April 29th - Griffon News

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MWSU | www.thegriffonnews.com
vol 92 | Issue 24
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Harp takes oath, ascends to office
Roever tapped for
commencement address
Jodi Oliver
News Writer
While students are enjoying their summer vacation Missouri
Western will be saying goodbye to Carol Roever, interim dean for the
Steven L. Craig School of Business; however, not until she serves as
this spring’s commencement speaker.
According to Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, the
cabinet decided it would be a good idea to open the commencement
speaking role to students and to faculty members, rotating with May
being a faculty member and December commencement a student
speaker.
“For this May’s commencement the committee came up with three
very good names and given all that she had done, Carol Roever will
be this May’s commencement speaker,” Vartabedian said.
According to Cynthia Heider, associate provost and associate vice
president for academic affairs, administration tries to find speakers
who have a significant link to Missouri Western and the students.
“What you’re going to see is an exceptional commencement address
by Carol Roever who has significant academic history with Missouri
Western,” Heider said. “She will be talking to students about the
pride they should feel about their accomplishments, the opportunities in front of them and the pride all of us at Missouri Western feel.”
Roever, who will retire June 30, began her career at Missouri
Western in 1986. She had planned to retire for several years, but
instead she vowed to stay on board as the interim dean of the Craig
School of Business to see through the accreditation process.
“She is really an extraordinary woman,” Vartabedian said. “We’ve
been able to talk her out of retiring several times and she has said
to us repeatedly she wouldn’t feel right retiring until she saw this
AACSB accreditation through and that’s exactly what she did.”
SARA BAUM/ Photography Editor
Newly elected SGA president Dillon Harp is sworn in to office at Blum Student Union last Tuesday. For the full story of
See Roever page 4 the new SGA administration, see story on page 4.
Athletics budget cuts below university average
Dave Hon
Online Editor
[email protected]
As the fate of the University lies in the coming budget cuts over the next few years,
speculation has arisen on campus that the Athletic Department may not be doing their
share of trying to save the University funds.
The budget cuts made to the fiscal year 2010 for the athletics department total to
$118,355. The majority of this total comes from a reduction in the amount that certain
athletic scholarships offer to new students.
These cuts represent 2.7 percent of the athletic department’s $4.3 million in expenses
in 2009. Currently, the university as a whole is facing a 5.2 percent cut from the State
Appropriations Committee.
Brian Cronk, interim dean of graduate studies, feels that the athletic department
should be cutting more to reflect the amount that academics has made to adjust for the
next fiscal year.
“Many of the cuts and new revenues have come from the academic affairs side of the
institution,” Cronk said. “Honestly, that’s a little discouraging.”
The other major area of reduction that the athletic department has made is not replacing an assistant football coach, saving the department $23,660.
While the department reduced costs by cutting the position, the athletic department
decided to keep a video production position. Dave Williams, Missouri Western athletic
director, said that his department has taken criticism in regards to this position.
“I feel that that position is a benefit to every department or sport, [it] is vital to where
we’re going with the Kansas City Chiefs, vital to where we’re going in the future of
technology,” Williams said. “Two weeks later we had a football coach leave and we’re not
getting any credit for that one.”
Williams said the position is vital to public relations for the athletic department and
the university as a whole.
“These are the types of things students look for on a new college,” Williams said. “When
students go to our web site we want them to see technology.”
Even with these cuts, Cronk feels that Western’s athletic department still may not be
cutting enough, especially with the construction of the spring sports complex and the
Chiefs Facility. But the revenue brought in by the Max Experience fee can only be used
for the spring sports complex and the Chiefs facility is separate from the athletic department’s budget.
There have been other areas of athletics that have increased over the years that are
not associated with the Max Experience fee. According to the 2007 and 2008 Fiscal
Years’ NCAA financial reports, Western’s team travel expense increased by 32 percent
or $64,369.
DAVE HON/ Online Editor
Patsy Smith, associate athletic director, said that this increase in expense is due to
higher costs in traveling, including gas and lodging. Even with these higher costs and
the current economic climate at the university, special trips for football to Mesa, Colo.
and men’s basketball to Las Vegas, Nev., have still continued.
“The trip to Las Vegas was paid for completely by fundraising,” Smith said.
The Athletic Department does raise money in fundraising and contributions, but 69
percent of their revenue still comes from the University or $3,045,869 according to the
2009 fiscal year NCAA financial reports.
If the Budget situation worsens over the next few years, University President Robert
Vartabedian said that the university might need to resort to zero-base budgeting in
regards to the Athletic Department or any other department.
“I think it comes down to priorities,” Cronk said. “Is it more important to graduate
students who are more educated or to win an extra football game?”
Downtown campus may be on chopping block
Jesse West
News Writer
Western’s Downtown University Center is one of
the many programs at Western being looked at by
administration for any possible way to cut costs in
the face of a still struggling economy.
Opened in 2007, the Downtown Campus, located
in the Scottish Rite Temple, is home to three
programs: Pass the Power, a literacy program
for adults; Community Arts, consisting of courses
in yoga, dancing and clay-making; and the Law
Enforcement Academy which had previously been
located at Western’s main campus.
Gordon Mapley, dean for Western Institute,
has been directly involved with the operations of
the Downtown Campus. Mapley explains that the
discussions concerning the Downtown Campus are
due to concerns that the three programs it houses
can’t generate the revenue necessary to cover the
building expenses, budgeted at roughly $100,000,
or pay the faculty and staff who work there.
“These are things that are important to our community and we want to do these things, but the
ROBIN USSHER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
question is can we do them and do them well in a
front.indd 1
more cost-effective way,” Mapley said. “I want us
to maintain our service in a cost-effective way and
right now we’re losing money.”
Mapley maintains that he believes the Downtown
Campus has been a success with regards to offering programs of interest to the community; however, he refuses to turn a blind eye to the issues
at hand.
“[The downtown campus] is expensive and there
really aren’t a lot of other things we can do with
it,” Mapley said. “It doesn’t make sense to offer
credit courses downtown…financially, it costs us
significantly more to run the programs at that
facility than we can justify given the current budget.”
Western currently pays for all utilities at the
Downtown Campus, on top of the $36,000 lease
for use of the Scottish Rite Temple. Mapley says
that he has four options to move any of the three
programs to other locations; as these possibilities
are still in the conversation phase, Mapley is not
at liberty to go into detail on the options as of yet.
See Downtown campus page 4
4/28/10 12:32 PM
Page 2
The Griffon News
April 29, 2010
Editorial
Opinions
Cuts could come home
You might as well face it. Money around
Missouri Western State University is about to
become more rare than the virtue of Paris Hilton.
Cuts are going to be made. The big question everyone is afraid to ask is “what gets cut?” The reason
that is a scary question for every department and
every member of the faculty is because the answer
might be that the cuts start at home.
No one wants to make less money. No one
feels like they have enough to run things as it is.
Everyone else thinks that you are already blowing it bad enough, if you have less next year how
will you make ends meet? You will. Somehow, you
will find a way to make things work. It is called
innovation. It is what make Americans what they
are as a people. They rest of the world looks at
America and says “Wow, how innovative.”
Just get over the fear of losing a little profit and
innovate a way to keep the world running. But the
question of where to cut still has not answered.
Here are some ideas you might not have considered.
Paying people less tends to make them panic
and leave, yet, who wants to quit their job in an
uncertain economy? If it is a pay cut, just make
sure it is fair and across the board and starts at
the top. Any stones unturned will be the rock that
causes the wall to tumble.
Maybe something that students really do not
care about should be cut. Like the SGA. No one
goes to the meetings, that much has already been
established. Students really do not care what a
select few of politically motivated students decide
to spend money on, so why give them such a big
budget? In all fairness perhaps the Griffon News
should lose a chunk of funding. Much evidence
shows that no one is really reading the paper.
Wherever the cuts happen, just know that they
are going to happen. When they do, don’t be surprised if you find the cuts came to your slice of pie.
After all you are probably too fat anyway.
SARA BAUM/ Graphics editor
Big-foot and family show old movies still good movies
If you’re a film buff like me, discovering movies I’ve never heard of is a
joy. However, in the process of seeking
out new cinematic experiences, sometimes
you forget about the films you grew up
watching. Having realized this in the past
few months, I’ve decided to revisit one of
my childhood favorites, “Harry and the
Hendersons.”
After a fun-filled weekend of camping and hunting, George Henderson (John
Lithgow), his wife Nancy (Melinda Dillon)
and their children Ernie (Josh Rudoy)
and Sarah (Margaret Langrick) make
their way back to Seattle, only to accidentally run over the legendary Bigfoot
(Kevin Peter Hall). Bringing him home,
the Henderson’s fears turn to compassion
for the surprisingly gentle beast. But with
the authorities, not to mention crazed
hunter Jacque LaFleur (David Suchet)
looking for him, the Henderson’s work with
renowned Bigfoot expert Dr. Wrightwood
(Don Ameche) to return “Harry” to his
rightful home before society gets their
filthy paws on him.
For a 1987 comedy, “Harry and
the Hendersons” is a rather sweet hearted
piece of filmmaking and one of the best
family films to come out of the decade.
Much of the credit can go to William
Dear, director and co-writer alongside
William E. Martin and Ezra D. Rappaport.
Forgoing the harder, cynical edge akin to
the 1980s, Dear and his collaborators have
crafted an emotionally powerand reportedly considers
jessewest
ful designed to pull on your
“Harry and the Hendersons,”
heartstrings and make you
one of the six winners, to be
genuinely care about Harry,
one of his proudest accomwho bears virtually no resemplishments. One look at the
blance to the fanged, bloodsuit and I can see why; not
thirsty beasts akin to such
only does it look incredibly
films as the pseudo-documenrealistic, but the mechanical
tary “The Legend of Boggy
effects used to create Harry’s
Creek” and the crap-tastic
facial expressions are flawless,
Canadian horror film “The
creating a visual image that,
Untold.”
in my opinion, is far more
While Dear, Martin
effective than 90% of the digiand Rappaport may have laid
tal effects from the past 10 to
down the foundation for the character, 15 years.
much of Harry’s effectiveness can be cred
While the previously mentioned
ited to the actor, Kevin Peter Hall, and the are the key players, everyone else brings
makeup creator, Rick Baker. Standing 7’2” their A-game to the film. Lithgow, one of
tall, Hall was certainly the right choice for the most underrated actors in the past 20
the role from a physical standpoint, but is years, is perfect as the harried family man
in his acting that he carves a niche for him- stuck in the most unusual of situations.
self. Watching the film, it is clear that Hall To see him go from utter fear of Harry to
is actually putting thought and creativity genuine affection is emotionally satisfying.
behind his performance, capturing Harry’s Dillon, Rudy and Langrick are fine with
innocence, frustration and compassion what they have to do, Ameche helps to
equally well. For further proof of his act- ground the film in reality and Suchet proing talent, look no further than “Predator,” vides camp laughs as the cruel Jacque.
with Hall dominating and intimidating as
In terms of flaws, the film has a
the head-hunting title character.
few. For starters, the family’s change of
While the name might not ring heart towards Harry is initially a bit hard
a bell, Rick Baker’s work is iconic. “An to swallow, especially given the massive
American Werewolf in London,” “Men in damage he does to their house. Certain
Black,” “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” and elements of the film, particularly the side
“Star Wars” just to name a few. For all his characters and authority figures, are rathwork, Baker has thus far won six Oscars er juvenile and detract from an otherwise
intelligent film, while the sentimentality occasionally veers into campiness. It
should also be noted that by family film,
I refer to a film that both children and
adults can watch and enjoy. With that in
mind, the film does contain a considerable
amount of profanity from most if not all
of the characters, including Rudoy’s eight
or nine year old character. While I find
nothing wrong with it, parents may want
to pre-screen the film and decide for themselves whether or not to show it to their
children.
In conclusion, “Harry and the
Hendersons” is a wonderful, heartwarming
experience that is not to be missed. While
part of my love might come from my childhood memories of sitting in the living room
laughing incessantly for the nearly two
hour running time over and over again,
I tried to be objective upon revisiting the
film for the first time in years. While I
did identify some minor flaws, overall I
found that the film more than lived up to
my memories, sporting a solid cast, tight
direction, impressive writing, and fantastic
special effects, not to mention a great score
by Bruce Broughton. I only hope that, if I
am ever blessed with children, I can show
them the films that I grew up with, and
this one is definitely on the top of that list.
Highly recommended.
Senior waves goodbye to Western
My last semester has been a strange coda to
SGA, the Griffon News or my photography work
my college career. 17 hours of upper division
with the local music scene. I’ve carved out a
classes, an internship and helping
niche that I am proud of.
ryanrichardson My grades weren’t always there and
run a college newspaper.
Needless to say, I haven’t slept
there were times that I wavered, but I
in a while.
always remembered my place and the
There has been one great lespower that I’ve got from here. That was
son that has stuck with me this
my motivation. I always wanted Missouri
semester. I took a special topics
Western to be as proud of me as I am of
English course for my literature
her.
requirement. The theme was
Fellow students and future alum, I
“People, Place and Power” which,
leave you with the following words. Enjoy
unintentionally, made me focus
your time here. Get involved with things
on my remaining time here. The
that YOU want to get involved with. Find
class focused on the relationyour place here and make sure that you
ship between the three ideals and it posed the
feel comfortable with it. This is your orientation
question to me about my place here at Missouri
for the rest of your life.
Western.
I’ve been comfortable here. I’m known amongst
the students. I’ve worked in so many different
aspects here whether it be with my fraternity,
The Griffon News
Alison Norris
Editor-in-Chief
Ryan Richardson
Design Editor
Eboni Lacey
Lifestyles Editor
Hannah Strasser Asst. Lifestyles Editor
Ryan Scroggins
News Editor
Dan Donan
Opinions Editor
Lauren Burbach
Sports Editor
Sara Baum
Photo/Graphics Editor
Dave Hon
Online Editor
Matt Fowler
Senior Editor
Emily Gummelt
Copy Editor
Megan Anderson
Ad Manager
Bob Bergland
Faculty Adviser
02-opinions.indd 1
News Room Staff
News Writers
Jesse West
Todd Fuller
Nick Merrill
Meghan Ledden
Jodi Oliver
Jeff Harper
Shane George
Sports Writers
Jessica Koch
Anthony Crane
Matt Gleaves
Lifestyles Writers
Michelle Allen
Brian Horstman
Lucretia Ray
Clint Willman
Danielle Dodson
“Education is not a product: mark, diploma, job, money in that order; it is
a process, a never ending one”- Bel
Kaufman
“If you want a happy ending, that
depends, of course,
on where you stop
your story.”- Orson
Welles
“Journalism
is organized
gossip.”
- Edward
Eggleston
The Griffon News is written and published by students of Missouri
Western State University during the fall and spring semesters. The first
copy of each issue is free; additional copies are 50 cents. Content of this
paper is developed independently of the faculty and administration, or
other campus organizations or offices. Readers are encouraged to submit
story ideas, information and advertising to The Griffon News office, Eder
221, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, Mo. 64507, or by phoning (816) 2714412 (advertising and news room). You may also e-mail
[email protected]. Copy and advertising must be
received by noon Friday, the week prior to publication.
Guidelines for letters to the editor:
• All letters to the editor must be typed and double spaced. Letters
must be no longer than 350-400 words and guest columns no longer than
500 words. Letters and columns will be edited for style.
Multimedia and Photos
• All letters must include signature and identity verification information,
such as phone number. The Griffon News reserves the right to edit
Robin Ussher
all letters for length and Associated Press style.
Kelly Findley
• The Griffon News will not withhold names under any circumstances.
Anonymously
submitted letters will not be published.
Charlene Divino
• Views expressed on the opinion pages are not necessarily those of
The Griffon News staff or Missouri Western State University.
4/28/10 10:43 AM
Opinions
The Griffon News
Page 3
April 29, 2010
Former SGA president feels praise deserved
Letter to the Editor
In recent weeks, the Griffon News has published several articles belittling the last
SGA Administration. This saddens me. My executive board worked around the clock
throughout this last year, and I believe it is time to give credit where it is due. This year
we:
-Created a parking, recycling, health, smoking, and technology committee. Each of
these committees was ran by a student leader, and open to the entire student body.
-Held MWSU’s second largest Spring Concert: Puddle of Mudd.
- Increased organization unity and growth, and over doubled the number of participants in the SGA year end awards from last year.
-Helped fund and bring the national Resident Assistant Heartland Conference to
MWSU’s campus.
-Doubled the amount of student forums held with Administration from last year.
-Over doubled the amount of legislation that went through SGA Senate from last year,
and furthermore encouraged dissent in the Senate instead of groupthink.
-Organized a community service project called Murals for Minds that united the
MWSU campus. The event’s planning committee consisted of over 6 independent organizations on campus. On Saturday April 10 & April 17 over 100 volunteers helped paint
13 murals on Mark Twain Elementary’s school walls.
-Created the first student written proposal in over a decade called the Technology
and Recycling Fee to further advance technology and recycling initiatives on campus.
(The students voted and the proposal failed. Does that make SGA a failure? No. If the
students never got to vote, then SGA would have failed. If everyone voted one way, then
SGA would have failed. But that was not the case. We gave students what we promised
when we came in this year: a voice!)
SGA’s 2009-2010 Executive Board, Senate, RC, and WAC members
should be very proud of themselves for their accomplishments this past
year. I love each and every one of them, and hope they look past the last few
Griffon News articles that have called SGA an “utter disappointment.”
I have a feeling this will be the last letter I’ll ever write to the Griffon News since I’m
graduating very soon; so to everyone I’ve ever met or worked with at this University, it’s
been a pleasure. The people at this school are amazing, and are going great places. It is
awesome.
Joshu Todd
Former SGA President
All letters to the editor are printed in their original content with no alteration in any way
Dear Dan,
I am going through a divorce and I have
met this woman who is exactly like me. Is
that a good idea? She is hot and sexy but
a little crazy. What should I do?
Might Match Up
Dear Might,
Well, I guess congratulations are in order
that you have found someone so quickly
after losing someone else. The main question that comes to head in all this is; are
you certain you are really ready for another relationship? If you think so, then what
is the harm?
You might want to wait until the papers
are signed and the divorce is done. In some
eyes it could still be seen as adultery to
move on before everything is settled. But
most folks don’t wait that long these days.
As far as the girl being a little crazy, well,
that is like saying the water is a little bit
wet. A warning though, a person exactly
you has all of your weakness’ as well as all
your strengths.
Dear Dan,
Grace Jones is hot. At least, she was
back in her prime. She’s what I would call
a philly’s philly. I’ve never slept with a
black woman, Dan. But I’ve heard you’ve
been with like 32 women or something.
Surely, one of them was black. How did she
measure up? I look forward to reading your
answer in the Griffon whatever.
Gracefully,
Marshmallow Man
dandonan
Dear Marshmallow,
You are off by about a dozen girls, what
small shreds of modesty I have left prevent me from saying if it is on the plus
or negative side of the error. Despite my
many experiences with the females, the
truth is that I have never gotten funky
with an African-American girl. For some
reason the sista’s never wanted what I was
offering. So I asked a black girl for this
information.
Swag, it all has to do with swag. She told
me that often black girls will pick a black
guy over a white guy for purposes of racial
purity in their children. She said this
means that a white guy has to have twice
as much swag as a black guy to impress
her. I guess over powering swag takes precedence over DNA transmission.
A self professed gigolo I spoke to said
that you must approach her as women
and forget color. It all comes down to confidence, it really is the secret to attracting
any women. Confidence and swagger, that
is all you need.
Dear Dan,
I’ve been celibate for over four and a
half years and I’m noticing a trend in my
friends and family’s behavior. They are
constantly bugging me to get a girl friend
and teasing me that I’m gay because I don’t
date. Truth be told I don’t care enough to
pursue anyone. Is there something wrong
with a 25-year-old man to have lost interest in sex?
Not Interested
Dear Not,
Don’t worry, nothing is wrong with you.
Some people are just not as geared up for
the big nasty as others. Really it is society
that is over-obsessed with sex. It could be
that you are going through chemical or
hormonal changes that have affected your
libido, and if you are that concerned then
seek medical advice.
It could be you just have not found the
right person yet, or that you are one of
those rare, brilliant people that sees sexual
relationships for the complexity that they
are. I wouldn’t worry, I tend to find that it
is time for two people to get together, there
is little that can stop them.
Dear Dan,
When the zombies take over, will you
come to Oklahoma?
OK Fan
Dear Ok,
Two days ago I was talking to a friend
who was wearing a t-shirt that read; In
case of zombie attack, follow me. I asked
him where he would go in a zombie attack
and he said that depended on the situation.
We came to an agreement that in the case
of a zombie attack it will be a persons skill
at thinking on their feet and impromptu
that will determine survival. So in that
case I can see that if it all went down I
would go wherever the road takes me.
As far as getting me to go to Oklahoma?
Hmm… if you really are a big fan and you
are a female, well, then some naked photos
would go along way in shape of inspiration.
Dear Dan,
Why is the Untied Kingdom going to test
a satellite for speeding tickets? How soon
till it hits the US?
(Think of a satellite filming a car wreck...
insurance companies would love it!)
Private Paranoid
Dear Private,
It only makes sense to use superior technology to its fullest. It also does not surprise me that the UK is the venturing this
way. They were way ahead of use on the
whole camera on the street corner thing.
The fact is that in today’s day and age, privacy is a lie. That being so the right to the
illusion of privacy is all the more precious.
Dear Dan,
Our 5-year-old has been inquiring lately
about what will happen at the end of the
world. She’s pretty sure it involves a big
celebration. Any ideas?
Perplexed Parent
Dear Perplexed,
I like telling people that every ending
involves a new beginning to keep from
scaring them. With kids you really should
consider the fear factor. You don’t want to
scar your kids. Ask yourself how you feel
about the end and then try and use those
words, your kid is smarter than you think.
If you are not scared they are less likely
to be. She seems to be not very scared at
all if she is anticipating a big party. That
sounds like a great idea.
Dear Dan,
How does one cure sexual frustration
when they can’t have sex and masturbation does not help.
Frustrated Fanny
Dear Frustrated,
Perhaps what you are looking for is not
physical satisfaction, but instead it is erotic intellectual stimulation you require. It
has been said that the biggest erotic zone
a woman has is her brain. Maybe instead
of breaking out the toy chest to reach satisfaction you should try deep sexy conversation or indulge in some form of fetish. If
your body is not getting you off it could be
you need a good mind-fuck.
That’s all, folks, been fun
I have been involved with the Griffon News for
five and a half semesters now and it is time for
that chapter of my life to come to a close. My
unique form of madness will no longer be weekly
spewed onto these pages. I know last semester
I cried wolf and still ended up coming back but
this time it is the truth.
Working forty hours a week and being a single
father is as much as I want to handle right now.
This by no means implies that I am done blasting the world with my words and wit. I am sure
if you look in the right places you will still find
me assaulting the status-quo with profanity and
passion.
Lifelessonsfromnon-traditionalwisdom
In the words of the Joker; why so serious?
Tell me, what is the social
norm? All my life I have
made conversation with people I don’t know. I go to the
grocery store, or a convenience store, and strike up
conversation with people.
It doesn’t seem to go as
well as it used to. More and
more people look at you like
there is something wrong
with it. The saying, “Mean
people suck and nice people
blow,” has no bearing anymore. Frankly, most people
just suck.
Sure, I’m a nice guy and
always willing to make a
new friend, and yes, I just
said most people suck, but
it’s true. It’s like society is
nothing but a giant popularity contest. Look at the
social networking going on.
Face book has a nicest person contest, how ironic.
Just a few minutes ago
a couple of girls were talking. I don’t know them real
well, but they are as familiar
with me as I am them. It’s
Monday, and one of them
said, “I can’t wait for this
week to be over.” I was trying
to give thoughtful response
by saying, “Hey, cheer up it
just got started and something great is coming your
way this week.” One of those
girls gave me the dirtiest
03-opinions.indd 1
I would like to think that Americans would
rather fight than allow a government to
always be watching from their eye in the
sky, but I know that they would much
rather have a cheese burger.
I often moon the sky just for the fun of it.
jerrodhuber
look ever and both of them
walked away without even
acknowledging me. WTF!
On more than this one occasion I can think of numerous
outcomes like this.
I’m not real sure what’s
going on anymore, but I
know the world would be a
better place if people would
lighten up a little bit. I’ve
stopped trying to fit this
“social norm” thing. As a
matter of fact, I’ve denied it
completely and gone out of
my way to be the opposite.
No one has a better relationship than I do. My girlfriend and I live a life of
self entertainment. We do
things just to make others
talk because it’s so much
effing fun. For example, one
day we went to the thrift
store and I decided to walk
with a cane I had in my car.
I didn’t need the cane I was
just being silly and she went
along with me. I was limping
on the cane around the store
looking at stuff when she
walked by me real fast and
kicked the cane out from
under me. I faked a fall to
the floor and started muttering things like, “You damn
kids have no respect anymore.” There was an older
lady close by just looking
on in disbelief, but my girlfriend and I never cracked a
smile until we left the store.
Then we laughed so hard we
were crying.
That doesn’t compare
much to the time I wrapped
myself up in a garbage bag
by the curb and jumped out
of it when the garbage guys
came to pick it up. Everyone
should try stuff like this
and stop being so serious all
the time. I can guarantee a
memorable relationship. We
still have great conversations and laugh about things
we did a long time ago.
So go ahead, keep living
with your pants in a wad
trying to fit in this so-called
perfect world. While you
talk about how stupid you
think we are being, we will
be laughing about how much
fun we are having not worrying about what you think.
To all my fans, I thank you for reading and
most of all for thinking. Ask Dan will still be
available on my facebook page and I am thinking
of starting an unlicensed counseling service from
the school of hard knocks. So if you ever need my
help, don’t be afraid to ask.
Remember speak bravely and be free. Shalom.
Group projects equal great stress
Student offers ideas on how much easier
group-work could be
It’s the beginning of the
semester and the professor is reviewing the syllabus, your eyes run through
all the major assignments
only to see the two words
that you dread the most
“group project.” It’s like
red ink on a financial
report; you know it might
be there but you’re optimistic that it didn’t make
it on the syllabus.
If you’re like many
students, group projects
make you anxious and
downright
frustrated.
Why do professors assign
these dreaded projects?
Well, I get why; they want
us to learn what it is like
to work in a group, like in
the so called “real world.”
It’s a great concept and
if all team members had
the same goal it wouldn’t
be so bad but here is the
biggest problem. All the
professors have assigned
them at the end of the
semester! With your class
schedule, work schedule
and life schedule, who can
meet around four to five
other student’s schedules?
It’s like trying to coral a
bunch of three-year-old
kids into a straight line; it
just doesn’t work and if it
jodioliver
does it can only last for a
short moment.
Not to mention you
always have that one
person who just doesn’t
seem to care about his/
her grade, therefore you
pick up the slack because
you do.
Real world group projects are different than
those in the classroom.
First of all, you’re getting paid. Don’t get me
wrong, our education
experience is our payment, trite but true.
Second, in the real world
you are working with people who value their jobs
and are skilled in what
they do; making the team
flow as a unit instead of as
frantic students just trying to finish the semester.
Third, if you are working on a project through
your job you can all usually find time to meet during business hours, so to
not interrupt your already
chaotic schedule.
Fourth, projects in the
real world are not typically assigned by three or
four different managers
and due in the same week.
So, I know the “group
project” is not going to go
away but I just ask that
professors consider not
assigning all of them at
the end of the semester,
which can have an even
greater outcome if they
don’t. If you do your “group
project” in the beginning,
you can actually get to
know the other students
earlier in the semester;
rather than when it is
almost over.
4/28/10 10:44 AM
The Griffon News
Page 4
April 29, 2010
SGA officers
sworn in
Meghan Ledden
News Writer
The Student Government Association had their inauguration to
officially swear in the newest administration for the 2010-2011
school year.
President, Dillon Harp, vice president, Robin Ussher, and student
representative on the board of governors, Peter Gregory, took their
oath in the lobby of Blum Union.
Former SGA president Josh Todd thinks the inauguration went
really well but he’s going to miss SGA.
“The student leaders I worked with (are what I miss most),” Todd
said. “They were all amazing and did great things in the last year.
Not just SGA leaders, but all the student leaders on campus.”
Many students have said they don’t know much about SGA or who
the SGA officers are. Harp’s main goal is to get the word out about
SGA. He said it may take more than just sitting in the SGA office.
“We are going to have to go out and do the ground work. If it takes
me going outside and shaking everyone’s hand as they walk into the
union, I’m going to do it,” Harp said.
They had their first senate meeting Monday afternoon officially
as their respective positions to talk about their main issues for the
next school year.
The officers have been hard at work since before the election and
now are focusing in on what is to come in the next school year. The
biggest concern SGA has for next year is involving the students of
MWSU. Harp says he wants for students to have a clear understanding of what SGA does and for them to have more of a say than
before.
“One of the biggest things I want to do is give back to the students,” Harp said. “I feel like sometimes SGA hasn’t done the most
it can for the students.”
Ussher agreed with Harp about getting the SGA word out to the
students.
“There are going to be days when Dillon and I are going to be
standing out in front of the union and just saying hi and talking to
them,” Ussher said. “We’re not going to be strangers to these people
that we’re representing because we know that’s not what it’s about.”
Gregory wants to be the best voice he can for the students of
MWSU.
“As Student Governor, I will do my best to carry out the responsibilities of my position on the board and represent the student’s
interest to the administration,” Gregory said.
Congratulations to our graduating seniors
of the Griffon News!
Megan Anderson, Sara Baum,
Emily Gummelt, Ryan Richardson
and Jesse West!
04-news.indd 1
News
Continued from front:
Roever
According to Vartabedian, Roever had wonderful
faculty members assisting her who had very good
credentials to make it a reality but it really was
Roever who provided the leadership.
“She is a wonderful, dedicated, organized role
model in higher education,” Vartabedian said. “We
are very sorry to see her leave but she certainly has
deserved it and she did what she said she was going
to do.”
Heider agrees that it was Roever’s leadership that
allowed Western to receive AACSB accreditation.
“Her role of the last three years to make sure we
were on track set the tone of the report and the interactions with the teams that came to Western, Carol
is a masterful at doing all that,” Heider said. “I think
you are seeing the results of that; initial accreditation on the first try.”
“Carol is so gracious,” Jeanne Daffron, provost
and vice president for academic affairs said. “She
would say the team did it [accreditation] and that is
accurate; however, the team worked through Carol’s
leadership.”
According to Daffron, throughout Roever’s career
she has been awarded very prestigious awards.
Roever is the recipient of the Jesse Lee Myers
Excellence in Teaching Award in 1993 and 1999,
Distinguished Professor Award in 2005, Meada Gibbs
Outstanding Teaching Award from the Association
of Business Communications in 2007 and she was
selected for the 2008 YWCA Women of Excellence
Award for Women in the Workplace.
Roever is not only a role model for Western but
also for the St. Joseph community. She is actively
involved with the YWCA and Heartland Health
where she serves on the board that demands many
hours a week of her personal time.
“Many people don’t know how much she does for
the community. She is an absolutely wonderful board
member on very important boards,” Vartabedian
said. “Outside of academia I don’t think that most
people know that she has a double life. She does a
lot for the university but she also does a lot for the
community.”
Vartabedian believes that Roever’s involvement
and respect within the community helped with
the AACSB accreditation process. According to
Vartabedian, the accreditation team made note of
the high level of involvement from the community,
which is directly related to Roever’s leadership and
level of respect.
“When she came in [my office] to tell me the school
had received accreditation she couldn’t even speak,
it had been such a long journey for her,” Vartabedian
said. “She couldn’t get the words out; I knew it must
be good. With the school’s accreditation it lifts the
entire University.”
According to Heider, although Roever is retiring
from Missouri Western, she is not retiring from her
volunteer work in the community.
“She will still be a wonderful community resource,”
Heider said.
Continued from front:
Downtown campus
Dan Nicoson, vice president for university advancement, has been involved with the community arts
program and notes that the option of moving that
program to an arts organization is a possibility.
“We are trying to bring a little more focus on our
arts programming at Western and if we could form
a partnership with an arts organization that would
benefit both of us,” Nicoson said. “Then we’d like to
pursue that and there’s a possibility we’re pursuing.”
There has also been discussion about moving the
Law Enforcement Academy back to the main campus,
where it remained until three years ago. According to
Mapley, moving one program back is a very real possibility but is quick to note that if any one program
is brought back to campus, Western would lose space
for classrooms in return. Mapley maintains that it
would be unrealistic to move all three programs to
the main campus.
While the discussions remain ongoing, Mapley sees
it as a part of answering three key questions facing
Western.
“What is best for students, what is best for the
community and what is best given the financial situation,” Mapley said.
With the current state of the economy, Nicoson
feels that it’s essential for these types of discussions
to be occurring, even if there’s no one perfect solution
to the problem.
“It’s appropriate for us to be looking at absolutely
everything right now,” Nicoson said.
Mel Klinkner, vice president for financial planning
and administration, in full agreement, believing it’s
healthy to discuss such issues given the financial
circumstances facing Western and other universities.
“We’re analyzing everything to make sure is there
any way we can save money,” Klinkner said. “If you
don’t analyze everything, then shame on you.”
4/28/10 12:54 PM
Lifestyles
Page 5
April 29, 2010
The Griffon News
“Illuminati”
Conspiracy Theory Shocks Campus
Eboni Lacey
Lifestyles Editor
[email protected]
Artists with Questionable Lyrics
“I am a Catholic,” Champagne said.
“Historically there is Jesuit influenced
thinking connection with ‘illuminati’
“I never prayed to God. I prayed to Gotti. My soul is possessed by
society development and a connection of
Remember when 911 occurred and how D’Evils. Ain’t askin for forgiveness for my sins.”
recruitment among Freemasons groups.
numerous people believed in a “conspiracy
Wordnet defines freemasonary as “a
- Jay-Z, “D’Evils”
theory” involving the government planmember of a widespread secret fraterning the entire event? Or how about the
nal order pledged to mutual assistance
conspiracy theory that the landing on the “The devil on the left side. The other side I’m God.”
and brotherly love.” Though illuminati
moon never happened? We have all mosthas been related to members believing
ly heard of these theories. Our society has
in themselves as a higher power, maybe
- Three Six Mafia, “Walk Up To Your House”
made movies about it and our professors
they simply are a brotherhood waiting
have even lectured and criticized such
to achieve more power and wealth. This
theories. One major “conspiracy theory”
aspect seems seemingly innocent as we all
that has suddenly sparked campus inter- “Nine spirits in the sky. Nine preachers preaching, nine sermons telling want some sort of power and money.
est is a term called “illuminati,” which lies.”
History Professor Daniel Trifan also
Urban Dictionary defines as a “secret
gives input and addresses why illuminati
- David Banner, “9mm”
organization of the most powerful and
is a term usually guided away from the
influential elite in the world.” Sounds
church.
rather boring doesn’t it; what’s so inter“The illuminati tended to resist Church
Student rumors have also associated “illuminati” with
esting about it? Well, did you know that
influence on the government,” Trifan said.
numerous celebrities within the hip-hop culture have not devil worshiping and satanic ritual. Andrews responds to
Looking at the student side, music lyrics have had subonly accepted this theory but are even implying their affil- these associations.
stantial evidence of artists being their own leader and
“You can’t just reduce [illuminati] down to devil wor- wanting to take extreme control with a growing fan base
iation with it in their song lyrics? Maybe campus should
be well aware of what their favorite artists are saying in shiping,” Andrews said. “It has less to do with God and and a growing income. After researching the Internet
the devil. [However], there are theories that their practice about hip-hops artists associating themselves with “illusome of their songs.
“Illuminati-want my mind, soul, and body.” These lyrics is ritual and that they have ritualistic meetings. Are they minati,” Western Freshman Caresse Owens gives her
are the beginning of Jay’z song entitled “D’Evils.” With taping the forces of the universe for bad? Maybe they are.” reaction.
Andrews then gives his own personal belief when dealsongs titled “D’Evils,” “Lucifer,” the “Take Over,” and
“I think it shocked a lot of students to draw back from
“Empire State of Mind,” one can only wonder who Jay-Z ing with this conspiracy theory.
music; especially music from Jay-Z,” Owens said. “But
“There are a lot of elements within the illuminati people can also be looking into it too much. You can’t
feels is the leader of the world, especially as he refers to
himself as “J-Hova,” meaning the “God” of rap according including BilderBergers, Tri-lateral Commission and Free believe everything you hear and see on Youtube.”
to Urban Dictionary. Yet, how are these findings related Masonry,” Andrews said. “The illuminati are all apart of
Whether illuminati is merely a mythical theory or someto illuminati? Western English Professor Dana Andrews the ruling class. Do I believe in all of this, not necessar- thing very real in society, it has certainly sparked Western
clarifies the definition of illuminati and the research he ily. I believe that the world is run by corporate interests. with numerous students writing about it on Facebook,
Politics serves that.”
has gathered from studying it.
watching Youtube videos and debating about it in their
Western Sociology Professor Dr. DJ Champagne also classes. Regardless of fact of fiction, illuminati just might
“The idea is that those who are in power are apart
of a much larger organization of people,” Andrews said. adds input to the illuminati theory.
allow a student to truly evaluate what they listen to, what
“Illuminati” is the term for a European enlightenment they believe and who they represent.
“Illuminati is a term that encompasses all of those who
are in power. The theory is that there is some sort of pup- era ‘secret society’ and now a New World Order ‘conspir“People are easily influenced,” Owens said. “This is why
pet master. The master pulls the strings for everything acy’,” Champagne said. “It is both fact and fiction that what you hear everyday or what’s in your Ipod is really
that goes on in the world in order to keep the elite in business, industry and government are purposely work- important.”
power. Though it is unlikely that Jay-Z is apart of the ing to influence the downfall of certain governments or
illuminati, he could possibly be used as an instrument to perhaps all governments.”
Champagne also added an interesting perspective.
control the masses.”
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Page 6
April 29, 2010
Lifestyles
The Griffon News
Three operas
Music Attempts to blow students away
Michelle Allen
Lifestyles Writer
The music department will present The
Three Operas, three opera shows presents
by Western’s music department, at 7:30
p.m. Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May
1, as well as 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2 in the
Potter Hall Theater.
Senior music major Michael Jenkins
provides a plethora of cultural opportunities to students on campus.
“We not only want students to enjoy the
operas but also hope that the department
will grow,” Jenkins said. “We just want
more students to be open minded to new
things.”
Performances include Gian Carlo
Menotti’s ‘’The Medium,” ‘’The Telephone’’
and Samuel Barber’s ‘’A Hand of Bridge.’’
Student tickets are $5 and general admission is $7.
Dr. Susan Carter, associate professor
of voice and director of vocal studies, is
the director and will be assisted by Dr.
Nathanael May. Carter has been a professional opera singer in Europe and New
York. Carter, who used to coach Broadway
while living n New York, came to Western
in hopes of bringing opera to St. Joseph.
‘’I feel there is a void needed to be filled
in St. Joseph,’’ said Dr. Carter. ‘’You can
go to Kansas City to see an opera, but why
not St. Joseph? Western has the talent
and enthusiasm for operas.”
“The Telephone” play introduces Lucy
played by St. Joseph Native Adrienne
Collins, and Ben played by Kyle Minx, a
music major from Grain Valley, M.O.
“A Hand of Bridge” play introduces David,
played by St. Joseph native Christopher
Alexander and Kansas City music major
Michael Jenkins, and Geraldine, played
by St. Joseph natives Kristen McLauchlen
and Rhonda Murphy.
“The Medium” play includes Monica,
played by guest artist Mandi Harper, Toby,
played by Minx, and Sammy Northcutt, a
music major from Liberty, M.O.
Northcutt explains how their goal is to
open the eyes of the students.
“I just hope it opens students’ horizons,”
Northcutt said. “Most of the time people
don’t want to come to see operas because
they are in a different language, but hopefully because they are in English students
may be able to better relate to them.”
Student Spotlight:
Grant Williams
Clint Willman
Lifestyles Writer
“Wrap up in four comforters with frost bitten soul.
Can nobody tell me this world aint cold, but there
a lil boy who walks in silence.” These are the words
of and inspirational MWSU Poet and Senior Grant
Williams. As an Economics major Williams has
used poetry to express and cope with many different
issues and adversities.
Williams is from St. Louis and started attending
MWSU in 2004. He chose to come to MWSU because
he needed to get away from his hometown.
“ I wanted to get away from St. Louis but I didn’t
want to be to far away from my family,” Williams
said.
He had an unfortunate set back, discovering that
he had type 1 diabetes which made way to Williams
leaving Western until he was able to gain more
strength. He has since gained control over diabetes
and found his true talent of poetry.
“It was very depressing at first and I had to
lighten my class schedule.” Williams said. “I started
using poetry as an outlet to deal with my stress.”
Williams said.
Williams is 24 years old and has been expressing
himself through poetry for approximately two and a
half years. Williams is part of a four-member poetry
group called Souls of Redemption. (S.O.R.). Williams original poet name was “Mindz
3y3z” but he changed it to “His Stori3” because he feels it better describes his style of
poetry.
“ I like to tell stories and paint portraits with my poetry,” Williams said. “I’m just
trying to give people a little insight into my mind and the world and hopefully make a
difference while doing it.”
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to these poems, he has written over 120
poems.
“My poems tell about my life and different experiences. It’s not about money,”
Williams said, “Poetry is the means to the
truth.”
Friend of Williams and president of
Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Michael
Bennett, thinks that Williams has evolved
as a poet and likes the style he has.
“He is one of the best that I’ve ever
heard,” Bennett said, “ That dude is awesome.”
S.O.R. consists of Grant Williams (His
Stori3), Greg Harris (Greg The Poet),
Michael Bennett (Abissblyss), and Stacey
Davis (Madern Prophet).
S.O.R. travels all over to attend poetry readings. They read at Fosters in
downtown St. Joseph and recently took
first place in a poetry competition held
at Northwest Missouri State University.
(NWMSU).
“We’re all aspiring artists trying to
work on our craft” Williams said.
Marketing Major and member of S.O.R.,
Greg Harris AKA Greg the poet, reveals
that Williams has a raw talent for the spoken word.
“Grant is a real humble and social person that gets along with everyone,” Harris said.
Williams had his first poetry reading in Spratt Hall in 2008. Next semester, S.O.R. will
be trying to combine poetry with theatre. The project is called poetry for play.
“ We’re going to be writing scripts,” Williams said, “It’s a new writing experience for
us. I really want to get recognized and become a renowned poet.”
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Lifestyles
Page 7
The Griffon News
April 29, 2010
Drag Show shines pride on campus
Danielle M. Dodson
Lifestyles Writer
Upon entering the Fulkerson Center, the faint patter
of 6-inch heels could be heard in the distance. It was
April 20th, and the Annual Missouri Western Drag Show
was well underway.
Sponsored by Western Activities Council, SGA, Shaft
Nightclub, and The Pride Alliance, the two hour long
extravaganza featured a cast of six area performers: Sparkle Iman, Victoria DePaula, Melinda Ryder,
Juanita Moon, Regina Loree, L’Oreal. Each queen
showcased their own variation of female impersonation,
ranging from Lady Gaga to a remix of popular Broadway
tunes. Each song was coupled with entriquite costuming, covered in rhinestones, beads, and lace.
This year’s event was the brainchild of Tyler Rhoad,
who is the President of Missouri Western’s chapter
of The Pride Alliance. Though extremely hard work,
Rhoad acknowledges the importance that the show has
on campus.
“I began preparations for the drag show months in
advance,” Rhoad said. “Not many people understand the
hard work that goes into planning something like this.”
“This year, we held it in the Fulkerson Center, which
holds a much larger crowd than we’ve ever had before.
It’s important to bring diversity to this campus, and it’s
by far worth all the work that we put into it.”
The student body seemed to agree with Rhoad, as an
approximate 250 of them came to the event, flooding the
seating area, overflowing into the aisles and side-stage.
One of these students, Sophomore Lindsey Stubbs,
was surprised at the turnout, but felt that it added to
the excitement of the event.
“It was completely packed,” Stubbs said. “Having all of
those people crowded around the tables, and sitting on
the floor, really added to the energy of the room. It was
really interesting to be in a room filled with people who
united over such a unique cause.”
The event raised $800 for Western’s Pride Alliance,
all of which came in the form of dollar tips to the entertainers as they performed. Private donations were also
made, the amounts and donors of which are to remain
private.
This amount towers over fundraisers from years past.
Emcee of the event, Victoria DePaula, who is a former
Miss Gay America 2009, was surprised at the generosity
of the students and faculty, and felt that that spirit lead
to the show’s huge success.
“Being proud of who you are is important, regardless,”
DePaula said. “But, when you’re in a room full of college
students and professors who are proud to be at a drag
show of all things, that’s something special.”
“It was great to see such a diverse crowd, who genuinely came for a good time. I don’t care if you’re gay,
straight, or green – there’s always a place for you at a
Pride event. We enjoy having a great time, and raising
some money in the process.”
Along with the evening’s drag show, Pride welcomed
Saint Joseph’s Free Clinic, who sponsored HIV testing,
done in a private location, free to anyone attending the
event.
The clinic also brought a collection of literature on
sexually transmitted diseases, along with free female
and male condoms.
When the event came to a close, attendees exited
the ballroom with mixed expressions of enjoyment and
impression, many of them leaving with the same daydream: A statuesque and perfectly poised woman turns
the corner, and your eyes catch on the thousands of
Swarovski crystals embedded in her lace corset.
With a swift flip of her long, perfectly quaffed locks,
and batting of her long eyelashes, she disappears, slowly
rocking her hips to the thumping rhythm of the sound
system against the runway.
She is a master of illusion, and a succubus to all men.
You shake your head quickly is disbelief, because you
realize that she, isn’t really a “she” at all.
DAVE HON/ Online Editor
Some of the “ladies” at Western’s Annual Drag
Show strut their stuff and celebrate the Pride
Alliance, which Western has actively supported.
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Page 8
April 29, 2010
NCAA plans
to trim down
DII seasons
Sports
The Griffon News
Baseball sweeps past Pitt State
Lauren Burbach
Sports Editor
[email protected]
Starting this fall, all Missouri
Western’s sports teams will spend
a little less time on the court or
the field due to the NCAA’s “Life
in the Balance” initiative that
passed this past January.
Western’s volleyball, soccer, and
football teams, who usually arrive
on campus two to two and a half
weeks early for their preseasons,
won’t arrive this year until a week
later than usual. In addition,
volleyball will play 26 as opposed
to 28 games and soccer will play
18 as opposed to 20.
This winter, both the men’s
and women’s basketball teams
will have a “dead period” from
December 20 to December 26 in
which they cannot practice or
play. The basketball teams will
also play only 26 as opposed to 27
games.
Next spring, Western’s baseball
team will see the biggest schedule
adjustments. The baseball team
will go from 56 to 50 contests.
Both golf teams will go from 24
competition dates to 21. The
softball team’s maximum number
of games will stay at 56.
According to athletic director
Dave Williams, Division II has
been struggling to find its identity
for quite some time.
“Division II members are
still trying to figure out what
our identity is,” Williams said.
“Everyone knows what Division
I is - Division I is what you see
on TV. It’s the big time sports
– it’s athletes that just happen
to go to school. Everyone knows
what Division III is - it’s playing
for the love of the game, it’s
non-scholarship, it’s the true
student athletes who are there
for academic purposes but just
happen to play sports. But what’s
division II?”
Williams believes that Division
II falls somewhere in between.
“We’ve always talked about
balance,” Williams said. “We’re
the division that still plays at an
incredibly high level of athletics
but we are also students. We’re
the balance in between.”
The NCAA has studied the
workload of athletes in Division
I, II and III sports for a long
period of time and found that
the difference between Division I
and II athletes is fairly minimal.
According to Williams, this is
one of the main reasons that the
legislation was passed. However,
Williams believes there may have
been a better way to go about
shortening seasons than cutting
contests.
“I’m still skeptical,” Williams
said. “I think that there are
ways in DII to have true balance
without taking away the one thing
that student athletes always what
to do, and that’s compete.”
The thing that is truly taking
up athletes’ time isn’t competing,
according to Williams.
“What’s taking up all their
time? I think the answer is the off
season workouts,” Williams said.
“No matter if you play 26 games
or 28 games, you’re still going to
practice 20 hours a week. Your
season is what it is. If you’re not
playing that day, you’re probably
practicing. I don’t think we’ve
done much with that except save
some money.”
According to what is written in
the “Life in Balance” legislation,
budget reduction was not a
main reason in passing these
initiatives. However, not having
to bring in athletes early and
reducing a few games here and
there will save Western money in
a time of budget cuts across the
board.
“From our standpoint, any time
a student athlete is on campus
we have to feed and house them,”
Williams said. “Luckily our
housing doesn’t cost us a lot, but
feeding them is expensive.”
Assistant
athletic
director
Patsy Smith mentioned that
these reductions benefit everyone,
not just the athletes.
“When they’re talking about ‘life
in the balance,’ it’s not strictly a
student initiative, it’s also for
coaches and administrators and
athletic trainers and everybody
else, so we can give everybody a
break,” Smith said. “In athletics,
we work around the clock and
these initiatives are giving us a
little time off.”
08-sports.indd 1
SARA BAUM/ Graphics Editor
Senior Danny Conners eyes a pitch during a Western baseball game. The Griffons defeated Pittsburg State this weekend 4-0 and kept their conference
tournament hopes alive.
Matt Gleaves
Sports Writer
The Griffon baseball team used some timely
hitting and stellar pitching performances to
sweep a four game series from the Pittsburg
State Gorillas last weekend.
Coming into the weekend, Western needed
to play better than they had and take at least
three of the four games from Pitt State and
did just that.
The first game started with Western sending freshmen pitcher Oliver Kadey to the
mound and he set the tone for the rest of the
series for the Griffons. Kadey threw a complete game shutout against the Gorillas in a
2-0 victory.
Western scored the first run of the game on
a wild pitch in the bottom of the first inning
and the game turned into a pitcher’s duel.
Trevor Hannum scored on an RBI single by
Ian Atkinson in the fifth inning. The two
Griffon runs were all that Kadey needed as
he shut down the Pitt State lineup most of
the game. The Gorillas loaded the bases in the
toup of the fourth but Kadey was able to work
his way out of it and cruise the rest of the way
to pick up his second victory of the season.
Game two provided a little more offense as
the Griffons took the game 9-4 behind Isaac
Rome’s four RBI’s including his 11th homerun
of the year.
Western finished the series in a wild game
Sunday night which they won 12-11 in 11
innings. The pitching staff, as well as the
whole team, were running on fumes by the
time the series came to an end.
“Andy Hebrard came into the last game
Sunday giving us everything he had and we
were able to ride out the emotional roller
coaster and win it in 11 innings,” head coach
Buzz Verduzco said.
The Griffons fought back to tie the game in
the eighth inning behind Hebrard. Hebrard
gave up a three run home run to center field
in the top of the 11th to put the Griffons down
11-8 going into their final at bat.
Western used three hits to score four runs
in their final at bat of the 11th inning to score
the comeback win. Atkinson delivered the
game winning hit on a RBI single to left center field to cap off the win.
Hebrard earned the win as he pitched 5.1
innings, giving up four earned runs on five
hits but also struck out six batters in his fifth
win of the season.
“This sweep was huge for us,” Hebrard
said. “Pitching a long relief was something I
wanted and so it wasn’t a big deal.”
Western knew they would have to sweep
Pitt State in order to keep their post-season
hopes alive.
“We were pretty emotionally drained after
that series,” Hebrard said.
The Griffons will now take a few days rest
and then face Emporia State on Friday and
Saturday.in two double headers.
Softball gets rained out
Jessica Koch
Sports Writer
What was thought to be a day of celebration on Saturday, Apr. 26 for the six
Griffon softball seniors ended up being an
unfinished second game due to weather
and a collision between two teammates.
The Griffons (24-21) took on the
Northwest Bearcats (21-18) on a very
stormy Saturday afternoon, trying to payback for the 15-8 loss earlier in the season..
The first game was a story of simply
getting the ball on the bat. The Griffons
had a tough time getting hits, and when
they did get hits they went right to the
defense. The Griffons actually made contact 4 times compared to the Bearcats 2.
Yet Northwest was able to capitalize and
score their only run, which was the run to
decide the game.
In the top of the fifth inning, two
Griffons, Senior Becky Diehl and Junior
Brittany Douglas collided, giving Diehl a
concussion and Douglas a broken leg.
The second game of the doubleheader
SARA BAUM/ Graphics Editor match-up with the Bearcats went a little
bit more the Griffon’s way as they were
Carla Anderson pitches the ball during Western’s softball
first on the board and got up 2-1.
game last weekend.
Senior Allison Jones was also pitching
Tennis falls to Northwest
Anthony Crane
Sports Writer
The Missouri Western women’s tennis
team has been having a rough season
so far and things didn’t get any better
for the girls this past Wednesday. The
Griffons fell 9-0 to Northwest Missouri
State in St. Joseph on April 24.
“I think that you have to forget that
they are as good as they are and just go
out there and pretend that they are just
another team,” Amber Adams said.
But Northwest was sure to remind the
Griffons of who they were in the first
match. Kayla Daughtrey was beaten by
Sureena Weir 6-0, 6-0. That pace continued for the Griffons the entire day and
it seemed that Northwest was not going
to take them lightly. Senior Dominique
Leone was not able to break through
Northwest’s Lisa Pendrak as she also
went down 6-0, 6-0.
“She likes to hit about the same way I
do and girls that hit like that I’m going to
have a little trouble with,” Leone said of
her opponent.
a great game with no walks, four strikeouts, and two hits, on her way to her 69th
complete game in her career.
All was going well for Missouri Western,
until it had to rain on the seniors’ parade.
The rest of the game was cancelled due
to the rain causing the field to be unplayable and will be rescheduled.
After losing their first game of the double header, having two fellow team mates
injured in a collision trying to make a play
and having their second game rescheduled, senior Allison Jones didn’t let it ruin
her senior day.
“The weather was pretty frustrating,
but it being senior day it makes you realize how few games you have left,” Jones
said.
The season isn’t over though. The
Griffons are confident coming into the last
stretch of games before conference play
begins and hope to play their best softball
during that time.
“I think we are very confident going
into the last few games,” Jones said. “We
have started to play one out at a time, one
inning at a time, one game at a time. We
are starting fresh and conference tourney
is the perfect time to show everyone how
we really play.”
The rest of the Griffon team struggled
as well. Nicole Kerr lost to Veronica
Castilla 6-1, 6-0 and Alecia Jenkins lost
to Brittany Browning 6-0, 6-1. Sarah
Hatten was the last of the singles as she
went down 6-1, 6-0.
“Sarah has come out and is close to a
winning record in conference, so I have
been impressed with her,” coach Ron
Selkirk said.
The Griffons did not fare much better in doubles action, as seniors Amber
Adams and Dominique Leone went down
to Pendrak and Castilla 8-2. Daughtrey
and Kerr lost to Weideman and Hoffman
8-1 and Hatten and Jenkins lost 8-0 to
Weir and Browning.
However, not all has been bad for the
Griffons this year as they seem to have
grown closer as a team.
“We have grown a lot as a team,” Adams
said. “Yeah, we may not have won many
games on the court, but we’ve developed
great relationships off the court.”
The Griffons fell to 1-13 and 0-7 in the
SARA BAUM/ Graphics Editor
conference and Northwest improved to Senior Dominique Leone returns a serve during a Griffon
15-6 and 7-0 in the MIAA.
tennis match.
4/28/10 10:47 AM