Liberman Praises Westark
Transcription
Liberman Praises Westark
Lions Print WESTARK COLLEGE NEWSPAPER ORGANIZATION VOLUME I ISSUE I Liberman Praises Westark Democratic vice presidential nominee Joseph Lieberman spoke highly about Westark College during a visit to the new $10.8 million Baldor Technology Center. Connecticut Senator Lieberman took a tour of the 102,170-square-foot facility early afternoon on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000, and then held a press conference with more than 50 faculty members, students, business leaders, media representatives, and area citizens to discuss Westark College and the Gore-Lieberman Plan Prosperity for America's Families. Lieberman was the attorney general for the state of Connecticut from 1982 to 1988 before being elected to the U.S. Senate, where he is serving his second term. "I am truly impressed...this is state-of- the-art," Lieberman commented on Westark manufacturing technology. Also located in the new building is the Western Arkansas Technical Center, a partnership with Westark and 25 area public school districts, which brings junior and senior high school students to the campus in the afternoons. After his main speech, Lieberman fielded four questions from the audience on various topics, including how to prevent student violence in schools without changing the course of education, whether or not the Internet should be taxed and what the government's role should be in creating jobs. "I think there is too much violence in popular culture, and there are studies that show there is a tendency to either numb some kids to violence, or, if they are vulnerable, to actually make them more violent. We're (Gore and Lieberman) not for censorship, but we've got to continue to call on the media to draw some lines. We also need to keep College, "I've been around institutions of higher learning, and I've never seen an institution like this. Folks at this college and in the area have a lot to be proud of... you've really built a great institution here." The Baldor Technology Center houses the college's degree programs in high-tech fields like computer-aided drafting and design, computer information systems and instruments of violence out of the hands of children and provide more community police to reduce violent crime." "I think we should not tax access to the Internet. So far there is no sales tax... at some point, we're going to have to come to some sort of agreement about commerce on the Internet. Knowledge is moving on the information super highway so rapidly... we've got to help build some on Amy Burns Editor-in-Chief Childcare Needed on Campus Wayne Atchley Staff Reporter Vice presidential nominee Joseph Liberman addresses a question from the audience. ramps...ultimately, Congress will handle that." In regard to the government's role in creating jobs, Lieberman stated that the government can help to create conditions for economic growth, but overall growth is controlled by the private sector. "You can't be pro-jobs and anti-business," Lieberman said, "The economy grows by investing in knowledge, better classrooms... we want to try to make our school system in this country the best in the world." Lieberman complimented Westark on its alliance between college, business, and workers to create programs needed for area jobs. By listening to the needs of business leaders in the community, Westark has achieved a remarkable career placement of more than 90 percent. He compared this effort with the Gore plan to create 10 million high-tech jobs within the next 10 years. "In a way, you at Westark are ahead of us... I'm really excited about what I've seen here today. It's a real model for what should happen in the rest of the country. I'm going to remember it." See Liberman, page 2 Should Westark College have an on-campus childcare center for the children of students, faculty and staff? It's a loaded question, really. Ask five of your friends at Westark if they think it's a good idea to have on-campus childcare, and you'll hear five affirmative answers. Who wouldn't approve of such a well-meaning idea? But behind this simple question are dozens of important issues that must be addressed. A quick informal poll of 50 Westark students, administrators, faculty and employees resulted in a 100 percent favorable response to an on-campus childcare center. While at first glance it's obvious that an on-campus childcare center would be beneficial to parents who attend classes or work at Westark, it's necessary that we first ask ourselves a basic question: Is the lack of an on-campus childcare center really a problem at all? Well, let's see; almost half of the students, staff and faculty of Westark have children, so daycare centers are a basic part of life during the week. For many people, it is tough to schedule classes and work while balancing the cost of decent childcare. Much valuable time is consumed in the daily race from home to day care, then to Westark for classes or work, followed by the fast dash to pick up the kids. It is a c h a o t i c arrangement that could be greatly simplified if a childcare center were located on campus. Childcare cost is also an important factor to students, staff and faculty members at Westark College. In addition to having a convenient childcare location, the prospect of reduced cost for students makes on-campus childcare a hot issue. "I don't know how some student parents manage to pay for childcare," said student Anna Dale. "For my family, the cost of childcare is very important." The typical parent/student spends an average of $1,200 per semester in childcare costs, and quality of childcare is always critical; everybody's heard terrible stories about atrocities that sometimes happen in daycare centers. A safe, controlled, well-staffed and supervised childcare center is hard to find, unless money is no object. Is it possible for Westark to establish an on-campus childcare center? The answer is an emphatic "yes", but such a facility won't spring into existence tomorrow, or next month, or maybe even next year. In fact, the scope of the See Childcare, Page 2 Liberman continued... The Gore campaign aims to encourage cooperation between public education and private industry with the following tax plans: The College Opportunity Tax Cut, which will provide families with the choice of taking a 20 percent tax credit or a tax credit of up to $10,000 on tuition paid for undergraduate and graduate work or training courses; Allowing families and/or employers to put up to $2,500 per year in a savings account to be used for job training, education, and lifelong learning. The accounts would work like a 401(k); Tax credits to employers who provide training for employees in information technology and other technology skills. Other economic plan goals consist of boosting home ownership rates, increasing real family income by a third over the next 10 years, eliminating the national debt by 2012, increasing college attendance and continuing lifelong training by closing the "digital divide" providing Internet/computer access for all public schools, making college tuition tax-deductible, expanding programs to help disadvantaged students get into college, protecting Social Security and Medicare by placing their surpluses in a "lock box," reducing poverty rates by raising the minimum wage and setting aside $300 billion to cover a possible shortfall in budget surplus projections. The complete 192-page document detailing Al Gore's proposed economic plan may be viewed at www.algore.com. Oak Ridge Boys to Perform at Westark Mike Vanderheiden Chief Reporter The Oak Ridge Boys, a legendary group in the music industry, is scheduled to perform on the campus green at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. The free concert is part of the celebration for the grand opening of Westark College's newest facility, the Baldor Technology Center. The original group began in 1943, based in Knoxville, Tenn., playing gospel and country music under the name "The Oak Ridge Quartet." Since its beginning the group has had more than 30 members, but the current group has been together off and on since 1973. The last personnel change came in 1995, when Bill Golden rejoined the group after a short absence. According to their website, the Oak Ridge Boys have opened for Roy Clark and Lion's Print Staff recorded with Paul Simon, George Jones, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Over the years, they have performed for three presidents and, according to Duane Allen, lead singer, "We always look for songs tnat have lasting value and that are uplifting." According to the website, tne group advocates charitable and civic causes, including serving as spokesmen and/or board members for organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Feed the Children. The concert is sponsored through the Student Activities Office and is part of Westark's Season on the Green series. While some seating will be provided, concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. No alcoholic beverages or glass containers are allowed. For more information call 788-7300. PYSCHOLOGY CLUB Wednesday, October 11, 2000 Beverly Housewirth Editor-in-Chief—Amy Burns Hypnosis Assistant Editor—Jay Biggs Tech Building 115 Chief Reporte—Mike Vanderheiden Sports Editor—Jay Biggs Photographers—Chris Wilkens (Chief), James Day Staff Reporters—Mark Mondier, Cynthia Young, Wayne Atchley, Maria King, JeffBowling, Clay Garretson Contributing Writer—Nick Carty Graphic Design Team—Jason Smith, Jay Biggs, Amy Burns Co-Advisors Greg Russell Roy Hill [email protected] Editor's Office 788-7263 Student Thanks Westark in Essay Amy Burns Editor-in-Chief Essay contest winner Wayne Atchley will be presenting his entry at the Annual Conference for the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges on October 3, 2000. Last spring semester Atchley faxed his 500 word essay to the "Fulfilling the Dream" essay contest sponsored by Arkansas Business, a weekly business newspaper, five minutes before the deadline. He found out this fall that he placed first in the contest. Arkansas Business will be writing an article about the contest, two-year colleges and printing his essay. Students from twenty-three colleges in Arkansas entered the competition. The conference takes place in Little Rock on October 1, 2, and 3. Atchley will be staying at the Hotel Excelsior and presenting his essay to over 600 educators from the five state area. Atchley, a participant in the scholar-preceptor program, published author, and active member of Phi Theta Kappa and the OAC Club, wrote his essay on how going to a two-year college has met and exceeded his needs and expectations. He writes in his essay, "I have learned that our college actively reaches out beyond all expectations to improve the lives of its community members... after suffering a disabling injury to my cervical spine, I found myself entangled in red tape... I had fallen through the cracks... and the people of Westark College literally rescued me. My life has been forever changed by their actions, and I will always be grateful for the unselfish actions of the people of Westark College." Childcare continued... project is enormous and complicated. Think about it: what's the first thing you would do if you were assigned the task of establishing a childcare center for Westark? How much will it cost? Where will it be located? How does a person find well-trained staff? Add several hundred more ques- tions and you'll begin to get an inkling of the work and time involved in planning a campus childcare center. And there's another big question: what about the liability? There is a precedent for an oncampus childcare center. Westark College operated its own childcare center for several years but ended the program in mid-1980s, according to Dr. Sandi Sanders, Westark's provost and chief operating officer. "While it's easy to say but difficult to accomplish, I'm very much in favor of a campus childcare center for our students and employees," she said during a recent interview. "At present, our CHOICES program offers some childcare assistance, and the college is currently r e s e a r c h i n g additional possibilities. We will be examining the cost, location and facilities, staffing, possible outsourcing and liabilities." For some, outsourcing is a promising option because it would reduce Westark's liability and creates opportunities in the private sector. "Enrollment of females in their 20's and 30's dropped significantly this year," said Dr. David Bauske, full-time instructor and adviser for Zeta Epsilon, Westark's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. "Childcare problems could be a contrib uting factor to this drop. Past student surveys show that a campus childcare center is desirable. Maybe it's time for a new survey" "I couldn't have earned my degree without campus childcare," said Cindy Moore, Special Project Manager for Student Activities. Cindy attended Westark College in the early 1980s, when a campus childcare center was still in operation. "Both of my children attended the childcare center while I attended classes." Here are some other factors worth considering: * On-site centers for the care of children are now relatively common on college campuses and in private industry. Dozens of colleges and universities offer campus childcare (every state college campus in California provides childcare). Several local establishments provide on-site childcare, including Sparks Regional Medical Center and St. Edward Mercy Medical Center. * An on-campus childcare center would mean increased enrollment. Many individuals don't go to college because of the child- care dilemma. Studies indicate campuses that open childcare facilities experience an immediate 5 percent growth in enrollment. Increased enrollment means increased income for the college. * Campus childcare centers help students stay in college, graduate, and become more productive citizens of the community, providing economic benefits to the area. * Absenteeism and lateness decrease, the public relations benefit is enormous, and the tax benefits for the school are substantial. Studies have shown that graduation rates of student parents receiving campus childcare are higher than their counterparts. They are more likely to stay in school and to graduate in fewer years, they are more persistent, and they have a higher grade-point average. Student parents indicate that availability of campus childcare is critical in their decision to enroll in college. But how do we pay for it? Here are some options: * The 1998 Campus Childcare Act (signed into law as "SEC. 419N) authorized $45 million nationally to support the start-up or operation of campus-based childcare services. The purpose of the law is to support the participation of parents in post-secondary education through the provision of on-campus childcare centers. According to funding records, no college or university in Arkansas has yet applied for its share of this money. * Other federal and state programs could contribute additional funding, free meals and snacks, and transportation. Local manufacturers might be persuaded to donate toys and equipment. And students could pay tuition for their children based on a sliding scale, depending on need and income. Update: Shortly after this story was written, an official task force was implemented on campus to look into this issue. Vice President of Finance Jim Hurst and Dean of Student and Academic Support Services Ken Pyle head the task force which includes me, Wayne Atchley. We will be exploringpossibilitiesand implementing strategies where possible. It's a work in progress. Please submit comments on this issue to the Letter to the Editor box in the Fullerton m Union for printing future issues. College Students Not I m m u n e to Domestic Violence French Connection Nick Carty Columnist How do we benefit from French influence? From recipes to restaurant reviews, from travel advice to tips on speaking the language, readers will find a variety of topics designed to increase awareness of French culture. If, as Mayor Baker says, "Life is worth living in Fort Smith," French Connection's claim is that life here and elsewhere is more livable when practiced with a French twist. Consider my favorite time of day-dinner time. French cooking, which makes use of fresh ingredients and, often, carefully prepared) sauces, is a fine and useful art we can practice and savor for a lifetime. The following recipe, a specialty from the Normandy region of France, requires very little preparation time and minimal skill. It is an easy entrEe into French cuisine and comes with a personal seal of approval as an excellent choice for a first date dinner for two. (Turkey Escalopes de dinde a la creme Breast Cutlets in a Dijon Cream Sauce) Ingredients (two servings) One tablespoon olive oil Two skinless 4-ounce turkey breast cutlets, flattened or cut to onehalf inch thickness One tablespoon Dijon mustard Four ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced Three ounces low-fat sour cream Two tablespoons Calvados* One-fourth cup chicken broth Salt and pepper Preparation: In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Salt and pepper cutlets to taste, and then spread each side with Dijon mustard. Add cutlets to skillet and Saute for three to four minutes, or until cooked side is golden brown. Turn to cook other side and add mushrooms. Cook two to three minutes, stirring mushrooms occasionally. Reduce heat to low during the last minute of cooking. Add the Calvados, stir to release particles from the bottom of the skillet, and then add the chicken broth. Simmer, covered, for four minutes. Add sour cream and stir to blend all ingredients. Cook until cream sauce just begins to bubble. Serve with rice, pasta, or potatoes. A few steamed asparagus spears make for a more colorful plate and an even more delicious meal. Substitutions: It is not always easy to find fresh turkey breast, so skinless, boneless chicken breast halves can serve as a substitute. *Calvados, an apple brandy and specialty of Normandy, is sometimes hard to come by, too. A domestic apple brandy, Apple Jack, can substitute. Crisis Hotlines 1-800-813-5433 Rape Crisis Line 1-800-332-4443 Advocates for Battered Women 1-800-482-8049 Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline Family Services Agency Sexual Assault Center 24-hour Crisis Line 1-877-432-5368 Reach-Out (Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Domestic/Sexual Violence) 1-800-522-9054 Ankur Parikh Washington Square (New York U.) News (U-WIRE) NEW YORK — Upon her arrival at New York University, Amy quickly met and fell in love with her "prince charming." Shortly afterward, the couple moved in together. "He was everything I wanted and needed," Amy said. "But then, things just changed. It was so sudden. He went from making me breakfast in bed to writing a list of things for me to do every morning." If Amy failed to complete the chores assigned by her boyfriend, she would be punished, beaten with a newspaper or locked in a closet. "After three years I found the courage to leave him ... Even then it was so scary," she said. "He kept calling and hanging up, followed me sometimes. Even today, I'm not completely past the whole thing. It's so hard." Many students arrive at college unaware of the dangers that relationships can present. They sometimes leave with scars that never completely heal. Contrary to many students' beliefs, college campuses are not exempt from violence. In a nationwide survey by Security on Campus Inc., 59 percent of college students reported that either they or a close friend or relative had been a victim of domestic violence. One of five college students reported at least one incident of abuse in his or her relationships. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women ages 15-44 in the United States. In addition, statistics reveal that of women who reported being assaulted since the age of 18, 76 percent were victimized by a current or former boyfriend, husband or date. Dr. Vishal Pandhya, a psychiatrist at Mount Sinai hospital, said the cycle of domestic violence consists of three phases; tension building, battering incident and honeymoon phase. "It all starts with the woman feeling like she's walking on eggshells, doing things like trying to keep friends from drop-in visits and avoiding phone calls," Pandhya said. "This is how tension builds up until phase two, where the victim is at the greatest risk of physical harm." Phase three is a kind of romantic reconciliation, he said, in which the abuser seeks the forgiveness of his victim and promises to seek help to end his outbursts of violence. Often, the abuser will shower his victim with gifts and attention, but the cycle will eventually begin again. Nancy Rafi, founder and president of Silent Witnesses on Campus, a project dedicated to ending campus violence, said that before we attack the issue itself, we first need to do away with certain myths. "First off, alcohol and drug abuse are not the only causes of campus violence," she said. "Many men who drink are not violent, and many men who are violent are only violent to their partners and no one else." Other forms of abuse, such as stalking or telephone harassment, require advance planning. And this type of violence is not always caused by anger alone. "Every person is angry at some point, but do we all resort to violence? Of course not," she said. Most importantly, said Rafi, is that we counter the myth that women provoke their attackers. "Victims are beaten whether they comply or resist, whether they fight back or concede, whether they are asleep or awake," she said. And domestic violence affects women of all walks of life, not only women with low self-esteem. Escaping a violent situation is an arduous process, Rafi said. The decision to leave is a dangerous one. Statistically, 75 percent of all domestic assaults occur after the victim has fled the relationship. So who are these abusers? Abusers can be anyone, Rafi said. They are members of every race, religion, profession, class and level of education. Often, few people other than the victim know of the abuser's violent tendency. If you know someone who is the victim of domestic violence, Rafi says, help and support them by providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment. "There are no magic words to say, no exact science on how to proceed, but after working closely with many people, I can say this: Approach the battered student with sensitivity, respect her privacy, and simply offer your support," Rafi advised. "Assure her of confidentiality, avoid negative remarks about the offender no matter how you may feel, let her know you believe in her and [that] it is not her fault. Offer her help in leaving ... and help her develop a safety plan." If you are a victim of domestic abuse, it is important to seek help. Look for local support. "So many victims simply don't know the help available to them locally," Rafi said. "They don't realize that there are people around them who care about them and want to help heal the pain, no matter how l o n g Catch a Free Flick on Campus The 2000-2001 film series at Westark College continues on Oct. 3 with "The Manchurian Candidate'' and Oct. 17 with "Dr. Strangelove." Ben Boulden, adjunct faculty member at Westark and employee of the Times Record, is presenter for the Oct. 3 showing of "Manchurian Candidate," a 1962 film directed by John Frankenheimer. In the film, Harvey returns from the Korean War as a decorated hero, yet the other members of his platoon can't really remember what Harvey did to win his medal. Two of the soldiers start having recurring nightmares, and one of the soldiers investigates Harvey's activities. Films are free to the public and are shown at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Breedlove Auditorium. Each film has a presenter who leads the discussion. Art instructor Ernest Cialone presents "Dr. Strangelove" on Oct. 17. This Stanley Kubrick film debuted in 1963 and revolves around U.S. Air Force General Jack Ripper, who goes completely mad and sends his bomber wing to destroy the Soviet Union. He suspects the communists are conspiring to pollute the "precious bodily fluids" of the American people. If the Soviet Union is hit by nuclear weapons, it will trigger a "doomsday device" that will destroy all plant and animal life on Earth. Peter Sellers portrays the three men who might avert this tragedy. Other films in the series include "The Day the Earth Stood Still" on Jan. 22, "Forbidden Planet" on Feb. 13, and "When Worlds Collide" on April 10. The film series is sponsored by the Humanities Goal Team and is offered through the Humanities Department at Westark. For more information, call Henry Rinne at 788-7545, art instructor Don Lee at 788-7542, or humanities instructor Marget Lippincott at 788-7540. Join A Club Clay Garretson Staff Reporter The nearly 1800 students who attended the Back-to-School Bash know that Westark College offers a variety of student organizations for those who choose to get involved. Here is an up to date list for your information: Amicus Curiae Latin for 'Friend of the Court' is a forum for students interested in legal issues. For information contact Mary Lowe in Flanders 215 or call 788-7805. Arts and Entertainments Club This club's main goals are to expose students to the humanities. The enormous size of this club allows members to purchase tickets to a variety of events at extreme discounts. A full calender of events is available in Breedlove 204D. Applause The creative arts magazine on campus. Meetings are held Thursdays at 2 p.m. in Ballman-Speer 108. For more information contact Ann Winters at 788-7549 Art Guild Contact Ernest Cialone at [email protected]. Baptist Student Union Located at 813 N. 49th, the BSU offers Christian fellowship for members of all denominations. For more information contact Keith Garner at 782-1219. Black Student Association Promotes educational, moral, and cultural awareness through networking. For more information contact Emma Watts at 788-7808. College Student American Dental Hygiene Association Promotes the art and science of dental hygiene. For more information contact Channaine Stuteville at 478-2042. Different Drummers Forum for discussion and evaluation of broad-based literature. For information on meeting times contact Gene Wells in Holt 101 or call 788-7534. Disabled Students Association Resource organization to orient students with disabilities to the campus and services available. For more information contact Zannette Douglas in Vines 111C or call 788-7667. Fellowship of Christian Athletes Organization for athletes of all denominations. For more information contact Tammie Nix in Gym 139 at 788-7595. Future Educators Organization For information contact Dr. Jackie Paxton in MathScience 319 or call 788-7905. Multicultural Club Promotes inter cultural awareness on campus. For information contact Robert Lowery at 788-7664. Original American Coalition Council (O.A.C.C.) For students who have an interest in Native American heritage. Contact Gene Wells in Holt 101 or call 788-7534. Phi Beta Lambda (P.B.L) Business leadership organization. Contact Sharon Winn in Flanders 104 or Bill Lacewell in Flanders 203. Students may also call 788-7812 or 7887503. Phi Theta Kappa (P.T.K.) International honor society that recognizes and encourages scholarship. For more information contact Melany Hiad in Echols 109 or call 788-7378. Pre-Health Professionals Assoication Students with an interest in the medical field. Contact Kristine Herbert in Math-Science 230 or call 788-7614. Pride of Westark The student ambassador group. Contact Penny Pendleton at 7887121. Psychology Club This club sponsors lectures on different psychological topics. A complete schedule is available from Linda Gibbons in Tech 101A or Virginia Bedwell in Tech 101H. Radiography Student Association Contact Nancy Hawking in Echols 115B or call 7887852. Rock Hounds Geological Society Affiliated with the Fort Smith Geological Society. Contact Clay Garretson at [email protected]. Sigma Delta Mu Honor society for students studying Spanish language and culture. Contact Martha Bieber in Breedlove 210 or call 788-7563. Society of Collegiate Journalists Contact Lori Norin in Ballman Speer 107B or call 7887260. Society of Manufacturing Engineers Contact Argie Nichols at anichols@systema. westark.edu. Student Advisory Council (SAC) Programming board for campus events. Meetings are held Fridays at 1 p.m. in Fullerton Union. Student Nurses Association Contact Debbie Fulmer in Echols 111D or call 788-7857. Westark Honors Organization Contact Tammy Snow at [email protected] Westark Martial Arts Club Meetings are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the gym or call 788-7596. Westark College Student Newspaper Organization Responsible for producing Lion's Print, Westark ark.edu. or call College's the editorsstudent office atnewspaper. 788-7263. Contact Roy Hill at [email protected] Convocation Center Underway The formal ground breaking for the new Convocation Center took place on Sep. 13. The 80,766 square- foot facility is just another step in the right direction for Westark College. The center's main area will include a16,000-square-foot multipurpose gymnasium that is expected to draw statewide athletic events as well as provide space for various student activities and graduation ceremonies, Located on the southeast corner of Waldron and Kinkead, the building will be convenient for the community as well as the college. According to Jim Hurst, vice president for finance and campus services at Westark College " This will give us the opportunity to have everyone in one air conditioned place for large student group meetings and employee meetings, something we've been unable to do" This facility is part of a 25year master plan adopted by the Westark Board of Trustees in 1990. Architect for the $9.4 million center is Guest Reddick Architects, and the contractor is Ramsons Inc. of Jonesboro. Completion is planned for fall of 2001. Student Receives National Scholarship Leo Willilams of Fort Smith is one of 400 college students nationwide to receive a $1000 scholarship from the CocaCola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program. Williams is in his second semester at Westark College. A full-time student in the Westark College Honors program, Williams is also a peer leader for College Seminar classes. He is a 1989 graduate of Lincoln High School and served in the Air Force for five years. The Coca-Cola program recognizes students who demonstrate academic success and have completed 100 hours of community service in the past year. The foundation awards $1.8 million in college scholarships annually. Campus Center Spices Up College Life "I've been to several universities and larger colleges, and I must say that our new facility rivals any that I've seen. I feel that it will allow Westark to more effectively compete in an evergrowing, ever-intensifying educational market/7 Allan Watts, Instrumental Music Major. Amy Bums, Editor-in-Chief Cynthia Young, Staff Reporter Donald W. Reyolds Campus Center will bring Westark College a huge step closer to the full college experience. The new center will have three times as much space as Fullerton Union, which is necessary because the student population increased 264 percent since the original building was constructed. Fullerton Union's space was concentrated on offices and a cafeteria. The new center will create student only space with television lounges, game rooms, and a 500-seat multi-purpose ballroom all for the increased relaxation and social well being of Westark College students. "We're excited about being able to provide this... for our students. We hope this center will provide relaxation in their busy day," Ken Pyle, dean of student and academic support services, said. This gift is made possible by a $14.2 million grant from the Reynolds Foundation, a national philanthropic organization, in Las Vegas. The Reynolds Foundation previously funded the construction of the Donald W. Reynolds Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. Nabholz Construction, of Conway, began building the 80,0000square-foot building in March of 2000 and expects completion by July 2001. The new campus center will be located between the Breedlove and Holt Buildings, on what was formerly the parking lot. Other Amenities to the new student center include: an information center, career resource center, copy center, conference rooms, computer kiosks with internet access, student services offices, cafeteria and dining area, large food court, and an on-campus bookstore. 'The new union is going to be a great place to work. It is centrally located which provides easy access for all students. It provides a wider variety of places to eat and contains a new career resource center, which I will be working in." Ron Orick, Business and Employment Liason. "Having been to other state colleges before conning to Westark, I know what an effect a student center has on the students in a college. It helps people become closer knit and improves the relationships between teachers and students. So I think ifs great that Westark College will finally have a 'real' student center/' Cara Calhoun, Music Major. "I think it will be great. The current student center is too small, and this one will be better. Also, a food court is a lot better than a Luby-like cafeteria. Ifs a great improvement for our school' headquartered Mike Vanderheiden Chief Reporter The Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra opens its 2000-2001 season at 8 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Grand Avenue Baptist Church auditorium, under the direction of John Jeter. This season will consist of five subscription concerts, the 4th of July Celebration with Mayor Ray Baker, and a family concert. The orchestra will move back into the newly renovated Fort Smith Performing Arts Center in January. The season opener, "Fascinating Rhythms", features violinist Felicia Moye. Moye serves as Concertmaster for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and is the Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Oklahoma. She has performed as featured soloist with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Houston Symphony. At this concert, she will be performing the Brahms's Violin Concerto and The AV room in the Math-Science Building located in MS 237 will be open on Saturdays, given that it gets student use. The hours on Saturday are 8-11 and 12-5. We encourage students to use this time to view video classroom information and use the computer lab. The hours during the school week are Monday and Wednesdays 11 am to 8 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Atlantic Monthly invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and personal or journalistic essays for its 2000 Student Writers' Competition. Entrants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting U.S. institution. Submissions should be original, unpublished work (they may have appeared in student periodicals) demonstrating superior quality of expression and craftsmanship. Categories: Poetry, fiction, and personal or journalistic essays. Prizes: 1st $1,000, 2nd $500, 3rd $250, and one-year subscriptions to The Atlantic Monthly for honorable mentions in each category. Manuscripts should be typewritten (one side only, please), double-spaced, and accompanied by a cover sheet with the following information: title, category, word count, author's name, address, phone number, e-mail address (if available), and academic institution. Of this information only the title should appear on the manuscript itself. Submissions should not exceed three poems or 7,500 words of prose. No entrant may send more than one submission per category. Please provide a stamped, self-addressed postcard for acknowledgment of receipt. We cannot provide information on the status of any particular manuscript until winners are announced, in the May 2001, issue. Winners will receive notification in early spring. Submissions should be postmarked by December 1,2000, and sent to: Student Writers' Competition, The Atlantic Monthly, 77 North Washington Street, Boston, MA 02114. Lion's Print, Westark Student Newspaper Organization, is new and improved. It is no longer a class for credit but a student organization in which staff members can get paid for their printed work. We are always in need of more reporters, photographers, and sports writers. Any experience is helpful. For more information on the paper or becoming a staff member contact Editor-in-Chief Amy Burns at 788-7263 or [email protected]. For comments regarding the paper, previous or future articles, or Westark College, submit a neatly written or typed piece of paper with your name and major into the Letter to the Editor box located in Fullerton Union. Boreham Library's bi-annual book sale has been scheduled for 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, October 2-4. The sale is open to the public and will be located in front of the building. The library's regular hours during the fall semester are Mon-Thurs 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fri 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. K aren M cL au gh l an , Elementary Education Major. Fort Smith Symphony Starts New Season Announcements Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. "A Holiday Celebration77 follows the season opener on December 2. This concert includes excerpts from the Nutcracker and Correlli's Pastorale. This concert is also hosted by Grand Avenue Baptist Church, and the church choir will be accompanying the symphony. Two performances will be available at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra also hosts youth orchestra and a junior orchestra programs. The programs are comprised of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students from northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. These symphonies are designed to supplement school music programs. Seating is limited for all performances and prices vary for tickets. Season tickets are available. For more information contact Karen Jeter or Jennifer Hietanen at the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra office in Central Mall or call 452-7575. Email is also available at [email protected]. Yearbook pictures will be taken Wednesday, October 11 and Thursday, October 12, in the game room of Fullerton Union from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All students and Westark employees are encouraged to have their picture taken. Ifs free!!! Oct. 5 is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming Nov. elections. Complete the registration form and Westark will pay the postage and mail it for you. Student Activities Council will be sponsoring Popcorn Day in Fullerton Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 4. Every person who registers will receive a free soda and bag of popcorn. New members and officers have been selected for Pride of Westark for 2000-2001. Officers are Mandy Lasiter, Past President; Susan Mastin, President; David Fitting, Vice President; Care Tongier, Secretary; and Aaron Dickens, Activity Coordinator. Group and session Start Trek leaders are needed for Oct. 16,19,20,26,27 and Nov. 20, 21, 27, 28. Please help share with some eighth graders the importance of an education by supporting Start Trek any way you can. Call or email Gina Kasson (x7414 or gkasson) or Aimee Gutowski (x7126 or agutowsk) for more info or to volunteer. United Way Campaign is still running strong. We need help reaching the Westark College goal of $21,000. Employees that contribute will be able to participate in the Westark Version of the "Price is Right." The Showcase Showdown will include a television, a trip to Branson and many other prizes and gifts. Game will be played at 2 p.m. Oct. 31 during the next Westark Association meeting. If you would like to give to the United Way, email [email protected]. Jammin' Jeff's Music Review Jeff Bowling Staff Reporter Recordings are rated as follows: ***** a great, must-own recording **** a very good recording *** an average recording ** leaves a lot to be desired * a huge waste of time Artist: Anoushka Shankar Title: Anourag Label: Angel Records The latest release from Anoushka Shankar is a recording worth some investigation. She is in fact the daughter of sitar master Ravi Shankar, but also a great musician in her own right. The six tracks offered on this recording were all written by her father but handled very nicely in her twenty year old hands. The selections are presented in the traditional style of the Indian Raga. In Indian Classical music the beats are broken down into many different sections, making this style of music a little more difficult to play, and at times to follow, than the everyday top-40 radio song. Anoushka Shankar more than holds her own with other sitarist from around the world. Even though her father wrote all of the selections on the recording and even makes a guest appearance on the raga "Panchem Se Gara," Shankar makes this music her own and breathes new life into the present and future of Indian Classical music. I feel that this recording is well worth the -4 stars. time. Movie Reviews Rating System: 4 stars-Absolute must see at theater 3 stars-lf you get a chance, catch this goodie 2 stars-Fairly good one to rent 1 star -Don't bother unless you're bored Title: Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo Type: 1999 Comedy Cast: Rob Schneider, Arija Bareikis MPAA Rating: R Status: Rent Our Rating: *** Title: Bless The Child Type: 2000 Thriller/Horror Cast: Kim Basinger, Jimmy Smits MPAA Rating: R Status: Playing Our Rating: **** Title: Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo Type: 1999 Comedy Cast: Rob Schneider, Arija Bareikis MPAA Rating: R Status: Rent Our Rating: *** Amy Burns Editor-in-Chief Whether you are into thrillers or not, you have got to see this movie! "Bless The Child" was continuously captivating despite the somewhat obvious plot. Maybe it was the dynamic actors who made the movie a hit. Maggie O'Connor (Kim Basinger), a single nurse, raises her junkie sister Jenna's (Angela Bettis) baby to the age of six. The little girl named Cody (Holliston Coleman) is presumed to be suffering from autism and attends a special Catholic school. However, the truth about the six-year-old comes out when a friend of Jenna's, Cheri Post (Christina Ricci), warns Maggie that a satanic cult wants Cody for her supernatural powers. Maggie turns to special FBI agent John Travis (Jimmy Smits), who is currently investigating a serial killing spree of children in New York, and they find a similar suspect. Eric Stark (Rufus Sewell), founder of The New Dawn-a self-help organization, shows up with Jenna as her new husband. They claim to want to take Cody back as their child, but what everyone knows is that Stark's organization is really a bunch of devil worshippers abducting children born at a certain time. Studies Show Sex May Extend Life Corey Hann Daily Orange(Syracuse U.) (U-WIRE) SYRACUSE, N.Y. — New research suggests that sex may actually keep your heart healthy, increase your immunity to disease and might even make you physically stronger. Does your partner need any more convincing? Scientists at the University of Tubingen's Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology in Germany recently studied 51 men between the ages of 20 and 47. Of that group, the men who had sex 16 or more times per month had stronger hearts and lower average blood pressure than guys of the same fitness level Now Maggie and Travis must stop Stark from trying to convert Cody, a gifted child predestined to help God, to evil or killing her if she remains faithful. Every compelling scene proves this movie is an undeniably great choice. You certainly feel for Maggie and Cody in their efforts to struggle through in credible difficulties and survive with God on their side. Maria King Staff Reporter In recent years we have seen many former Saturday Night Live Stars make a successful movie from the small screen to the big. Although there have been a few misses, most have been hits. "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" should be considered one of the latter. This movie is cute, funny, and entertaining. Rob Schneider puts in a great performance in his first comedic leading role as a fish tank cleaner who wants to meet women but finds it hard when one doesn't have a great career and lots of cash. When he stumbles into a job of housesitting for a sadistic, successful gigolo he is able to find out how it feels to have money for the first time. Though some scenes with the crazy variety of women he has to take out are predictable, this movie is worth a look. The audience cannot help but fall in love with the sweet, lovable Deuce as he tries to win back the one lady who did not know about his gigolo status. and age group who had sex eight times or fewer per month. Their theory: By giving guys a way to manage day-to-day difficulties and reducing stress, it also helped them stay in better shape by providing them with one more source of aerobic activity — namely sex. Commenting on the study, Patti Britton, a sexologist based in Los Angeles, said she believes that sex can be a fruitful way of burning calories and is often overlooked as a form of exercise. "Sex can be a vigorous and strenuous exercise," Britton said. "It engages the neurological pathways and blood flow, which depend totally on the cardiovascular system." Sexual intercourse, including foreplay, can burn up to 180 calories an hour, according to the American Heart Association. That's more than playing a game of touch football and more than twice the energy used during moderate weight training. "I read somewhere that you burn a ton of calories. It certainly could be classified as exercise," said Joanne Montalbano, a senior biology major at Syracuse University. "Though I think some guys burn more calories by just staring at women's breasts alone." The only problem with these results is that most people don't engage in sex long enough to reap the cardiovascular rewards, said William Fitzgerald, a sex therapist based in Santa Clara, Calif., and founder of www.sexdoc.com. "The average foreplay is only four minutes, while the average time from intromission to ejaculation is 90 seconds," he said. "That ain't enough time to get your heart and lungs at optimum for more than 30 seconds." Fitzgerald did note, however, that regardless of how long sexual activity lasts, it can inspire production of testosterone, a major contributor to lean muscle gain, and can also improve people's lives immeasurably. "I don't know where I would be without sex," said Todd Mytkowicz, a senior computer science major. "I definitely feel that if s made improvements in many parts of my life." New Scientist Magazine published a study indicating that sex can boost a specific immune enhancing chemical called Immunoglobulin A. The study also said people who have one or two sexual encounters a week had a 30 percent rise in their ability to fend off foreign invaders, such as sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Arthur Hurwitz, an immunologist at the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center, said that though he wasn't part of the study, he believes that many of its key parts show encouraging e vidence. "Because sex for most people takes place at mucosal surfaces such as the vagina, anus, mouth and penis, it would not be surprising that there is more IgA," he said. "This is the type of antibody made for mucosal surfaces and is in tears and saliva and is the first line of defense for the immune system." Hurwitz remarked, however, that this study has flaws, and that measuring IgA to evaluate immune response may not be ideal. "IgA is only one of many different antibodies in the body that can contribute to combating pathogens—more testing would be necessary." Fitzgerald also noted that the amount of sex you have could lengthen your life, which is good news for people in relationships. "Bonded couples are sexual much more often than singles, on average, and at any age," he said. Indeed, it comes as no surprise that relationships foster better sex lives and perhaps better life overall, but the irreverent Woody Allen put it best: "Love is the answer— but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty good questions." Lady Lions Roar in Straight Sets Mark Mondier Sports Staff With the Lady Lions' starters on the bench, it was the reserves who came out blasting. In a match that took under an hour to complete, the Lady Lions held the Central Baptist College Lady Mustangs to just 11 match points, winning 15-1, 15-6,15-4. Sophomores Jamie Meeks and Heather West kick-started the match with four service points and ended with the last five points of the first set. "I thought the Lady Lions played very well. Jamie Meeks looked very confident out there," Justin Merry, business finance major, added. Mellisa White and Terra Turbyfill, along with West, also contributed to the win- ning cause by adding four kills each. Tracy Buie added three kills. Westark took the last two sets rather easy. The Lady Mustangs' lone lead in the match came in the second set because of four Westark unforced errors. The Lady Lions improved to 9-4 on the season and the Lady Mustangs dropped to 4-4. First-year head coach Damon Teas said this is probably the last time his Lady Mustangs will schedule Westark simply because of the overmatched play. Central Baptist College (Conway) dropped to 0-5 against the Lady Lions. NOTE: Westark is now using an experimental rule at home games in which a serve that hits the net and still goes over is considered a point. Transfer Player Expected To Help Jay Biggs Sports Editor It is an unusual occurrence when you see an athlete transfer from a university to a two-year college. This year Westark College welcomes University of Oklahoma transfer Jaret Hart. Hart, a sophomore at Westark, is ineligible to play until second semester due to the reason for his transfer-academic problems. Basketball Coach Doc Sadler is excited about Hart's becoming eligible to play in January. "Once this semester is out of the way he will be a big impact. He will have an opportunity to make us a good basketball team," Coach Sadler said. Hart played with Arkansas forward Joe Johnson in Little Rock Central High School. The two were a most deadly combo and were highly recruited by different colleges. Since joining the Razorbacks, Joe Johnson has become a remarkable force for the Hogs, giving them a good front man. Hart will most likely be playing as a guard when he is deemed eligible. "Jaret is a perimeter player who will add depth," Coach Sadler explained. With the season just coming around the corner, Jaret Hart must get back into shape physically, mentally, and academically. If he does not, this could be his last chance to play college ball. If he can, he will be a perfect fit for the Westark Lions. It will also give him another shot at getting to a university to play division 1-A basketball. Lady Lions Defeated in Conference Opener Mark Mondier Sports Staff Things seemed to be going smooth for the Lady Lions early on, but they quickly Westark nearly completed lost a 6-2 lead and scored just a late rally in the fifth set, but two more times as the Lady lost 8-15, 11-15, 15-13, 15-12, Norse of NEO scored 10 13-15 to rival Northeastern straight points, winning the Oklahoma A&M in the con- first set 15-8. The second set ference opener on was the same story as September 6. Westark lost a 10-7 lead, givWith the fifth set squared ing the Lady Norse a two set at 13, hard-hitting freshman lead. Priscila Souza scored the last Just when it looked as if two points of the match, giv- NEO was going to take the ing NEO a 1-0 lead in the match in straight sets, the conference, while Westark Lady Lions fired back, windrops to 0-1 in league play ning the next two sets by the and 6-4 overall. close scores of 15-13 and 15- 12. The momentum carried the Lady Lions to a 13-13 tie in the fifth set tie breaker, but service errors hurt Westark's cause to complete the heroic late set rally "We shot ourselves in the foot during the late rally," Head Coach Jane Sargent said, "We knew NEO was a quality team coming in, and I was happy with our effort, but not with the outcome." Westark sophomore Mackenzie Eisler finished the game with a team-high of 18 kills, while sophomore Kim Mefford added 15 kills in the losing effort. Lady Lion's Volleyball Schedule Date Game Location Time Thurs, Oct. 5 Mon, Oct. 9 Thurs, Oct. 12 Sat, Oct. 14 Mon, Oct. 16 Wed, Oct. 18 vs. Redlands vs. Central Baptist vs. Connors State Tournament vs. Grayson vs. Northeastern OK Home Away Home Away Home Away 6 6 6 6 6 6 WANTED: LION'S PRINT STAFF MEMBERS No Class Required-Volunteer Organization p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. REPORTERS-knowledge of Associated Press journalistic style, newspaper and mac exp., or willing to learn on the job. Pay per column inch. PHOTOGRAPHERS-experienced with own 35mm camera. We provide film and developing. Pay per printed photo. SPORTS STAFF-must be able to attend and report on games. Pay per column inch. LAYOUT/DESIGN ARTISTS-experience with QuarkXPress and Macintosh. Lion Profile SEC Takes Center Stage Jay Biggs Jay Biggs Name: Kim Mefford Age: 19 Major: Accounting Hobbies: Photography Music: All Kinds Food: Seafood Movie:"Ihe Secret of my Success" Life Goals: To get my degree and start my own business Achievements: Captain of| volleyball team, All Region 2 team, All Academic Team Advice: Continuously push yourself and strive for It is that time of the year again. The excitement of college football is in the air. Year after year, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is one of the toughest divisions in the nation. Everyone has a chance of winning, and everyone has a shot at the title. Alabama - Without Shaun Alexander in the backfield, Alabama must find new ways of putting points on the board. Quarterback Andrew Zow has only one reliable target, Fred Milons. Milons, who will be an All-American candidate this year, will have to carry 'Bama on his back. The offensive line returns two AllConference players in center Paul Hogan and left tackle Dante Ellington. Opposing offenses will have a tough time running on returning senior linebacker Saleem Rasheed. Georgia - The 1-2-3 punch of Quincy Carter, Terrance Edwards, and Jasper Sanks makes for a lethally explosive offense. Edwards, who is the brother of former Georgia star Robert Edwards, was an All-American as a freshman last year. Sanks leads the way on the ground, having rushed for an average of 81.5 yards a game last year, placing him fourth in the SEC. Florida - Steve Spurrier and the Florida Gators will have to suffer their first year without a star quarterback or a topnotch wide-receiver. Running back Ernest Graham will have to pick up most of the slack created by the diminished passing game. Last year, Graham rumbled for a total of 654 yards. Senior defensive tackle Alex Brown leads his defense for the fourth straight year. His 13 sacks were the most impressive and dominating in the SEC. Sports Editor Sports Editor your goals. Photo by Chris Wilkins. To Have or Not to Have atmosphere, a recruiting aid and an additional source of income. Student-athletes - by creWhether junior colleges should have football pro- ating more opportunities to grams is a question that may play football at the college soon be debated by the level, closer to home. Of course, there are some Arkansas State Legislature. University of Arkansas problems with a putting a wide-receiver coach Fitz Hill team together. Money is the is pushing for legislation big issue. Equipment, coachthat would allow two-year es, scholarships, facilities colleges to add football to (like a field /stadium), etc. They all cost money. their athletic offerings. When asked about if Of course, at Westark Westark would look into College, this prospect begs establishing a football prothe question, "Would we or wouldn't we?" The short gram, Dr. Sandi Sanders, answer from the college's provost and chief operating administration is that it is officer, replied, "That would still much too soon in the be something that would game to say one way or have to be decided by the Board of Trustees ana the another. College football has rest of the school." She proven itself as the big-rev- added: "It would also have enue sport in collegiate cir- to be decided by the stucles. And proponents of dents, because it would bringing junior college grid- include them paying a highiron action to a football-lov- er amount on tneir athletic ing state like Arkansas say fee, therefore making their the measure is a sure bet that tuition higher." If Hill's proposal becomes would benefit all parties law, two-year colleges, involved: Four-year schools - by estab- including Westark, will be lishing a "farm system" of forced to tackle these tough issues and decide if football sorts. Two-year schools - by pro- is something to have or not viding a more collegiate to have. Jay Biggs Sports Editor STAFF PICKS L.A.-Mon.@AR FSU@Miami Oklahoma@Texas Arkansas FSU Texas Arkansas FSU Arkansas FSU Arkansas FSU Arkansas FSU Jay Biggs Ohio State@Wiaconsin Ohio State Don Tannehill Oklahoma Wisconsin Roy Hill Texas Ohio State Mark Mondeir Oklahoma Wisconsin Sam Irvin Oklahoma Ohio State Tenn.@Georgia Georgia Tennessee Georgia Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee - With most of the 1999 Tennessee Volunteers graduating, the Vols are left with very few experienced players. They are led by receiver Cedrick Wilson and running back Travis Henry. Wilson has proven himself to be a very reliable target, and Henry is expected to keep the pressure off the passing game by giving good running performances. Cornerback Andre Lott must follow in his father's footsteps (Ronnie Lott) and perform at AllAmerican stature for the Vols to have a chance. Ole Miss - One of the most improved teams in the SEC is the Ole Miss Rebels. Every year, they get better and better. The Rebels are led by big left tackle Terrance Metcalf. Quarterback Romaro Miller will have to play his best, knowing Eli Manning (Peyton's little brother) is waiting his turn. Heisman candidate Deuce McAllistor leads the ground attack, after missing a year due to injury. Also returning from injury is receiver Grant Heard, one of the best receivers in school history. Auburn - After a year filled with pain and agony, the Auburn Tigers must find their way back to the winning side. That task will be very hard, considering the only useful player on offense is quarterback Ben Leard. Cornerback Larry Casher must suffer the fate of being the defensive captain. Mississippi State - As wonderful as last year was for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, quarterback Wayne Madkin will have to play another year in which they bite the dust. Most of their key players have graduated. Pork Chop Womack is left with the task of leading a very inexperienced offensive line. Corner Fred Smoot will try to return to All-Conference ability. Kentucky - At the end of last season, critics thought Kentucky had nowhere to go but up. Then things got worse. The Wildcats named freshman Jared Lorenzen as their starter, leaving senior Dusty Bonner out in the cold. Bonner transferred to Valdosta State, and the Wildcats are stuck with no experienced starter or back up. It is a must for Derek Holmes to bring respect back to the running game. Vanderbilt The Commodores have become accustomed to the role of underdog, and this year is no different. All-American tight end Elliott Carson returns as the only offensive weapon. Defense is the biggest weapon for Vandy. Cornerback Jimmy Williams and Jamie Wilborn will combine to wreak havoc on opposing teams. LSU - Last year's disastrous season has made the LSU Tigers pick up their remains and head back to the drawing board. Both Booty brothers are back and will try to cause even more problems for opposing teams this year. Free Safety Ryan Clark will roam around, rocking receivers' worlds, except maybe a little harder. Arkansas - The talk in the media is that the Arkansas Razorbacks can't continue last year's success. Sophmore runningback Cedric Cobbs returns for his second year, running his way into the starting line up full time. Quarterback Robbie Hampton has settled in as Clint Stoerner's successor. Eddie "Boo" Williams returns to lead the receiving corps this year. Williams is a true deep threat and can explode at anytime. Defensive end Randy Garner, linebackers J. J. Jones and Quentin Caver and cornerback Harold Harris mix the defense enough to be one of the top defenses in the league. South Carolina - When a team goes 1-10 one year and then 0-11 the next year, some might say there's not much hope for the year after. Legendary coach Lou Holtz may be proving thenaysayers wrong - rebuilding a team that didn't show much talent to start with. The Gamecocks may be the perfect example of the parity that makes the SEC such an exciting conference to watch. The SEC can be and will be the toughest division in the country. Not even the mighty PAC-10 conference can compare to the fearless, hard-hitting, action that will take place this season. Who knows? Maybe an SEC player will even win the Heisman.