stung again - Griffon News
Transcription
stung again - Griffon News
C M Y K sports: news: lifestyles: Residence Halls may receive change in visitation rules. PAGE 5 See what your favorite professors did before they professed. PAGE 9 T U E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 3 0, 2 0 0 3 Griffons still receive no support in volleyball, golf and baseball. PAGE 10 Jess Foster On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Zeta Tau chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma were surprised at the arrival of the national president, Mary K. Barbee. The Zeta Tau chapter was presented with outstanding recognition awards in the following areas: New Member Orientation Program and Recruitment. “For such a young chapter, Zeta Tau should not be receiving these awards,” Barbee said. “They have really grown and improved since 1995. We have seen amazing things happen in this chapter.” The chapter’s New Member Orientation Program, which was led by former Vi c e President Rachel Siron, lasts eight weeks and is a time for the new members of Tri Sigma to learn about the sorority and its history while getting to know their sorority sisters. The program consists of new member meetings, fact sheets, study sessions and sisterhood events. “It is an amazing accomplishment for Zeta Tau to receive this award,” Siron said. “As for the New Member Orientation Program, we See Tri-Sigma page 4 Western starting Strategic Plan Forum Danny Stooksbury News Writer Submitted Photo Members of Tri-Sigma pose with two awards presented to them by the National Headquarters. Pictured from left to right are Becky Jackson, Angela Miller, Liz Beeson, Mary K. Barbee (National President), Reagan Cunningham, Jessica Snyder and Rachel Siron. Photo Illustration by Tim KC Canton Graphics Designer Nick Draper News Editor Missouri Western is currently in the process of enhancing and expanding the existing emergency plan. The new document is called the Emergency Operations plan. It will provide procedures that will give detailed information in the event of a major disaster. It will state who needs to talk to the press, who needs to call the appropriate authorities and specific information on what to do with the students. “The new document is a step beyond the REACT plan,” said Tim Kissock, risk manager for the campus. “It is the first time that we have had something this sophisticated.” The current plan, called the Rapid Emergency Action Checklist (REACT), gives telephone num- bers and procedures in case of any type of emergency. Each office and every department on campus has a copy of the REACT document. The REACT plan covers every emergency that might occur, from bomb threats to fires and hazardous material spills. As part of the documentation process for the Emergency Operations plan, tests are being conducted in each department to see if the current procedures run smoothly in the event of an emergency. The amount of faculty in each department will be noted to ensure the efficiency of emergency procedures. Maps may also be put in each building telling students and faculty what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. In addition to the tests in each department, drills will be conducted on campus. This will be the first time that drills will be conducted on campus. TKE probation comes to an end after 1 year PA I D PERMIT NO. 32 St. JOSEPH, MO VOL . 8 2 NO . 5 M I S S O U R I WE S T E R N S TATE C O L L E G E Tri-Sigma receives 2 national awards Assistant News Editor NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE “Nobody seems to be able to remember much in the way of drills,” said Dennis Johnson, emergency management coordinator. “We have been a little weak on this campus in regards to drills. We recognize that and are working on improving that situation.” The drills will either consist of evacuating the campus or sheltering in the buildings. The plan calls for an evacuation drill in the fall and a sheltering drill in the spring of next year. The process of creating the Emergency Operations plan has been ongoing for a long time. “I have been working on this for about 18-20 months,” Johnson said. “The administration felt like the campus needed a little more devotion and a little more direction in regards to preparedness.” The Emergency Operations plan is something See Disaster page 6 As part of the five-year strategic plan outlined by Missouri Western State College, Administration hopes to improve the quality of the average student. They hope to accomplish this through a program called Enrollment Management. Within this program, one of many desired improvements recognizes a need to recruit more students from each of the following populations: •International students •Non-traditional students •Minority students •Honors students Students with the high school core classes, with above-average ACT scores, and with rankings in the upper 50 percent of their high school classes. At this time no specific plan has been set in motion toward these enrollment acquisitions. An open forum is being held on Oct. 21, giving students, faculty and members of the community an opportunity to voice their opinions and recommendations toward how some of these students might be attracted. Although the plan as a whole has not been set in stone yet, Missouri Western has begun to work on some various programs which they feel may have an impact on the quality of some students which will be enrolling in the future. Given Westerns commitment to remain an institution of open enrollment, raising the quality of students cannot simply focus on attracting students with a more advanced academic history. Efforts must be made to give all students who plan on attending any college better preparation during their high school careers. ReadySet-Go, a program developed by Howard McCauley, is designed to give high school guidance counselors more information about what a four year institution such as Western will expect from incoming freshmen. It will then be up to the See Strategic Plan Forum page 6 STUNG AGAIN Rikki Cason News Writer Giving bids to new pledges, Tau Kappa Epsilon is off probation and is stronger than ever. An incident last fall put the TKE’s on probation for the rest of the school year. Each year pledges are allowed to do one activity. Last year the pledges chose to do a scavenger hunt on Halloween. The scavenger hunt was cleared with security, but not the part where the pledges chose to do the hunt in their boxer shorts. This broke several rules and violated the Greek laws against hazing. “What took place was against the rules,” TKE President John Fabsits said. “The sanctions received were a bit of an overkill.” After security was contacted, the incident was documented. It was concluded that the TKE’s violated eight rules. These violations led to the one-year probation time. “I felt that the guidelines given to us were a bit harsh when combined with what our nationals had given to us,” TKE educator Ryan Richardson said. “I understood that the campus reasoning was to act as a deterrent to any other organization who may do anything questionable, but I didn’t feel that we should have been 2 editorial 3,4,5,6 news 7,8 lifestyles 9,10 sports that example for what we did. Compared to other organizations that have been accused of wrongdoing and what their punishment was I don’t feel that our incident warranted what was given to us. However, we complied and dealt with it and we are now a stronger organization because of it.” Though this incident restricted the fraternity from participating or hosting any social events, Tau Kappa Epsilon spent the time becoming closer and stronger as a chapter. “The spring semester was concentrated on philanthropy, scholarship, brotherhood and organization,” TKE Brandon Paxton said. “This experience has brought us closer as a See TKE Probation page 7 Tuesday 9/30 High: 63, Low: 38 Showers Wednesday 10/1 High: 64, Low: 38 Thursday 10/2 High: 62, Low: 43 Friday 10/3 High: 69, Low: 52 Saturday 10/4 High: 70, Low: 49 Senior Pierre Thomas runs with the ball after intercepting Emporia State quarterback Tad Hatfield on Saturday in Emporia, Kan. The Griffons lost the Hornets for the second straight year in a nail biter. See the full story on Page 10. (Photo by Warren Ingram -- Photo Editor) tuesday, september 30, 2003 •page 2 Reader wants more local music Being a fan of music and a (shudder) lifelong resident of the Midland Empire, I couldn’t help but respond to the recent letter written in about the,“local music scene.” I personally believe that what is hurting it most of all is a lack of promotion and originality. If I wanna hear a bunch of kids whine about their problems I’ll watch the W.B., what the local music scene needs is more innovators and less emulators. I hear enough crappy music at my job (local corporate music store). After a long day of Dashboard Confessionals crying themselves to sleep at night or Bonecrusher screaming about not being scared I want to hear something fresh and new. I challenge the musicians of St. Joseph to wow me and if you’re in a cool and original band get the word out. Let me and everyone else know. Assume I do live in a cave and plaster the hell out of this ton with flyers. Throw a brick through my window with a note tied to it I don’t care, entertain me! I don’t want people in argyle crying over a cup of coffee or the black T-shirt crowd screaming because their parents didn’t buy them some with a picture menu. Misfits lunch box in 8th grade. I don’t get out much musicians let me I’m not just complaining about St. Joe, know what you have to offer, I’m tired of I’m complaining about music period. It’s boring tripe. all very stagnant, I want someone to come along and make waves. Variety is the spice of life people and I could use Brent Corey Wade Williamson - Cartoon Liason Non-trad student wants everyone to get along I am a non-traditional student and have been going to Missouri Western for a little over two years now. So far my college experience has been quite enjoyable. However, a new trend is starting to concern me. I have noticed a tension growing between the traditional students and the non-trads. This tension is now giving birth to stereotyping. Among the traditional students, Non-trads are being depicted as deformed, advanced elderly individuals who complain about everything and would like nothing more than to "bag" a young undergrad. Non-trads are quick to categorize their traditional counterparts as a bunch of bingedrinking, air-headed rugrats that should have daddy’s credit card taken away from them. This is supposed to be an institution of higher learning. We should be smarter than this. Most non-trad students are young adults who have been out in the "real world" and now realize how important an education is to succeeding out there. Due to different circumstances, they now have the opportunity to continue their education and are taking advantage of it. Moreover, most of the nontrads I have talked with are married and could care less about acquiring a younger adult. They seem to be more concerned with their busy schedules than dating. Most traditional students are very knowledgeable and are trying their best to just get little sleep between working, studying, and attending classes. The "party animals" usually do not last long in college and the airheads are usually unable to make the grades needed to stay. Furthermore, most of the traditional students are working their way through college because their parents are not rich enough to pay their way. It is beyond me why these two hard working groups are degrading themselves by participating in a mud-slinging contest. We should not stoop to this level. If you have a problem with an individual, you should attach that individual’s behavior to that individual and not to a group of people that physically match that individual’s description. Even though this inappropriate behavior is now finding its way into our paper, I can only hope that these activities are only being practiced by a small group of individuals. In which case, the rest of us should think twice before we let a small group of narrowminded people take control of our perception of others. Fred Cline Local disc jockey feels music scene was slighted I am writing this letter in regards to the Lifestyles article written by Morgan Perry. First, an introduction: My name is Garner Cowdrey. I am a disc jockey at KFEQ 680 here in Saint Joseph. I formerly worked for KKJO, where, for over a year, I hosted a local music show called New Music Weekly, featuring local acts from Saint Joseph and the surrounding areas. I have played in several local bands since I was 14 and from 2000 to early 2002, I single-handedly ran www.joetownrock.com (which Ms. Perry incorrectly identified at "stjoerocks.com" in her article). In other words, I have been involved with the local scene for a very, very long time. My main reason in writing is to say that I couldn’t disagree more with Ms. Perry’s article about The Bone and the Saint Joe scene in general. The Bone DOES NOT support local music. They mostly invite KC bands only to play at their venue. Last year, The Bone cancelled all of their local music shows completely, citing there was no profit to be made. Would you call this support of the local scene? Hardly. Andie Schmitt Nick Draper Jess Foster Melissa Waddell Ross Martin Wade Williamson Bob Poirier Warren Ingram Bob Bergland The Griffon News is written and published by students of Missouri Western State College on Tuesdays 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 organization or office. Readers are encouraged to submit story ideas, information and advertising to The Griffon News office, SS/C 221, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, Mo. 64507, or by phoning (816)271-4460 (news room) or (816) 271-4412(advertising). Copy, classified submissions and advertising must be received by noon Wednesday, 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. • All letters must include signature and identity verification information, such as phone number. The Griffon News reserves the right to edit all letters for length and Associated Press style. • The Griffon News will not withhold names under any circumstances. Anonymously submitted letters will not be published. • Views expressed on the opinion pages are not necessarily those of The Griffon News staff or Missouri Western State College. Assistant Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Lifestyles Editor Sports Editor Cartoon Liason Copy Editor Photo Editor Faculty Adviser News: Alec Jennings Ian Anderson Danny Stooksbury Rikki Cason Lindsay Tremayne Lifestyles: Morgan Perry Randi McMillen Josh Peays Sports: Allen Conway Jason Keough Scott Bjertnes Carliss Holland Graphics / Photo: Tim KC Canton Mary Sullwold Naomi Dunning Jeremy Weikel Printer: Maryville Daily Forum Web site: http://www.mwsc.edu/griffonnews Email: [email protected] viva la revolucion!! viva la left field!! about the St. Joseph music scene? ” I would also like to say Mr. Corey Wood is an avid supporter of the local scene. He now runs joetownrock.com and has done an excellent job of it, far exceeding the goals and limits that I had originally set out to do with the website. He is at just about every local show, and supports all genres of local music. I feel that Ms. Perry’s criticism of him was out line, uneducated and extremely unprofessional, as was the entire article. Garner Cowdrey Morgan gets another angry letter Ross Martin Editor-in-Chief “ What do you think This letter is a reply to the recent article Ms. Perry wrote regarding the local music scene in St. Joseph. Based on her comments, I think that she failed to do research into this. The Bone doesn't book local acts. How do I know this? Because I am a part of our local scene (just as a sidenote, I play in a band that has played in both the Twin Cities area and Indianapolis in this month alone). The Bone might be a nice place to go to, but they aren't helping the local scene at all. Corey Wood mentioned a venue called High Jinks. This is a venue located in Stewartsville, Missouri that definitely supports local music. Speaking of Mr. Wood, I have also seen him at local shows supporting music. He also maintains the website for the St. Joseph area bands which is http://www.joetownrock.com, not http://www.stjoerocks.com like Ms. Perry mistakenly advertised. Why haven't we seen Ms. Perry at shows? Maybe she does attend and I just don't know who she is. I do not wish to assume in a case like this (after all, look at what Ms. Perry's assumptions have caused now). Also, her paragraph about drinking was both irrelevant and unprofessional. She proceeded to get off the topic, which doesn't reflect very well on her as a writer or Missouri Western for that matter. Where does social drinking fit in an article regarding local bands? Nowhere. Absolutely nowhere. I also enjoyed her response to the letter Mr. Wood sent her. He just pointed out to her that a few things weren't correct, and she proceeded to criticize him, not to mention miss the point entirely of what Mr. Wood was trying to say. I think the reason why Mr. Wood feels the way he does about The Bone is because he knows the facts about what they book, and Ms. Perry seems to not know the facts. I myself didn't like those kinds of comments, and they sounded like cheapshots to me. I would think that Ms. Perry wouldn't like cheapshots thrown at her after she offered factual information in response to an article that was mostly of an opinionated origin. Opinions are fine, but presenting them as fact is unprofessional, irresponsible, and (dare I say it) downright immature. This is exactly what Ms. Perry has done. P.S. I wonder if you will edit this, or leave it this way. I at least hope that Ms. Perry sees this unedited should it be chopped up later. Melissa Scearce Junior “The music scene in St. Joseph is quite pathetic. There is not much to it. I’ve been to Omaha and there’s lots of bands there.” Gabby Johnson Junior “I have never really heard any bands play around St. Joe, so I don’t know.” Travis Kirschner, Bassist/vocalist of the local band Deviator Music performance major complains Hello, My name is Josh Huffman and I’m a music performance major at Missouri Western, as well as a local musician in St. Joe for about 5 years. After reading Morgan Perry’s article on the local music scene I was appalled by the inaccuracy of her report. For one she completely got the website address wrong for the local music scene, its www.joetownrock.com NOT stjoerocks.com (which isn’t even a site at all). Secondly she mentions the Bone as a great place for local bands to play; when in all actuality the bone doesn’t book many local acts. And last but not least, half of her article was spent on telling how much she likes to drink, literally one whole paragraph was wasted. That completely took away from the professionalism of the article, and just wasn’t a very good thing to mix in with the article at all in my opinion. So in conclusion I think when one is going to do a report on something they are not very familiar with, they should do at least a LITTLE research, and not assume that they know everything about something in which they know nothing. -Josh Huffman (guitarist for Dotage, Poppa Fearsome, and Timid Muse) Editor’s Note: All letters to the editor were printed verbatim. They were not edited for style or content. After this week, no more letters will be printed concerning the local music scene or lack thereof. Chris Beard Sophomore “I guess the local music scene is all right. I don’t know a lot about it.” tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 3 Law school coalition files lawsuit Computer science, math and physics department awarded grant As the recent recipient of $294,200, the largest grant award in the college’s history, the Western computer science, math and physics department is looking forward to achieving the grant’s objective. That objective being to increase the number of underrepresented minority, women’s and non-traditional groups in the computer science and math fields by disbursing scholarships to qualifying students. The National Science Foundation’s Division of Undergraduate Education Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarships program was the purveyor of the grant. Twenty scholarships of $3,125 per year will be awarded over the next four years. Qualified students will have declared a major of computer science or mathematics and will have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and will also meet the financial aid requirements. The scholarship can be renewed for as many as eight semesters in a row. The stock market comes to MWSC The department of economics and professor of economics, Dr. Reza Hamzaee, is presenting "The Stock Market: The Current Economy and Some Portfolio Management Models," on Sept. 24, 2003, in the Leah Spratt Multipurpose Classroom Building in room 203. The event is free. The discussion will include the topic of the U.S. economy, at present, as well as the stock market link to global conditions and the economy in general. Federal suit hoping to bring light to questionable tactics Elise Craig U-Wire WASHINGTON - A coalition of law schools, professors and students filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense last Friday alleging that the Solomon Amendment, which allows the U.S. military to recruit on college campuses, is unconstitutional. The Forum for Academic and Institutional Rights filed the lawsuit in federal district court in New Jersey. FAIR has declined to name the members of the lawsuit, but the group's board includes professors from Georgetown, Yale, Stanford and New York Universities and the University of Southern California. FAIR is not releasing the names of member schools because the group believes that anonymity is needed to protect participating law schools from retribution, the Boston Globe reported last Saturday. Georgetown University Law Center Dean Judith Areen would not comment on whether or not Georgetown was involved in the suit. Law professor Michael Seidman, however, speculated that Georgetown University was not a plaintiff. "To the best of my knowledge, Georgetown is not involved with the suit," he said. Co-plaintiffs on the suit include the Society of American Law Teachers and student groups at Boston College Law School and Rutgers University School of Law. "I would really hope that this institution, which has tried to make up for a wrong in the past, would live up to its obligation. If the cost is looking anti-military, it doesn't matter, because they wouldn't let the military on campus for 10 years anyway," Michael Boucai said. Law schools across the country have forbidden the outfits within the Department of Defense to recruit with school resources because the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy is in violation of the Association of American Law School's bylaw 6-4. The bylaw "added sexual orientation to the list of protected categories under its non-discrimination provisions," according to the SALT Web site. Protests challenging on-campus military recruitment occurred at Harvard, Boston College, Boston University, Columbia and Georgetown last fall. "We all expect Georgetown to [join FAIR], but I don't expect them to let us know if they have. But we do plan to educate about the suit, and pressure the university if it hasn't already joined," Maryana Zubok said. Ryan Harrington, however, doesn't share this concern. "I think that if Georgetown hasn't signed on, it doesn't mean that they won't in the future," he said. At Georgetown, recruiters are allowed on campus and can communicate directly with students, post flyers and use on-campus mailboxes but they are not provided with facilities from which to recruit. In addition, they may not work through career services or any other services that students pay for, Harrington said. "Virtually none of the law schools in the nation have barred military access from campus," he said. "What many did, however, was to develop devices to adhere to their non-discrimination policies even while ensuring full military access to students." However, with the passage of the Solomon Act in 1995, many law schools across the country had to change their policies. The act required that law schools that receive federal funding allow military recruiting on campus. Schools that failed to comply would have their federal financial aid withheld from them. The amendment cuts off "three types of financial aid funds, mainly loans, to students at all law schools that do not provide the military with reasonable access to campus, to students and to certain information about students," according to the Georgia State University Web site. Thus, law schools across the nation, including Georgetown, had to allow military recruiters on campus to keep their funding and to ensure financial aid for their students. Now, the new lawsuit is challenging the constitutionality of the Solomon Act. According to the complaint, "This case is about the freedom of educational institutions, specifically law schools to shape their own pedagogical environments and to teach, by word and deed, the values they choose, free from government intrusion. It is about whether the government may compel law schools to lend their resources, personnel and facilities to propagate a message they abhor -- a message of discrimination that violates the core values they inculcate in their students and faculty." Seidman said he wants Georgetown to stick by its anti-discriminatory policies. "I was very proud of this university when it decided to enforce a policy against discrimination. It is something that is in the tradition of Georgetown," he said. "I understand the tremendous pressure involved, but we ought to do everything in our power to re-assert our position on civil rights." Seidman is not alone. A faculty petition reaffirming a commitment to the anti-discrimination policy was signed by 77 law center professors last year. Additionally, according to Zubok, the law center faculty voted to keep recruiting off-campus in 1991 because it was in direct conflict with the antidiscrimination policy. Zubok, Harrington and Boucai have helped to organize a protest of both on-campus recruiting and the Solomon Act for next Tuesday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Washington Court Hotel. The protest will be followed by a walk to the Capitol. "We expect a fairly large turnout. Last year [at a similar protest] we had about 100 people, maybe more," Zubok said. "The idea is not to target students interviewing for JAG; we're not trying to make things harder for them. We want to protest because we have been threatened by Solomon. The issue is whether or not it's legitimate to force us to compromise our values in this way, and it's not." Seidman and fellow law professor Chai Feldblum will lead a teach-in at 10 a.m. on rights under the Solomon Act and how Lawrence vs. Texas -- a case on which the Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 this summer that sodomy laws are unconstitutional -- relates to military policy. Though both Boucai and Zubok expect it to be generally law students and professors, they encourage others to attend as well. Seidman said he hopes that the university will also make a commitment to defending the civil rights of gay and lesbian students. "Half a century ago there were institutions that stood up for the civil rights of African-Americans and are now proud of how they conducted themselves," he said. "I hope a half century from now we can be proud about how we conducted ourselves today." Binghamton student falls from library tower, badly hurt Nicole Sia U-Wire BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - A black male student in his early 20s fell from the 15th floor South Side of the Bartle Library Tower, landing on the roof of Library North extension at about 1 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release and campus-wide voicemail issued by the Binghamton University Office of Communications and Marketing. The student, who officials confirmed survived the fall, was transported to Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, N.Y. Officials at the hospital are unable to release information concerning his condition until the family members are notified. Officials identified the male after finding his dri- “Grease” to be performed at Western The department of communication studies and theatre will be performing the play “Grease” from Oct. 2-5. All performances will be held at 8 p.m. in the Thompson E. Potter Fine Arts Center, except on Oct. 5 when the performance begins at 5 p.m. The cost for tickets is $6 for adults and $3 seniors and Western students. --Staff reports ver's license. Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the student's fall. Sociology professor Frederic Deyo, whose office on the fourth floor of the Library Tower overlooks the top of Library North, was taken aback when he noticed the young male lying on the roof only a few feet from his window around 12:50 p.m. Deyo immediately sought out the department's secretary, who then called 911. Deyo said he saw a lot of blood and that the male's leg was wounded and moving. Officer Sammy Davis of the University police said the call was received at 1:05 p.m. "I didn't hear or see anything other than the body," Deyo said. "You don't expect to see a body laying there, bleeding." Greek Corner The Sigma Tau chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa was recognized as The Chapter of the Nation by the Grand Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa. The Zeta Tau chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma was recognized for their outstanding recruitment program and outstanding new member program. Alpha Gamma Delta will have events for potential members on Tuesday and Thursday. See posters for details. calendar of events Ricardo Laremont, professor of sociology also of the Library Tower's fourth floor watched as the University's emergency response team worked in conjunction with University, local and state police, Harpur's Ferry, and the Vestal fire department to get the student off of the roof. "It took an inordinately long amount of time to get him down," Laremont said. The students clothes were left in a pile on the roof even after he was removed, as workers could be seen pouring bleach over areas covered in blood. "The students I'm hearing are really sort of curious, it's not like anybody saw it, but somebody must know the person... it's still traumatic," said Elizabeth Droz, director of the University Counseling Center. campus crime report West Campus 4 1 2 3 100 ft. 1. Vandalism September 24, 2003, Logan Hall Wednesday, October 1 Friday, October 3 A female resident reported between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. that someone had vandalized her suite and some of her personal belongings. She stated that someone had put superglue on two of the doors in her suite and also on three of her pictures locating on one of the bedroom. No one in the suite heard anything outside the doors. • Yearbook pictures from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Union, room 208. Seniors HAVE to sign up for a time at the yearbook office (SSC 220). • Final elections for homecoming queen and king. 2. • Western volleyball @ Missouri Southern at 7 p.m. • 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Career Development/Greater KC Employer Fair Thursday, October 2 • Last day for yearbook pictures, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Student Union, room 208. Seniors HAVE to sign up for a time at the yearbook office (SSC 220). • Final elections for homecoming queen and king. • Grease: A Rock and Roll Musical 8 p.m. in Potter Fine Arts Theatre • Western volleyball vs. Pittsburg State at 7 p.m. • Grease: A Rock and Roll Musical 8 p.m. in Potter Fine Arts Theatre Saturday, October 4 • Western volleyball vs. Southwest Baptist at 4:30 p.m. • Western football vs. Missouri Southern 1 p.m. • Grease: A Rock and Roll Musical 8 p.m. Potter Fine Arts Theatre Sunday, October 5 • Grease: A Rock and Roll Musical 5 p.m. Potter Fine Arts Theatre Burglary September 25, 2003, Logan Hall An officer reported to a call from Logan Hall that a Playstation 2 was missing from a suite. The male student whose Playstation 2 was stolen said that is was taken from the common area of the suite between 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. The student wrote out a statement and gave the name of a possible suspect. 3. Assault September 20, 2003, Leaverton Hall At 11:43 p.m. a memeber of Residential Housing staff called Public Safety to report an assult. A female student stated that a male student came into her room and got into an argument with her. The male then pushed the female’s head into a pillow. Other observers stated that both did a lot of yelling and the the male had tried to hold the female down. There were no physical marks on the victim. 4. Burglary September 25, 2003, Beshears Hall An officer was dispatched to Beshears Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to respond to the report of a theft. A female student reported that three things had been stolen from her bedroom. She listed the items as being $20. She filed a written statement and gave the name of a possible suspect. The officer then filed a formal report. tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 4 One Western Student Recalls Summer in Seville, Spain Andie Schmitt "Confidence is a big factor," Stehle said. "It really takes As part of an ongoing series, you a while to go out on a limb The Griffon News will contin - and get past the potential ue to highlight travel studies embarrassment that would programs. come if you said something This week, one Western stu- stupid or incorrect. On the dent Lauren Stehle talks other side of the coin, messing about her experiences in up keeps you humble when Seville, Spain, and how they your head starts to get too continue to shape her future. big." Stehle went with 30 other The trip this summer had students in June of this year. too many pluses for Stehle to This was the largest group in pick just one favorite. Western’s travel studies histo"My favorite part? That is so ry. tough. I guess it was all the The trip was actually her beauty I saw, in everything. third voyage to Europe. The Andalusian landscape, "I also went with Missouri the flamenco, the tapestries, Western in 2001, and I partic- the murals, the architecture ipated in a program arranged and the Moorish influences, " by my high school,”Stehle Stehle said. "Literally everysaid. “In my high school pro- thing, right down to the gengram we went to uine conSpain and France cern my for 10 days." host mom It was that inih a d tial trip with her a b o u t high school which ther I was happy to add worh enot helped Stehle to I lose her inhibitions slang to my reper - was eatabout learning the i n g toire. I’m talking language. enough." "As a result, my Stehle speaking skills about words your pro - l e a r n e d improved and I m o r e became more com- fessor would get fired than just fortable with the for if he or she taught t h e language," Stehle Spanish said. language. them to you. With that new"Other found confidence in LAUREN STEHLE than just place, Stehle set SPANISH MAJOR the lanher ambitions guage or high. She is curthe culrently working ture of towards being triSpain, I lingual, taking w a s classes in both Spanish and happy to add slang to my French and planning her repertoire,” Stehle said. “I’m majors accordingly. talking about words your proWith the knowledge she fessor would get fired for if he gained and the fears she lost, or she taught them to you." Stehle felt a calling to encourOn the topic of host families, age others to pursue the same Stehle is a big supporter. It’s experiences. true that many students "I talked my little sister and worry about living with several of my good friends into strangers, but like the trip going this summer," Stehle itself, a leap of faith is necessaid. sary. Although she is now quite "I had stayed with a host proficient in Spanish, she family on the previous trip, admits to mistakes every now and they were great people," and then. Stehle says fears Stehle said. "So I knew what I about ones language abilities was in for on this trip." shouldn’t be a reason to stay Stehle reassured fellow stuhome. Everyone makes mis- dents, and associate professor takes. The trip is about learn- of Spanish, David Young gave ing. them a contingency plan. Assistant Editor “ ” "Everyone understood that if they were unhappy with their living arrangements that new ones could be made," Young said. "In the many years I’ve been doing this trip, we’ve only had to do that once or twice." To that Stehle said, "I was surprised how close my host mother and I got to be in such a short time. She cried when I left. I can’t imagine not getting along with such good people." Although Stehle is now a seasoned traveler and Spanish speaker, she always sees room for improvement and she is looking forward to next summer for her return to Spain. "Well, I think I can always improve,” Stehle said. “But really, complete submersion in the language is very helpful. It makes you really happy when you find out that you can successfully complete daily activities in Spanish. I was pretty proud when I ordered a Tele-pizza." In conclusion, Stehle said, "In my opinion, an experience like this is literally priceless. The benefits that you can reap from this in your scholarly and personal life are immense." There will be another trip to Spain in June. Details will follow in the spring. Western also has semester abroad programs. Applications for the spring semester are due by October 15. Applications for the fall of 2004 semester are due by Feb. 15. For more information contact David Young. Submitted Photos Above: Western junior Laurne Stehle poses for a photo with her host family for the summer trip to Spain. Right: The town square in Seville. Below: All 30 Western students that travelled to Seville over the summer for three weeks. The group was the largest to ever travel to Spain as a part of the Study Abrod Program. The Study Abroad Program will return to Seville in June. TAN YOUR HIDE 232-2TAN 3605 Woodlawn Terrace, St. Joseph, Mo. (Your message here for minimal cost) For advertising opportunities, call us today at 271-4412 New Hot Bulbs Get into any bed you want including the Hot new 12 min. bed & high pressure beds Min. $6.00 Purchase Limit 1 Expires in 30 Days Min. $6.00 Purchase Limit 1 Expires in 30 Days Min. $6.00 Purchase Limit 1 Expires in 30 Days Tan for only $25 a month - Must show college ID Body piercing available - Call for appointment Min. $6.00 Purchase Limit 1 Expires in 30 Days Spring Break ’04 with StudentCity.com and Maxim Magazine! Get hooked up with FREE TRIPS, CASH AND VIP STATUS as a campus rep! Choose from 15 of the hottest destinations. Book early for FREE MEALS, FREE DRINKS and 150% LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE! To reserve online or view our Photo Gallery, visit www. s t u d e n t c i t y.com or CALL 1 - 8 8 8 - S P R I N G B R E A K ! tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 5 Foundations of Excellence comes to MWSC Program designed to help freshman experience to start soon on campus Alec Jennings News Writer Chosen from a list of 123 colleges, MWSC was recently selected to be one of 12 institutions to participate in the Foundations of Excellence program, which is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). According to Bob Klostermeyer, dean of Student Development, the Foundations program examines ways that the institution can improve the quality of first-year student’s learning, and to help students become more engaged with the college community. The philosophy of the Foundations program is strong foundation will lead to a more successful college experience. By evaluating the institution’s successes and shortcomings in handling the affairs of its new students, Western hopes to achieve an example of excellence that can be studied by other colleges across the nation. Klostermeyer serves as the chairman on Western’s Foundations advisory board. “It truly is an honor to be selected for this [Foundations of Excellence],” Klostermeyer said. “To be honored by being placed in this program is indicative of the quality of administration, staff and faculty and of the students who decide to come here. It’s a reflection of the Western Advantage.” The ultimate goal of this project is to improve student learning and retention. “If I am a student, it would be very important to me to know what kind of a commitment the institution is willing to make to me as a student,” Judy Grimes, dean of student services, said. “There is ongoing discussion taking place to find out how to consistently improve my experience as a student. Part of this dimensions program will be an assessment of student satisfaction. By being able to measure that [student satisfaction], the institution as a whole can improve.” Students are still generally unfamiliar with the project. Kelly Epperson, third semester student, recalled her experience as a new student on campus. Epperson felt that higher involvement outside of class would not be a particular advantage. “For a student to be successful,” Epperson said, “that student has to be motivated to succeed.” Epperson did, however, feel that Western was very accommodating in helping her in her transition into the college atmosphere. Epperson said that the admissions office, advisors and English 100 helped her the most in becoming a serious college student. Student retention, according to Klostermeyer, is often a goal when working with students, but this program is designed specifically to make a student’s college experi- Visitation hours being challenged by the SGA Morgan Perry Lifestyles Writer Ladies and gentleman, break out your best footie pajamas; residents might get another chance to change the visitation rules in the residence halls. Last Monday the senate brought up the issue of 24-hour visitation that had remained unchallenged since the spring semester of 2002. You all may remember the trial semester involved residents being allowed to have over night guests of the opposite sex in their rooms, provided they signed them in at the Housing Office and they did not sleep over. Over the course of the semester, the trials were run once a month. On those weekends the rate of incidents reported went down. Despite the decline in the number of violations, the next fall the trials were not continued and the policy was not changed. Senate vice president John Fabsits said, “The Residence Council and Senate leadership of the Fall of 2002 let the issue die.” Annette Hunthrop, a senior, said, “The process for changing the visitation policy is; students bring up a complaint to residence Council, then Residence Council forms a committee. They write up a proposal and then present the proposal to Residence Council. “Residence Council then votes, the policy then goes to SGA. Once in front of SGA they decide to approve it or not approve it. The SGA then goes up to the Dean and he handles it from there.” There are many students with strong opinions on the current visitation rules. One such opinion comes from senior Denise Johnson, a resident of Vaselakos Hall, who believes that people in college are sent to learn how to be adults and that right is taken away from them if they can’t even have a member of the opposite sex stay the night. However, not all students are against the visitation policy. “I agree with it to an extent. For some people it’s their first time away from home and they might need a little guidance.” Junior Michael Forte said. “I do think the rules should change, it is a little strong. On the weekends people come up. Most larger schools I’ve been to, they don’t have visitation rules and they get along just fine.” If you wish to lend your voice to the issue, the Residence Council meets Tuesdays at 6p.m. in the Leaverton Hall basement. Broadmoor Apartments • 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units • 2 full baths in 2 and 3 bedroom units • Central A/C and heat • Washer/dryer hookups in 2 and 3 bedroom units • Water, sewer and trash included • 1 swimming pool/2 lighted tennis courts/2 lighted basketball courts • Fully equipped laundry facility • Cable TV available • Emergency maintenance Ask About Our Renovated Units! 3601 Gene Field Road St. Joseph, MO 64506 (816) 364-2421 Office Hours: M - F: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. to noon ence more productive and satisfactory. Grimes agrees, but also says that when a good learning environment is provided, higher student retention is a likely bi-product. According to Grimes, the Foundations program studies the non-traditional students and commuters alike and is working to help them become more engaged on campus. With the primary focus of this program on new students, Western administrators are still working to maintain the same attention on its mid-range students. “It certainly doesn’t mean that you can put all your resources into the first year and not worry about your students in the middle,” Grimes said. “You still have to look at ‘what’s your graduation rate.’ Ultimately that’s your goal – to graduate students who are academically prepared for the community. The biggest drop off, as far as retention, is in the first and second year.” Nine dimensions have been established by Western and 11 other institutions chosen to participate, to measure and define success on the college level. By studying these dimensions, colleges can learn how to help students profit more from their time in college. Information about the dimensions and the other colleges involved can be found at: http://www.brevard.edu/fyfoundations/aascu/. 9 Dimensions of F.O.E 1. Philosophy 2. Organization 3.Transitions 4. Faculty 5. All Students 6. Engagement 7. Diversity 8. Roles & Purposes 9. Improvement Western hosts professional writing event on campus Lindsay Tremayne News Writer Students, teachers and the public have an opportunity to hear the writings of Missouri Western professors and local high school English teachers. The second-annual When Writing Teachers Write event will be held Oct. 1, 2003 from 6:308:30 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center, room 102. This gathering, sponsored by the Prairie Lands Writing Project, gives writing teachers a chance to share their work. Stephen Kibler, a teacher and coach at Maryville high school, will host this year’s event. “I see it as a means for teachers to share some of what they’ve been working on, which is something we don’t often get—or, more likely, can’t find the time to look for,” Kibler said. Thomas Pankiewicz, assistant English professor, sees the importance of this event for writing teachers. “ Writing teachers should write,” Pankiewicz said. “It would be difficult if you had an art teacher who didn’t produce art, or a science teacher who didn’t produce science. Writing teachers are writers, and maybe they should share their writings publicly with their students. Here’s an opportunity to do that.” Pankiewicz added that this event not only benefits the readers, but also the students. “I think they’ll probably be entertained by what’s being read,” Pankiewicz said. Dawn Terrick, English instructor and director of developmental writing, thinks that it is important for students to come and listen to their teachers’ writings. “They only see one part of us in the classroom,” Terrick said. “They see the part that grades their papers, and the part that does the teaching. They never get to see the part of us that writes. We go through the same grueling process that you all go through when you have to write your papers.” Terrick thinks that she would have enjoyed something like this event when she was a student. “I would have loved to have heard what my teachers had written,” Terrick said. “ You get a glimpse into their personal lives.” English professor Elizabeth Sawin remembers reading a poem about salmon last year. She said that the idea came to her while she was sitting at Red Lobster waiting for her salmon dinner. She wrote about the incredible journey salmon make and how vital they are to the environment. Sawin said that last year a teacher shared an emotional poem about the shooting at Conception Abbey that took place June 11, 2002. “It takes courage and teachers are just as nervous as students about reading their mate rials,” Sawin said. Sawin thinks that students might be surprised by what they hear from their teachers. “This isn’t going to be stuffy stuff. Come and have some fun, and see your teachers in a new light,” Sawin said. The following English teachers will be reading: Aasha Blakely and Tina Janc from Benton high school; Rebecca Dierking from Maryville high school; Amy Grier from Robidoux, Spring Garden and Truman middle schools; Vickey Meyer, Laura Nelson and Jan Reeder from Central high school; and Roger Kirschbaum, Thomas Pankiewicz, Elizabeth Latosi-Sawin and Dawn Terrick all from Missouri Western. This event is free, and refreshments will be served after the readings. tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 6 Banned book reading goes off without a hitch Lindsay Tremayne News Writer Forty-five people attended the Seventh-Annual Reading of Challenged and Banned Books on Sept. 25, 2003 at 7 p.m. in the Leah Spratt Multipurpose Classroom building. This event gave students and teachers alike the opportunity to read from books that have been challenged or banned. Missouri Western Library Director Julia Schneider began the event by stating that the purpose of the readings was “not to judge or debate the value of the book,” but to make people aware that books continue to be challenged and banned. One by one, selected teachers and students came to the podium to read a selection from a book they had chosen that had been challenged or banned. Before each selection was read, the participant listed the names of the places where the book had been challenged or banned. The first reader was Marilyn Hunt, chairperson and associate professor of communication. She chose to read a passage from Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. by Luis J. Rodriques. “I picked it because I had been moved by it when I read it three years ago, when we had it for the incoming freshmen Honors students,” Hunt said. “I went to school at Cal. State L.A. in East L.A., which is where the book takes place.” When Hunt first read the book she was unaware that it had been challenged and banned in some places. Missouri Western student Rhonda Murphy does not think that any of the books read at the event should be banned. “I think that any of these books are valid reading materials,” Murphy said. “They open up the world to people who read them, and the world may be perceived in different ways by different people. So therefore, I don’t see why someone should be denied self-knowledge through books while other people are just merely uncomfortable with it.” Murphy especially liked The Chosen by Chaim Potok, which was read by Missouri Western student Rebekah Allen. Allen said that she read The Chosen because it had a lot of “personal meaning” to her. “I picked The Chosen because it meant a lot to me when I was in high school,” Allen said, “It had been challenged at my other college.” Joyce Stohr, English teacher at Robidoux Middle School, said that she was happy with the turnout at the event. “Anyone who comes-it’s a good crowd,” Stohr said, “and continued from front: Tri-Sigma have always strived to educate, inform, teach and initiate the new members and future leaders of Tri Sigma. “Zeta Tau has always been outstanding in our initiation and retention. I believe it is because of the way we look after our new members and show them what Sigma is all about.” Not only did Tri Sigma receive an award for New Member Orientation, but they also received honors for Outstanding Recruitment. Formal Recruitment, led by former Membership Recruitment Director Molly Basinger, has always been a strong point in Zeta Tau’s history, as they have traditionally made quota and maintained campus totals. Steig. She thinks that the event is important for awareness. “It gives people a chance to talk about different books and gives you exposure to other books,” Maley said, “but also to remember the freedom that we really do have to read anything that we want to read.” Maley’s daughter, Anna Maley, student at Avenue City school, read a selection from Are you there God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. She thinks that even people her age should be aware of their freedom to read. “I think it’s important to know they have choices,” Miss Maley said, “But I think they should choose the book for the right reasons.” continued from front: Strategic Plan Forum Sigma maintains its recruitment success, as it is one of the largest sororities on campus. “Recruitment is always a highlight in our year,” Basinger said. “It is always exciting to be able to recruit and speak to girls about our sorority and what it has done for us.” The awards were presented on behalf of the National Headquarters of Sigma Sigma Sigma. Zeta Tau sent in award nomination forms and chapter reports to receive eligibility for the awards. Tri-Sigma was founded on April 1, 1995 when the local sorority Sigma Delta Xi became a national chapter. It was the first national sorority at MWSC. continued from front: Disaster that will benefit the campus in many ways. “I think that this [the emergency operations plan] is really good planning on behalf of the campus,” said Ron Olinger, director of financial planning and administration. “Our primary responsibility is the safety of our students,” Kissock said. “This plan reflects that.” The Emergency Operations plan is there were an excellent number of people here. It’s really important to see young people too.” Stohr read from B r a v e New World by Aldous Huxley. She believes that reading these kinds of books is important. “I think it’s from the clash of opinions and from the thinking process that people determine what beliefs they have,” Stohr said. “So, I think it’s important for people to read things that are really challenging in order for them to know what they believe.” Diane Maley, student at Missouri Western, chose to read from a children’s book called Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William still in the process of being developed. A draft has yet to be approved by the College Governance Advisory Council. The Emergency Operations plan is not going to replace the REACT plan, but rather be a formal document that gives, in detail, every procedure for every emergency. The primary document for most people will be the REACT chart, Olinger said. “Once the plan is adopted, it will not be the end of the process. The plan will never be finished, as it is constantly under evaluation,” Johnson said. “The cost of testing and documenting the Emergency Operations plan is going to be minimal. The maps that will be displayed in each building will cost the most, but the printing can be done on campus so that won’t be very expensive,” Olinger said. area schools to assist students in taking the courses that will best prepare them for a successful collegiate career. Another more well known program is the early enrollment program. With this program incoming freshmen are assigned to freshman level math and English courses prior to enrollment. Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs David Arnold said that by initiating the pre-enrollment plan Western has finally been able to map the number of available math and English courses with incoming freshmen. This also prevents many freshmen from taking sophomore level courses which they would be far more likely to succeed in had they waited just one year. He also explained that the initial hope of initiating enrollment quality management is to assist current and future students in gaining the tools necessary to have success in their career at Western from start to finish. “Something that is overlooked far too often is the already outstanding quality of the students we have here at Missouri Western,” Arnold said. “Part of what we want to do is communicate to the region just how good our students outcomes are. It’s important that they don’t just think of us a place that is easy to get into. We’re not just a place that is easy to get into. We’re a place where great students do great things.” Some of the other goals outlined by the Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management portion of the five-year plan are as follows: •Develop and implement a comprehensive enrollment management plan. •Strengthen existing and develop new academic programs, taking into consideration the educational and career needs of students and the economic, social, and cultural needs of the community •Strengthen the retention, graduation, and placement outcomes of students. •Improve the functional integration and communication among campus support services. Call today about ad placement and ad rates, so that 3,500 people can hear about you and what you have to say. Call: Ross Martin or Andie Schmitt @ 1-816-271-4412 Fraternities- Sororities Clubs - Students Groups Kevin Callaway is YOUR Student Regent. Earn $1,000-$2,000 this semester with a proven CampusFundraiser 3 hour fundraising event. Our free programs make fundraising easy with no risks. Fundraising dates are filling quickly, so get with the Program! It works. Contact Campus Fundraiser at (888) 923-3238, or visit www.campusfundraiser.com. Kevin Callaway reads The Griffon News every week. You elected him. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? 2003 Y ea rb ook s are Here! tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 7 continued from front: TKE Probation chapter as friends and as brothers. We have taken our time and have done some housekeeping to make everything run smoother.” Now that the fraternity is off probation, they were allowed to participate in rush, and will be able to join in with homecoming and Greek week, along with many other social events. “We still have the same principles as we did in the spring, only now we can add social and campus involvement,” Paxton said. “We are more educated as a whole and can participate in the activities every Greek organization enjoys doing.” One of the main things the fraternity changed was how the new member education process worked. The fraternity was given many new rules to follow. This year their new educator has a lot of experience and is excited with the changes. “Working from my past experience, as a candidate education director for my previous chapter at Truman State and my experiences here as a pledge, I wrote the Education Program from scratch,” Richardson said. “I based a lot of my ideas off of our national guidelines and then I incorporated my own experiences. This created a completely new experience that will be enjoyable for the candidates and the active organization alike. We laid the groundwork for our fraternity last semester to make this year special for everyone involved. I am completely excited to be able to lead a new class of candidates into our f r a t e r n i t y. We (the executive council) worked hard for this moment and it is an opportunity that we are going to take.” Though the pledges from last fall went under review with the national board and their initiation was delayed, the TKE’s looked at this as a sort of opportunity. It gave the executive board a chance to educate the entire fraternity on what they can and can’t do in the future. “A scavenger hunt, as previously seen, will NOT be done. We will be having events that work in accordance to our national guidelines on how to work with the candidates during the candidate period. These events promise to be fun and will work towards our goal of building a stronger brotherhood within the fraternity and our new members,” Richardson said. Though the TKE’s faced several challenges over the school year, they didn’t let it stop them from succeeding. For the past two school years, the TKE’s have won best overall fraternity. They also received an award for excellence in philanthropy, and were as active in homecoming as they were allowed to be. Fabsits also received the Greek Man of the Year award, and Matt Silvius became the Top TKE Scholar in the nation. Along with the other awards and busy lives of a Greek, the fraternity also received the Highest GPA award for all campus Greeks in 01-02. “I feel the incident has passed, and there isn’t much else to be said,” Richardson said. “We are moving past this incident and I hope the rest of the campus does too. The TKE’s of Missouri Western hope to continue their legacy of excellence here on campus as we have in the past.” “ I feel the incident has passed, and there isn’t much else to be said. We are moving past the incident, and I hope the rest of the campus does too. The TKE’s of Missouri Western hope to continue their legacy of excellence here on cam pus as we have in the past. Corrections ” RYAN RICHARDSON TKE EDUCATOR • It was erroneously reported inthe September 16 issue of The Griffon News that the banned book reading was held on September 2. The reading was actually held on September 25. • In the same issue, it was reported that Dustin Holcumbrink is a sophomore. He is actually a junior. Call today about ad placement and ad rates, so that 3,500 people can hear about you and what you have to say. Call: Ross Martin or Andie Schmitt @ 1-816-271-4412 Rosebud Lounge and gentleman’s Club Dancers Wanted Now taking applications: Must be dependable Dance experience a plus, but not necessary. Only serious applicants need inquire Must be 21-years-old Call 816-238-1600 2 0 03 Yea r bo o ks a re He re ! remember to take advantage of your yearbook! Pickup times for your book are: Monday-Friday 9 am-12 pm and 1 pm- 4 pm Tuesday & Thursday 9 am-4 pm pick yours up in ssc 220 there will be no pickups between 12 pm-1 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ATTENTION Seniors, Underclassmen & Faculty! It’s Picture time! Make sure you are in your book! This week only! Sep. 29-Oct. 2 in the student union, room 208 from 9 am-6 pm *Seniors* *remember to call (816) 271-4540 or make an appointment at ss/c 220 to take your pictures. tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 8 ODM, Mustard and a Movie Melissa Waddell Morgan Perry Lifestyles Editor Lifestyles Ass. Editor Thursday Act I ODM, the lone yonic symbol, is standing on the fringe of a group of manly men in the full bloom of their manhood. Responding to a summons from the Dirty Neighbor we all know and love, she makes her way to the corner of the room and squeezes to the center of a large group of testosterone. Dirty Neighbor and friends have a large pile of various bills collected on the table. It appears that the Dirty Neighbor and friends have got a bet going that the focal point of the group, we will call him Feesh, can chug a bottle of mustard for 40 dollars. That being something that ODM cannot pass up seeing, she forks over the two bucks she can spare and joins the cries of “Chug it, chug it.” She stops to fight the urge to pipe up with “don’t forget to cup the balls,” then smiles to herself and wonders how many viewings of Supertroopers is too many. Coming back from the brief mental holiday and removing the drool that has accumulated on the side of her mouth she finds that the man called Feesh has removed the bottle from his mouth. Looking a bit squeemish but not having gotten the job done on the first round, takes the remaining mustard left in the bottom of the bottle like a champ. ODM cannot help but feel a bit impressed and joins in on the applause and shouts celebrating his performance. Friday Scene One, Act Deux ODM is picked up and shoved in the back of “Paseo Pete,” possibly one of the smallest Toyotas ever made. For normal people this would be no great feat. But for ODM, being the fabulous brick house that she is squeezes in with her knees up to her ears (thank you pilates), and crams the forty ounce bottle of mothers milk between her thighs. Feeling very phallic ODM tries to maneuver herself into a position where she can breathe and talk at the same time, no small task. New friend Lari introduces ODM to the driver of the two-door death trap, who we will call Paseo. Turning her head at a forty-degree angle, ODM manages to utter to the girls she is up for anything but after a half-an-hour of deadends she is just left wondering if her body will go back to an upright position. Finally, Lari gets a call and a destination has been chosen. The ladies are off to a house that led down a circle of twists and turns that left ODM confused and wishing the forty wasn’t so fortyish. She might’ve thrown up in her mouth a little on the last curve, but not being entirely sure about that she decides not to comment. Lari and the new girl hop right out of the small automobile leaving ODM to recreate the miracle of life sans the slap on the booty. The girls then enter the house and ODM finds herself intruding on the elusive world of the guys’ night in. In awe of her presence at such a rare occasion, ODM decides to adopt the more girlish demeanor of not drawing attention to her obvious out of placeness. Between smiles and giggles she tries to appear like all the other girls but fails miserably. On the verge of a personality crisis, who should appear? Chode! ODM wipes a sad clown tear from her smiling face and lets out a sigh of relief. ODM and Chode delve into the discussion of what will be the greatest movie know to man (being that the nature of the movie is top secret the details cannot be revealed). The conversation eventually fizzles out and Graphic by Tim KC Canton after hours of boobs on TV and drinking games, ODM is ready to either exit the party or question her sexuality. The first being perferred she doesn’t argue when the short bald man tells her that the party is over. But where are the girls? Zut alors! The worst possible fate to befall any girl has happened. ODM has been ditched. Poor ODM stands on a small concrete porch with an angry short bald man on one side (tall girls are never popular with this particular type) and a long walk home on the other. While contemplating her best course of action, ODM is suddenly swept across the porch and pressed against a male form with the intoxicating scent of eucalyptus and spearmint. ODM makes the quick decision to remain very still, further proving her point that women can be lead anywhere by the small of the back mixed with a good cologne. She soon realizes she knows this man. It’s the crazy bartender. But wait, crazy bartender serves her drinks, he doesn’t nuzzle her neck. Fight or flight kicks in and ODM freaks out, but manages to finagle a ride home from bartender. Come Take a Trip Through the Underworld Josh Peays Lifestyles Writer “Beneath the city streets, feuding Vampire and Lycan clans battle for supremacy over the Underworld.” Their war has raged for centuries, unseen by human eyes, until now. Vampires and Werewolves, the movie refers to them as Lycan, seek domination and prosperity for their kind. Underworld is director Len Wiseman’s feature film debut. Wiseman got his start in the industry as a prop designer. He is known for his work on movies such as Independence Day and Stargate. He is also known for his work in the music video industry. His resume includes directing music videos for groups such as En Vogue and Megadeth. This film was shot primarily in Budapest and centers around a female vampire or “Death Dealer” named Selene, played by Kate Beckinsdale. Selenes profession is to locate and kill members of the Lycan clan. One night, while on the hunt, Selene follows the werewolf rivals into a crowded underground railway system, where all hell breaks loose. The Death Dealers and Lycan each brandish weapons with specially designed ammunition meant to destroy the other and open fire. Both sides suffer considerable losses, each leaving with only their party leaders still alive. In an attempt to understand what possessed the Lycan to leave their dwellings and so callously enter an area predominantly human, Selene discovers that the werewolves were after a human by the name of Michael Corvin, played by Scott Speedman. Typically action films hit lulls, leaving large gaps between action sequences with over-developed story line, but that is not the case with Underworld. The film sets a pace by which all action movies should follow. Any necessary dialogue either takes place during the action sequences or in the brief spaces between them. The cinematography was wonderfully done, although at times it seems almost too quick for the eye. However, it does carry with it a sense of realism seldom seen in other feature films. Kate Beckinsale herself has described the movie as a mix between The Crow and The Matrix. But don’t sell yourself short, this movie is definitely superior. Don’t get me wrong, those other movies were notable, but their sequels came up short, despite the hype. Let’s hope that the Underworld sequel doesn’t succumb to the same fate. The sequel is rumored to be released in 2005, but it is still unknown whether Beckinsale or Speedman will continue in their roles. I highly recommend Underworld. It is entertaining, inventive, and well worth the money and time spent. Fatty Food Review Morgan Perry Lifestyles Ass.Editor Melissa Waddell Lifestyles Editor This week Fatty’s looking for a classy place to dine. Fatty misses the Muny, so what is Fatty to do? The only possible alternative is the Rear View located on the East side of Frederick. If you are in the mood for good old fashioned blue collar eating and you are a fan of sports, this is the place to be. Keeping with the outdoor theme of grills and sports is their decor. Along with multiple tv’s, including a big screen, they also provide a bit of on the field action with astro-turf like carpet. Fatty feels like a linebacker. Fatty looks like a linebacker. Fatty always starts with an appetizer and at this fine establishment Fatty’s favorite appetizer is the fried macaroni and cheese, delicious deep fried golden nuggets that will make your arteries squeal with delight. Also worth mentioning are their jalapeno poppers, which were brought out at just the right temperature. As far as sandwiches are concerned, the Fatty favorite is the Philly Cheesesteak. For those that love the Philly but not the steak they also offer the philly chicken. Served on a warm white roll, and we’re not talkin about the one peekin out beneath Fatty’s shirt. Also included is a side of fries, but you can substitute the fries with a salad. Fatty of course turns up the nose at the rabbit food and says, “give me my potatoes, yum, yum.” They also provide different types of hot and cold sandwiches and entrees.Their entrees include shrimp, a variety of beef cuts and chicken. The Rear View offers the best of both worlds providing a family atmosphere in the daylight hours and a chance to enjoy a frosty beverage with your beef cut. Some say that it could even become the new 19th hole. By providing a place for those finishing up a round of golf a place to relax and reflect on their game. Fatty is going to be honest with you, Fatty is not the world’s best golfer. But, at the Rear View, Fatty is a master golfer on the fantastic game of Golden Tee. Like every other fine dining establishment, the Rear View has it’s own nighttime look. This comes in the form of screaming sports fans and drunken Golden Tee. Fatty might need to call ODM. Fatty Says... Food: Outstanding Atmosphere: Touchdown! Drinks: Fatty makes the pass for the conversion... and it’s good! Illustration by Naomi Dunning Do you have story ideas? Have you ever wanted a chance to have your stories published? If so, stop by The Griffon News office at SS/C 221, call 271-4412 or e-mail us at [email protected] tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 9 gotta get down here.” Trifan took his advice and spent the final 3-1/2 years of his music career playing in the house orchestra at the Tahoe Sahara. For every professor who took the fast track to Even though his 10 years in the music busia doctorate, there is another who walked a path ness were an experience that he will always less traveled. treasure, he was not sorry he left when he did. From rock star and belly dancer to rancher “It is very taxing … the road is a young man’s and steel mill worker, the roads that our facul - game,” Trifan said. “It had moments of glamty has taken to Missouri Western are filled with our, but there are the hours of waiting in airinteresting stories. ports and the constant grind that people never think about.” In 1981, they started to lay off the house bands in Tahoe and Trifan had a decision to make. Going back to life on the road did not sound very appealing, especially since he had just gotten married, and his wife was not to hot on that idea. Trifan opted for a new career and went back to New Jersey in the spring 1982 to study history, then went straight through to a PhD, and ended up at MWSC in August of 1988. “Even during my road years I was always dragging history books around,” Trifan said. Having performed onstage in front of 5,000 That’s right boys and girls, we have a bona people helps him today when standing in front fide former rock star right here on the Missouri of students. “I have a performing background,” Western campus. Trifan said. “In a way teaching is a form of perStarting in 1971, Daniel Trifan, professor of forming.” history, spent ten years as a professional musiAnyone who has cian playing both electric and upright bass guitaken a European tar. history class of For Trifan, the years 1971 to 1977 were a Trifan’s and heard whirlwind of road tours with rock bands such him describe the as Blood, Sweat and Tears, Buzzy Linhart French Revolution and Tom Waits, as well as with jazz bands in animated detail The Manhattan Transfer and fusion jazz guican attest to that. tarist Larry Coryell. He also worked on 10 different studio albums between 1972 and 1977, including two with Blood, Sweat and Tears and five with Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House. Trifan began playing music gigs on weekends during college. His first stab at college lasted for less than two years and “was academically undistinguished.” He called this his Animal House period. He majored in partying, and finally dropped out to be a full-time musician. As you might expect, a musician in the 1970’s has a lot of stories. Trifan shared a few PG-rated ones from his road days. The crazy stories you hear “generally were the effect of too little sleep and too much partying,” Trifan said. Crashing hotel pools in the middle of the night after concerts and getting thrown out by security and fire extinguisher fights in hotel rooms began to seem like normal behavior after 18-19 consecutive nights of shows and lack of sleep. Department of Biology Chair John Rushin “LAwas particularly notorious for this sort of knew in high school that he wanted to teach behavior,” Trifan said. “Parties at the biology. He did not know he would have to Continental Hyatt House on Sunset crawl through a steel mill blast furnace to get Boulevard,” known in rock folklore as “The there. Riot House,” (see the movie Almost Famous) Rushin was raised in a blue-collar family were nightly occurrences.” on the east side of Chicago. Neither of his After month four of a six-month tour, nerv- parents had the opportunity to graduate ous exhaustion starts to set in. That’s where from high school because they came from big the famous stories of rock and roll legend come families and they “had to go to work right from, like when throwing TV’s out of upper away” to help support the family. His father floor hotel rooms on passing police cars starts worked on the railroad and as a general foreto look like a good idea. man at the Youngstown steel mill. During “I can remember hanging out with Led high school, Rushin worked at the mill partZeppelin, in LA and hooking up with other bands after concerts, Trifan said. Many of the time and then full-time the summer after bands would get together after shows and go graduation. New employees got all the dirty jobs in the out for drinks at the local clubs. “We were all in the same business and shared a common expe- mill, like re-bricking blast furnaces or on the track gang redoing track in the mill. After rience.” As the bands crisscrossed the country, they working there for a while he took stock of his would invariable meet in different towns and work environment and decided it was not even at the airports they frequented. Trifan worth the pay. Rushin’s decision to leave the remembers walking through the airport and mill was crystallized one night driving home seeing one guy that looked vaguely familiar. from work. For five or six miles he could see He remembers almost literally bumping into the red cast sky filled with particulates from Mick Jagger at Kennedy Airport. Sure enough, the blast furnace chimneys. “Even though the mill paid pretty good there were the rest of the Rolling Stones waitmoney, I knew that this was not where I wanting to catch a plane. Musically, the highlight of his career was ed spend my life working,” Rushin said. He was encouraged by his parents and his working with Larry Coryell. He studied Coryell’s 1970 album Spaces and learned high school mentor to go to college. “When you grow up in a working-class situaevery note on it. Trifan wanted to work with Coryell because of that album. It was a mas- tion,” Rushin said, “your parents look upon education as your way out.” School was, to terpiece. At the end of 1977, Trifan was pretty burned- them, “something very, very special. A special out with life on the road, when a friend from opportunity.” While earning his undergraduate degree, Blood, Sweat and Tears called from his new house band gig in Lake Tahoe and said, “You Rushin continued to work in the mill. Warning! This article might cause you to see that mild-mannered professor in an entirely new light. “Hanging out with Led Zeppelin” and “bumping into Mick Jagger at Kennedy Airport.” - Daniel Trifan - “Something very, very special. A special opportunity.” - John Rushin - After graduating from college he had an offer from the mill for a better job with higher pay, but he decided to go into teaching biology fulltime for less money. All of this was happening during the civilrights movement of the early ‘60s. The steel mill taught him hard lessons about racism and how people of diverse nationalities were treated differently. “Most of the real working people at the mill were immigrants and that’s how they made it (in this country),” Rushin said. Most of the foremen in the mill were white and American. His father hired the first two black foremans at the mill. He also remembers distinctly a big German man who worked at the mill. One day the man told him, “Your father and I were in the same war, but we fought on different sides.” Even though the mill taught him much about diversity, it did not prepare him for his first teaching job at an all-black, inner-city high school on Chicago’s east side. “There was de facto segregation at that time. I learned a lot about racism,” Rushin said. “Whenever you get into a new situation you discover that you don’t know as much as you thought you knew.” Rushin got through graduate school with the help of a Carnegie grant and by continuing to teach biology. His high school mentor later went on to be a professor of biology at Ball State. Rushin had the chance to talk to him at many biology conferences as he advanced through his graduate work. The head of his doctorate committee also attended one of these conferences. All three men met for dinner. “Here’s my high school mentor and here’s my college mentor,” Rushin said. “That was quite a memorable night for me.” “The fall of 1983 I took English 104 and here I am 20 years later.” - Bill Church You might say English instructor Bill Church’s many past jobs make him a jack-ofall-trades, but in the back of his mind he has always wanted to master the skill of writing. “When I was in high school I played around with writing song lyrics and short stories and had teachers who encouraged me,” Church said. “So seldom does an English teacher finds someone who wants to write, God knows they encouraged me.” From age 18 till 28, Church tried many jobs. He grew up always wanting to work with horses and would take in colts and work them for other people for money. “I’ve always had cattle and horses,” Church said, “I competed in several jackpots, or local rodeos, paid an entry fee and competed. There was no bull-riding, just the timed events such as barrel racing, calf-roping and team roping.” “I also did a lot of construction running heavy equipment,“ Church said. “I had a small construction company, built ponds, took out fencerows and graded land for tennis courts. “It is rewarding work in a lot of ways, but the financial pressures are very high, the cost of equipment and from hiring employees, the costs are very high.” During this time, Church still thought about writing. “A lot of times I would try to sit down and write the great American novel, and realizing the level of talent that wasn’t there, I wisely threw that stuff away,” Church said. Finally, a high school friend who worked at Western said, “It’s time you shut up about saying you are going to write and just do it.” “In the fall of 1983 I took English 104 and here I am 20 years later,” Church said. While at Western working on his bachelor’s degree, Church wrote features and commentaries for The Griffon News. For one of his features, he went skydiving, and wrote about it. “That was great fun,” Church said. “It was an exciting thing to get to do the experience and then to get to write about it.” After getting his master’s degree, Church took a position at Western in the center for academic support hiring and training the writing tutors, and teaching part-time. “Along the way I had a few people tell me that I might be good as a teacher,” Church said. “My first semester I was pretty green, but after this many years I know what works.” When asked if he still wanted to write that great American novel, Church said, “written and published are two different words.” “I have written a couple of very American novels and am getting pretty close (to publishing). Agents are starting to pay attention,” Church said. “I am convinced they will get published. “I seriously doubt that anyone is going to herald them as great, but I think they might be worthy reads.” Look for more stories next week File Photo English instructor Bill Church is all decked out to rope cattle in this 1987 photo. Church has used his ranching experiences in writing novels. Church has worked as a heavy equipment operater, cattle rancher and rodeo calf roper during his years before coming to Western. tuesday, september 30, 2003 • page 10 Going the other way Volleyball squad drops conference opener The Missouri Western volleyball team dropped Northwest Missouri State in three straight games, 30-19, 30-21, 30-19, to pick up its first win in the conference. Freshmen Alyssa Berg led the Griffons with 13 kills, along with two blocks and five digs. Becky Brosnahan added 11 kills in 23 attempts. The win in Maryville was the first in four matches for the Griffons. The win effectively ended the Griffons 3-match losing streak. Men’s golf team ties for first place The men’s golf team finished in a tie for first place at the Winona State Invitational with Truman State. Western overcame a nine-shot first round deficit to tie for first. Twelve teams were in the tournament at Detroit Lakes, Minn. Randy Hughes placed second overall with a total score of 145. Hughes was one shot back of the leader. His second round score of 70 was the lowest round of the tournament. Scott Crose tied for sixth place individually, while Brice Garnett and Dustin Holcumbrink were in the top 25. They shot total scores of 153 and 154 respectively. Freshmen Mitch Grirres just missed making the top 25 with a score of 156. The team shot a second round total of 287, which is one under par. That is the best score a men’s golf team has fired in three years. The next tournament for the men’s golf team will be at the Missouri Southern Invitational. The tournament will be held at Peoria Ridge Golf Course in Miami, Ok. The event is set to take place October 6-7. Women’s golf team places 10th at tourney Missouri Western’s women’s golf team placed tenth out of 13 teams in the Northeastern State University Women’s Golf Classic at Cobblestone Creek Golf Club in Oklahoma. The team shot 361 in the first round and improved in the second with a score of 354, for a total of 715. Senior Taira Roth broke the top 25 with a total score of 167. She shot 84 in her first round and 83 in her second round at the par 72, 5926 yard course. She tied for 19th in the tournament. Freshmen Lisa Cross was second best on the team with a total score 181. She finished in a tie for 50th place. Amy Silcott tied for 53rd place with a total score of 182. Kari Harder placed 57th with a score of 185 and Whitney Vessar received 69th place with a total score of 216. St. Mary’s University won the tournament with a score of 632, while the host team came in second with a score of 637. The next tournament for the women’s golf team will be held here in town at Fairview Golf Course. It will be on October 6-7. Western’s Thomas wins MIAA player of the week Senior Pierre Thomas was named the MIAA special teams player of the week. Thomas scored one of the two special teams touchdowns as Missouri Western beat Southwest Baptist University 39-7 at Spratt Stadium last Saturday. Thomas returned a 63-yard punt for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game. This was after the Griffons blocked and returned an attempted SBU punt for a touchdown on the previous drive. Thomas’s punt return put the Griffons up 21-0. During the game, Thomas averaged 23.7 yards per return on three punt returns and also returned a kickoff for 18 yards. Thomas was also involved in kickoff coverage. The Griffons only allowed an 8 yard average on returns in the game. He had seven tackles on defense and special teams to go along with his punt return for a touchdown. Three of those tackles were solo. Thomas is a graduate of Lee’s Summit North High School. Jason Brown, punter for Central Missouri State University, and Mike Servis, punter for Emporia State University were also nominated for the award. Late interception leads to Griffons downfall at Emporia in 27-24 loss Allen Conway Sports Writer Emporia, Kan.-- Missouri Western battled for four quarters against No. 17 Emporia State, but in the end they couldn’t hang on for the win. The Griffons fell in heartbreaking style, 27-24 in Welch Stadium. The loss moved the Griffons to 2-2, and left the team in a state of shock. “I think it’s hard to say anything after the game,” Coach Partridge said. “Emotions are still involved. “I think we just try to stay as well as we can.” With less than three minutes in the game, Michael Cooper threw a screen pass that was intercepted by Emporia’s Brad Johnson and returned 32 yards for the touchdown. The touchdown put the Hornets up 27-24 with little time remaining. On the first play of the final drive, the Griffons were called for holding, making their starting field position the 10-yard line. Cooper drove the team down the field to the Hornet 39-yard line, but the drive stalled. On third down, Cooper threw a deep pass intended for Erick Fields into the end zone, but was knocked away at the last second. That left a bad taste in Fields’ mouth, as the game would end on the next play. “We have to put things away whenever we get the opportunity,” Griffon receiver Erick Fields said. The Griffons struck early in the first quarter when Pierre Thomas intercepted a pass and was brought down on the Hornet 33-yard line. Moments later, Derrick Pitts waltzed into the end-zone and put the Griffons up 7-0 minutes into the game. Pitts had a stellar day rushing the ball with 60 yards on 17 carries. Still, a good day rushing didn’t leave him feeling happy after the game. “We didn’t win, it wasn’t good enough,” Pitts said. “We have to finish, Coach Partridge said all week that we have to finish plays.” The biggest play of the game happened midway through the third quarter when the Griffons decided to fake a punt. The ball was directly snapped to Travis Hodge, and he went rumbling down the middle of the field for 60-yards. A 21-yard field goal by Tristian Blagg capped off the drive and pulled Missouri Western even at 17-17 with 8:19 in the third quarter. “There are times when momentum is slipping away and the punt fake is something you Warren Ingram III/Photo Editor Above: Griffon defensive lineman Scorpio Horn tries to track down Emporia State quarterback Tad Hatfield during Western’s 27-24 loss to the Hornets on Saturday in Emporia, Kan. Horn recorded 1 1/2 tackles on the day, including an assist on a tackle for loss. Below: Head coach Jerry Partridge yells at the refs while Leon Douglas (28) watches on. need to do,” Partridge said. “I gave a quick signal to Hodge, a lapse in intelligence from me for one second, and it worked.” Early in the second quarter the Griffons went up 14-7 when a Westerberg pass connected for 31 yards. Moments later the Hornets would tie the game again when a 6 yard pass from Hatfield to Day found daylight. Westerberg, 3-16 for 52 yards, was starting his first game this season, but soon gave way to Michael Cooper. In the end it wasn’t enough as the Griffons fell, giving them a 1-1 conference record. Though with the loss, wide receiver Erick Fields says the team will come out with a chip on their shoulders. “We just have to come out and play as hard as we can, whatever the outcome is it will be,” said Fields. “If we play hard, I think we’ll win.” Game Notes: The Griffons rushed for 212 yards on 39 carries. Hornet’s running back Tyler Paul rushed for 112 yards on 30 carries. Wide receiver Andre Day had 7 catches for 65 yards and one touchdown. Erick Fields had 5 catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Dane Brodie did not play for the second week in a row. Coach Partridge is now 3-4 lifetime against the Hornets. Missouri Western still leads the all-time series 16-10. Next up for the Griffons is Missouri Southern at home. COMMENTARY Where’s the love for Griffon sports, huh? Ever been to a baseball game, tennis match or golf tournament? Not too many students can say they have. For these teams, this is their biggest complaint: the lack of student support here at Missouri Western. Or if students come to the sporting events they leave early. Where are the true diehard fans at? I know we’re a Division II school, but let’s see some Division I pride for our teams. “About 99 percent of the time our fans are just our parents. We might get less than five percent other people that show up,” said junior golfer Dustin Holcumbrink. Is the reason for lack of support because of the team or the location? In my opinion these teams don’t receive as much support as the other teams, because they play away more than they do at home. I mean there has to be some fans of these sports that want to see them play, but for one reason or another they don’t make it out to the games. The baseball team is a good example of this. Their home field is actually off campus, and about 10 minutes from school. This not only makes it hard for the players but also for the baseball fans. This might be the biggest reason why students don’t attend baseball games. Senior Alan Cartwright said, “a lot of students don’t know where the field is or they don’t want to drive, so it limits the number of people that come and see us play. It would be nice to have students besides our parents and girlfriends there.” I think if the field was located on campus more people would come out to support them. They might not stay the whole game but at least more would come out. carlissholland Baseball isn’t the only team with a location problem. The golf teams also have a location problem as well as a scheduling problem. The golf teams play off campus at Fairview golf course but they only play there once a year. They spend most their time playing at other tournaments located in Kansas, Nebraska or Oklahoma. So if someone wanted to see these teams play they would have to do a little traveling as well. I think the volleyball team’s scheduling has to be the worst of them all. Coach Cindy Brauck said, “the nine volleyball coaches came up with a tri-ad schedule for this year. Each year it changes and everyone has to agree on it. It might be beneficial to one team more than another but we try to make it as even as possible.” Well, this way of scheduling obviously didn’t work out for us. The tri-ad schedule groups three of the nine teams together and they play another three teams in the league. The third set of three then play the first set of three. Because of this grouping and rotation the coaches came up with the women’s volleyball team plays 16 games away and only 12 at home. And to top that off the volleyball team won’t even see their home court at all in November. So now Senior Night is moved to October. That sucks for the seniors. How do new fans support a team they hardly ever see? “I can see this being a problem now, but at the time us coaches weren’t thinking about that,” Brauk said. I hope now coaches as well as athletic departments start to look at all these factors and why they cause problems. Hopefully for these teams they come up with better solutions to get more people out to the games. One of the most exciting things about college athletics is the fan support. There is something about looking up and seeing the stands packed with people waiting to see you play. This alone can get an athlete or team pumped up. Seeing all the faces, hearing the yells and screams, people singing school cheers, posters and t-shirts made especially for the game. And those diehard fans that stand and talk trash about the other team through the whole game just bring so much more excitement to the game. This is what I like to see and be a part of. It’s fun, exciting and shows team and school pride. Even if the team isn’t that good, it shows support. But some of our teams can’t say that they have or feel this support from the students. Maybe all the students need is for the school to take some action and use some of that money they have to build a baseball field, fix the tennis courts, make better seating at tennis and softball games and make available a shuttle that goes to away games. Hey, just a thought.