Sept. 6, 2013 by Central Michigan Life

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, 2013 | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. | ISSUE NO. 6 VOL. 95

WHAT'S INSIDE STUDENT LIFE

A light in the darkness

Senior Kelly Markatos remembered by friends By Ben Solis Staff Reporter

CREDIT OR DEBIT? Students worry about overspending, avoid credit cards w 3A

UNIVERSITY

UPDATE Meixner to see ﬁnal pretrial meeting in two weeks w 3A

Q&A

The death of Holland senior Kelly Markatos rocked the Central Michigan University community, but among those who will miss her the most are her best friends and former roommates Alyssa and Jenna Szymanski. Markatos knew everything about the Szymanksi sisters: The sound their footsteps made as they walked into the West Campus Village apartment she shared with Jenna; the sound their fists made as they knocked on her door. After all, they had practically been like sisters for the past four years. If it was her walking in, Markatos always made sure they knew it, too. “If we were at the door, she’d always ask, ‘Who is it?’ even though she knew exactly which one of us was there,” said Jenna, a senior from Troy. “When she came in she’d always yell, ‘Kelly’s home!’ She just always wanted you to know that she was around. She never wanted to be alone.” w MARKATOS | 2A

Courtesy | Jenna Szymanski Students gather to honor the memory of Kelly Markatos, a Holland senior who died Tuesday morning, with a candle-lit vigil Wednesday night in front of the Bovee University Center.

WHAT’S ON HIS MIND A sitdown with Provost Gealt: CMU’s new provost talks enrollment, engaging with students and more w 5A

TONY vs. FOOD

BRING IT ON Metro Editor Tony Wittkowski is set to take on Mount Pleasant’s most fearsome food challenges w 2A

SPORTS

STAFF PREDICTIONS How will CMU fare against FCS powerhouse New Hampshire on Saturday? Our sports reporters make their picks w 4B

BOOKSTORE

Charlotte Bodak | Staff Photographer Sophomore running back Saylor Lavalli runs down the field during the CMU vs. Michigan game Aug. 31 at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor Michigan. CMU lost 59 - 9.

Home Opener: Chippewas step up to challenge Kristopher Lodes Sports Editor Football is opening Kelly/ Shorts Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday at 3 p.m. with a team full of questions. The Chippewas lost its

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The defense that gave up 59 points at No. 17 Michigan is welcoming New Hampshire, a Football Championship Subdivision team (formally known as Division 2), who is ranked No. 8 in the nation and

runs a high-tempo spread offense that puts CMU on upset alert. It’s only week two, but the Chippewas season could already be in danger. w FOOTBALL | 1B

Public transportation a roadblock in recruiting By Ryan Fitzmaurice Staff Reporter

T-SHIRT EXCHANGE Bring any non-CMU college tshirt to the CMU bookstore to receive a free CMU shirt

starting running back Zurlon Tipton for the season with a broken ankle and starting quarterback Cody Kater for 4-6 weeks with a broken clavicle, putting sophomores Alex Niznak and Saylor Lavallii in the spot light.

While Central Michigan University attempts to extend its recruiting reach farther out-of-state, the biggest headache for the university could be getting students to campus when they do. Senior Associate Director of Admissions Kevin Williams said his staff is now expanding its midwest recruiting and targeting, and beginning to recruit from states on the other end of the country including Florida, Texas and Seattle in response to declining enrollment. When reaching out to these prospective students, Williams said transportation problems have become evident. “The biggest comment I get from parents from out-of-state students is this: We think Central Michigan is a great school and a great institution, but how am I going to get my child there without buying them a car?” Williams said. Busing companies like Greyhound and Indian Trails have limited services to Central and Northern Michigan because of the lack of traffic heading

toward those areas of the state, said Denny Adams, director of public relations and marketing for the Isabella County Transportation Commission. Students who arrive at the Metro Detroit Airport only have a few options. A Greyhound bus arrives at 12:10 p.m. where it proceeds to make stops in Southfield, Ann Arbor and Jackson before transferring passengers to another bus in Lansing. The bus arrives two hours later at 7:12 p.m. in Mount Pleasant. If students miss the bus, they wait another day until the next bus arrives or rent a car.

OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS ARRIVING IN FLINT ARE JUST AS LIMITED

University officials have started to meet with ICTC, Adams said, exploring options on how to expand public transportation in Mount Pleasant. “In the case of international students, you couldn’t ask students to fly 16 hours from the other end of the earth and have to wait another 24 hours for the next bus,” Adams said. “That’s absurd.” Students in larger cities, such as Kalamazoo and Lansing, have much greater access to transportation

Katy Kildee | Assistant Photo Editor Dexter senior Sara Goble waits for her bus to arrive and take her home after class Thursday at the bus stop near Moore Hall and Bush Theatre.

services than CMU students. Without addressing transportation issues, Williams said the university will continue to face difficulties when recruiting out-of-state and international students. “We have the opportunity and potential to be one of the most successful universities in the state,” Williams said. “But this needs to be addressed first.”

CMU has been on par with similar-sized universities when it comes to attracting out-of-state students. In 2012, CMU enrolled 1,359 out-of-state students, while Western Michigan University attracted 1,282, and Eastern Michigan University only brought in 557. Among universiw PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION | 2A

News

2A | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

MARKATOS |

EVENTS CALENDAR

miss those texts so much. I feel so lonely and empty. I don’t have my other half.” The passing of Markatos has shocked and bewildered the Szymanksi sisters and Markatos’ family, especially as they wait to learn why she died. The Mount Pleasant Police Department has yet to release an exact cause of death. For the moment, however, Alyssa and Jenna are remembering the good times they had with Markatos. Kelly had met Alyssa first, in one of their shared business courses. Markatos initially wanted to go the route of management but quickly found that she hated it, Alyssa said. “Public relations was more of her passion,” Alyssa said. “She loved it. She’d always come up to us and ask us to look at her projects. She was always so proud of them.” This summer, Markatos joined Alyssa in East Hampton, N.Y., while the eldest Szymanski sister worked an internship. Markatos had just finished an internship of her own. “She’s going to leave a big hole in people’s hearts,” said Jean Szymanski, Jenna and Alyssa’s mother, who was at their apartment Thursday night helping her daughters through the difficult time. Visitation and funeral arrangements for Markatos are scheduled for 3-9 p.m., today and 11 a.m. Saturday. Both the visitation and funeral service are scheduled to take place at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, located at 315 E. 16th St., Holland, Mich. Markatos will be buried at Lakeshore Cemetery. Donations in Markatos’ memory can be made to the Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity.

CONTINUED FROM 1A

TODAY

Markatos, a 22-year-old public relations major, died Tuesday morning after being found unresponsive by her roommates. Her parents, John and Lori Markatos, remembered her as “a princess and an angel.” According to an obituary issued by the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and published by the Holland Sentinel. Since Tuesday, an outpouring of condolences has come from just about everywhere — from those who cared for her like a sister, to the ones who said they were just fortunate enough to meet her once. Markatos touched all of them, whether she knew it or not. At her vigil, which was organized Wednesday evening outside the Bovee University Center, nearly 75 CMU students, faculty, friends and complete strangers lit candles in her honor. It was a living testament to the radiant personality Markatos had shined on all of them with open arms and a beaming smile. “She was always upbeat, and so bubbly,” Alyssa said. “She was so generous, too. She’d give you her last penny. She had the biggest smile with the brightest white teeth.” The apartment she leaves behind has become a beacon of support, the interior decorated with homemade cards, bouquets of flowers and food items dropped off by neighbors and loved ones. For the Szymanski sisters, being at the apartment is like reliving a nightmare. “We had the kind of friendship where we had been together every single day at school,” Alyssa said, weeping between words. “She used to send me text messages every morning. I

w GTA: Active Learning Design and Deliver A discussion on the predominate nature of lecture in higher education, and exploring how to increase active learning in classrooms. w Park 413 Open House The Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching, Center for Instructional Design, Media Production, and LMS Instructional Support Team invite faculty, administrators and graduate teaching assistants to a Welcome Back Open-House on Friday. Guests will have the opportunity to network and to learn about exciting new initiatives and on-going programs.

TOMORROW w The Central Michigan football team will take on FCS power New Hampshire at 3 p.m. at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

CORRECTIONS

Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting. It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2013 Volume 95, Number 6

gains. How do we bus service? How do we get train service?” Knight said. “There’s been some research this summer about how easy it is to get from Mount Pleasant to Lansing, and then catch a train to Chicago. There are more ways than what many students realize to catch those connectors to get where they want to go…depending on how early you get your tickets and know where you’re going to travel, it can be incredibly reasonable.” Late in the spring semester, CMU forged a deal with Indian Trails to pick up students at the Event Center to transport them to Lansing, an increasingly popular airport destination for students because of it’s cheaper pricing. The trip that begins at 1:30p.m., only takes 90 minutes to get to Lansing. The deal was made after university officials witnessed students dragging their luggage through Broomfield and

The office of international affairs hires students every year to pick up incoming international students at the Lansing airport, but Williams said such a solution would not be feasible as a universitywide initiative. Sherry Knight, associate vice president of University Communications, said the University is beginning to specifically look into the availability of public transportation in and out of the state. “(Transportation) is an issue, that’s why we are making

This will happen once a week, where I, along with a camera man, will take you behind-the-scenes to see how these food concoctions are constructed and when it started. I haven’t decided whether to put a warning label on the video or not. Following the video will be a column for those of you who don’t like watching a 155-pound man eating 10 pounds of food. All joking aside, I can’t wait. Can you? Have a food challenge you’d like to see me complete? Email me at metro@cm-life.com.

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Pay attention, everybody. You might get to see me vomit on camera one day in the near future. All my life I have eaten too much food. So much, in fact that family members and close friends have had to tell strangers that “it all goes to his feet.” And to be honest, what I have planned couldn’t be a more perfect fit to someone’s talents than if Miley Cyrus was asked to do a bad impersonation of Madonna. The series we have coming up is called Tony vs. Food. The series will feature me completing food challenges

from various restaurants around the Mount Pleasant area. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not walking into something I can’t handle. I’ve learned a few things over my years: Breathe through your nose so you don’t stop eating in search of the bottom of the dish. Tap your foot repeatedly to burn calories as you take more in. I’m living every child’s dream of doing what I do best: writing and eating. I plan on tackling some of the more infamous Mount Pleasant challenges, which include Dog Central’s hot dog eating challenge and The Grotto’s mammoth of a pizza.

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EASANT

By Tony Wittkowski Metro Editor

across S. Mission Street to get picked up at the back of the Shell gas station located at 1911 S Mission St. More convenient arraignments for transporting students to Metro Detroit or Flint have yet to be established. ICTC is also planning to expand their services out of county beginning January. New routes, designed to transport medical patients to medical facilities in the Saginaw Bay region, will also be able to pick up students. The routes will transport passengers through Arenac, Gladwin, Roscommon, Clare, and Isabella counties, among others. CMU aims to establish a charter bus station within the community, Williams said, but there is no timeline or specific budget. “We need to, as an institution, increase our accessibility,” Williams said. “We need a nice clean safe location. We have a ™ responsibility of establishing a bus station in town.”

CONTINUED FROM 1A

INITIAL STEPS TOWARD SOLVING THE PROBLEM

THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL (OR REALLY, REALLY GROSS)

metro@cm-life.com

TRANSPORTATION | ties recruiting international students, Central Michigan places towards the bottom. CMU enrolled 562 international students last year, while Western Michigan brought in 1,575. Eastern Michigan ranked below us with only 403 international students.

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Inside Life cm-life.com

LIFE IN BRIEF CONCERT

BIG SEAN TICKET BLITZ A SUCCESS A one-day ticket sale special for the Oct. 11 Big Sean concert was held yesterday for students. According Big Sean to Director of Student Activities and Involvement Damon Brown, the deal was buy one ticket at regular price, receive the second $5 off. A six-ticket maximum purchasing limit was enforced. Student prices were $25 for floor and $20 for bleacher seats. Prices for the general public were $35 and $25, respectively. Brown said the Ticket Blitz offer was a huge success, selling more than 1,000 tickets. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and Travis Porter opens the show. -AdrianaCotero,SeniorReporter

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

NOVELIST SIGNING BOOK IN MOUNT PLEASANT THIS WEEKEND Novelist Jack Westbrook will host book signings this weekend in downtown Mount Pleasant. The signings will take place at the Book Garden, 114 S. Main St., Friday at 3 p.m. and at the Book Shelf, 1014 S. Mission St., Saturday at 1 p.m. Westbrook is premiering his ﬁrst ﬁction novel, “Kaisa.” Kaisa follows the story of two women, each from a separate generation, as they travel throughout Michigan in times of great change. Major events in the book include the Italian Hall Tragedy of 1913 and the founding of Holland’s Tulip Festival. -Megan Pacer, Senior Reporter

UNIVERSITY

Professor’s Students worry about overspending, avoid credit cards ﬁnal pretrial meeting in two weeks By Adrian Hedden Staff Reporter

Magdalena Lopez avoids incurring debt at all costs. The New Buffalo junior prefers using a debit card for just that reason. Along with many Central Michigan University students, Lopez uses a card that withdraws money from her bank account directly, rather than creating more bills for her to wade through later. “I know how much money is there,” Lopez said of her debit card. “It’s easier to swipe and go. Credit is just another bill.” Debit cards provide greater ease for Lopez and her peers to set better limits and spend wisely. Although credit cards can be helpful in taking out loans and allowing transactions to be adjusted before payment is received from a provider, they can leave students overwhelmed by larger bills and greater freedom to spend. Lopez said she enjoys the use of overdraft protection alerts, which let her know when her balance is getting low. When her money runs out, the card will simply not work. “You can get carried away with big expenses, so it’s good to have

that protection,” Lopez said. “Growing up, my dad was in business and he always said to just avoid credit.” She said credit will become more of a reality as she gets older, and is looking forward to building up her own credit within the next five years. “(Credit) is not something you can avoid forever,” Lopez said. “You want to build that credit up eventually. My parents think I’m just going to swipe away, but if you’re careful, it can be pretty helpful.” But to Mark Millard, a 19-yearold sophomore from Gaylord, credit cards can pose a danger when young

people engage in frivolous spending and open up multiple cards and accounts to continue spending recklessly. “I know a lot of people who take out way too much credit,” he said. “They spend way too much. My parents wouldn’t trust me, and I don’t blame them.” Millard said he prefers his debit card for the easier transfers and because he doesn’t have to keep track of a credit score. He said the electronic payments make it easier to spend money, and he often spends more than if he used cash. Just beginning her studies at

w CREDIT CARDS | 6A

Katy Kildee | Assistant Photo Editor

Mount Pleasant’s most popular and well-known club, Wayside Central, will host two events this weekend. The ﬁrst event, called Slower Donkeys, will take place Friday and is a take-oﬀ on the Faster Horses country music festival that took place over the summer. “It is a country music festival,” Wayside owner John Hunter said. “It will feature local acts, as well as national touring acts.” The event will feature a variety of attractions in addition to country music, including a 10,000-squarefoot outdoor beer tent, a mechanical bull and several country bands. Hunter said the event Saturday is the area’s largest Battle of the Bands. “Fifteen bands will compete on Saturday, in 45-minute sets from 4 p.m. to midnight,” he said. The event will take place in a tailgate tent in the parking lot of Wayside. -Andrea Peck, Senior Reporter

Balancing Act

Photo illustration

WAYSIDE CENTRAL TO HOST TWO EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

new Saginaw surgical agreement to bring $5 million annual boost for cmed program By Adrian Hedden Staff Reporter

The Central Michigan University College of Medicine announced an agreement last week with Midwestern Surgical Associates to bring in nine surgeons, along with their patients, to teach as full-time instructors. The agreement will bring $5 million per year to the department of surgical disciplines in payments to the added practices, according to CMED founding Dean Ernest Yoder. “You can’t just run a medical school on tuition,” he said. “Clinical accreditation requires a diversity of revenue.” Adding to the oﬀerings at CMED’s Saginaw branch, for third-and fourth-year students, the addition will increase student access to a wider variety of patients and environments as they learn to work in under-served areas of Michigan. It will also grow Saginaw’s revenue by about 40 percent, Yoder said. “You can’t accredit and educate in a small community hospital,” he said. “You need access to a variety of patients and physicians.”

Yoder said the physicians will continue to serve their practices in Saginaw at Covenant Healthcare and St. Mary’s of Michigan, both CMED partners, in Saginaw. “They had their own practices and will continue to,” he said. “We plan to continue working at both hospitals. We need to make sure we have stability in our faculty and the right doctors with access to the right patients.” The agreement went into eﬀect on Aug. 26, and CMED students are already excited that their chosen paths might be bolstered by greater access. CMED student Kush Sharma said, “It’s deﬁnitely clinical, the more exposure we get, the better the program. They tell us that when we get to the third and fourth year, we’ll be pretty well prepared to work with patients.” Sharma also looks forward to working with the experienced physicians in the classroom and at clinical sites. “It’s pretty interesting,” she said. “You’re dealing with brilliant physicians, more opportunities and more exposure. It’s something to look forward to.” According to Anthony Senagore,

chair of surgical disciplines at CMED, the need for full-time instructors at the college could not have been met through partnering with private practices. He said the instructors are working currently to develop curriculum and rotation schedule in preparation for the incoming students in 2015. “There are expectations for fulltime instructors that cannot be burdened on private practices,” Senagore said. “It was a merger and an acquisition of assets. We would operate like any multi-specialty practice.” Senagore said appointments are currently available at the Department of Surgery, and the physicians are committed to serving CMED’s students. “They’re a well-known group in the area,” he said of Midwestern Surgical Associates. “It just became a good ﬁt for both groups. They felt becoming full time would ﬁt with their career paths, as well.” university@cm-life.com

Superman and Batman to battle in Detroit By Ben Solis Staff Reporter

“Kaisa” By: Jack Westbrook

The mother of all superhero battles is set to take place in Detroit and surrounding cities during the first three months of 2014, with a projected 2015 release. The Michigan Film Office announced it has approved $35 million in tax incentives for the upcoming and untitled Superman vs. Batman movie. The highly-anticipated Warner Bros. film is predicted to spend $131 million in-state and plans to hire 406 workers for an estimated 426 new jobs, according to a news release issued by the MFO. In addition, 500 local vendors will be used throughout the production and $5.1 million will be spent in Michigan hotels. A direct sequel to 2013’s “Man of Steel,” the movie stars English actor Henry Cavill as Superman and has added Academy Award-winner Ben Affleck to the fray as a new interpretation on the Dark Knight. For the film office, which acts as the cinematic arm of the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, hosting the mythic melee between two larger-than-life characters is just another shot in the arm for the state’s struggling economy and the optics of a city like Detroit. “This will be a revival of Hollywood taking interest in the state,” said Michelle Begnoche, public relations manager for the MFO. “(Filming here)

certainly sends a strong signal about Michigan as a film-making state. It’s a huge vote of confidence from Hollywood.” The film is directed and co-written by Ben Affleck Zack Snyder of “300” and “Watchmen.” In the MFO-issued release, Snyder said filming in Detroit, blemishes and all, will be a uniquely American experience. “Detroit is a great example of a quintessential American city, and I know it will make the perfect backdrop for our movie,” Snyder said. The “Man of Steel” sequel is not alone in trying to rebrand Detroit as a cinematographic location. This year, the fourth installment of the “Transformers” franchise filmed in the city, as did actor-director Ryan Gosling’s “How To Catch A Monster.” In 2011, the Wizard of Oz prequel “Oz: The Great and Powerful” filmed in Pontiac. According to Jack Horner, feature films press coordinator for Warner Bros., casting for extras and standins will begin during the fall months through the MFO and other casting organizations. Many fan sites predict that Detroit

will be the set piece for Gotham City, as the city’s long and unfortunate history of crime and corruption parallels the Motor City in various ways. Opinions on Henry Cavill whether the portrayal will be positive or negative have been mixed, as are student opinions on whether the film can help save Detroit amid its bankruptcy woes. “This is huge for the city,” said Derek Cuddy, a Grosse Ile freshman. “Detroit needs as much money as it can get. It’ll bring in money, but stars too, and people will want to come here just to meet or see them.” Novi freshman DaRon Turner, who grew up in Detroit, said the only thing this film can ease is the nation’s perception of the city, not its financial burden. However, Abigail Matthews was less optimistic. “Detroit is done for,” the Oak Park freshman said. “I know that sounds terrible. You can try and bring in money and it might help a little, but it’s better if the city is just done for.”

Meixner faces trial on charge of disturbing the peace in Mecosta County By Adrian Hedden Staff Reporter

Central Michigan University professor John Meixner was in court Wednesday for a pretrial meeting on a charge of disturbing the peace at the Mecosta County Agricultural Free Fair in July. Meixner was arrested Aug. 7 and arraigned at Mecosta County’s 77th District Court nearly a month later after allegedly taking photographs of young girls from the waist down. Defense Attorney Daniel O’Neal said both sides discussed the evidence at Wednesday’s hearing, and that the defense will John Meixner be seeking pretrial motions to dismiss the case and suppress evidence. “This professor has never been charged before,” O’Neal said. “I don’t think he did anything wrong. We’ll ask if there is any wrongdoing in taking pictures in public.” A final pretrial meeting will be held in a couple of weeks, O’Neal said. Although the court has set a trial date in November, O’Neal was doubtful if that date will be honored. O’Neil said a trial would normally begin by the end of the year. “Sometimes they schedule things ahead of time to keep cases moving along,” he said. “It’s far too soon to know if that will happen.” The motion to dismiss will question whether or not a crime was committed as Meixner took photographs on public property. The other motion to suppress evidence stems from the manner in which Mecosta Sheriff ’s Department obtained the photographs as evidence. O’Neal said officers may have acted improperly when seizing Meixner’s camera. “They just grabbed his camera,” O’Neal said. “Officers took his camera and started going through the photos.” Several factors including Meixner’s reputation, the cost of a trial and its publicity were discussed at the pretrial conference, O’Neal said. “(Disturbing the peace) is a very minor offense,” he said. “It’ll be a tough decision to go to trial. I see a slim likelihood of a conviction.” If convicted on the misdemeanor of disturbing the peace, Meixner could face up to 93 days in jail, serve probation or community service. Mecosta County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brian Thiede was unable to be reached in time for publication. From court documents shared with Central Michigan Life, the pictures Meixner took appeared to be “centered mostly on the buttocks and thigh area” of young girls and adult women. Photos recovered by police did not include any faces, and the subjects were fully clothed. According to the incident report, Sgt. Michael Mohr was called down to the fair with another on-duty officer to respond to reports of a suspicious individual at the fair. Mohr said he first noticed Meixner near the Tilt-A-Whirl with a camera and watched him for close to 30 seconds. In the report, Mohr made a note that during that time when people continued to walk by him, “the subject only picked up his camera and took pictures when it was a very young child that walked by.” Meixner has been teaching classes at CMU for the past two weeks, since the start of the new school year. metro@cm-life.com

metro@cm-life.com

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EDITORIAL |

Obama, U.S. in no-win situation in Syria

Intervention offers few rewards

resident Barack Obama’s “red line” in regards to chemical weapons use in Syria has been crossed, and the United States has been backed into a corner with no easy solution. About two years ago, when the brutal civil war between the Syrian government and rebel forces was just beginning, Obama rejected calls for U.S. intervention unless Syrian President Bashar al-Assad approved the use of chemical weapons against his own people. That’s apparently what happened on Aug. 21, when the Syrian government, according to U.S. and British intelligence investigations, used deadly sarin gas in a suburb of Damascus, the nation’s capital. Obama’s “red line” rhetoric has seemingly pushed the U.S. to the brink of military action, and the American public, fed up with more than a decade of war in the Middle East, is not too happy about it. A Washington

Post/ABC News poll conducted late last week found just 36 percent of Americans support military action in Syria, while 59 percent oppose it. It’s a tough sell for Obama, who has seen his popularity decline over the past several months, so perhaps it’s no wonder why he decided to ask a laughably unpopular Congress for approval before launching air strikes on the Syrian regime. While it is refreshing to see a president, especially one who ran on reining in presidential power, seek congressional approval before a military strike, even this move might backfire on the president and the U.S. In the GOP-led House, most liberal Democrats and libertarian-leaning Republicans are staunchly opposed

to any sort of military action in Syria, making approval look highly unlikely at best or like a lost cause at worst. That leaves Obama and the U.S. in an unenviable position. On one hand, doing nothing risks ruining America’s reputation abroad. Nations such as Iran and North Korea, not to mention Syria itself, might feel emboldened to ignore the U.S.’ warnings against the use of chemical weapons or the construction of nuclear weapons. That, in turn, could lure the U.S. into future conflicts with those nations. It also risks making America look untrustworthy to its allies and would entangle the nation in yet another war, this time with very little help. On the other hand, striking Syria without congressional approval would make Obama look like a liar and a hypocrite, risking revolt in Congress, even among his fellow Democrats, and further trouble in advancing any sort of legislation or avoiding potential budget battles. And even if the president somehow

got the go-ahead from Congress, the U.S. stands little to gain from intervention. While America would send a message against the use of chemical weapons, what else would it accomplish? Most experts have said limited air strikes would do nothing to get Assad out of power, and it might actually complicate things for the rebels. Not only that, but the U.S. would put further strains on its relationships with Russia and China, both of which have come out against any military strikes. While wild predictions of a World War III scenario breaking loose are absurd, the last things America needs in foreign relations right now are increasingly leery relationships with nations already suspicious of it. This is an incredibly complex situation, and there are no easy answers or ideal solutions. But it would be wise to avoid conflict, especially since there is no direct threat to the United States. As students who have grown up in an America in a state of nearperpetual war, we have grown sick of constantly engaging ourselves militarily overseas. And since the U.S. has little to gain and a lot to lose, there should be no reason for Obama and others to aggressively push for yet another conflict.

CARTOON- CARTER

STUDENT FACES

Why I’m quitting tobacco Before joining the student ranks at Central Michigan University, I prepared for years of intense study and responsibility by cutting out some bad habits. Although quitting Mountain Dew was tough, and replacing it with bottled water was annoying, no addiction was harder to suppress than the dreaded “cancer sticks.” After three months of night sweats, chewed fingernails and insomnia, I was finally able to say I had etched the dirty habit of smoking out of my lifestyle. With fresh lungs, and even fresher breath, my future stood before me with optimism at what I might be able to achieve if I could topple the evils of nicotine. Then the stress kicked in. It’s a common excuse that smokers have created over the years to explain their dangerous behavior. Smoking can often give people something to fiddle with, to be absent-minded when such hedonism seems impossible. Transitioning to the sleepy roads of Mount Pleasant and losing contact with my closest friends and hometown was just too much for me to continue to deny such delusions of relaxation. So after one quarter of a year, proud to be smoke free, I began to puff once again. Entering classes, proud and excited to be a student at this university, I have suffered even more stress at the knowledge that everyone can smell me. As I eagerly pace the sidewalks and grassy courtyards of CMU’s scenic campus, I come up short for air — coughing and wheezing after just minutes. Students gawk at me, some covering their faces so as not to breathe in my noxious fumes. Working in close quarters with my new bosses and coworkers at Central Michigan

Get to know Brighton senior Emily Huckabone

Adrian Hedden

Emily Huckabone is a Brighton senior majoring in marketing.

Life, I can’t help but believe they can smell me, too. For the final time in this issue, I am declaring that I am quitting tobacco. In this dawning of my new life at CMU, there is no room for the expensive and ugly habit. I don’t know if I will be smokefree tomorrow, or even next week. But I will try. Amid the anxiety of my new setting, and the stress of a more challenging workload, I will work unflinching to finally say goodbye to my cigarettes. I owe it to my new friends.

News 24/7

For the love of God, show up to the game As a football fan, I’ve never been happier that I chose to come to Central Michigan University. No, it’s never fun to see your team lose 59-9 to an elite team on the road, and yes, our student body could be a bit more fired up about going to games. At least we don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to see the Chippewas take the field here. Students here largely don’t appreciate how lucky they have it when it comes to football. We won’t be competing for a national title anytime soon, but we have the chance to watch Division 1 football for free five to seven times each year at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, one of the nicer stadiums of its size. The product might not be the absolute best, and with running back Zurlon Tipton and quarterback Cody Kater out for weeks, it might be a rough few weeks for CMU. But I’ll never understand for the life of me why so few students care to show up. What else do you have to do on a Saturday afternoon that costs you absolutely nothing? Compare that to Michigan, Michigan State or other, similar schools. Students at these schools must fork out hundreds of dollars each year for the chance to watch their teams play. Their programs admittedly are much more prestigious but most students don’t have hundreds of dollars to just throw away. They go because they care. They fill their student sections (and don’t leave at halftime), and because of that, their teams feed off the energy of the crowd. CMU students can do the same thing. Except for free. College students love free things, right? Even if you’re frustrated with the team, show up to the game Saturday. Bring a friend or two. Enjoy yourself. Cheer on your team. Who knows? Maybe the energy of the student section will lift the team to a tough victory this weekend against a very good New Hampshire team. Perhaps a potential recruit will see that energy and think to himself, “This might be a fun place to play in college.” So, show up. The future of your team (partially) depends on it.

Central Michigan Life EDITORIAL Catey Traylor, Editor-in-Chief John Irwin, Managing Editor Samantha Smallish, Student Life Editor Tony Wittkowski, Metro Editor Kristopher Lodes, Sports Editor Ben Solis, Copy Editor

Emily Huckabone: Well, everyone says I’m tall...I don’t see it, though (Huckabone is 6”1’). But I would also add stubborn and sarcastic.

Taylor Ballek, Photo Editor Katy Kildee, Assistant Photo Editor Mariah Prowoznik, Lead Designer Luke Roguska, Page Designer

What’s the best part about being a Chippewa?

Kayla Folino, Page Designer Austin Stowe, Multimedia Editor

EH: The sense of community on campus.

James Wilson, Social Media Coordinator Nick Dobson, Online Coordinator

Who is your role model? EH: My mom, because she is always supportive and there when I need her. What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten? EH: Have confidence and don’t concentrate on what other people think of you.

ADVERTISING MANAGERS Julie Bushart

EH: I would buy the CM-Life staff a round of shots. Emily’s 21st birthday is Monday, so she can make that happen. Happy early birthday, Emily!

@cmlife E-mail | editor@cm-life.com Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 989.774.LIFE cm-life.com

Daniel Haremski Gabriella Hoffman PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER Kaitlyn Blaszczyk PROFESSIONAL STAFF Rox Ann Petoskey

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Production Leader

Want to be featured in the next Student Faces? Or know someone who should be? Let us know! studentlife@cm-life.com

CM Life

Managing Editor

Kyle Kaminski, University Editor

CM Life: Describe yourself in three words

Staff Reporter

John Irwin

Kathy Simon Assistant Director of Student Publications Dave Clark Director of Student Publications

Central Michigan Life welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Only correspondence that includes a signature (email excluded), address and phone number will be considered. Do not include attached documents via email. Letters should be no longer than 300 words and commentary should not exceed 500 words. All submissions are subject to editing and may be published in print or on cm-life.com in the order they are received.

News

Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | 5A

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

Arin Bisaro | Staff Photographer

Panoramic view of inside Pixie Restaurant at 302 N Mission St.

Pixie Restaurant gives students a taste of the ‘50s By Erica Wilson Staff Reporter

Though the 1950s are long gone, one Mount Pleasant restaurant is keeping the atmosphere

alive – and they deliver. Pixie restaurant, 302 N. Mission St., is a blast from the past from the inside out. Neon signs, Elvis cut-outs, an old jukebox and checkered tile help to encapsulate the theme. Pixie employees also make the food easy to get, as they deliver to residence halls and the local Mount Pleasant area. Dewitt sophomore Sam Larkins loves how Pixie has incorporated the burgerto-go. “I love that it is a burger joint that delivers burgers and milkshakes,” Larkins said.

Megan Kehoe, manager at Pixie, said the restaurant holds a perfect atmosphere for CMU students to go hang out and enjoy their “Hound Dog” Value Meal. The meal includes two of their famous coney dogs along with a side of fries and a drink. Kehoe said the coney sauce is what started Pixie in the ﬁrst place. “Pixie was opened by Norman LaBelle in 1948,” Kehoe said. “His wife had a coney sauce that everyone loved, so they changed their used car lot into Pixie

Mount Pleasant residents deliberate proposed Washington Street lighting By Wyatt Bush Senior Reporter

South Washington Street might soon get some new pedestrian lighting, much to the relief of residents on the street. The Mount Pleasant City Commission voted Aug. 26 to approve two separate resolutions regarding the potential lighting. The commission will hold an additional public hearing regarding the lights in the future. “They will be putting up lighting that is similar, if not the same to the blue decorative lighting in the downtown Main Street section (of town),” commissioner Nancy English said. Discussions that night were relatively brief, as commissioners unanimously approved resolutions three and four, regarding new pedestrian lighting. “The redrafted resolution, if approved, accepts a plan to install decorative pedestrian light-

“The redrafted resolution, if approved, accepts a plan to install decorative pedestrian lighting on all three blocks of South Washington.” Kathie Grinzinger, City Manager ing on all three blocks of South Washington,” City Manager Kathie Grinzinger said. “From Bellows Street to High Street, on the west side of that street, with the city of Mount Pleasant contributing 30 percent of the cost of the ($150,000) project.” Resolution four accepted the special assessment roll that distributed the remaining 70 percent of the project’s costs among the property owners, while setting a date for the roll. Grinzinger said the city wanted an additional opportunity for everyone aﬀected by the new lighting district to voice their opinions. This would

mark the third public hearing in total throughout the lengthy special assessment process. English said the process started months ago when the city responded to a petition to install lighting in the 800, 900 and 1000 blocks of Washington Street, which 84 percent of the area’s property owners had signed. Although the city had authorized funds to expand lighting in 2015, homeowners evidently did not wish to wait. metro@cm-life.com

VP Burdette to retire Sept. 30, two ﬁnalists named in search for replacement By Ben Solis Staff Reporter

Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services David Burdette could be playing golf right now as a retired man. As Central Michigan University’s money man was making moves in the spring to end his employment July 31, a call came down from University President George Ross inquiring whether Burdette would stay on for two more months. After ﬁve years of service to CMU, Burdette couldn’t say no. “There were a couple of reasons why President Ross asked me to stay, and one of them was that he knew the search for my replacement would take a little longer than expected,” Burdette said. “The other was to make sure the budget was completed, which it has

David Burdette

been. I said yes (to staying on) because I care about CMU.” Burdette’s new effective retirement date is set at Sept. 30. With that date inching closer, two finalists have been named in the search and will be given on-campus interviews. The first is Barrie Wilkes, CMU’s associate vice president of financial services and reporting. The second is Sue

Fuciarelli, vice president of ﬁnance and administration at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. In addition to the interviews, open forums with Wilkes and Fuciarelli are scheduled for 4-4:55 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 and for 4-4:55 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, respectively. The forums will be presented in the Bovee University Center auditorium and are open to the public. Both Felton and committee co-chair Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, do not have a clear date set for when either candidate will be named as Burdette’s successor. Check cm-life.com for more on Burdette and the search for his replacement. university@cm-life.com

Inv nvIItat tatIIon to Worsh orshIIp DIRECTORY OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Sacred Heart Parish

302 S. Kinney Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: (989) 772-1385 Mass Times: Sat. 5:00 pm, Sun. 9:00 am and 11:00 a.m. www.sha.net

Mt. Pleasant Seventh-day Adventist 1730 East Pickard Ave. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: (989) 773-3231 Service Times: Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. Saturday Divine Worship 11 a.m. Saturday Fellowship Luncheon 1 p.m. Saturday www.mtpleasantsda.org

Central Baptist Church

1101 W. Broadway Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Dr. Gordon Rydman & Alan Rydman, Co-Pastors Phone: (989) 773-6392 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Evening: 7 p.m. Students Welcome centraltruth.net

Christ The King Lutheran Chapel 1401 S. Washington Street Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Phone: (989) 773-5050 Sunday Service: 11:45 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. www.zionchristtheking.com

JOIN OUR DIRECTORY LISTING!

For more information, Contact Katie Jazek @ 774-3493

and it was a hit.” Pixie was the ﬁrst drivein restaurant in Mount Pleasant and was complete with car-hop waitresses and inexpensive food. It quickly became a popular restaurant as CMU grew throughout the years. Midland sophomore Katie Schnurr remembers going to the restaurant after sporting events with her team, where they would all grab Pixy Stix for the road. “I like the fact that they have Pixy Stix, and you can take as many as you want,” Schnurr said. “I

remember grabbing a ton for the ride home and my whole team was hopped up on sugar; it was so fun.” Nearly 60 years after opening, Pixie is still the destination for students to go and grab a bite to eat. Lansing sophomore Harleigh Putmon said it is her favorite restaurant, largely due to its proximity to campus. “The slushies are traditional slushies (and) way better than the kind from a gas station,” Putmon said. “I also like looking at

all the plaques on the wall that say who has finished the challenge, which is eating six coneys or 10 Bitties (small hamburgers) in one hour.” Students who are interested in Pixie’s atmosphere can check out the restaurant from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays. Have an idea for next week’s Business of the Week? Email us at metro@cm-life.com!

6A | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

News

Art Walk Central attracts outside attention By Amanda Brancecum Staff Reporter

Winners for a familiar Mount Pleasant art contest have been announced, and a Central Michigan University graduate is in the mix Artists from all over Michigan and neighboring states submitted their work to compete for various prizes in Art Walk Central, showcased last month throughout the city at 28 venues, including at parks and the town center. “Art Walk Central is an event put together inspired by Art Prize in Grand Rapids,” Kathy Hill, Art Reach Center executive director said. “Being an arts organization, this gives us an opportunity to serve the artistic community by giving them a venue to display their work.” Prize money was awarded to the top three winners in four categories: the Adult Judges award, the Adult People’s Choice award, the Youth Judges award and the Youth People’s Choice award. The different venues allowed people to walk around Mount Pleasant and vote for their favorite pieces online. According to Hill, about 2,000

votes were cast for the People’s Choice Award. Each artist is allowed one submission, but some entries consisted of several pieces. Two judges went around to the venues to judge the artwork presented for the judge’s awards, while more than 2,000 votes were cast online for the people’s choice awards. Central Michigan University graduate Brett Sauve took home the $5,000-prize after winning the Adult Judge’s Award. “Everybody’s artwork is really good for its own reason,” the Midland native said. “My artwork is just a way of expressing my emotions and getting something out.” Sauve liked the idea of winning an art prize in the town that molded him. After graduating last May with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts, Sauve submitted three ceramic heads into the contest. Originally, the heads were created for an advanced ceramics class he took in his last semester of college. With each head taking around a week to create, the recent graduate doesn’t mind spending time in the studio. “It’s raw emotion and things that were happening in my life,” Sauve said. “It was a way of expressing the feelings that I felt while those

events were occurring.” Second place in the Adult Judge category went to Amanda Cruickshank, a Lake Linden resident who graduated from Alma College two years ago. “When I graduated college, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a fine artist anymore or what my calling was or my identity as an artist,” Cruickshank said. “When I started to pursue Art Walk, a couple of things happened. I became more Kathy Hill | Courtesy comfortArt and Design Faculty Tybre Newcomer takes a tour group able with around Art Walk Central. Featured is a sculpture called Visual the idea that Rhythm by Robert Barnum. I’m a semisuccessful them. They tend to choose more fine artisan and that I also could practical roles,” Cruickshank be a graphic designer at the same said. “I really was pleased to be time.” part of Art Walk Central, and it The Alma graduate collected means a great deal to me because the $3,000-prize after entering a digital photograph into the con- of all the struggles I’ve had to go through as a first-generation test. She drew the photo on a student.” computer using a tablet she Hill said the competition has a hooked up to her computer. significant economic impact on Cruickshank said she the city. has created some illus“It serves as an economic trations for a children’s driver,” Hill said. “At our event book along the same last year in 2012, we estimated lines as the photo she that with the number of people created for Art Walk that voted and the number of Central. people that came to Mount Pleas“I was a first-genant, it has had about a $1-mileration college stulion economic impact on Mount dent. You don’t get a lot of first-generation Pleasant.” students in any kind of art program, art, metro@cm-life.com music, theater any of

Credit cards | continued from 3A CMU, Rochester freshman Danielle Blessing finds the debit card she began using a few weeks ago provides greater ease with instant withdrawals. However, she worries that credit cards might be too much for her to worry about as a student. “Debit is easier,” she said. “When you need money, it’s instant. I might get a credit card in the future, but for now I don’t want to deal with bills. It’s too complicated while I’m in school.” Rachel Schumaker also predicts credit will become important to her in the future and that a credit card is inevitable. The Hopkins freshman expects to

build her credit score to be able to borrow from the banks when making large, necessary purchases. “We will definitely need to take out loans for cars and houses in the future,” she said. “You’ve got to get some good credit, but you can get irresponsible.” A recent survey from PR Newswire, a press release distribution service, estimated that one in four college students leave school with up to $5,000 in credit card debt. An article released by CMU’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid cautions students about using money they don’t really have. The article found that building good credit is possible if students are careful and offers the following advice: “Be careful with credit cards. If you don’t have the cash for a purchase, you probably can’t afford it. However, if you have a reasonable budget for personal expenditures and can pay off your credit card in full each month, you will be building good credit for your future.” metro@cm-life.com

Sports cm-life.com

Women’s Soccer

West coast minus pair of senior leaders

fridAY, SePt. 6, 2013 | mount PLeASAnt, micH. | iSSue no. 6 VoL. 95 »PAGE 2B Aaron McMann

Staff Reporter

Injuries a turning point for CMU Alex Niznak wasn’t joking last week when he said he was one play away from getting into the football game. At the time, he told me he didn’t consider himself the No. 2 quarterback. One week and a game later, after starting quarterback Cody Kater was sidelined with a broken clavicle, Niznak now finds himself as the outright starter. This time with more pressure and responsibility. Mix in the broken ankle of senior tailback Zurlon Tipton also suffered in Saturday’s game, arguably a bigger blow to an offense that was going to heavily rely on its running game, and you have a recipe for disaster. Instantly, a team that had a chance to make moves and surprise some people in the Mid-American Conference is now down its two major offensive pieces. Pieces that had different goals, different purposes, but so necessary for this offense to click. Now one game in, well before the heart of the conference schedule, this team finds itself at a crossroads. It can dwell on losing Kater, a guy who worked so hard last season to finally master the offense and win the offseason quarterback battle. It can dwell about losing Tipton, touted and hyped and expected to have another big season. Or it can develop new stars, guys that fell in the shadow of Kater and Tipton in the projected depth charts and preseason magazines. Niznak, Saylor Lavallii, Anthony Garland ... This is your time. This is your time to get most of the snaps. Your time to prove yourself. Your time to validate Dan Enos’ claim that this team is more deep than years past, that his recruiting is beginning to show dividends. And if you know anything about Enos, he’s not going to panic. He’s not that type of guy. He and the coaching staff will continue to mentor, teach and push. But this is also a turning point for Enos. Central Michigan football fans began to grow impatient with Enos’ tenure last season, particularly after the team started the season 3-6 and appeared headed toward a third consecutive losing season. Instead, they rattled off three-straight wins, snuck into a bowl game and subsequently won. The critics were hushed, at least temporarily. At this point though, with the overtures Enos and his staff have made with recruiting, it’s time to put up some wins, no matter who’s on the field. Kater will be easier to replace than Tipton, but games aren’t won on paper. It’s going to take the team to buy into their new starting quarterback, and it appears like they already have, but will also require some help in the backfield. That means Lavallii, Garland and redshirt freshman Martez Walker, and tight ends Mike Kinville and Connor Odykirk, are going to have to make up for it. From taking the lead on the field to practice. w COLUMN | 2B

Charlotte Bodak | Staff Photographer Senior defensive lineman Jeremy Gainer and senior line backer Shamari Benton look out into the crowds Saturday at Michigan Stadium during the CMU vs. Michigan game in Ann Arbor. CMU lost 59 - 9.

Feeling the pressure

Defense confident it can carry team after injuries plague offense in season opener By Seth Newman Staff Reporter

Injuries have depleted the offense of the Central Michigan football team. Senior starting running back Zurlon Tipton is out indefinitely after breaking his ankle last week at Michigan, while junior starting quarterback Cody Kater is out four to six weeks after breaking his collarbone. With the offense in shambles, the defense is feeling the pressure heading into Saturday’s home opener against New Hampshire, but senior defensive lineman Kenny McClendon is confident that the defense will get the job done. “Our defense as a whole, we already have pressure put on us,” McClendon said. “We know we’ve got to make plays. The offense has got to do what they have to do, and they can handle themselves... and the defense, we have to make sure we handle ourselves, which we will.” The defense had some positive takeaways from the loss to

the Wolverines. Three interceptions and consistent pressure on U-M quarterback Devin Gardner pleased the coaching staff. Michigan still managed to score 59 points, something that bothers both McClendon and head coach Dan Enos. We had three takeaways, but, at the same time, someone put up 59 points,” McClendon said. “We have to make sure we eliminate that. We had some positives, but we had some negatives as well. I think we had good pressure (on Gardner) and our defensive backs played well; they made plays and we did some things, we just didn’t do enough.” Gardner’s mobility gave CMU trouble. So much trouble it reminded Enos of former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor. “I think their quarterback was the difference,” Enos said. “Guys were covered, so he scrambled out and found the guy the one time down the sideline.” Tipton was named a team captain this year, and while his presence on

Charlotte Bodak | Staff Photographer Sophomore line back Tim Hamilton runs in front of Michigan quarter back Shane Morris during the CMU vs. Michigan game Saturday Aug. 31 in Ann Arbor. CMU lost 59 - 9.

the field will be missed, McClendon is still confident that others will step up and lead the team. “The leadership is still there,” McClendon said. “I think everyone – I know our running back

group – is going to have to step up, and I know that the leadership, everyone, is doing the best they can to be leading.” sports@cm-life.com

New Hampshire coach credits CMU’s size, physicality By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter

New Hampshire football coach Sean McDonnell doesn’t want to hear about the six wins teams from the Football Championship Subdivision had over Football Bowl Subdivision opponents last weekend. He doesn’t care about what North Dakota State did in 2007, when the FCSlevel Bison came to Mount Pleasant and routed Central Michigan 44-14 – the same Chippewas team that featured a budding Dan LeFevour at quarterback and went on to win a MidAmerican Conference title that year. Rather, McDonnell and his Wildcats team – ranked No. 8 in the FCS – enter Saturday’s game knowing full well of CMU’s strengths. And they’re not afraid to admit it. “My biggest fear with this football team (CMU) has always been the physicality of their offensive line and the way they run the ball,” McDonnell said Monday during the Colonial Athletic Association’s coaches teleconference. “I’ve always felt like we can

Get to know the Wildcats w No. 8 in the nation in the FCS w Head coach Sean McDonnell: 15

seasons, 104-66 (65-50 CAA) two conference championships and nine-straight playoff appearances

w Jr. quarterback Andy Vailas:

11 starts in 2012, 1,558 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions, rushed for 451 yards and six touchdowns w So. quarterback Sean Goldrich:

McMann: 28 games played, 67 total tackles, seven for loss, two sacks

nine apperances in 2012, 1,202 passing yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions, rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns

w Jr. defensive tackle Matt Ka-

w Eight FCS teams beat FBS

w Sr. defensive tackle Sean

plan: 23 games played, 62 total tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks run, chase things down and do things, but we’re going to have to find a way to stand up against these guys – and I’m talking both sides of the ball. They have a real physical front; coach (Dan) Enos and his staff have done a good job of exploiting those types of things with their team.” McDonnell shot down the idea that game preparation might differ now that

teams during opening week the Chippewas are without planned starting quarterback Cody Kater and top tailback Zurlon Tipton, both of which faced possible season-ending injuries in CMU’s 59-9 loss Saturday at Michigan. In fact, he thought sophomore quarterback Alex Niznak looked “good” in his collegiate debut, particularly in the second half. He considers sophomore Saylor Lavallii,

who emerged last season as the team’s No. 2 back and is expected to become the team’s top weapon on the ground, and junior Anthony Garland “more than capable backs.” He realizes Tipton’s strength of being able to push through for extra yards during a carry will no longer be there. That’s where his defensive line steps in, led by starting tackles Sean McCann, a senior, and Matt Kaplan, a junior. The remaining two spots are expected to be filled by a committee of four other players in hopes of staying fresh. “I’ve watched tape of teams last year trying to make them one-dimensional, and they couldn’t stop them,” McDonnell said of CMU’s opponents. “They will pound the football with power ... Now we’ve just got to make sure we can tackle and keep the ball in front of us if we’re going to have a shot at all to stop the run still.” Saturday’s game will be the season opener for UNH, whose schedule includes four Top 25 FCS-ranked opponents, including Towson who knocked off UConn, 33-18, over the weekend. “We’ve got a good opponent

coming in,” CMU coach Dan Enos said. “They certainly have our full, undivided attention. We’re not good enough to throw our helmets out there and beat anybody. We’re a blue-collared team, we’ve got to play well on both sides of the ball and special teams.” CMU could see two quarterbacks While McDonnell named his starting quarterback, junior Andy Vailas, earlier this week, even calling it the hardest decision he’s ever had to make as a head coach, he said Monday to expect sophomore backup Sean Goldrich to see some time against CMU. “Both will play, and I can tell you somewhere along the line Sean Goldrich will be in the game on Saturday,” he said. Vailas (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and Goldrich (6foot-3, 213 pounds) competed throughout spring and fall camp, mirroring a bit the Chippewas’ three-way quarterback battle that was decided late in preseason camp, with his Vailas winning out with his stronger throwing arm and ability to scramble. w WILDCATS | 2B

Sports

2B | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

Women’s soccer heads to West Coast minus two By Dominick Mastrangelo Staff Reporter

Charlotte Bodak | Staff Photographer Sophomore running back Saylor Lavallii, junior wide receiver Courtney Williams and senior full back Adam Fenton run onto the first during the start of the CMU vs. Michigan game Saturday at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. CMU lost to U-M 59 - 9.

CMU opens as slim 3.5-point favorite against New Hampshire By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter

Many who follow the Central Michigan football team know how serious losing the starting quarterback and starting tailback to injury can be. Las Vegas is taking notice, too. CMU (0-1) has opened as a 3.5-point favorite for its home opener Saturday (3 p.m., ESPN3.com) against New Hampshire, according to VegasInsider.com. Typically, Vegas gives home teams a default 3-point edge, so this game essentially would be a toss-up if it were to be played at a neutral site. The Chippewas come off a 59-9 blowout loss Saturday at Michigan in which they lost two of their key pieces on offense, junior quarterback Cody Kater and senior tailback Zurlon Tipton. Both have been ruled out indefinitely. Junior quarterback Cody Kater suffered a broken clavicle during the fourth drive of the game following a hit from a Wolverines defensive lineman. He never returned. Sophomore Alex Niznak, who had already played in the drive prior, stepped in and finished the game 11-for-22 for 131 yards and an interception. During the drive prior to Kater getting injured, senior tailback Zurlon Tipton left the game with a broken ankle. It is believed he suffered the break during a run on 3rd-and-goal from the Michigan 1-yard line. Tipton was tackled for no gain and CMU would end up kicking a field goal after a delay of game penalty pushed them back to the Michigan 6. New Hampshire (0-0) enters the game Saturday ranked No. 8 in the Football Championship Subdivision. CMU is 1-0 all-time against the Wildcats, beating them 40-33 in 2003 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

What to know about Saturday’s game w Odds: CMU is a 3.5-point

favorite

w Depth Chart: No changes

besides Alex Niznak and Saylor Lavallii promoted to starting quarterback and running back

w Payout: CMU is paying New Hampshire $325,000 after being paid $850,000 by Michigan w Series Record: CMU is 1-0

against New Hampshire after winning 2003’s game 40-33

No changes to depth chart

Aside from Kater and Tipton being out for the foreseeable, there were no changes to CMU’s depth chart released Tuesday. Niznak will start at quarterback, as expected, with redshirt freshman Cooper Rush and true freshman Darrien Boone behind him. In addition, sophomore Saylor Lavallii moves into the No. 1 spot at halfback, with redshirt sophomore Martez Walker, senior Anthony Garland and redshirt freshman Maurice Shoemaker-Gilmore filling it out. Lavallii (10 carries, 52 yards) got a bulk of the carries after Tipton left the game Saturday while Walker (2 carries, -1 yards) and Garland (4 carries, 16 yards) saw minimal action.

Payouts:

CMU will pay New Hampshire $325,000 for agreeing to play CMU in Mount Pleasant. CMU received $850,000 for playing Michigan last week, which ended in a 59-9 blowout loss. sports@cm-life.com

The women’s soccer team announced some dreadful news on Wednesday. Two senior leaders, midfielder Kaely Schlosser (knee) and forward Jennifer Gassman (lower leg) will both miss the remainder of the season with their respective injuries, according to head coach Peter McGahey. “It’s an unfortunate situation for both of them and it’s difficult,” McGahey said. “But the severity of both of their injuries is real, so we are going to have to lose them.” Schlosser was injured Aug. 26 in the Chippewas home opener against Detroit. Gassman fell in a 1-0 loss to Pittsburgh last Sunday. After a disappointing trip to the east coast last weekend, CMU (0-2-1), heads to the opposite side of the country this weekend in search of its first victory of

column | continued from 1B With Tipton, you could just hand it off and let him power his way through the line. With Lavallii and Niznak, it’s going to require more spreading of the field. So this is going to take more than just Niznak. It’s going to take more than Lavallii and the offensive line. More than

the season. As part of the Nike Portland Invitational, the Chippewas will play games Friday at 7 p.m. against Portland and Sunday at noon against Washington. “The key is you have to get better from game to game,” McGahey said. “We have to realize that what are trying to do is learn how to climb a mountain halfway up the mountain.” McGahey cited ball possession and offensive aggressiveness as aspects of his team’s strategy more heavily harped on during practice this week. The Chippewas have scored just two goals in three games this year, and have two solid opponents waiting for them when they arrive in Oregon. Portland (2-0-1) heads into the invitational ranked 16th in Soccer America’s Top 25 rankings. The Pilots tied No. 2 Stanford in Palo Alto last weekend. Enos changing the plays he calls, fitting the personnel he’s been given. And it starts Saturday against New Hampshire, a game in which they could have comfortably won with Tipton healthy, now poses an issue. A loss this week could signal a free fall to another losing season. And no matter the situation, the Enos critics will come out of the woodwork. Ultimately, it comes down to the players on the field.

Washington (1-3-0) lost both of its games at home last weekend and is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in their most recent action. “We are looking forward to the experience above all else,” McGahey said. “You always want to play against teams that are going to test you. Both of those teams are going to test us, but we are not afraid. We have made some improvements and are eager to go out and find (a win).” Last weekend, the Chippewas started freshman Heather Laeufer in goal. She gave up four goals on 17 shots against West Virginia. Junior goalkeeper Grace Labrecque started CMU’s home opener against Detroit and gave up just two goals on 23 shots. McGahey did not say who will start in goal at the Portland Invitational this weekend. Junior midfielder Emily

wildcats | continued from 1B Both split time last season, with Vailas throwing for 1,558 yards and 18 touchdowns, rushing for another 451 yards and six touchdowns, and Goldrich throwing for 1,202 yards and eight touchdowns and rushing for another 174 yards and two scores.

Women’s Soccer w Today at 7 p.m. at Portland w 12 p.m. Sunday vs

Washington at Portland, Ore. w CMU record: 0-2-1 Cooksey leads the team in shots (10) heading into this weekends action but has yet to score. One of the few consistent aspects of the team’s performance this season has been its stingy defense, especially late in games. CMU has allowed only a combined three second-half goals this season. “You have to make adjustments over time during a game,” McGahey said. “Any time you can say, ‘Hey, if we can hold teams out …’ we are going to certainly gain confidence in that.” sports@cm-life.com

“You’ve got to prepare for both. Both of them can run, they like to do different things with each one and we’ll prepare for that,” Enos said. “It’s difficult to get ready for, and I’m sure they know that and that’s one of the reasons they do it. But it’s something that we looked at all summer. We had an idea of what we were going to do going into this week.” sports@cm-life.com

Sports

EXTRA POINTS

F O O T B AL L

PROGNOSIS HOPEFUL FOR KATER Head football coach Dan Enos told reporters Wednesday junior starting Cody Kater quarterback Cody Kater is out 4 to 6 weeks. This came as a promising update when it seemed as if his season was done with a broken clavicle during the first quarter of Saturday’s game at Michigan. Senior running back Zurlon Tipton’s update wasn’t as promising, as he remains out indefinitely with a broken ankle that he too suffered in the first quarter at Michigan. Sophomore running back Saylor Lavallii will now be carrying the load, along with junior Anthony Garland and redshirt freshman Martez Walker. Sophomore quarterback Alex Niznak will be taking over behind center in Kater’s absense.

TAILGATING RULES UPDATE If students want to bring vehicles to tailgate for tomorrow’s game, parking passes are on sale for $5 and can be purchased at Ticket Central. While at Ticket Central, you can register your external sound systems and you’ll receive a sticker to put on the system to show it’s registered. Systems that are not registered will not be permitted.

FIELD HOCKEY

MARY MOORE NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK In field hockey’s 6-1 blowout against St. Louis this past weekend, junior Mary Moore recorded half of the team’s goals. Her hat trick was good enough to name her Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Week. She also recorded a goal against Robert Morris in the opening game of the year, helping the Chippewas to a 2-0 win. It is the first MAC award Moore has received in her career, and she hopes to add to that this weekend when CMU travels to Drexel University to play Deleware and Lafayette.

Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | 3B

Football secondary becoming a strength By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter

Dan Enos waited until the week of Central Michigan’s season opener to complete his secondary, but the unit ended up coming out of the blowout loss against Michigan as one of the positives. The collective group, made up primarily of sophomores and juniors – Avery Cunningham the only senior the group – accounted for three interceptions Saturday, including two off the Wolverines’ scrappy starting quarterback Devin Gardner. “I thought they played pretty well,” Enos said during the Mid-American Conference coaches’ teleconference earlier in the week. “We got a little pressure on the quarterback to create a little bit of that, too. Michigan’s a pretty good football team.” Junior Jarret Chapman’s interception was the most high-profile, coming early in the first quarter and giving CMU a fighting chance early. During Michigan’s first official drive, after

Charlotte Bodak | Staff Photographer Junior Defensive Back Jarret Chapman yells to a teammate Saturaday during the CMU vs. Michigan game Aug. 31 at the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. CMU lost 59 - 9.

the Wolverines returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, Gardner threw a pick on second-and-10 from the Wolverines’ 7-yard line, setting up a scoring opportunity for the Chippewas early. They eventually settled for a field goal. The second quarter, with the game still relatively close – Michigan led 21-3 and had stalled the CMU offense in Wolverines territory – junior Jason Wilson intercepted a long Gardner pass on first-and-10, returning it to the Michigan

29-yard-line. Wilson, who started in seven games at cornerback last season, tied Cunningham for a teamhigh eight tackles in the 59-9 loss. But again, the Chippewas were forced to settle for a Ron Coluzzi field goal. “We still have some work to do,” Wilson said in practice this week. “The final score tells it all. We played decent in some spots, but I think a lot of improvement has to be made.” Specifically, Wilson pointed to several instances

where CMU allowed Michigan to convert on thirdand-long situations. The Wolverines were 10-of-15 on third-down conversions, four of which came from five yards out or more. Michigan threw for 221 yards. “That’s what we have to do as a defense, is get turnovers,” Wilson said. “But at points we’ve got to get off the field on thirdand-long. The gameplan stays the same. We’ve just got to keep working, get guys to the ball and create

turnovers. Everybody as a whole just has to improve.” Sophomore Kavon Frazier added an interception off Michigan backup Shane Morris in the fourth quarter. Frazier was among a large group of underclassmen to get in the game, including redshirt freshman Tony Annese and redshirt sophomore Stefon Armstead. sports@cm-life.com

Volleyball looking to continue last weekend’s momentum By Joe Judd Staff Reporter

Coming off a comeback victory, Central Michigan is traveling east to play in the Robert Morris/ Duquesne Tournament, where there will be no shortage of talent on either side of the court. The Chippewas begin match play at 7 p.m. on Friday against Duquesne. After an up-and-down battle to close out last weekend’s tournament, it can be easy for a coaching staff to grow anxious over new preparations for success. Experience and proper planning, however, can put a staff at ease. As far as nerves go, this is the case for head coach Erik Olson and the rest of his staff. “We’ve been doing this for too long,” Olson said. “I know the first day that we have a match coming

up, and it’s a process that we need them to snap into.” The athletes who go with Olson’s coaching philosophy have shown signs of unity already, even though the season is far from being in full swing. This was highlighted in the tournament a week ago: the team found themselves down early, only to rally and give people something to write home about. Senior defensive specialist Jenna Coates said in an interview last week the team, after falling behind to start the final match, collectively decided they were not going to just give up and let Villanova take over. They did not let up and found victory in dramatic fashion, and the team hopes to bring some of the same attitude this weekend to Moon Township, Pa.

“I think our struggle is finding a balance between competing and

“We want to be ready for some good opponents this weekend,” Olson said. “I think our struggle is finding a balance between competing and polishing (our talent).” All that matters to the players is the challenge at

TY PLEN CE A OF SP ESS FOR L YS! DELA

hand: three matches this weekend. “We track a lot of statistics when we’re playing a match,” Olson said. “Against Oakland, our biggest issue is that we didn’t take care of balls at the net.”

After playing Duquesne on Friday evening, the Chippewas will face off against the Robert Morris on Saturday at 11 a.m. and then will play Xavier at 4 p.m. sports@cm-life.com

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Sports

4B | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

MAC STANDINGS

FOOTBALL PICKS

2013 Mid-American Conference Fall Sports Season Standings Check every Friday for full MAC Fall Sports Standings

FOOTBALL

SOCCER

VOLLEYBALL

FIELD HOCKEY

East West

CMU 2-0

BGSU Ball St. 1-0

1-0

Kent St. EMU 1-0

1-0

Akron NIU 0-1

1-0

Buffalo CMU 0-1

0-1

Miami Toledo 0-1

1-0

Ohio WMU 0-1

1-0

Kent St. Ball St. 3-1-0

2-1-0

Buffalo NIU 2-1-0

2-1-0

Miami EMU 2-1-0

1-2-0

Akron WMU 2-1-1

1-2-0

Ohio Toledo 1-2-1

1-3-0

BGSU CMU 0-2-0

0-2-1

Buffalo Ball St.

Miami

Miami WMU

Ball State

Ohio NIU

Kent State

3-0 3-0 3-0

3-1 2-1 3-2

Akron EMU 2-0

2-2

BGSU Toledo 1-2

2-2

2-1 1-1 1-1

Missouri State 1-1

Ohio 0-2

Kent State CMU 1-2

1-2

UMASS 0-1

The 2013-14 college football season kicked off Thursday, and on opening day, Bowling Green looked great. The Falcons hosted Tulsa and routed their opponents 34-7. Three other Mid-American Conference schools were in action on opening night, but none looked as good as BGSU. The most impressive win for the MAC came from the favorite Northern Illinois. The Huskies traveled to Iowa, who gave them their only regular-season loss on opening week in 2012. NIU beat the Hawkeyes 30-27 in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, something that has become all too familiar to Iowa fans since CMU did the same in 2012.

Ball State and Northern Illinois were the remaining unbeatens in the MAC until last Friday. The Cardinals took a tough 1-0 loss at IPFW while the Huskies were blown out 4-1 against Purdue. The biggest blow of the season might have come against CMU as it lost another key player, Jennifer Gassman. The injury came a week after Kaely Schlosser went down in the opener. Both are done for the season. The Chippewas, who earned the MAC’s first atlarge bid into the NCAA tournament a season ago, is still trying to get into the win column this week against Portland and Washington.

The MAC looked strong in the opening week of the season and it was led by Ohio. The Bobcats went 3-0, beating Bryant, Eastern Washington and a shocking sweep against Oregon. Miami (Ohio), Buffalo and Akron also came out of the opening week unharmed. MAC West favorite Western Michigan was able to take care of business with Northwestern and UW-Milwaukee in five sets, but was swept in the final match of the weekend against Oklahoma. Despite the 1-2 start, Central Michigan lost two close matches with Oakland and Oregon State before beating Villanova in five sets after starting down 0-2.

Central Michigan showed why it was selected to win the MAC tournament, despite being picked Mary Moore to finish third in the regularseason. The Chippewas edged out Robert Morris 2-0 before beating St. Louis 6-1. Junior Mary Moore had four goals on the weekend. Miami outscored its opponents in its two wins 10-2 after losing against Wake Forest to open the season with a score of 3-2. Kent State and Ball State took turns beating Appalachian State.

Aaron McMann (1-0): This game should have been a nice transition from a loss at Michigan to the Mid-American Conference schedule. Instead, CMU comes in with some pressure. I don’t see much of a drop off at quarterback with Alex Niznak — in fact, he is more mobile than Cody Kater — but the rungame is unproven. Saylor Lavallii and Anthony Garland must step up, and Niznak needs to connect with his receivers on short-yardage situations. The Wildcats can score and will feature two quarterbacks in an attempt to keep the CMU defense off balance. Central Michigan 31, New Hampshire 24 Jeff Papworth (1-0): There were three teams that were not even in the top-10 of the preseason FCS Coaches Poll that upset BCS teams last week. New Hampshire is ranked No. 8 in week two, and does not play a BCS team on Saturday, but rather a reeling Central Michigan football team beat up by Michigan. The Chippewas will come out victorious, though at home by a sliver against a team playing its first game of the season, because it will capitalize on its opponent’s mistakes, contrary to last week. Central Michigan 28, New Hampshire 27 Seth Newman (1-0): Injuries have hit the Chippewas hard on the offense, but I don’t think it will be the end of the season for them. I am confident in back up quarterback Alex Niznak. I fully believe that all hands will be on deck. The defense makes some plays, including a defensive score. No upset in Kelly/ Shorts Stadium this Saturday. Central Michigan 28, New Hampshire 14 Kristopher Lodes (1-0): By now we all know about the injuries. What we don’t know is how Alex Niznak and Saylor Lavallii will respond to their new roles. Niznak certainly has the confidence needed to be the starting quarterback. Lavallii, along with Martez Walker and Anthony Garland will have to step up against New Hampshire, and I think they will. The real test will be the how the defense performs. Central Michigan 27, New Hampshire 21

Sports

Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | 5B

MEN'S BASKETBALL

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Chippewas reveal favorable schedule

Team not intimidated by non-conference schedule

By Kristopher Lodes Sports Editor

The Chippewas began last season at Iowa before playing Utah, Nebraska and national runner-up Michigan, all before beginning its Mid-American Conference schedule. Those teams are noticeably absent from the 2013-14 nonconference schedule. In fact, CMU’s opponents’ combined record is a lowly 121-206, a winning percentage of .370. CMU will play three teams coming off of winning seasons (Bradley at 18-17, Dayton at 17-14 and a home-and-home with Jacksonville State, 17-11). “The schedule is something we take seriously and can help improve our program,” head coach Keno Davis said. “Not only for our home games and our fans and students to be able to come to McGuirk (Arena), but with our quality of opponents.” The Chippewas will host eight home games, including a tournament, in 2013. CMU’s non-conference schedule begins with the season opener against Manchester of the MIAA on Nov. 8. Followed by Pepperdine, a team CMU beat on the road 8077 last season, Saturday, Nov. 16. Montana State, Austin Peay and Cal State Northridge will all be coming to Mount Pleasant for a tournament that will run from Nov. 21 through Nov. 23. “We’re looking, in the future, to host a regular format tournament,” Davis said. “Around the same timeframe where it’ll be a true winners versus losers bracket. But this year, to be able to get a higher number of home games, we looked at hosting a tournament. Three games in three days will be unique, but we look at it as a positive to prepare us for the (MAC) tournament.”

HOME SCHEDULE Monday, Oct. 8 vs. Lake Superior State (exhibition) Friday, Nov. 8 vs. Manchester Saturday, Nov. 16 vs. Pepperdine Thursday-Sunday Nov. 21-23 Central Michigan Tournament vs. Montana State, Austin Peay, Cal State Northridge Saturday, Nov. 30 vs. Jacksonville State Friday, Jan. 3 vs. Marygrove Wednesday, Jan. 8 vs. Miami (Ohio) Saturday, Jan. 18 vs. EMU Saturday, Jan. 25 vs. Akron Wednesday, Feb. 5 vs. Kent State Saturday, Feb. 8 vs. Buffalo Wednesday, Feb. 19 vs. Ball State Sunday, Feb. 23 vs. Northern Illinois Tuesday, March 4 vs. Toledo Friday, March 7 or Sunday, March 9 vs. WMU Jacksonville State will participate with a homeand-home series, playing at McGuirk Nov. 30 with CMU returning the favor in Florida on Dec. 17. Marygrove will come to McGuirk Arena on Jan. 3 to finish the non-conference schedule. “There is a mandate from the (MAC) to get a certain number of home games,” Davis said. “So those opportunities where we played at some great tournaments ... There is less opportunity for those neutral-site games. Last year, where we played Michigan and Iowa in the non-conference, those games are replaced by Dayton and Bradley.” sports@cm-life.com

By Dominick Mastrangelo Staff Reporter

Nothing prepares a basketball team for the postseason like a diﬃcult non-conference schedule. Women’s basketball proved that last year, earning its first Mid-American Conference championship tournament victory since 1984 after weathering a tough non-conference schedule. For the second year, the Chippewas have scheduled themselves a tough non-conference calendar with more postseason success in mind. CMU faces eight 2013 NCAA Tournament teams this year. The Chippewas will also play six teams that appeared in the 2013 Women’s National Invitation Tournament. “It’s a very tough, competitive, challenging non-conference schedule,” head coach Sue Guevara said. “If we want to be one of the better teams, we have to play better teams. The goal is always to get to the NCAA Tournament and playing these teams help prepare us for that.” Among the previously successful teams the Chippewas will look to beat are No. 7 Kentucky (Nov. 17), No. 21 Purdue ( Dec. 28) and No. 2 Notre Dame (Dec. 22). The teams CMU face in non-conference action this season have a daunting combined record of 245-118. “It doesn’t matter if you win the East or the West division of the MAC, if you don’t win the tournament you don’t go,” Guevara said. “You have to be prepared for your conference. If you can beat some of these non-conference teams you can get your RPI up there just incase you stub your toe and don’t win the MAC tournament and still make the NCAA.” In another repeat of last year’s scheduling formula, the Chippewas play a nonconference home-and-home series, when they host Dayton on Dec. 5 in its home opener. “That’s part of being a good team. Sometimes it’s tough to get teams to come in here and play us,” Guevara said. “Dayton is a good team. It’s

tough to get teams like that in here but once in a while we can.” CMU split its first homeand-home series with Green Bay last season. The Chippewas travel to the Virgin Islands the weekend of Nov. 28, where they will meet more prestigious teams such as No. 5 Duke and Kansas in the Paradise Jam. “That’s a great tournament. I’ll say this: I’m glad we are playing on a neutral court,” Guevara said. “Overall, if you look at this schedule it is a great recruiting tool, so that makes it even more exciting.” The defending MAC Tournament champions will open conference play this season against defending regular-season champion Toledo, Jan. 4.

NOTABLE GAMES Sun, Nov. 17 Kentucky Thu, Nov. 21 Marquette Thu, Nov. 28 Kansasat Fri, Nov. 29 Duke Thu, Dec. 05 Dayton Sun, Dec. 22 Notre Dame Sat, Dec. 28 Purdue Sat, Jan. 04 Toledo Sat, Jan. 25 WMU Thu, Jan. 30 EMU Sun, Feb. 02 Ohio Thu, Feb. 27 Ball State Sun, March 02 Toledo Wed, March 05 WMU Sat, March 08 EMU

at Lexington, Ky. at Marquette, Wis. Virgin Islands at Virgin Islands Mount Pleasant, Mich. at South Bend, Ind. at West Lafayette, Ind. Mount Pleasant, Mich. at Kalamazoo, Mich. Mount Pleasant, Mich. Mount Pleasant, Mich. Mount Pleasant, Mich. at Toledo, Ohio Mount Pleasant, Mich. at Ypsilanti, Mich.

sports@cm-life.com

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Sports

6B | Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

Spread the word: football team on upset alert By Seth Newman Staff Reporter

Kansas State finished No. 5 in the nation last year and played in the Bowl Championship Series Fiesta Bowl. Oregon State was ranked No. 25 last week and was expected to make a push for the Pac-12 championship. Both have something in common along with six other FBS schools last week. They lost to a team from the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division 1-AA. Central Michigan’s next opponent? FCS powerhouse New Hampshire. Head coach Sean McDonnell won FCS Coach of the Year in 2004 and is entering his 15th season as the Wildcat’s coach. With upsets occurring in the first week of the season, CMU head coach Dan Enos has fully prepared his team for

New Hampshire. “We understand it’s a good football team coming in here, and we by no means think we can come out and throw our helmets out here and beat anybody,” Enos said. “We know we’re not that kind of football team. We’re a blue-collar team that will have to play very well and tackle the quarterback. We’re going to have to run the ball and get plays from our wideouts.” The Wildcats run a spread high tempo offense — one that carried them to a cochampionship last year in the Colonial Athletic Association. New Hampshire didn’t play last week, so scouts for CMU haven’t gotten a chance to see any new footage. That could be a challenge for the defense. Up for that challenge is defensive lineman Kenny McClendon. “We don’t know much about them. We’re just going off what they did last year,”

Tipton has surgery, out for season; Enos hints at return for sixth year By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter

McClendon said. “They have some good quarterbacks, and they run some two-quarterback sets. We are just practicing hard and playing physical. Anything they do on Saturday we’ll be ready for. We’re just practicing, sharpening our tools and getting ready to just play harder, more physical.” The defense already faces pressure with the offense banged up. Enos believes the time is now for the defense to step up against a dangerous spread attack that features two different quarterbacks. They both run and they are both athletic; any time you play an athletic quarterback, your sense of urgency goes sky-high,” Enos said. This is a good football team coming up, so it’ll be a challenge.” sports@cm-life.com

Senior tailback Zurlon Tipton’s season has ended early due to injury before, and it appears likely it has again. Tipton had surgery on Wednesday for his broken ankle – suffered in the first quarter of CMU’s 59-9 loss at Michigan on Saturday – and is not expected to return this season, Central Michigan coach Dan Enos said Thursday during his “Sideliners” radio show. “I think there will be an opportunity for him to return for a sixth year,” Enos said. “I obviously don’t get to make that decision. He’s had a season-ending injury once, and now this is twice and these are the guys that qualify for a sixth-year medical hardship. Again, I don’t know if he’s going to go down that avenue right now – it’s way too early to

tell for him. But I know he’s extremely disappointed. As I told him, things happen for a reason. Things happen to everybody, and something good’s going to come out of this. He’s just got to stay positive and believe in that. Ultimately, he’ll rise above it.” Tipton suffered a seasonending injury in 2009, his freshman season, and was granted a medical redshirt. Should he decide to try to play again next season, he’ll have to apply for a medical hardship waiver with the NCAA. Offensive lineman Jake Olson and receiver Jerry Harris, both in their sixth season, have both successfully been granted those waivers.

Kater: ‘I couldn’t lift my arm’

Junior quarterback Cody Kater could return sooner than originally anticipated after it was determined he did not sustain a complete break

to his clavicle. Kater also left Saturday’s game, following a hit from a Michigan defensive lineman. Originally, team doctors feared a broken collarbone and that he would be out at least six to eight weeks. After further inspection, “they didn’t say anything was broken all the way through, (I) just had a separation.” Now, he’s only expected to miss four to six weeks. “I came off to the sideline, just trying to work my arm out,” Kater said. “It kind of felt different; it felt weird. But by the time,it was halfway through when the defense was out there, they had a good idea that something was definitely wrong. I couldn’t even lift my arm up to throw a football.” Sophomore Alex Niznak will start Saturday against New Hampshire. sports@cm-life.com