced is not just voicing your opinion in the comfort of your own home or publicly. It also reflects your personal thoughts and your subliminal actions. Are all of your roommates black or white? “I do not feel I am prejudice or racist,” said senior C.J. Bacote. “I live off campus and I am the only roommate of five who is black. I am not more comfortable around my own race or another, I just chose my friends off of their interest and personality.” People often believe you sur-
round yourself with people who reflect the person you truly are. If our society teaches us to respect each other for not how they look, but for who they are, why does racism and constant stereotyping still exist? Whose fault is it? Is it the white girl who looks in disgust and clinches her purse after a black guy walks into an elevator? Or is it the black guy who walks into the elevator with his pants sagging below his waist reciting the lyrics of gangbanging rappers we idolize? We are all guilty. Are you surprised after hearing an African American use correct grammar when speaking in the classroom or in public? Or say they sound white when they do? “I have friends of all racesblack, white, Hispanic,” said Michael Brandenburg. “I play football and, here at Wesley College, the team is mostly black. I don’t purposely surround myself with African Americans. It just so happens that the majority of my peers are black. I do not act black or white because of whom I hang out with. There is no such thing. A race does not act or speak a specific way.” Do you surround yourself with white or black students in the cafeteria? Why is it that after walking into Wesley’s dining hall, one would think that segregation still exists? At times we subcon-
September 2012
sciously believe if we surround ourselves with people who look like us, we will be more accepted or respected. It’s almost embarrassing to see that at Wesley College. Are you attracted to someone outside your race but fear views from your family or peers? Forcing yourself to believe you will not be accepted by society once you date someone outside your race makes you as guilty as the person discriminating against you. It is 2012 and the fear of acceptance in our society has forced us to forget our morals and lose our dignity. Do you believe you did not receive a promotion because of your race before you question your own ability? How many times must I hear a student complain about a teacher being racist, solely because of their grade on an exam or a recent course? After hearing those words thousands of times, I am forced to believe that society developed a fear of racism to the point where we hide behind it and use it to conceal our own prejudices or racist thoughts. Diversity has affected Wesley College positively, but I can still feel the power of racial judgments lingering throughout our campus.
receive special treatment. No coach wants their athletes to say that they think another team is getting special privileges, but no opinion can be wrong. All opinions should be welcomed. If athletes state opinions that are upsetting to a coach, the coach should try to fix the problem, not overrule it by making their students go through another person to set-up an interview. And what happens if Kramer denies the student or the media’s request for an interview? We’re supposed to just keep asking? Who has the right to say that if athletes are willing to talk with The Whetstone or other media outlets about games or anything about athletics that they now have to ask permission? Are we back in kindergarten where we all have to raise our hands and ask to go to the bathroom? We are all adults here. We all
have rights that are affirmed in our Constitution. How can you tell a student that if he talks about his team without asking permission, “strict consequences will ensue”? What do strict consequences really mean? Obviously, as the editor, I am upset that The Whetstone has to deal with this. But even more than that, I feel sorry for the athletes who have to deal with coaches who so strictly define who they can talk to, what they can say, and why they are allowed to say it. I would quit an athletic team, if I were an athlete, just on the principle that I am allowed to decide what I want to say and to whom I want to say it, without having to ask permission or go through any other person.
From the SGA President
By Byran Zarou The Whetstone Contributor It is with great pleasure that I welcome back all students for another great year at Wesley. I have been given the opportunity to talk directly to you, the students, through the school newspaper, The Whetstone. Although I view this year as a transitional year for SGA, I am optimistic it will be a great one. Many students are unaware of the func tions of the Student Government Association. It is my duty in this article to make the SGA position clear. The SGA is made up of all undergraduate students. A portion of the Student Activity Fee you pay each year is allocated to the main SGA fund. Your elected SGA officials allocate those proportions to each student organization. Money that is not used by organizations goes back into the general account. Only with the SGA Congress’ approval can the SGA Executive board spend money on capital campaign projects. For example, with SGA approval, we were able to renovate the new Malmberg Gym, add Wi-Fi to all of our residence halls, add almost 40 new security cameras on campus, and donate to our streetscape, which gave all of us students the great “Wesley Plaza.” It is also the duty of the SGA to defend the rights of our students, and give students a collective voice and approve or oppose and defend issues that go on around campus.
Photo provided by Bryan Zarou
As I said at the Leadership banquet last year, “Together, with one voice, we can achieve so much.” It is my duty as your SGA President to be your liaison to top administrators at the College. I meet monthly with President Johnston to update him on what the “student feeling” is on campus, giving him a direct outlook on our students. I encourage all students, if you have concerns or want to be updated on all that goes on at Wesley, to attend Congress, every Monday at moon in CC 206. It is a STUDENT-ONLY forum, with no members of the faculty or administrators inside the closed-door sessions. This gives you, the students, a place where you can speak freely.
September 2012
Opinion
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Students on Campus Does Wesley College respect freedom
Making Wesley a better place
of speech? All pictures and quotes received by Grace Massara
By Joncara Marshall The Whetstone Contributor Picking a college is like buying a used car. The dealerships are the campus visits. The dealers are parents, faculty members, staff, and student ambassadors. All of them say you need a college education as much as you need a car; you cannot go anywhere without one. Not unless you are Steve Jobs who did not finish college. Apparently, he walked to success. Walking is definitely a lot cheaper than paying for gas, just as not going to college is a lot cheaper than paying $20,000 to $28,000, or more, for tuition and fees. For me, Wesley is like a wellused rental car; all of the benefits with only a few problems. But for others, it is the used car that they thought would run like new. Talking to students last year, I learned that most of them were dissatisfied with one or more things about Wesley. Some would say that the food was bad compared to what the cafeteria offered during open house days. There were not a lot of things to do either on-campus or in the Dover area. That finding a parking spot can be hard if we do not come early enough. Some of them hated their professors. And after hearing gunshots near the campus last semester, they questioned their safety. In short, none of the dealers told them about the flaws. I did not give where I wanted to go to college much thought – a bad mistake for a first-time buyer. My parents and I toured the University of Delaware but I did not meet all of the requirements. It took a snowy day in Febru-
ary and my mom reminding me that I even bothered to apply to Wesley. The college seemed like a good place to start at and then branch off to somewhere bigger. All I understood was that I had to go to college and, during my senior year of high school, any college no more than two hours away from home would do. So, I happily took the acceptance as a blessing, and went to an open house and a couple of orientations. They did not have to sell the college to me. I was ready. I like Wesley for almost the same reasons why everyone else does. The campus and classes are small and most of the professors are great. But I sometimes think, “If I did more research, could I have gone to a better school or at least had different options?” Maybe instead of renting a Honda, I could have gotten a used Camaro. Interviewing students last semester, I sometimes wondered why we even came to Wesley. Why did we choose Wesley as the vehicle to get us where we wanted to go? But I, along with all the other students, chose to be at Wesley. No college is perfect. There will always be boredom, hard professors, and things that do not work. All colleges, from Wesley to Harvard, are used cars meant only to get us somewhere in life. We have the power to make Wesley the way we want it to be. We can join or start clubs, take trips, stay positive or maybe even try what is offered on campus. Besides the food, location, and anything else we say about Wesley, which are the little nicks, I
“Yes, Wesley allows students to speak freely. But I feel like if I speak no one would really listen.” -Curits Maxwell
Photo provided by Joncara Marshall
think the biggest problem, or the huge dent, is that students are not always willing to talk about what they think. Sure, I am speaking from a newspaper standpoint, and I personally do not always voice my opinion. But we have to ask questions and be more active in our campus life. Talking to friends is a great way to vent but it is not the way to change things. Wesley, the used car, rougher than some, better than others, needs to be worked on. The renovations have at least given it a new paint job, but it still has a few stains, nicks and dents. For some it is worse than others, but we chose Wesley. Some of us will choose to stay, to continue driving it for a while. Others will transfer, choosing a different car. And then there are those that drop out, either to walk for a while or even ride a bike. None of us know where we are going, but if we stick with Wesley, why not try to enjoy the ride and even make it better?
“Yes, students have freedom of speech on campus, but what you say will only be taken into consideration.” -Brad Walker
“Yes. We have that freedom to start an organization, like mine, light to life, and we say what we want. No one was holding us down and we got a lot of support.” -Devin Price
“Yes, but to a certain point. But overall I am able to say what I want to say.” -Travis Ragland
What’s the secret to college success? By Charlene Stephens Director of academic support Did you know that you are going to college at the very best time in the last five hundred years? This is a claim by authors of recent studies on college success—and they base this on the prevalence of new media, twenty-first century technology, government funding for college and accessibility—all of these factors combine to make now a great time to be at college. Unless you don’t know what to do when you get there. I am sure you have all heard (maybe even from me) that a large percentage of students will
have difficulty being successful at college, and may not even return. So, what makes the difference between being successful and struggling? Is there a secret? Well, there is no one secret that works for everyone; but there are techniques and strategies that can help—and Academic Support offer Seminars for Academic Success that cover these tips. They range from “Time Management,” “Note Taking Techniques”, help for test anxiety, to connecting with your profs and realizing that “Faculty Are People Too!” We encourage you to join is for these
free workshops on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the semester. But what can you do right now? There is one very easy way to ensure your continued success, and it is something that is incredibly easy to do. Are you ready for this? The secret to college success is: SLEEP! No kidding—there is a growing body of research that indicates that students could make a huge difference in their academic success if they use earplugs, power naps and sleep shades. According to a recent
news release, studies have found that the GPA of students getting adequate sleep averages a full letter grade higher than those who don’t sleep enough! Unfortunately, most college students have horrible sleep habits. “The average student is functioning with a clinical sleep disorder,” state experts from the National Institutes of Health. Recent data indicates college student average five hours of sleep per night; healthy people your age need seven to eight! And, a University of Minnesota study found a positive correlation be-
tween GPA and amount of sleep per night: the closer to optimum sleep total, the higher the GPA. So the advice on how to be successful: get your sleep—try naps, earplugs, eyeshades, anything that assists you to get closer to your recommended total. And, when you wake up— come to the ARC to study—your GPA will thank you! (See me in the Academic Resrouce Center for the links or copies of the studies I used for this article.)
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Sports
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September 2012
Wesley students react to Penn State sex scandal By Benjamin E. Lykens The Whetstone Wesley College students said that what happened at Penn State was wrong but differ about what should have been done to punish the school after the Sandusky child sex-abuse trial. Penn State University received unprecedented penalties by the NCAA because of the scandal, including a four-year Bowl ban, fined the program millions of dollars and eliminated the football team’s wins from 1998 to last season. Junior Chuck Stewart said he was surprised at Sandusky’s behavior. “It was a big shocker to me,” Stewart said. “Now because of
all this both the school and the football program have a bad reputation.” Sophomore Cassandra Stephens said that the punishments weren’t fair and that people need to remember the good things about the team, not just the bad. “I don’t think the punishments are fair to the current students or for (former football Head Coach) Joe Paterno,” Stephens said. “They don’t know what they told him. There are a lot of things he did right.” Paterno died of lung cancer soon after the scandal broke, and was found to be negligent by an independent report conducted by
former FBI director Louis Freeh. Freshman Darius Carroll believes that the NCAA could have handled the situation in a different way. “I don’t think the (Paterno) statue should’ve been taken down and the incoming students and football players shouldn’t have been punished,” he said. But the school needs to be more careful, she said. “They should have more background checks on the staff and coaches.” Sophomore KylieMay Allen said that Paterno should have faced harsher penalties before his death.
Cont. from ATHLETES, page 1 Kramer’s role is not to prohibit access to coaches or athletes but to coordinate,” Johnston said. Political Science professor Dr. Tony Armstrong said there are even more serious issues related to the policy: it violates a student’s right to free speech. “For (the football team) to tell them who they can talk to would be a very serious matter,” he said. “Something that should be clarified, and if necessary, something the faculty should address.” The new policy Kramer instituted reads, “ALL interview requests including student, local or national media must be made through” Kramer. According to Armstrong and other faculty, athletes have been warned not to talk to student media. A paragraph, for example, in “Softball Team Rules 2012,”
Sports Roundup Wins: losses: ties
given to softball players this semester, says in part, “If you partake in any media relations activities without prior permission strict consequences will ensue.” According to some athletes who attended it, Drass called a meeting of coaches and players last April after The Whetstone’s football stories appeared, and told coaches and players the opinions of students and athletes quoted in the articles were false. Because the issue questioned Drass’ dual role as football coach and athletic director, Drass also told coaches and students at the meeting that he would love to only to be the athletic director. Drass said he would not comment about last semester’s articles but denied through Kramer that he told players he’d rather just be the athletic director.
Women’s Soccer 3:2:1 Next game: Home vs. Marymount
Wesley football players, however, did not hold back when asked for their comments on the story. Freshman offensive lineman Nick Tyndal said he can understand why people feel the way they do. “I can see people viewing it that way because we get more,” Tyndal said. “At the same time, Coach Drass takes care of his players.” Former linebacker and senior Mike Asieda believes that people have a right to say what they want. “I didn’t think much of it,” Asieda said. “I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” Freshman wide receiver Hakeem Kornegay said that people’s opinions help him. “It gives us motivation to work harder,” he said.
Field Hockey: 2:2 Next game: Home vs. Haverford Volleyball: 2:7 Next game: Home vs. St. Mary’s Football: 2:0 Next game: Home vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor Men’s Soccer: 1:2:1 Next game: Neumann
**Whetstone file photo
“I believe he should have been punished because he let it go on,” she said. Junior Kiki Schmitt said she felt sorry for the victims and was sad that the school tried to cover up the scandal. “It’s sad that so many people can know about it and it is put on the sideline so the school and the team is protected,” she said. Sophomore Leigh Ann Ingram also said she was disappointed in the school. “I think it’s sad that so many people would cover up this for somebody,” she said. College President Dr. William Johnston said he felt sorry for the
victims and that he could relate to former Penn State President Graham Spanier’s predicament. “The young men and their families are the ones who have been most affected and my heart goes out to them,” Johnston said. “I can relate to former President Spanier because there are dozens of items that go through the president’s office and it’s impossible to see every item. However, I also understand and realize the president still has the responsibility.”
Jared Morris breaks Wesley records for football team By Benjamin E. Lykens The Whetstone Junior Jared Morris broke a Wolverine football record by picking off four East Texas Baptist passes in his first career start on defense helping his team to defeating the Tigers 34 - 14 for the team’s opening weekend win. Morris, previously a wide receiver, earned both D3football. com team of the week and defensive player of the week honors. Morris said that his only goal in switching positions was to help the team win. “We lost our safety from last season and I think this is a good fit for me,” he said. Head football coach Mike Drass suggested that Morris make the move to defensive back. He said the move was long overdue. “We should have made this move with Jared when he was a freshman,” Drass said. “Jared has been a valuable receiver for us for the last two seasons and when we had an injury before the Mt. Union game, he played some nickel back and did very well.” Drass said Morris was not getting enough playing time. “On defense he could compete to play immediately,” he said. “We never imagined he would get four interceptions in a game but he is a smart football player who always puts himself in the
Photo athletics.wesley.edu
right position.” Getting four interceptions in a game is rare, let alone done by a single player. Morris however, gives the majority of the credit to his teammates. “It was because of the pressure created by the defensive line,” Morris said. “The quarterback had to scramble around and I was just in the right place at the right time.” Only two other Wolverines have recorded at least three interceptions in a single game- Rocky Myers in 2001 and Brian Warren in 1993 respectively.