INSIDE
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY Martin Luther King Jr day of service PAGE 2 Students talk New Year’s resolutions PAGE 4 Vulcan movie and new music reviews PAGE 7
Cal baseball wins preseason awards PAGE 11
January 29, 2010
Profs get axed
california university of Pennsylvania
vol. XXIX, No. 2
Seven English adjuncts among those terminated
By Alex Vucelich For the Cal Times
The dismal tide of these times has fallen hard across our nation and California University of Pennsylvania is not immune. At the end of last semester, seven adjunct professors in the English department were released due to university wide cutbacks. Adjuncts are instructors who are hired on a semester-bysemester basis to teach classes. Often, those classes are at the introductory level. The release of these professors at Cal U has led to a change in the class offerings and the size of the number of students in classes. These cutbacks have stirred some emotions among faculty across campus, especially in the English department. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Michael Hummel said one factor behind the cuts to adjunct faculty is for the university to meet productivity targets. “I hate to see them go,” Hummel said. “We had to meet our productivity targets, and it wasn’t because of what they
were teaching, it was because of where they were at.” The English department had to make cuts to meet their productivity targets wherever possible and instead of releasing full-time, or tenured professors, they didn’t renew the adjunct faculty contracts, who taught Composition I and II almost exclusively. “We just didn’t cut in English,” Hummel said. “In my own department, Justice Studies, we cut. We have to pay our bills and be productive and sometimes the only way to be productive is to cut some classes and tighten up other classes.” The Cal U English department received a large share of the employment ax because it employed a majority of the adjunct faculty on campus. English department chairperson Madeline Smith said the English department at one time had around 50 professors, but is now down to under 20. This is partially due to the fact
See ADJUNCT Continued On Page 10
Photos courtesy of: calvulcans.com Men’s basketball players (left to right) Kelsey Williams, Joe Berenato and Ryne Niemec have been absent the past two games. The Vulcans have dropped those two games in an 0-5 PSAC West start.
Sitting out By Alix Kunkle
Sports Editor The California Vulcans have been missing a handful of basketball players from the bench over the past week and reasons for the absences are still unclear. For the Jan. 23 game against Edinboro only nine of the 12 rostered team members were on the bench for the contest. When asked why only nine players were dressed, Sports Information Director Matthew Kifer told the Cal Times an undisclosed number of basketball players were suspended due to a “violation of team policy.” Sports information would not directly release the names of the players who have been
Three players absent from men’s basketball games
suspended. “We can only say that it was a violation of team policy,” Kifer said. “The suspensions are being handed out by the school.” However, sophomore forward Kelsey Williams, junior guard Joe Berenato, and freshman guard Ryne Niemiec were the three players not on the bench for the game against Edinboro. The suspensions were handed out between the Jan. 20 game against Clarion and the Jan. 23 game against Edinboro. The suspensions apparently continued as the Vulcans visited IUP Jan. 27. Williams, Berenato and Niemiec didn’t make the trip to Indiana for the game, leaving only nine players yet
Cal students rock out for Haiti relief
again on the bench. Cal lost to IUP 71-59. It is unclear whether or not the three will return to the line up for the Jan. 30 game versus Mercyherst. It is also undetermined if there are more suspensions still forthcoming from the athletic department. California basketball head coach Bill Brown did not respond to requests for comment on the suspensions. The NCAA has no information about the suspensions. At press time the Vulcans are 0-5 in PSAC West play. For continuing coverage go caltimes.org for the latest information on the suspensions.
Details on page 4
FOR NEW S, SCORES , AND VID EO ON D E MAND, VISIT T HE CAL TIMES NEW S SITE ON- LINE - WWW.CALTIM ES. ORG
Cal times
page 2
Cal honors MLK Jr. with annual day of service By Shelby McAdams For the Cal Times
Seven years ago Coretta Scott King visited California University of Pennsylvania. It was that visit which inspired the now celebrated day of service dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. at Cal U. The seventh annual Martin Luther King Jr. day of service was celebrated on and off campus Jan. 21. The day was comprised of an assembly honoring the memory of Dr. King and stated the importance of volunteering and with several service events throughout the campus and community. President of the Black Student Union Ashley Munoz-Briggs (senior-criminal justice) said during the assembly she believes it’s important to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and focus on future service projects for the upcoming years. “What he stood for is something I think everyone really needs to understand,” MunozBriggs said. “They need to expand on it, keep the dream alive and press forward.” Vice-President of Student Development Lenora Angelone, speaking on behalf of President Angelo Armenti Jr., said the day of service will better university students and build bridges for everyone in the campus community. Cal U Alum George Simmons, of Monongahela, Pa., spoke about the hardships of being a student at Cal U during the times when the university was segregated. “During these times you just wanted to rise up in anger and at the same time you wanted to work through and make up a plan,” Simmons said. “Back then you had to do what you had to do to survive.”
Simmons spoke of how he and 14 African American students were treated poorly by others while attending the university and even later on into his life. He strongly believes that it’s more important to look past what is standing in the way of certain goals and milestones rather than spend time dwelling on them. “Throughout, we were trying to find our identity,” Simmons said. “You have to stand your ground and stand up for the things in life that you believe in. All you have to do was step up and listen.” Simmons went on to speak of the determination of King and how important it is for students and all youth to keep relaying his message. Following the assembly, students headed across campus and throughout the town to participate in volunteering events. Manderino Library, Center In the Woods and the California United Methodist Church were some of the locations for service opportunities. Students had the opportunity to personally choose where they would dedicate their community service between 12 and 2 p.m. Students found that the volunteer work was personally fulfilling and a great way to reach out past the university. “I feel like I really helped someone out today,” Corey Meade (freshman-golf management) said. “It might have been a good bit of work, but it’s really worth it in the end.” Cal U plans to continue the day of service program and focus toward holding more food drives, mentoring youth and coming up with more local projects that students and faculty can get involved with to further King’s legacy.
Photo by: Kathryn Fitzgerald Steve Pearson (senior-communication studies) helps clean the Methodist Church in town as part of the MLK Day of Service for Alpha Kappa Lambda.
Photo by: Jessica zombek George Simmons, an alum of California University of Pennsylvania, spoke about overcoming segregation on campus and the trying times he experienced.
Cal U No. 2 for Online Education By Marc Stempka News Editor
Online education at California University of Pennsylvania is among the nation’s best in a study released earlier this month. The SR Education Group, of Kirkland, Wash., conducted the nationwide Top 25 Online Colleges study. Cal U ranked No. 2 in the nation for its Internetbased degree programs for its Global Online program.
“Online learning resources enable Cal U students to receive the same caliber of education as a traditional classroom student, but with the convenience of studying from home and with a flexible, student-directed schedule,” the study said. The criteria for the rankings were based on program accreditation, cost of tuition and books, student feedback, the student to faculty ratio, and the graduation and retention rate. The statistics for criteria were gathered from
Times Staff CALTIMES.org Caltimes@cup.edu 724-938-4321
The National Center for Education Statistics, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, the study said. “Asynchronous learning through e-mail, virtual classrooms, and forums enable students to learn in their spare time and remain current with the progression of each class,” the study said. The only school to best Cal U was Boston University. Other schools in the top 10 include Iowa Central College, Bowling
jared bundy............................... Editor in chief Chris orient............................... Managing Editor Marc Stempka.............................NEWS EDITOR GENE AXTON.................................ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Alix kunkle.................................sports editor Jessica zombek...........................Photography Editor Carol Mannix.............................Staff Writer
Green State University, Northeastern University and Strayer University. A news release from the university said Cal U’s Global Online program is continuing to grow rapidly. “Compared to 2008-09, undergraduate enrollment increased 11 percent this year and graduate enrollment is 21 percent higher,” the release said. The full study is available at www.guidetoonlineschools. com/online-colleges.
January 29, 2010
The Village Child Care and Preschool Offers Scholarships
The Village is now accepting applications for Hand-in-Hand scholarships for California University of PA students and Education Investment Tax Credit scholarships for 3- and 4-year olds. In partnership with Cal U’s Women’s Center, The Village child care and preschool located at Center in the Woods, California, offers Hand-in-Hand scholarships for child care and preschool to qualifying children of Cal U students. Through the generosity of Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Pittsburgh Airport, The Village also provides preschool scholarships available for 3- and 4-year olds through the Pennsylvania Educational Investment Tax Credit program. Owner Tim Nettles, husband of Dr. Diane Nettles, Professor of Early Childhood/Elementary Education at Cal U, designated The Village to receive funding through this program. Washington County Community Foundation administers this program for The Village. Applications are due January 31st for the upcoming year. The amount of individual scholarships depends on the number of accepted applicants. The EITC program has generous maximum income guidelines. The Village also accepts CCIS child care subsidies and tuition paying clients. We provide care for children 6 weeks through prekindergarten, as well as, before and after school care children through age 12. The Village staff works as a team to nurture the children in our care. We are a Keystone Star 1 facility working towards Star 2 and are enrolled in the National Association for Young Children Self Study for accreditation. ABOUT THE VILLAGE The mission of the Village is to provide quality, faith-based child care and preschool, while supporting single parents diligently furthering their education to provide a better life for their children and to bring love, excitement and joy to older adults sharing their facility with us. According to Cherie Sears, President of The Village, “Sometimes it truly does take a Village to raise a child. Our Center in the Woods location provides unique opportunities for intergenerational programming and Village children become part of a larger family.” For more information, please contact Cherie Sears at 412-9165220.
barbara boland.........................WebMASTER melissa mackulin.......................Advertising manager Jeff Helsel..................................Director of Publications CAL TIMES CONTRIBUTORS: cal u public affairs, sports information, shelby mcadams, kathryn fitzgerald, alex vucelich, stacy skiavo, mike thoma, tom carroll jr, chuck brutz, derek pegritz, dave frye, meaghan clister, alyssa kruse, dominique thornhill, chris garrett
POLICY: The California TIMES is published in the Monongahela Valley area most Fridays of the academic year, with the exception of holiday breaks • Any member of the university community may submit articles, editorials, cartoons, photographs or drawings for consideration • Deadlines are as follows: All written copy, announcements, e-mail (caltimes@cup.edu), and advertising submissions are due at noon on the Monday before publication. Exceptions to these deadlines must be arranged with the editor. All submissions are the opinions of their creator(s). •The California TIMES reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions as it sees fit, without offering justification for content or advertising sections.
Cal times
january 29, 2010
page 3
Students turning to online, rental options to purchase texts By Stacy Skiavo
For the Cal Times There are many expenses for college students ranging from tuition to room and board. Just when students think they’re done with the crazy spending, textbooks and supplies still need to be purchased. These expenses can really add up for students. Although there isn’t a lot students can do about tuition and fees, there are a variety of ways a student can purchase textbooks and the options seem to be expanding every year. The most common way to buy a book is to go to the campus bookstore. There, any textbooks or supplies a student might need should be in stock or, at the very least, on back order. The bookstore can be a quick and easy way to get everything students might need. “Normally I buy my books from the bookstore, mostly because I’m lazy,” Jordan Wong (senior-art) said. Even though the campus bookstore is convenient, some students say it can get pricey. This is the reason students turn to alternative means of getting the books they need. Purchasing online, students can find various Web sites that
Photo by: Jessica Zombek Amber Little (freshman-psychology) considers purchasing a textbook at the bookstore at Cal U. Students have increasingly tried to rent or buy online rather than paying retail price.
can help them save money on their books. Sites like Amazon. com, eBay or Half.com are favorites among students where prices can be cut more than half-off for used and new books. “I usually get them from Amazon or Half.com,” Greg Hauser (sophomore-secondary educa-
tion) said. “I can find books cheaper there than the bookstore because they are trying to take every last penny of mine.” Other options are renting or borrowing books. Students could share with a friend and cut the cost in half or rent books from the library or online.
“I try and find the least expensive way to buy books, which is usually by getting them used,” Tara Catone (freshman-sports management) said. “This semester I’m trying to rent my books.” Many students are turning to a Web site called Chegg, where they can rent books for a much
lower cost. “I love using Chegg because I don’t have to worry about selling my books back and getting ripped off,” Stephanie DeFelice (freshman-elementary education) said. “It’s so much easier and affordable to rent books.” California University of Pennsylvania campus book store manager Dave Alberta said the bookstore may be getting into the renting process. “We may have a text rental program that will be tested in the spring and could possibly launch next fall,” Alberta said. “It will be confirmed over the summer.” The plus of the bookstore, Alberta said, is if a student has to add or drop a course, or if professors change the books they need, the campus store can accommodate these situations. Also, several books may not be found online in which case the bookstore should have them. Obtaining all the books a student will need for the year can be a stressful and expensive process. However, it can be done wisely by using all the options a student has available to them. After a student learns the ropes, it shouldn’t be hard to cut the cost even though it may mean trying a new process.
Cal students resolve to get in shape, eat healthier in 2010 By Carol Mannix Staff Writer
With the first week of the new semester long gone, some students are beginning to feel the pressures that come with keeping their New Year’s resolutions. There are many popular, selfimprovement resolutions made every January, such as vowing to quit drinking or smoking, get out of debt, or to spend more time with friends or family. Perhaps it’s the addition of the new Herron recreation center, or simply the promise of summer vacation, that has students at California University of Pennsylvania zeroing in on their physical fitness for 2010. Getting in shape, followed by acquiring healthier eating habits topped many of the lists of goals students set for themselves for this upcoming semester, and they’re not alone. According to a study done by Professor of Psychology at the University of Scranton John C. Norcross, about a third of New Year’s resolvers make weight loss their primary goal, and about 15 percent aim to begin an exercise program. “My resolution for this year is to eat healthy,” Danielle Stockey (junior-communication disorders) said. “I normally don’t keep them, but so far I have been keeping up on it.” Most students share Stockey’s sentiments and say they have been doing alright so far, faithfully fulfilling their resolution
obligations, but that they are beginning to get worried that a hectic school schedule will impair their ability to keep up with their new lifestyle changes. According to an article on newschief.com, although dieting is the second most popular resolution American’s make every year, 75 percent are likely to break it within a month or two. “My New Year’s resolution was to start a routine of eating better, working out and personal hygiene,” Caitlin Sowers (sophomore-fine arts) said. “It’s working so far, but I’m afraid when school gets tougher that I’ll stop working out.” Of course some students avoid the guilt of breaking a New Year’s resolution by simply not making one. “I don’t have any resolutions,” Mike Lash (senior-English) said. And he’s not the only one. Many students find it hard to pick one thing that is most important to them to improve on, so they opt to consistently improve themselves throughout the year in a multitude of areas. “I usually have more than one thing I want to accomplish in a year, so I never really make one New Year’s resolution,” Michael Kelley (senior-computer science and computer forensics) said. “I resolve that by constantly staying awesome at all times.” Although some students do take their resolutions very seriously, a lot of students simply
See RESOLUTIONS Continued On Page 4
Photo by: Jessica Zombek Shayne Landman (freshman-industrial technology) does some curls in the Herron Recreation and Fitness Center. Students have been flocking to the gym in an effort to lose weight and stay in shape in the new year.
CAL TIMES
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JANUARY 29, 2010
Phi Sigma Phi holds fundraiser, concert for Haiti By Jared Bundy Editor-in-Chief
The mounting devastation in earthquake ravaged Haiti prompted California University of Pennsylvania students, the California community and local bands to come together to raise funds and their voices in support of Haitian relief efforts. “You have changed my life, heard my cry, wiped away my tears.” These lyrics, sung by band Dirty Folk at the Jan. 26 Haiti relief concert in Morgan Hall, reflected the goal of a weeklong charity drive organized by Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity. The members of the co-ed national honor fraternity organized their plans to support relief efforts shortly after returning to campus for the semester. Phi Sigma Pi began collecting donations in the Natali Student Union and culminated in a fiveband concert to raise money. Phi Sigma Pi member Stacy Tomazik (junior-graphic communications and multimedia) said the choice of Haiti as the focus of their charitable efforts was an obvious one. “That’s happening right now,” Tomazik said.
For the past two weeks, the fraternity collected donations with Helping Hands for Haiti. Contributors signed paper hands and hung them in the Student Union to be seen by all. While there are many charities currently collecting for Haiti, Phi Sigma Pi chose one that truly stands out. Yele Haiti, the personal charity of musician and Haitian native Wyclef Jean, is different because it donates 100 percent of all donations directly to Haiti with no overhead costs. Phi Sigma Pi chapter president Emily Hutzayluk said the fraternity’s presence in the student union made the drive a success. “People seemed to be really happy to have a physical place to donate to so they know where [their donations] are going,” Hutzayluk said. The night of the concert, Morgan Hall was rocking to the sounds of local bands that performed while offering their support to the fraternity’s fundraiser. Putting the concert together was a community effort, with local restaurants and university organizations working together
Check out the Haiti relief concert bands online: Cascade Atlantic: http://www.myspace.com/thecascadeatlantic Yours Truly: http://www.myspace.com/thecascadeatlantic All But Forgotten: http://www.myspace.com/allbutforgottenband Dirty Folk: http://www.myspace.com/dirtyfolkrock Half Past Yesterday: http://www.myspace.com/halfxpastxyesterday
Photo by: Jessica Zombek Cascade Atlantic, an alternative rock band from Pittsburgh, played second and brought a big sound and great stage presence. Lead vocalist Tim McGrath, pictured here, was one of the evening’s top performers.
to orchestrate the event. The Underground provided and set up equipment for the bands while local restaurants Lagerheads, Campy’s and Spuds donated food or supplies. The food donations collected at the door, along with ticket and food sales, all went to the Yele Haiti charity. “Any culture in Cal is good culture,” Travis Matuke (sophomore-communication studies) said. “I thought the event was a great idea.” The concert showcased five bands, with sounds ranging from indie to pop punk. Bands included Cascade Atlantic, Yours Truly, All But Forgotten, Dirty Folk and Half Past Yesterday. The latter two bands have members who attend Cal U and were immediately a hit with the crowd. Dirty Folk, with student Rich Baur opened the show with spot-on harmonies and a distinctive sound, including Baur
on a unique percussion instrument called the Cajon. Half Past Yesterday brought in a loyal following as they closed the benefit show. Their poppunk sound and high-energy performance got a huge reaction from the crowd. Yours Truly, playing in the middle of the show, was a standout performance of the evening. With an alternative and progressive feel, their music was easily the most technical and engaging. Despite having only three band members, Yours Truly had a huge sound. Justin Portis’ wide vocal range was complemented with edgy and complicated solos by the band’s bassist Huggy and drummer Eric Downs. “I would definitely pay to see them again,” Josh Laska (seniorelectrical engineering technology) said. “Plus, the money I paid this time is going to such a great cause.” With a reputable charity, ex-
Calling all men: Your chance to meet the seven Cal U Fraternities The week of Feb. 1 through 5 is the formal recruitment week for the seven InterFraternity Council organizations. Students with at least 12 completed credits and a 2.5 GPA or higher can stop by the Natali Student Union’s Performance Center from 5 to 10 p.m. to meet the fraternities. Monday meet Acacia, Alpha Kappa Lambda and Theta Xi Tuesday meet Sigma Tau Gamma, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Phi Gamma Delta and Delta Chi Thursday meet Delta Chi, Phi Gamma Delta, Acacia and Sigma Tau Gamma Friday meet Alpha Kappa Lambda, Theta Xi and Tau Kappa Epsilon
citing concerts, and physical presence in the student union, the efforts of Phi Sigma Pi were truly a success. The fraternity’s fundraising efforts concluded Jan. 28 with all proceeds donated online to Yele Haiti. To contribute to the fundraising effort, Yele Haiti is still accepting donations at yele.org. To support bands that donated their time for this charitable cause, check out the links in the box on the left. For a slideshow of the performances throughout the evening log on to our Web site at caltimes.org. Front Page Image: (left to right) Yours Truly’s Justin Portis and Dirty Folk’s Juan Kyle are two lead vocalists who helped raise money for Haiti. Photos by: Mike Thoma Design by: Jared Bundy RESOLUTIONS Continued From Page 3 make resolutions for the fun of it and to see how long they can test out their new behavior before falling back into their old routines. “I don’t think they are that important, but it’s fun to create one and to see how long it will last,” Stockey said.
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January 29, 2010
Call for Faculty Nominations to the California University Forum Academic Policy Committee
Entertainment
page 5
Entertainment Wrap-up Now In Theatres:
The California University Forum has announced a call for the nominations of faculty members for election to the Academic Policy Committee of the University Forum. The Forum Constitution calls for the election of six (6) regular (tenured or tenure-track) faculty members to the Academic Policy Committee, with each undergraduate college having two (2) representatives. The Executive Committee will supervise the election and certify the results. The terms of office are for three years. Self-nominations are permitted. The nominees will be contacted to confirm acceptance of their name to be placed on the electoral ballot. Six faculty members will be elected to the Academic Policy Committee by confidential ballot, following the nominations. All regular (i.e. tenured and tenure-track) faculty may vote. The voting will take place electronically on February 17th and 18th. Further information will be provided via e-mail to faculty members who are eligible to vote.
Edge of Darkness When in Rome
The Academic Policy Committee meets periodically to tackle certain issues and make recommendations to the full Forum. For further information and details of the Academic Policy Committee visit the Forum website at www.calu.edu/forum. Nomination forms will be sent to the campus mailboxes of all regular tenure and tenure-track faculty members. The nomination form is also available in Public Folders/Campus-Wide Resources/University Forum of the university’s Microsoft Outlook Software. All nominations must be submitted to Mrs. Dana Turcic, Forum Recording Secretary, Campus Box 99, by Friday, February 5, 2010. For more information contact her at 724-938-1633 or via email at CalForum@calu.edu or turcic@calu. edu. You may also write her at University Forum Office, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419.
Valerie Custer headlines Underground show
Photo by: Mike Thoma Custer, pictured above, gave the Underground Cafe a strong start with her performance in the Commuter Center last Thursday. The Underground features artists from students to national acts as an alternative to the party scene on the Cal campus.
Events in the area: Photo courtesy of: Greeneyedmuse.com Vocalist Jim Croce is most famous for his singles “Time in a Bottle” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”. The Italian-American’s life was tragically cut short by a plane crash in 1973.
Rediscover a classic musician: Jim Croce By Tom Carroll, Jr. For the Cal Times
Born James Joseph “Jim” Croce January 10, 1943 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jim’s Music interest began at the age of five. He learned to play “Lady of Spain” on accordion, but his interest did not get serious until 1964 while he was attending Villanova University. At this time, having already learned to play guitar, his interest picked up enough that he started forming bands and playing any gig they could land. One of his bands were chosen for a foreign exchange tour of Africa and the Middle East. Returning back to Philadelphia, he was not looking forward to the prior jobs he had previously. From construction to welding through college, graduating from Villanova in 1965, the music he decided to seriously pursue left him finding out it wasn’t easy to earn a living working the bar and coffeehouse circuit. Switching gears like a chord in a song, he ended up gaining a job at a Philadelphia R&B radio station, selling advertising and then writing the sales pitch. After a brief career in the service he met his wife Ingrid and married in 1966. Back to the bars once again and still not making anything, he gave it up and went into a teaching position at a Philadelphia high school. He soon moved to New York and by chance he ran into a fellow student of his from Villanova, Tommy West, who introduced them to Terry Cashman. Cash-
man went on to produce their first album on Capitol, Jim and Ingrid, which went nowhere. Disgusted and discouraged with New York, they moved back to Lyndell, Pennsylvania. In New York, Jim sold one guitar at a time out of his collection paying the rent and bills, stopping at the last. With the birth of his son Adrian, Jim went back to construction, adding some truck driving (which sharpened his writing, studying everyone he met), and ended up singing in the background of some commercials at the same time. Still determined and still writing songs that where big parts of his life, the future was getting closer and closer. In 1970, Jim met the classically trained Pianist, Guitarist, and singer/songwriter Maury Muehleisen. The duo began with Jim playing behind Maury, and then changed as Jim took the center. As they started (and built a pretty good fan base) a friend of Jim’s from Villanova took the two of them to New York, straight to the production office of Cashman/West. With Maury playing lead acoustic and Jim singing and playing his own songs they were more than ready for a real deal this time. As 1972 rolled in, Jim signed a three album contract with ABC/ Dunhill and headed into the studio with the production team of Cashman/West. Jim had already written a ton of songs, all ready to be put to the tape. Two albums that year, “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,”
See CROCE Continued On Page 10
-Jeff Dunham - Saturday at Mellon Arena -Motion City Soundtrack - Sunday at Mr. Smalls w/ Set Your Goals -Greg Fitzsimmons - Friday and Saturday at The Improv
New Video Games:
Mass Effect 2 Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars MAG No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle
New on DVD:
Whip It Saw VI Michael Jackson: This Is It
page 6
“America Amerique” opens, makes personal connection at Cal U By Chris Orient Managing Editor
This past Saturday, California University of Pennsylvania was host to the national debut of “America Amerique,” a play about immigrants and their stories of coming to America. The JENA Company of New York put on the production, which had a successful first performance. The play was held in the Steele Hall Auditorium and drew a number of people. The play was broken up into two acts, with the first act being geared more toward America before the 1900’s and the second act covering the 1900’s to the present. The play was historically accurate though, and at times it had more dialogue t h a n a c -
tual acting and action. The lack of action made the performance somewhat dull in places but the seven actors were still able to stir strong audience reactions with the dialogue. Much of the play was written using journals, diaries, and letters from immigrants and those who lived during the time when a majority of the immigrants came to the country. The use of these accounts gave the play a certain personal sense because any of the people mentioned in the play could have been someone’s relative. You felt as though you were hearing how your family came to this country and their struggle to make it in the land of opportunity. The personal connection the cast made with the audience is what made this play. The stories told about how people sought success in America, and how some found it and others did not, really set into your mind. “America Amerique” was an accurate portrayal of life in America for immigrants and the trials they went through to be successful. Despite the lack of physical action, it still conjured strong emotions in the audience. The J EN A Company has a great story i n “America Amerique”, and a great cast as well. The production will surely have a successful run as it tours across the country.
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cal times
January 29, 2010
Photo courtesy of: Nicolas Genin Left: The retooling of the Spiderman series leaves fans wondering if Mary Jane Watson will reappear as the romantic lead, or if the Black Cat will be used instead. Above: Robert Pattinson, star of Twilight, is rumored to be a possible replacement for Tobey Maguire as the new Peter Parker.
Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman? Photo courtesy of Newsorama.com
Web of questions arises as Marvel announces Spiderman reboot By Chuck Brutz For the Cal Times
May 6, 2011. That was originally the scheduled release date for “Spiderman 4”, once again to be Directed by Sam Raimi. The movie would have starred Toby Maguire as Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman, who’d reportedly go up against the supervillian The Vulture (John Malkovich). Anne Hathaway would play Felicia Hardy, who in the comic books is The Black Cat, but it’s rumored that in “Spiderman 4” she would’ve been the daughter of The Vulture, who becomes The Vulturess. Despite these plans, on January 11th Sony Announced that the “Spiderman” film franchise would be getting a reboot, and that neither Raimi or Maguire would return. Reportedly, the new reboot would begin with Peter Parker back in high school, raising the question of who’d replace Raimi, but also the magical question: who would step into Maguire’s tights to be the new Spiderman? One “Spiderman” fan feels that the reboot will give us an unnecessary retelling of Spiderman’s origin. “He got bitten by a radioactive spider, we all know that,” said California University Sophomore and History Major Veronica Kerekes, “If I see that one more time, I don’t know what I’ll do.” When the first “Spiderman” film hit theatres in 2002 it was the top grossing film that year,
topping “Star Wars: Episode II”. That marked the first time in movie history that a “Star Wars” film was released and not the #1 film of that year. “Spiderman 2” opened in 2004, and not only was a hit with audiences, but film critics as well, many calling it the best movie of that summer. However, in 2007, “Spiderman 3” was released to mixed results. Critical reaction said that the villain Sandman was not as good as he could’ve been, and although the promotions hyped Venom as mainly the top villain, he was barely used. Despite the reaction, Spiderman 3 still did well enough to seal a deal for Raimi and Maguire to return for a fourth, and possibly fifth movie. With Maguire pushing 40, and the stale taste of “Spiderman 3” still lurking, would a fourth installment have been a box office success? “I was a little tired of the cast, so on that I’m okay,” said Tom Vincek, owner of “Evil Genius” Comics here in California, “But as for redoing the origin story, I’m not a fan. I think a brief recap at the beginning would be fine.” Since the announcement, there’s been a web of rumors surrounding the new Spiderman reboot, including that James Cameron (“Avatar”) might direct. According to the book “Comic Book Movies”, by David Hughes, Cameron wrote a “Scriptment” back in the early 1990’s, with the two villains were Electro and Sandman.
According to IGNMovies.com, Cameron’s version included a climatic battle between Spiderman and Electro on top of the World Trade Center, a sex scene with Spiderman and Mary Jane on top of the Brooklyn Bridge, and Spiderman dropping the F-Bomb a few times. Among the casting rumors during the time Cameron was attached to project include, Leonardo DiCapro as Spiderman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as Doctor Octopus. Recently Cameron told MTV News, “I haven’t gotten a phone call, I don’t expect to after this interview. But if you’re thinking about it, it’s sloppy seconds. I’m not interested.” Recently, it was announced that Director Marc Webb (“(500) Days of Summer”) would direct the reboot, now due out in 2012. But who will play Spiderman? The flies caught in this web of casting rumors include both Team Edward and Jacob themselves, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, High School Musical’s Zac Efron, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, whom Webb previously directed in “(500) Days of Summer”. And who will the villain be? Will we get the Green Goblin again, or a new Spiderman villain we haven’t seen on screen yet? Will Spiderman’s love interest be Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, or Felicia Hardy (Aka The Black Cat)? Will a Stan Lee cameo occur? Our Spider Sense is tingling!
Entertainment
January 29, 2010
page 7
INSIDE THE VULCAN THEATRE THIS WEEK
photo courtesy of: Soren Solkaer Starbird Vampire Weekend features (from left to right) Rostam Batmanglij, Chris Baio, Christopher Tomson, Ezra Koenig. Contra, the bands second release, avoided the slump most bands fall into on their sophomore effort.
Vampire weekend’s second album welcomes new fans Showtimes are 4 and 8 P.M. daily, from Sunday, January 31, through Saturday, February 5.
Lackluster script plagues all-star talent in Couples Retreat By Derek Pegritz For the Cal Times
There was a time, not that long ago, when Vince Vaughn simply did not make bad movies. Old School. Dodgeball. Anchorman. Wedding Crashers. Hell, he was even pretty good in the remake of Psycho, though Vaughn’s dry wit and naturally snarky voice clearly suited comedic roles rather than dramatic. But then he started making romantic comedies and “family” movies, like Fred Claus. The raunchy, manly-man goof who muscled his way shamelessly through such hilarious films as Old School and Wedding Crashers shriveled up, lost his flair for physical comedy, and became just another stock leading man for insipid rom-coms. Basically, he turned into Luke Wilson. I’ll be blunt with you: I’m not a big fan of romantic comedies. I have seen a number of them that I’ve really enjoyed: The Wedding Singer, Love Actually, and even Vaughn’s 2008 holiday movie Four Christmases. The reason I like these particular films is that they perfectly mix their two ingredients, romance and comedy. There’s a good balance of mushy bits and funny bits: the romance provides pathos to engage the viewers’ emotions, and comedy to keep them from being bogged down in melodrama. If one element
dominates the other, then the film becomes either a drama splashed here and there with awkward comedic moments, or an uneven chuckler with awkward dramatics. Vaughn’s latest film, Couples Retreat, is a painfully precise example of the former. The premise is simple: you’ve got four stereotypical couples in the Seemingly Perfect Couple (Vince Vaughn and the delicious Malin Ackerman), the Couple Who’s Sick of Each Other (big, beefy John Favreau and the ever-annoying Kristin Davis), the Mismatched Couple (300-pound Faizon Love and Kali Hawk), and the Neurotic Couple Whose Marriage Is In Trouble (Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell), and they get a group rate at an island getaway for people looking to overcome relationship problems. Actually, Jason Bateman and Kristen Bell, who are contemplating divorce, talk the other six, none of whom believe their marriages/relationships are in trouble, into going along with them to Eden West, a ridiculous new-agey spa presided over by the thoroughly preposterous “love guru”, Marcel (Jean Reno). Of course, the three other happy couples soon discover that their “happy coupledom” isn’t really that happy and, well, very unhappy drama results. A lot of it.
By Gene Axton
Entertainment Editor Vampire Weekend is like the stomach flu. They came out of nowhere, they’re completely contagious, and they spread around quicker than you could tell your friends about them. They don’t, however, make people nauseous and force people to miss class. Vampire Weekend is not completely like the stomach flu. The second full-length from these Ivy League indie superstars, Contra is an album that will entertain and satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers to the VW sound. The essence of a Vampire Weekend album stays the same: catchy, quirky songs with witty lyrics that show off the education and musical knowledge of the band members. The changes implemented to the formula cause more trouble than triumph
though. The songs on the self-titled first album all had their own identity. Each brought a different instrument to the front and felt like a whole different animal, so to speak. In between that album and Contra, Vampire Weekend released a series of remixes done by Chromeo. Apparently, those influenced the direction of this new album, because many of the songs are synth heavy. After repeated listens, each song sticks out in it’s own way and each song has it’s own merits, but at first the songs with heavy synth tend to blend together. The end result is an album that grows on the listener as the listener becomes familiar with what songs are which. Other than the apparent similarity the album promotes upon the first listen, the second thing that stands out is the length. While only being one song longer, the previous album
seemed a lot fuller. This could be attributed to the variety problem discussed earlier, or to the redundancy in lyrical content some of the songs seem to bring to the table. Vampire Weekend has successfully avoided the sophomore slump and created an enjoyable full length that deserves your hard earned money. Indie music is becoming more and more popular with every pair of black rimmed glasses bought and every beard grown. Vampire Weekend successfully infuses pop sensibilities into intelligently arranged songs. The stomach flu alters one’s life for a short period of time, and then disappears. The stomach flu is not unlike the Stanley Cup playoffs, attendance at your favorite band’s show, or suburbanite hip-hop culture. Vampire Weekend is like the stomach flu.
PUZZLES
page 8
january 29, 2010 Brainiac Scorecard Zero to five --- You’re at college for a reason. Six to Ten --- Drink less, study more. Eleven to Fifteen --- Got a Good head on your shoulders. Sixteen to Twenty --- Don’t get too excited there, Honors Student. Twenty-one to Twenty-five --- You are really smart...or you looked at the answers.
Difficulty: Medium
This week, we are paying tribute to one of the most controversial shows on television, MTV’s “Jersey Shore”, along with the other usual material. Each correct answer is worth 2 points each, and the bonus question is worth 5 points. Good Luck!!!! “Down by da shore” --- The following questions are concerning the MTV series Jersey Shore. 1) Which cast member cheated on her boyfriend with Pauly D in the 3rd episode of the series? a) Jenni “JWoww” Farley b) Angelina “Jolie” Pivarnick c) Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi 2) Name the first to leave the shore house after refusing to work her shift at the t-shirt shop. a) Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola b) Angelina “Jolie” Pivarnick c) Vinny Guadagnino 3) This member of the Jersey Shore cast almost said goodbye to the shore after taking the boss’ girl back home from the club in episode five. a) Vinny Guadagnino b) Ronnie Ortiz-Magro c) Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino BONUS -- “In The News” 1) Iraq executed Ali Hassan al-Majeed, aka “Chemical Ali”, for crimes against humanity including the gassing of thousands of Kurdish citizens and violent crackdowns on Shi’ite revolts. How was al-Majeed related to Saddam Hussein, who ordered him to perform this act? a) Brother-in-law b) Nephew c) Cousin d) Brother e) Uncle
“Name That President” --- Match the President with the information given. 1) Served as the 34th President of The United States as a Republican from 1953 to 1961. 2) Served as the 31st President of The United States as a Republican from 1929 to 1933. 3) Served as the 40th President of The United States as a Republican from 1981 to 1989. 4) Served as the 28th President of The United States as a Democrat from 1913 to 1921. a) Herbert Hoover b) Dwight D. Eisenhower c) Woodrow Wilson d) Ronald Reagan
“In The News...” --- Questions about events that have occurred in the past 7 days. 1) A Pakistani-born Chicago businessman pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges he aided planners of the 2008 attack in which Asian city, that killed more than 160 people? a) Karachi b) Kabul c) Mumbai d) New Delhi 2) When the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 population count officially kicked off on Monday, the roughly 600 residents of a village in which U.S. state are due to be the first citizens to be tallied? a) Maine b) Alaska c) Washington d) Hawaii 3) An Italian man who argued with his son over what is recovering in a hospital after the teenager stabbed him in the neck with a 15inch kitchen knife. a) Winemaking b) Playing Piano c) Cooking d) PlayStation tactics
This man pictured to the left, is a portrait of which president? This question, and many more are the subjects of this weeks edition of “Brainiac”.
BONUS 1) (c) Cousin “In The News...” 1) (c) Mumbai 2) (b) Alaska 3) (d) PlayStation tactics “Name That President” 1) (b) Eisenhower 2) (a) Hoover 3) (d) Reagan 4) (c) Wilson Answers: “Down by da shore” 1) (a) Jenni “JWoww” Farley 2) (b) Angelina “Jolie” Pivarnick 3) (a) Vinny Guadagnino
Organizations
January 29, 2010
page 9
The Internship Corner
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars Visits Cal U By Alyssa Kruse
The following are internship opportunities currently available through the Internship Center: South Allegheny School District South Allegheny School District is seeking interns for a summer 2010 network tech or Web specialist internship. In-
tern duties include wireless and wired network management, ASP development, graphic design and video editing. Interested students should send a resume and clearances to: Maria Borkowski Director of Technology 412-675-3034 (P) mborkowski@southallegheny. org Human Engineering Research Laboratories Human Engineering Research Laboratories, of Pittsburgh, is seeking psychology, biology, computer engineering technology, computer science, justice studies and physical therapy majors for a summer 2010 internship. Two programs, American Student Placements in Rehabilitation Engineering and The Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center, will be offered. Students who are interested should submit an application, resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation to Mary Goldberg at: 7180 Highland Drive, Building 4 2nd Floor East, 151 R1-H Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Or at mrh35@pitt.edu. Applications can be found at www. herlpitt.org/internships. Partners + Napier Partners + Napier, of Rochester, NY, is seeking students or recent graduates for a summer 2010 BrandCamp internship. BrandCamp is a program designed to introduce interns to the fast-paced world of advertising and give the opportunity to work with professionals. BrandCamp is seeking interns to work as art director, copywriter, account executive and brand planner. Interested students should submit a 60-second application video highlighting why he or she should be selected. For video criteria and requirements, interested students should visit http://brandcamp. partnersandnapier.com/ for more information.
Are you thinking about what is on the horizon after graduation? Do you want to get a hand up on the competition? Gain the advantage by coming to the Mock Networking Reception/Etiquette Dinner! Learn dining etiquette and how to network with potential employers and alumni! Some of the Industry Sectors that will be represented:
Education, Non-profit/Social Service, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Sales, Banking, Financial Advisement, Electrical Engineering Technology, Marketing, Government Don’t see an industry listed that is related to you major? Doesn’t matter! Keep in mind this definition of networking: “Networking is people connecting with people, linking ideas and resources.” -Jessica Lipnack and Jeffery Stamps, The Networking Book. You may meet someone who has a connection or resource that is relevant to you major.
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 Located in the Natali Student Center on campus from 4:30-7:30 p.m. (Registration begins at 4:15 p.m.) Business dress required. Great food and giveaways! Register at the Information Desk (bring your CAL Card) in the Natali Student Center By Friday, February 12, 2010 $5 refundable registration fee **Register early, this event fills fast! Limited number of seats** This event is presented by Career Services, SAI Leadership and Nemacolin Woodlands
CORNER
BSU
For more than 30 years, the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars has been providing students from the United States and beyond with life-altering experiences that help motivate and prepare them for the future. Students from California University of Pennsylvania will soon have the opportunity to meet with a representative and learn more about these countless opportunities available through the Washington Center. Washington Center representative Kathleen Regan will be visiting Cal U on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to discuss with students the possibility of interning in Washington D.C. and the advantages that go along with it. Regan will give classroom presentations, as well as representing the Washington Center in small group meetings set up through Cal U’s Internship Center. The Washington Center, a non-profit organization based in the nation’s capital, provides internships in numerous areas, including but not limited to, political science, business, education, communication and international affairs. Interns are placed in highquality and reputable organizations that include corporations, businesses, embassies, voluntary organizations and interest groups. Participating students are required to have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and be at least a second semester sophomore. To schedule a group meeting with Regan, contact the Internship Center at internctr@calu. edu or 724-938-1578.
By Dominique Thornhill
Announcements: -Snow Tubing: February 5, bus leaves behind the Union at 5 p.m. Cost is $5 -Trip to Ohio: Dinner/shopping/museum, February 26 $15 per student and $35 per non-student -BSU Meetings: Thursday at 5:15 p.m. in the Carter Hall Multipurpose Room
COUPON 1
FREE SNOW TUBING
Want a live look at all of the week’s top news, sports, and entertainment? Check out:
CUTV Newscenter
Thursday nights at 5 PM on Channel 61 Watch newscasts online at:
to the first five students that bring this coupon to SAI Bring coupon to Tonya Kirland COUPON 2
FREE 7th Annual BSU Formal to the first five students that bring this coupon to SAI Bring coupon to Tonya Kirland
CROCE Continued From Page 5 and “Life and Times,” were the beginning. All the struggles he had been through, the nowhere jobs, the rough bar gigs, and all the miles traveled with and without Ingrid and Adrian, had finally paid off. The first three singles, “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim”, “Operator (That’s Not The Way It Feels)”, and “Time In A Bottle” gained considerable airplay. They were then topped off with “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” coming out at the number four release position and shooting straight to number one for two weeks in July of 1973, with two million copies ringing up the registers. As the tours and shows began, Jim and Maury still found time to work on album number three. With another batch of Croce songs to hit the airwaves and turntables, the group showed some dynamite songwriting as Jim stayed with the music In September, on or around the twelfth, they had finished their third album, titled “I Got a Name.” With the album scheduled to be released on December 1, 1973, Jim and Maury were back on the road, both ready for a break. The college circuit was a big part of the performances and on September 20, 1973 they played a concert in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Finishing up and heading for a concert at Austin College they
went to the airport for a quick flight to Sherman, Texas. The plane took off, and in the few minutes it struggled for altitude it never reached it, bringing a very fast ending to Jim and Maurys’ lives, ending a bright and promising future for the then thirty-year-old Jim Croce and twenty four year old Maury Muehleisen. Three singles were released, one a song that Jim didn’t write, “I Got A Name,” followed by “Workin’ At The Car Wash Blues, and “I’ll Have To Say I Love You In a Song.” Three months later, “Time In A Bottle” re-emerged, gaining the number one spot after being reeased off his first album. There are many, many times throughout the history of music where artists have left too young, tragically, and not all the same. Despite this, a great body of work is left behind that we can all continue to enjoy. Jim Croce’s son Adrian is an accomplished singer/songwriter, musician, and pianist. He performs as A. J. Croce and has recorded seven albums. Jim’s wife Ingrid has a fine place to dine and see live entertainment in San Diego, California which she opened in 1985 called “Croce’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar.” In 1990, Jim Croce was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. At the present time, Rhino has digitally re-mixed and re-mastered Jim Croce’s short, but significant, body of work, three worth the time it takes to sit and listen.
ADJUNCT Continued From Page 1 that the department dropped its graduate program earlier this decade and mainly because the university is downgrading the Composition II course as a requirement for graduation. Cal U administration recently dropped Composition II as a graduation requirement because of its supposed inefficiency and allowed students to substitute other Literature courses for its requirements. “That students can take Literature in place of [Composition] 102 is a double-edged sword,” Smith said. “They learn how to analyze, but they aren’t trained
in how to write research papers, which is a problem.” Due to the dropping of the requirement and cutting faculty, it has also lead to a swelling in the number of students taking other classes. Hummel said he understood the concern some may have about the dropping of Composition II crouse as a requirement and the growing class sizes, but thought that this option was the best for the university at this time. “You’re pushed into this situation because of the business model we have to meet,” Hummel said. “But I’m a true believer in writing and I think these
changes will ultimately help more then they hurt,” Hummel said. English Professor Alan Natali is one of the department faculty feeling the affects of the cutbacks, and just not in his classrooms, but also on a personal level. “It’s happening everywhere,” Natali said. “Big state schools have always had the cash cow of offering large classes, where you might have 500 people in an auditorium and the class is taught by a graduate assistant. I understand the politics of it all and why it has to happen, but it doesn’t make it any easier that friends of mine are gone.”
Free In-State Tuition for a Semester or $2,800!!!
First Lady, Mrs. Barbara Armenti invites you to join her in supporting The Village of FPC by participating in a raffle hosted by California University Women’s Center, and the Cal U Women’s Softball and Swimming Teams. The Village provides free, safe, nurturing child care to children of single parents still pursuing their education at Cal U or elsewhere. The grand prize of the raffle is free in-state tuition for a semester or the cash equivalent. The prize is valued at $2,800. All proceeds will benefit The Village of FPC Daycare, the Women’s Center, and the Cal U Women’s Softball and Swimming Teams. The winning ticket will be drawn February 17, 2010 at halftime of the Cal U vs. IUP women’s basketball game.
Tickets prices are 1 for $2, 3 for $5, 7 for $10, and 25 for $20.
Raffle tickets can be purchased by completing the bottom portion of this form and returning it to the Women’s Center. Tickets may also be purchased at the Women’s Center between the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Thank you for your support of The Village, the Women’s Center, and the Cal U Softball and Swimming Teams. Free In-State Tuition for a Semester or $2,800!!! NAME: _________________________
PHONE: __________________________
BOX #: _________________________
EMAIL: __________________________
CIRCLE ONE: 1 ticket for $2 donation
3 tickets for $5 donation
7 tickets for $10 donation
25 tickets for $20 donation
Donation in the Amount of: _____________________________________ Checks Payable to: SAI/Women’s Center Mail completed form with payment to: California University of PA Women's Center Box #80 G45 Carter Hall 250 University Ave California, PA 15419 womenscenter@calu.edu The ticket will be completed in your name and the ticket stubs will be mailed to you.
sports
January 29, 2010
PAGE 11
Trio of baseball players earn preseason honors By Sports Information
Photo By: David Hague Sam DiMatteo (right) batted 0.405 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI for the Vulcan squad that went 32-15 last season. California opens their schedule on Feb. 6 against Tusculum University in the Catawba Invitational Tournament.
For the Cal Times The Vulcans featured three players on the American Baseball Coaches Association/Collegiate Baseball Atlantic Region preseason “watch lists,” including preseason All-American senior outfielder Sam DiMatteo. Sophomore outfielder Troy Handza was among “Players to Watch,” while freshman lefthanded pitcher Tyler Zimm was selected a “Newcomer to Watch.” DiMatteo emerged as one of the top all-around players in the nation last season, posting a .405 average with 12 doubles, two triples, 12 homers, 50 RBI, 57 runs scored and 40 steals. A two-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West FirstTeam selection, he led the league and ranked fourth in NCAA Division II in stolen bases. The former Center product enters
his senior campaign tied for fourth in school history with 20 homers and is third with 72 stolen bases. As a true freshman last season, Handza finished with a .333 average with nine doubles, three triples, two homers, 25 RBI and 43 runs. The 6-3 leadoff hitter posted 15 multi-hit games and ranked third in the PSAC with 23 steals in 2009. Zimm joins the Cal U program after helping lead Oak Hill High School in West Virginia to Class AA Region 3 title game in back-to-back years. As a senior, he posted an 8-3 mark and 0.53 ERA in 66.2 innings with 94 strikeouts. The 6-0 left-hander was a two-time, first-team allstate selection and pitched in the North-South All-Star Classic. The Vulcans will open their season in two-plus weeks at the Catwaba Invitational in Kannapolis, N.C.
Football trio receive All-American honors Women on Wednesdays
By Sports Information For the Cal Times
California University of Pennsylvania senior wide receiver AJ Jackson (Lehigh Acres, Fla./ Lehigh/Sequoias) and senior cornerback Terrence Johnson (Braddock, Pa./Woodland Hills) were selected to the 2009 D2Football.com All-America Teams on Monday evening. Jackson was named to the first team, while Johnson received second-team laurels. Senior defensive lineman Willie Walker (Aliquippa, Pa./Aliquippa) also received All-America Honorable Mention from D2Football. com. A 6-6 wide receiver, Jackson set school records and ranked among the nation’s elite with 1,424 receiving yards and 18
receiving touchdowns on 101 receptions this year. He ranked second nationally in receiving yards after posting eight 100yard games. The Florida native set a new career school record with 28 receiving touchdowns and finished fourth with 2,130 receiving yards in only two years with the program. Jackson was also named an Associated Press (AP) Second-Team AllAmerican last month. One of the most decorated defensive players in program history, Johnson ranked fifth on the team with a career-high 56 tackles (39 solo) and tied for the team lead with three interceptions (all in the post-season). In his career, he has been recognized on the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), AP, D2Football.com and Dak-
tronics All-America Teams. Earlier this month, Johnson played in the Valero Cactus Bowl, an all-star game for senior football players. Walker was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Defensive Player of the Year after posting 42 stops (24 solo) with 9.5 tackles for loss (TFL) and 4.0 sacks. A four-year starter, he finished his career as the school’s all-time leader with 31.5 TFL. Walker, a two-time national finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award, was named an AP First-Team AllAmerican last month. The PSAC featured nine players recognized by D2Football. com. The Vulcans were the only team in the 16-team league to feature multiple honorees on the All-America Teams.
Cal U invites you to our
Mock Networking Reception & Etiquette Dinner Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 Located in the Natali Performance Center 4:30-7:30 p.m. (Registration begins at 4:15 p.m.) Business dress required! (No jeans) Register at the Information Desk in the Natali Student Center by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12th, 2010 $5 deposit required - refunded after the conclusion of the event
Three reasons to attend:
1. You’ll learn practical tips to prepare you for employment interviews that take place during lunch/dinner (what to do when there are five forks, what not to order, and how not to look stupid!) 2.
You’ll have a chance to learn and practice your networking skills with companies! 3. You’ll get a four-course meal for $5 (refundable after you attend the program). For more information contact: Bridgett Nobili Career Services PH: 724-938-4826 Email: nobili@calu.edu or Nancy Skobel PH: 724-938-5857 Email: skobel@calu.edu
Each Wednesday the Women’s Center will “spotlight” a talented female who has made an impact at Cal U by sharing a commitment to issues concerning women. This new tradition will celebrate the passion, ideals, hard work and dedication of phenomenal women’s contributions. Check the Women’s Center Facebook fan page and webpage every Wednesday to learn about the women who have made a strong impact at Cal U.
Swimming team wins five events in split at Lock Haven
By Sports Information For the Cal Times
Competing for the fourth time in less than two weeks, the Vulcans split dual meets against Kutztown and Lock Haven, falling to the Golden Bears (107-95) and defeating the host Bald Eagles (129-67) on Saturday at the Zimmerli Pool. With the split, the California University of Pennsylvania swimming team moves to 4-7 in dual meets this season. Sophomore Melissa Gates (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) won a combined three events (one individual, two relay) and set the pool record in the 100 freestyle with her performance as the opening leg of the 400 freestyle relay. The Lancaster native won the 50 freestyle by almost two seconds with a NCAA Championships “A” qualifying time of 23.71 seconds. In the 400 freestyle relay,
Gates, senior Rachel Kurta (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette), freshman Kelly Geras (Reading, Pa./Muhlenberg) and graduate student Ester Bosch (Barcelona, Spain/Universidad Ramon Illull) won the event after touching the wall in 3 minutes, 37.98 seconds. Gates and Bosch teamed with freshmen Georgia Emert (Lancaster, Pa./Hempfield) and Bruna Carvalho (Para, Brazil/ Miltom Campos) to claim the victory in the 400 medley relay with a time of 4:03.40. Bosch also won the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:58.66 and Kurta earned the win in the 100 freestyle after touching the wall in 55.59 seconds Cal U returns to Hamer Hall on Friday, Jan. 29, when they open the Vulcan Dual Meet Challenge Invitational against Chatham at 5 p.m. The Vulcans will then compete against Mansfield and Lock Haven on Saturday, Jan. 30.
sports
Page 12
January 29, 2010
Women’s basketball off to hot start in PSAC West play By Alix Kunkle
Photo by: Chris Garrett Brooque Williams set the all-time steals record for California on Saturday with 363 steals, breaking Megan Stork’s record of 359, set from 2003-06.
Sports Editor Despite having a coaching rotunda that has seen three different head coaches in as many years, California has traditionally started PSAC Wet play on the winning track. Under head coach Mark Swasey, things have been no different. Swasey’s Vulcans, led by returning starters Crystal Andrews, Kayla Smith, and Brooque Williams, have started out in 3-1 in conference play heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the IUP Crimson Hawks, This is after the Vulcans 10-3 record in non-conference play. Andrews, Smith, and Williams have provided the primary spark for the Vulcans in conference play. Williams has led the team in scoring (19.5 points/game) and steals (22 steals in four games). Smith is second in scoring (14.8 points/ game) and tops on the team in rebounding (12.5 rebounds/ game). Smith also leads the team in blocks (six blocks). Andrews, third on the team in scoring (12.8 points/game) lead, is tops on the team in assists (4.8 assists/ game), as well as second on the team in free-throw shooting (80 percent). But the three have been complimented with a wealth of young starters that have contributed during conference
play. Freshman guard Stephanie Michael has provided the Vulcans with a spark from the three-point line, shooting 8-for16 (50 percent). Michael has also been the most efficient shooter on the Vulcan squad, shooting 52.6 percent from the field, tops among Vulcan starters. Redshirt sophomore Amy Johns has provided California with another body in the paint, adding 4.3 rebounds per game and five steals. The Vulcans have also seen contributions from freshman Kiara Brown (9.3 points/game) and junior Tatianna Hall (2.3 rebounds/game). The schedule makers were not kind to California, though, as California’s PSAC West schedule started with a trip to No. 4 Gannon’s Hammermill Center in Erie on Jan. 13. The Vulcans hung with the unbeaten Golden Knights through the entire team, at one point leading the Knights by seven points, before Gannon pulled away in overtime, 75-72. Brooque Williams led the Vulcans with 24 points, and Kayla Smith led with 10 rebounds. California returned home on Jan. 16 for a matchup with the Lock Haven Bald Eagles, and disposed of the Bald Eagles, 6953, led by Stephanie Michael’s four three-pointers. Williams posted her second-straight double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds (both leading the team), Kayla Smith added 14, and Michael and Kiara Brown
each added 12. The Vulcans continued their homestand on Jan. 20 as they hosted Clarion, who came in 0-2 in conference play, and continued their dominance at Hamer Hall, winning 73-53. Williams once again led the Vulcans with 19 points and Kayla Smith posted a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. The team was then met with a tough test with the Edinboro Fighting Scots, who came in 2-1 in PSAC West play and led by returning starters Kelsey Conklin and Samantha Reimer. For the third straight game, however, California was able to pull away from their opponent, winning 69-52, led by Williams’ 20 points and Smith’s 18. In the win, Brooque Williams broke the school record for all-time steals with 363, breaking Megan Stork’s record of 359. The PSAC record is held by Millersville’s Gema Robles, who had 420. Two of California’s next three games will be tests for the young squad, however. The Vulcans host the Mercyhurst Lakers on Saturday; the Lakers come in with a 3-1 record in PSAC West play and an 11-5 record on the season. After a tilt against the 3-14 Rock of Slippery Rock, California hosts Gannon on Feb. 6 in a rematch of nationally ranked opponents. All games will be broadcast live on 91.9 WCAL and replayed on tape delay on CUTV.
game at 76 with two free throws by Jerial Nixon, but they would be a moot point when Lloyd Harrison converted a threepoint shot as time ran out to give Clarion a 79-76 victory. Young led the team for the second game in a row with 16 points, and Jerial Nixon added twelve in the loss. Following the loss to Clarion, the Vulcans embarked on a trip to Edinboro to take on the 7-9
Fighting Scots. Things did not look good for the Vulcans early as they fell behind by as much as 16 in the first half, down 4027 going into the second half. However, California was able to figure out the Edinboro defense in the second half, cutting the Fighting Scots’ lead to just two points with 1:42 remaining. But Al Muteba scored five points in the final 1:30 of the game to help Edinboro pull away from
the Vulcans, 79-72. Jerial Nixon tied a career high with 24 points in the loss, and Andrew Young added 16 points, 12 of which came in the second half. The Vulcans face a tough schedule ahead, as they host 12-5 (2-2) Mercyhurst on Saturday and 12-5 (1-3) Slippery Rock on Wednesday before a rematch with the Gannon on Feb. 6.
Men’s basketball team continues on rough path in PSAC West
By Alix Kunkle Sports Editor
Despite struggling to a 13-13 record last season, Bill Brown’s Vulcans gave PSAC West opponents a tough challenge even when they did not come out on top. This year, California has done the same, but has yet to notch a conference win under their belts. The Vulcans have started out their PSAC West play 0-4, the first time in recent history that they have started out with such a record. California last started 0-3 in West play in 2004-05, when they finished with a 3-9 conference record. Cal has lost thee of the four games by an average of five points. The Vulcans have seen bright spots in their game despite their record. Junior forward Andrew Young, in his first season, has put up 15.5 points per game for the Vulcans, adding five rebounds a game. Sophomore forward Kelsey Williams is second on the team, averaging 14 points a game and 4.7 rebounds, and senior Jerial Nixon is averaging 13.3 points a game after a 24-point performance against Edinboro on Saturday. Sophomore Travon Vann has also contributed to the Vulcans’ scoring, adding 8.3 points per game and 4.8 assists per game. California’s season started
off after losing a conferenceopening matchup to the Gannon Golden Knights, 59-47. The Vulcans entered the half down by just two to the Golden Knights, 27-25, and built a five-point lead five minutes into the second half before the Knights pulled away late. The Vulcans shot just 33.3 percent from the floor in the second half after shooting 43.5 percent in the first half; the Vulcans were led by Kelsey Williams’ 17 points and Vann’s 14. The Vulcans looked to answer the loss with a win in their first home game in conference play as they hosted the Lock Haven Bald Eagles, but California came up short, falling 68-63. The Vulcans improved their shooting woes, shooting an even 50 percent from field goals, but shot just 10 percent in threepoint shots, including an 0-for-5 mark in the second half. Andrew Young had 24 points for the Vulcans in the loss, and Kelsey Williams added 14 to pace the Vulcans. The Clarion Golden Eagles were the next team to enter Hamer Hall, and the Vulcans were able to jump to a ninepoint lead at halftime, 43-34. However, the Golden Eagles stormed back, helped by a 57.2 percent shooting percentage in the second half, to amass a two-point lead with just under 20 seconds remaining. The Vulcans, however, would tie the
Photo by: Mike Thoma Travon Vann (right) puts up a shot over a Clarion player in a Jan. 20 game. Vann has been one of California’s more reliable scorers, averaging 8.3 points per game and 4.8 assists and two steals per game during PSAC West play.