JAn. 29, 2010

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Athlete balances basketball, school, marriage, 1B

Faculty learn to improve teaching methods, 5A

Friday, Jan. 29, 2010

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

Two set for Feb. 2 debate in Plachta

On the Fly saved Central $100,000

APPLE INTRODUCES ITS LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Adviser considers disbanding more of a ‘furlough’

Event costing Campus Conservatives $4,000

By Eric Dresden University Editor

By Sarah Schuch Senior Reporter

Two candidates will attend Tuesday’s gubernatorial debate hosted by Campus Conservatives. As of Thursday, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and State Sen. Tom George are the only two Republican candidates to confirm attendance, said Campus Conservatives President Bryant Greiner. “We are still going on with it,” the Hart junior said. “If they don’t show up, we will have podi- Mike Bouchard ums with their names on it.” The debate takes place at 7 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Invitations also were sent in November to gubernatorial candidates U.S. Rep. Pete Tom George Hoekstra, R-Holland, Attorney Gen. Mike Cox and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder. Greiner said Cox declined to attend, but Campus Conservatives asked him A debate | 2A

If you go... w w w

Gubernatorial Debate When: 7 p.m. Tuesday Where: Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium

[inside] TEXTING BAN Students share mixed reactions on enforcing texting while driving laws, which could result in a $200 fine, 3A HELP FOR HAITI Relief efforts have raised $30 million through $10 text messaging donations, 5A MEN’S BASKETBALL Road woes continue; team looks ahead to Bowling Green, 1B WRESTLING Team faces Virginia Tech next, 3B

mct photo

Steve Jobs debuts Apple’s new iPad on Wednesday at the Yerba Buena Gardens Theater in San Francisco, Calif.

Is the iPad the future? Professors, students weigh in on Steve Jobs’ next creation

By Connor Sheridan Senior Reporter

S

teve Jobs would have you believe he is a miracle worker and Apple’s newest device is hewn from pure magic. But is he right? The iPad tablet computer was unveiled Wednesday at an Apple keynote presentation in San Francisco. The device resembles an enlarged iPod Touch or iPhone with a 9.7” multitouch display and a minimalist design. It weighs 1.5 pounds and will be available in late March. “It looks so crisp and clear, you can see the whole page,” said Brandon Davenport-Gray about the internet browsing experience. The Canton senior was the first to pre-order an iPad at MicroChips in the Bovee University Center. While pleased with the overall package, he would have preferred the addition of a front-facing camera for video conferencing applications such as Skype. He also would have preferred a differ-

ent name. Students are not the only ones excited by possibilities the new foray into the tablet market may bring. “I can easily imagine walking around campus with one of those tablets, hopefully in a few months,” said Roger Rehm, vice president for Information Technology at Central Michigan University. Rehm said the iPad might prove to be the device “that makes portable technology on campus com-

fortable.” Many students and faculty feel awkward using laptops at meetings or in class. The more natural interface and consumer-oriented nature of the iPad may alleviate that in classes and meetings, Rehm said. “The whole idea of interacting with the visual image with no interface device is a cool idea,” he said. A ipad | 2A

The disbandment of On The Fly Productions next semester will give Residence Life an extra $100,000 toward next year’s budget. Dani Hiar, OTF’s adviser and coordinator of graphics design, said it was her idea to cut the program — a decision that was not easy to make. “It didn’t just pop into my head,” Hiar said. “I talked to past members and other colleagues and got their perspectives.” Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life, could not say how the money will be divided because the funds are part of next year’s budget. Hiar, OTF’s adviser for the last nine years, said the decision came partly because it seemed like the group was competing with Central Michigan University’s other programming group, Program Board. Also, she said, competition from social media outlets came into play. “We’re sliding into an era, (when we are) competing for audiences with Call of Duty, American Idol and people out on Facebook,” she said. Hiar said with budget cuts coming, she felt OTF could be cut as a savings mechanism for the university. “(It’s an) ugly, tough decision. Is it sad? Yes,” she said. “Some of my best friends are from On the Fly, but it’s the best decision for CMU.” Holtgreive said he was surprised when Hiar came to him proposing the cut. He said he and Tony Voisin, director of Student Life, helped formulate OTF 14 years ago. The organization was created to fill the void of smaller events that students could attend and enjoy, though it did not bring a giant audience. “What students are looking for today is more of a ‘wow’ factor,” he said. “We didn’t want to compete with Program Board, that’s their niche.”

Effect on Programming With Program Board as the only programming group on

A on the fly | 2A

Pianist renders classical music for 200 By Brad Canze Staff Reporter

jeff smith/staff photographer

World renowned pianist Anton Nel, winner of first prize in the 1987 Naumburg International Piano Competition at Carnegie Hall, plays a piece by Chopin Thursday in Staples Family Concert Hall.

World-renowned classical pianist Anton Nel played for about 200 concertgoers Thursday in the Music Building’s Staples Family Concert Hall. The South Africa-born winner of the 1987 Naumberg International Piano Competition at Carnegie Hall performed five pieces, including music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Frederic Chopin. Krystyna Nowak-Fabrykows-

ki, a Polish-born associate professor of teacher education, beamed in regard to Nel’s interpretation of the Polish composer Chopin. “He plays Chopin so well,” Nowak-Fabrykowski said. “His interpretation of Chopin is incredible. He is thinking through the music — that, really, is his language.” The barren light-brown stage was contrasted only by Nel, wearing all black, and the black piano and bench. Nel performed all five pieces from memory, without using sheet

cm-life.com See the Web site for a video from Anton Nel’s concert. music. His body contorted and reacted as he played, his head, shoulders and arms rising and falling with the music. When playing particularly punctuated notes, Nel attacked the keys of his piano with a concentrated intensity. Loretta Lanning, a Mount Pleasant graduate student studying piano, praised

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Nel for his expertise and ability to bring out the nuances of each composer’s music. “To me, he really makes you appreciate the composer,” Lanning said. “He took huge advantage of the sound onstage, and just left you ringing with sound.” After completing his final piece, Nel received a standing ovation from the audience, which prompted him to perform “Romance in D Flat” by Jean Sibelius as an encore.

A Pianist | 2A

Mt. Pleasant Community

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2A || Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR today w The Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University Blood Drive Partnership takes place from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Emmons Hall lobby. w A SIB 2010 general committee meeting takes place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Powers Hall Room 136. w A David Garcia Project facilitator training session is scheduled from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Lake Erie room. w Today is the final day to register for Alternative Summer Break through the Volunteer Center. Students looking to sign up have until 11:55 p.m. and can register online at volunteer.cmich.edu.

saturday w The 19th annual "Night of Louisiana" takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight in Finch Fieldhouse Room 110. w "Double Take: The Dumb Waiter and the Vortex," will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Moore Hall’s Theatre-on-theside. w A Student Professional Awareness Conference hosted by IEEE at Central Michigan University takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Engineering and Technology 116. w The “Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle Collection: People of the Turtle� exhibit premiers at 10 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. at the Ziibiwing Center, 6650 E. Broadway St. The collection consists of 40 oil on canvas portraits depicting contemporary Woodland Tribal elders and leaders. Today is the only day it is free and open to the public.

Sunday w "Double Take: The Dumb Waiter and the Vortex," will begin at 2 p.m. in Moore Hall’s Theatre-on-the-side.

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. Š Central Michigan Life 2009 Volume 90, Number xx

ipad | continued from 1A

Features One of the most potentially revolutionary aspects of the iPad is in its iBookstore marketplace, where electronic books and publications can be purchased and viewed. Though e-books such as the Amazon Kindle have similar services, they also are largely limited to books and articles. The iPad also can run many of the iTouch or iPhone applications and an iWork office suite of its own, which could make Apple’s product more successful, said Daniel Bracken, associate director of the Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching.

continued from 1A

to reconsider. Stu Sandler, Cox’s campaign manager, said Cox had a scheduling conflict. WNEM TV 5 anchor Sam Merrill and former Michigan Republican Party chairman Saul Anuzis will be the moderators. Ian Rubin, news director for WNEM TV 5, said Merrill was chosen from the station because he is experienced in moderating political debates and is a Central Michigan University alum. Price tag: $4,000 The debate is free to attend, but will cost Campus Conservatives $4,000. The group requested funding from the Student Government Association’s Student Budget Allocation Committee in December, but was denied because the application was turned in too late, Greiner said. The Office of Student Life and Dean of Students office decided to cover the costs, said Tony Voisin, assistant director of Student Life. Greiner said $3,000 is going toward the cost of using Plachta and $1,000 is being used for advertising. So far, the only costs being covered are the university events expenses, including the rental fee for Plachta, which came to more than $2,000. The offices are still waiting to figure out what else will be needed, Voisin said. The money is coming from the Campus Programming Fund, which is set aside to support students and their activities, he said. “We were able to help them out with that,� Voisin said. “They are still checking into what they were going to do with publicity.� Greiner said the focus is on students. “Hopefully, students will

campus next fall, Hiar said the campus will likely see a noticeable change in smaller events. Damon Brown, Program Board’s adviser and coordinator of Student Activities, said Program Board will try to change its focus and do some smaller shows that worked for OTF, such as open mic nights. Program Board received

$290,000 from the Central Programming fund this year. “(Fewer) big shows is a possibility, but (our goal) is not to do less, but to do what students want us to do,� Brown said. Hiar and Holtgreive said Residence Life will still help Program Board on events OTF and Program Board co-sponsored, such as MAINstage. Brown said he hopes students do not see a big change

studentlife@cm-life.com Libby march/staff photographer

Who is coming w Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard w State Sen. Tom George

Who is not

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Charlie Roberts, 9, makes his move during a game of chess with a friend Tuesday at the Downtown Drug Soda Shop, 121 E. Broadway St.

Surplus sale can mean good deals By Mike Nichols Staff Reporter

w Attorney Gen. Mike Cox

Who has not decided (as of Thursday night) w w

U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder

see this as a way to get involvement in politics,� he said. “Our main purpose is for the students. We are the future of the state.� ‘A lot at stake’ Greiner said he hopes to see questions about the Michigan Promise, the candidates’ campaigns and other relevant information. George said the debate should be important to students because it helps them learn about the candidates. “It’s important because it makes a difference in their lives,� he said. “If they are going to stay here, they have a lot at stake.� George said he did not vote to fund the Michigan Promise because there is not enough money. Newer programs are more at risk when looking at what to cut, he said. Bouchard could not be reached for comment. Greiner said he hopes students will get insights into what the candidates are all about. “I just hope students and community members come out to this,� he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see candidates up close and in person.�

Mount Pleasant senior Dan Haas loves to shop at surplus sales. “I got a laser printer for $5, and it’s worked for 3 years,� Haas said. Central Michigan University is holding a surplus sale from noon to 2 p.m. today in the Surplus Building at the corner of Bellows and Douglas streets. Haas has attended the sale numerous times and encourages his friends to come. The sale will be the first of the year. They are held every month with the exception of May, said University Stores manager Mike Viers.

Pianist | continued from 1A

“(It was) amazing, mesmerizing, and I didn’t want it to end,� said Marguerite Terrill, a professor of teacher education. John Jacobson, director of music events for the School of Music, was responsible for or-

“Items from every department at CMU and in all areas of interest are, at some point, turned in to be sold at surplus,� Viers said. The sale includes materials that CMU no longer finds necessary, such as computer equipment, furniture, shelving and more. The items are sold and auctioned off. The idea is to recycle material and avoid waste. “As we replace old items with new, something must be done with all of the surplus,� Viers said. “The CMU Surplus Sale allows the university to offer these items to the general public, make a modest revenue, give these items a second life and keep them out of the land-

fill.� The money raised goes toward fixing machinery and funding other university departments. All sales are final with no returns. The required payment methods are cash and checks. “As a student, it’s cheaper to get your furniture here as opposed to a place like Staples, and usually better quality,� Haas said. Viers encourages students to attend. “Students should come to the sale because they will be able to find very reasonable prices and good deals on all kinds of items,� he said.

ganizing the performance. He was very pleased with how the night went. “He is a world-renowned artist, and you saw that tonight,� Jacobson said of Nel. “The audience reaction was terrific. I’m not surprised they jumped to their feet.� Nel is a piano professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and splits his time between

performing and teaching. He said he spends several days a week teaching, then will travel for several days to give a performance. “It’s an even split, I would say,� Nel said of his teaching and performing. “I think one compliments the other. I would not give up either.�

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in programming, and Hiar said some OTF members are joining Program Board. Brown said he welcomes all OTF members and will still consult with Hiar. Hiar said she is not ready to let go of OTF altogether, but rather will see what the future holds. “Does this mean On The Fly is gone for good?,� she said. “Well, (consider it) more of a furlough.� studentlife@cm-life.com

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He said many textbook publishers are working to make their books available through electronic means. This means that even if professors do not widely adopt the tablet, students could still read and take notes on required books digitally. Bracken’s favorite feature is the large screen which gives a more effective use of the multi-touch interface than the relatively miniscule iPod Touch and iPhone. “The display looks like it’s stunning,� he said. Detroit sophomore Darryl Maxwell accompanied Davenport to Microchips, but decided to hold off from pre-ordering. “I think I’m going to wait until they get all the kinks out of it,� he said.

debate |

on the fly| continued from 1A

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A

Friday, Jan. 29, 2010

Mixed feelings on texting ban Drivers could pay a $200 fine; some skeptical on enforcement By Randi Shaffer and Carisa Seltz Staff Reporters

Destinany Mobley knows first-hand how dangerous text messaging can be from behind the wheel. The Greenville senior’s vehicle was struck last May and totaled by an unlicensed teenage driver, who she said admitted to texting while driving. Mobley’s vehicle

jake may/staff photographer

Macomb junior Jamie Favazza texts a friend while driving down West Broomfield Road on Thursday afternoon. The Michigan Senate approved legislation Tuesday that will ban texting while driving. Officials say Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to sign the legislation when it comes to her desk.

Fiber-optic state network will include Central

rolled twice and hit an oak tree, resulting in $26,000 worth of damage. Because of her experience, Mobley thinks legislation approved by the state Senate Tuesday that would effectively ban texting while driving — pending the approval of Gov. Jennifer Granholm — is the right move. “I think it’s letting people know that government is aware that this is a danger to others and they are trying to put forth their efforts to prevent future issues,” she said. Many perceive the legislation to be weak because it would not make texting while driving a primary of-

fense, but a secondary one — something that may be punishable by a $200 fine if a driver is pulled over for something else. Texting and driving are not grounds for a ticket or fine alone, according to the legislation. Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski said the fine could only be attached on top of a ticket for a primary offense, such as speeding or driving recklessly. “Even if a police officer drives past you and sees you texting, he or she can’t pull you over,” he said. A Text | 5A

scenes on campus

A Grant | 5A

photos by matthew stepehens/senior photographer

Harrison Township freshmen Cameron Amateis and Matt Ferschneider shop for poster to decorate their dorm in Woldt Hall. “It’s like sitting in a jail, especially if we don’t have any posters.”

Poster Paradise Students look for encouragement through wall art By Connor Sheridan Senior Reporter

EDITOR’S NOTE: Central Michigan Life will occasionally send a reporter and photographer to find a quick story of what’s happening on campus. This story is the second in the series, “Scenes on Campus.”

M

att Ferschneider cannot live without posters. Especially in his dorm room. “It’s like sitting in a jail, especially if we don’t have any posters,” the Harrison Township freshman said of his new home. Ferschneider and his roommate, Cameron Amateis, also a Harrison Township freshman, are among many students who visited Central Michigan University’s Bovee University Center Rotunda this week. The pursuit: To cover their walls and make their living spaces their own. Posters aplenty The fun is part of a

poster sale sponsored by The College Poster Sale Company. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m today. Ferschneider and Amateis are particularly interested in movie and music posters. Amateis likes ’70s classics and Ferschneider, hip-hop. Both hoped to find something other than the norm. “(I want) something unique, something nobody else would have,” Amateis said. Ypsilanti junior Stephanie Holmes hoped for a wider selection featuring John F. Kennedy and President Barack Obama. Holmes is studying law and hopes to one day become a governor. She considered buying a poster of her hero John F. Kennedy at one point, and said she enjoys when she can be inspired by their presence, even if just in paper form. “If I read about them, it encourages me more,” she said. Holmes’ room is currently covered with imag-

By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter

Education reforms mentioned in President Barack Obama’s first official State of the Union address Wednesday

Relay for Life

Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, takes place from 4 p.m. April 23 until 7 a.m. April 24. Those interested in participating can sign up a team or join another team through the Relay for Life Web site at www.relayforlife.org/cmumi. The Relay for Life Kickoff takes place at 7 p.m. Monday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda, where individuals can receive more information about the event. For more information, e-mail cmurelay@gmail.com.

could help students pay for college. Diane Fleming, associate director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, was excited by what could come from the address — most notably, capping student loan repayment rates at 10 percent a month. “It’d be huge. It’d keep a lot of students from going into default,” she said. “Both sides of the hill know that students are

having a terrible time repaying their loans. It doesn’t help anyone when students go into default.” Obama recently proposed that graduated college students should pay, at most, 10 percent of their monthly income to student loans. The current cap is set at 15 percent. The president also suggested giving a tax credit to parents of college students and increasing funding to the

Advanced materials seminar

A seminar will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday in Dow 107. The seminar is on “Development of Coated Hydrogels for Controlled Release Applications in Agriculture” and is hosted by Arun Nadarajah from the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Toledo. For more information, contact Jessica Lapp with the Advanced Materials Research Initiative at lapp1jw@cmich.edu or (989) 774-2221.

Mortar Board seeks members

Ypsilanti junior Stephanie Holmes shops for a political poster Wednesday afternoon in the Bovee University Center.

es of Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, an environment which she says is not conducive to studying. Into the arts Kevin Nevorski was interested in a bit of everything, but preferred the art prints on display. “I like them to be interesting so you never get bored of them,” the Chesterfield senior said. His favorite wall decoration was a print of “The

School of Athens” by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. The famous fresco depicts dozens of history’s greatest scholars and philosophers gathered in conversation at a great Roman hall. “They put a lot of stuff in their paintings, so you can keep looking at it and seeing new things,” Nevorski said. studentlife@cm-life.com

Obama covers student loans during speech Proposal includes capping repayment rates at 10 percent

Phame Camarena is the new director of the CMU Honors Program. Camarena, the current chairman of the human environmental studies department, will take over Aug. 18, replacing James Hill. No replacement has been chosen for Camarena’s position.

Isabella County homeowners can attend a tax assessment workshop that begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Comfort Inn, 2424 S. Mission Street. The workshop is being conducted by State Sen. Alan Cropsey, RDeWitt, and Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, and is for homeowners who believe they are being over-assessed on their property taxes. The event is sponsored by state lawmakers and will explain how to appeal tax assessments, step-by-step. It will provide property owners with information to understand why property tax bills rise when property values fall. For more information, contact Cropsey’s office at (517) 373-3760.

By Tony Wittkowski Staff Reporter

The history Before the 1990s, Merit Network Inc. was called MERIT, which stood for Michigan Education Research Information Triad. The term “triad” came about because, at the time, there were only three state institutions that governed it — the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. “Each member institution has a representative on Merit’s board of directors,” Rehm said. “I am CMU’s representative.” Twelve out of the 15 public universities in Michigan own part of Merit Network Inc. now — CMU, U-M, MSU, WSU, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University and Western Michigan University. CMU first took a governing role in

Camarena new Honors director

Tax assessment workshop

$33.3 million grant awarded to provider

Central Michigan University is one of several communities and schools that will benefit from a 955-mile fiber-optic network planned to extend across the state of Michigan. A $33.3 million federal grant awarded to Merit Network Inc. will fund the network. “Merit is our internet service provider,” said Duane Kleinhardt, IT Communications Manager for CMU. “They’re our primary provider.” Merit Network Inc. was founded in 1966, and is a nonprofit memberowned organization created to implement a computer network between public universities in Michigan. Overall funding for the project totals $41 million because Merit Network Inc. added a 20 percent contribution to the grant. “We’ll have matching funds,” said Elwood Downing, vice president of Merit’s member relations. Merit has been Michigan’s highspeed research and education network since the 1960s. Roger Rehm, vice president for Information Technology at CMU, sees other indirect benefits that may extend from the grant — namely, savings for Central. “We anticipate that the network project will cause a number of potential Merit members to look more favorably on Merit membership,” Rehm said. “Increased membership, of course, strengthens Merit and provides more money to support Merit member services, which has the potential to reduce the cost of those services to CMU.”

[Life in brief]

cm-life.com See our Metro Central blog for more State of the Union coverage Pell Grant program. The tax credit would give taxpayers a $10,000 credit spread over four years. Student Government Association President Jason Nichol said the tax credit could help students pay for col-

Heidi Fenton, Managing Editor | news@cm-life.com | 989.774.4343

lege. “I thought the tax credit gives an up front way to finance, especially to parents of first-generation college students,” the Mount Pleasant senior said. Fleming said she thought an increase to Pell Grant funding would be helpful, but does not know where the funding would come from because of the Pell A State| 5A

The Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society is seeking new members. All juniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA are encouraged to apply. Mortar Board is a national honor society recognizing college seniors for their exemplary scholarship, leadership and service. Learn more about Mortar Board at mortarboard.org or e-mail centralmichigan.mortarboard@ gmail.com with questions or for an application. Applications are due Feb. 11 to Box 94 in the Student Organization Center on the lower level of the Bovee University Center.

Night of Louisiana

The 19th annual Night of Louisiana will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday in Finch Fieldhouse. The event is hosted by Central Michigan University Public Radio and University Events and will feature “The Pine Leaf Boys” and “Lil’ Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.” Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For tickets, call the CMU Box Office at (888) 268-0111. For more information, contact Sarah Adams at WCMU by emailing wcmu-pr@cmich.edu or calling (989) 774-3105.

If you have an interesting item for Life in Brief, let us know by e-mailing news@cm-life.com

voices

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Central Michigan Life

4A Friday, Jan. 29, 2010

[cm-life.com/category/voices]

Brian Manzullo, Editor

in

Chief | Will Axford, Voices Editor | Heidi Fenton, Managing Editor | Eric Dresden, University Editor | Jackie Smith, Metro Editor

EDITORIAL | On The Fly commended for closing down and saving the university money

Making the cut

A

fter 14 years, On the Fly Productions will no longer provide campus programming for students after this semester. The decision comes from adviser Dani Hiar and will save Residence Life $100,000 starting in the fall. Though it may not be what everyone wanted to hear, especially those involved with On the Fly, it is commendable that Hiar put the needs of the university first before keeping OTF operable.

More administrators and advisers can learn from her and close programs not necessary to Central Michigan University’s survival. It is never a good sign when a program around the university has to shut down. But with talks of budget cuts and speculation of how much

tuition will go up every year, unnecessary programs and extra costs will be disappearing around campus throughout the next few years, or until the economy gets better. OTF faced the inevitable headon, disbanding and saving the university the trouble of having to

break the bad news. OTF was by no means a bad program. It gave some students the practical job experience they will need in the real world, especially if they decide to go into event planning. Acts such as Ludacris and Dane Cook have come to CMU in the past because of OTF. But reality is setting in — and some people have to call it quits in order for the university to get back on track. CMU already has Program Board for programming events. It is unnecessary to have another organization doing virtually the same thing. It’s a shame, but OTF won’t be the last organization that will have to call it quits. There are organizations and programs across the university that are fun, but not necessary for CMU’s continuation. They know they will have to disband soon. OTF was one

of them, and Hiar recognized the importance of saving money. Part of the fault of OTF closing lies with the students. OTF was an organization dedicated to bringing smaller acts to campus — presenting entertainers that would interest only a certain amount of students. The lack of student interest is a signal to the university on what they should keep and what they should let go. Students should keep this mind in the months to come when other RSOs and programs are cut from the university budget. Just because OTF is closing down does not mean it will be gone permanently. Once CMU budgets its money correctly — and once the Michigan economy stabilizes — programs such as OTF can be reinstated. But, for now, OTF is making the smart choice and helping out the greater good.

CHRIS TAMLYN [CENTRAL SQUARE]

Sherri Keaton Columnist

Adopting Haitians From Kansas to France, Haitian children are leaving their earthquake-devastated country and heading toward the welcoming arms of new places they will call home. Their second chance at life is shown especially through the shy smiles and giggles of two newly adopted girls — Bettania, 7, and Dieunette, 2, who now live in Nebraska with their adoptive family, according to a recent New York Times article. These two little girls were among the many Haitian adopted children rescued from dusty places of crumbled concrete and sent to the United States and other countries. What does this adoption process mean for these families? Will they also remember the most important part of their own Haiti — their homes? In this case, only time can tell. I admire the resilience in these children who have left the only world they have known and entered foreign lands that will raise them. I commend every single adoptive family because this will not be an easy journey. Every day is a challenge enough for the older children dealing with their own struggles of overcoming images of family members rattling their last breath as a collapsed building suffocated them, and their stuffed animals trampled in dirt because they became homeless, too. One of my concerns, among many, in this adoption process are the families’ ability to maintain the children’s identity, heritage and history. I know in the process of adopting, there is another layer that must be remembered and instilled in the children — their culture. I am sure many families will instill in these children their rich cultural backgrounds because who else will? It will inevitably be up to the parents to mold these little ones with a source of pride that they can identify so, when they grow up, they will never forget they are Haitian.

[our readers’ voice]

Comments from cm-life.com on ‘Jersey Shore’ star coming to Wayside Chrissy says:

Blue says:

High-end swimsuits? Are they promoting these to college students that purchase $10 swimsuits from Target? Michigan has two months of swimsuit weather per year. Who’s in charge of this company’s marketing? Take your fancy swimsuits to Miami or Vegas where you’ll have a chance to sell them.

Sophisticated, yeah right. Any event at the Wayside is going to be trashy and not even near classy. I mean, for God sakes, they have cages at the Wayside. JWoww or whatever her name is will fit in perfectly with the atmosphere there, especially after all the stuff she did on Jersey Shore. Dustin says:

Andrew says:

I weep for those who believe this is “sophisticated.” I’m ashamed to go to the same school as these people. I’m ashamed that the mass media has allowed someone like “Jwoww” to become a celebrity. If that woman (or anyone from that show) had to survive in the world on their own, without hairspray, they would die. Sure, they’re portraying the American dream of getting famous for nothing, but this is shameful and shouldn’t be glorified. I’m ashamed.

Yes, I am pretty sure CMU is not the one giving the money, I think it is the designer. This is still stupid since they are declaring her a celebrity. What a joke! JustAnotherMoron? says:

It’s going to be a huge party. God forbid college kids like to have fun. Just because it’s for a Jersey Shore girl doesn’t matter. The point is that it is going to be a good time.

Maybe you should push yourself back from your computer desk and have some social activity once in awhile. Lydia says:

I guess the belly laugh is on the alumni saying how sophisticated CMU events at the Wayside can be and (the designer) should be adopted into the next Jersey Shore show. Society went from hating the Jersey Shore to idolizing it. I am not surprised but I did watch the show once just to make fun of it and see the hype. It has them (the cast) working at the T-shirt place (bore), Snooki eating pickles in a grotesque way, them going to tanner, and partying in filthy eye sore clubs and fighting. I am not completely stuffy but I guess some of us consider ourselves more cultured.

C M Y o u | Would you pay to attend an athletics game at CMU?

Central Michigan Life Editorial Brian Manzullo, Editor in Chief Heidi Fenton, Managing Editor Joe Borlik, Student Life Editor Jackie Smith, Metro Editor Eric Dresden, University Editor Andrew Stover, Sports Editor Ashley Miller, Photo Editor Will Axford, Voices Editor David Veselenak, Online Editor Chelsea Kleven, Lead Designer Advertising Lindsey Reed, Katie Sidell Advertising Managers Carly Schafer, Shawn Wright Multi-Media Marketing Coordinators Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life

“I would not. We have to pay for so much now. (It’s) too much money going elsewhere.”

“Yes. It’s part of being a student here — supporting the athletic organization.”

Courtney Lynn,

John Taipalus,

Detroit junior

Hillsdale senior

“No. College already takes away enough of our money.” Amanda Ravel,

Marlette junior

“Maybe the football games, they’re more notable and (because of) the atmosphere.” Richard Yoon,

Troy sophomore

Nate kostegian/staff photographer

Central Michigan Life is the independent voice of Central Michigan University and is edited and published by students of Central Michigan University every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and every Wednesday during the summer. The online edition (www.cm-life.com) contains all of the material published in print. Central Michigan Life is is under the jurisdiction of the independent Student Media Board of Directors. Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions

of CMU or its employees. Central Michigan Life is a member of the Michigan Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers Association. Central Michigan Life’s operations are totally funded from revenues through advertising sales. Editions are distributed free throughout the community and individuals are entitled

to one copy. Each copy has an implied value of 75 cents. Non-university subscriptions are $1 per mailed edition. Copies of photographs published in Central Michigan Life or its online edition (www.cm-life.com) are available for purchase at http://reprints.cm-life.com Central Michigan Life’s editorial and business offices are located at 436 Moore Hall, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, telephone 774-3493.

Mike Hoffman Columnist

Tweet, Tweet

Twitter can be more than a constant status update On Wednesday, Central Michigan Life Senior Reporter Connor Sheridan’s Twitter story asks, “Is the future of communication 140 characters or less?” It is, but only to a degree. We must remember it is important that people know the “Do’s and Dont’s of Twitter.” There are certain things that should be kept in mind when microblogging. With the world becoming smaller and more interconnected, microblogging services such as Twitter will be growing in importance. And this means that Twitterers should maintain an air of integrity with regard to their tweets. Twitter is a great way to disseminate information of all kinds. Since its founding in 2006, Twitter has proven to be a valuable source for breaking news. Stories such as the hospitalization of Michael Jackson and the emergency landing of Flight 1549 in the Hudson River last year were broken via Twitter. It is important to share valuable information on Twitter, no matter the topic. It doesn’t have to be serious information, but something that will add to the discourse. As many of my followers can attest, many of my tweets are about the Red Wings. But I try to make sure I am not just posting trite, meaningless information, though I am sure it happens from time to time. If you are using Twitter professionally, you must remember to have a mix of personal and professional material, especially if you are promoting something. Pete Cashmore, founder of the social media/tech blog Mashable, is an excellent example of this. Cashmore’s Twitter name is @Mashable, but he uses his real name and picture on the account, giving a personal feel to the brand name. Also, “retweeting” is a great way to share information with your followers. “Retweeting” is Twitter’s version of reposting another tweet. But when I “retweet,” I don’t just repost it — I usually add my own comment before or after the post. Doing this gives my followers a glimpse of my opinion on whatever I am reposting, possibly leading to more dialogue about the link. There are a few things that should not be done on Twitter, however. First, Twitter should not be used just for status updates, unless you are doing something really cool or interesting, such as seeing Star Wars for the first time or at a political rally. No one wants to know what you had for breakfast or what time you are going to bed. Also, please, do not spam. Everyone on Twitter can tell you, it’s easy to get bogged down and tweet excessively for a short period of time. I’ve done it. But I don’t like it, so I try to avoid it. It’s quality, not quantity. Twitter can be a very useful tool, if used correctly. Hope to see you there, @Mike_Hoffman.

[letters to the editor] E-mail | voices@cm-life.com Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Fax | 989.774.7805 Central Michigan Life welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Only correspondence that includes a signature (e-mail 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 www.cm-life.com in the order they are received.

www.cm-life.com

More than $30 million raised for Haiti relief effort via texting By James Falls Staff Reporter

sean proctor/staff photographer

Associate Professor for the Counseling Center Michelle Bigard laughs while listening to Jason Bentley, coordinator of the First Year Experience program, as he presents “Sustaining an Engaged Community of Learners,” one of the three breakout sessions during a Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching (FaCIT) training seminar to help faculty learn to use resources following budget cuts.

FaCIT seeks to help instructors improve their teaching methods Conferences show ways for faculty to engage students By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

The Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching is trying something new to give faculty fresh ideas. Central Michigan University faculty will acquire skills and receive help in improving or expanding teaching methods without having to sacrifice time or money. FaCIT began conferences for faculty last October, said Jim Therrell, the center’s director. “This is a part of a continuing series,” he said. “It’s unique — there’s no other university in the country that does this.” Usually, conferences offered to faculty last up to three days, require attendees to take time off and may cost money to attend. FaCIT condensed those types of conferences into one hour.

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 || 5A

[News]

A conference this week was separated into two days, Wednesday and Thursday, so faculty could attend at their convenience, Therrell said. About 20 faculty members came Wednesday. There were three choices of breakout sessions — “How do I fit all the pieces together? An Essential Template and Resources for Creating Success” presented by Therrell; “Sustaining an Engaged Community of Learners” by Jason Bentley, coordinator of First Year Experience; and “Clickers: What’s all the Buzz?” by Brian Roberts, multimedia, imaging and web developer of FaCIT. Bentley said he expected faculty members to walk away with practical resources. “This conference was about what faculty can do to better engage students,” said Lynne L’Hommedieu, academic adviser for the Towers Success Center. “It’s a topic that comes up with students.” L’Hommedieu attended the conference to network and learn about different ways fac-

ulty can teach. “It was good to be able to kick around ideas,” she said. On the Web FaCIT will provide the content as an online seminar for faculty who could not attend. On Feb. 9, the center will record another conference and archive it to iTunesU for faculty to download. There are four different ways faculty can access the content — conferences on two separate days, seminar on the web and a download, Therrell said, explaining that it is a service provided for faculty. Ireta Ekstrom, FACIT’s instructional developer, participated in planning for the conferences. “Research has shown that active learning can boost learning,” she said. “We try to model what we recommend.” Faculty can learn and practice what presenters recommend and apply it to their teaching methods in the classroom, Ekstrom said.

Technology’s potential reaches further than as a means of entertainment and convenience. It has become a tool to spur quick responses to international disasters. Just two weeks after the earthquakes that struck Haiti, countries worldwide are working fast to find ways to send food, clothing and medicine to the country. Many people have donated $10 to relief efforts by texting “Haiti” to 90999 via cell phone. Howard City sophomore Jeff Baird, a member of the IT Help Desk Support team, said technology has changed the way Americans respond to international disasters. “(Technology) has (shaped) how fast and how much money we can raise in a time of need,” Baird said. “Everybody texts and it can be done so easily.” Baird said not only is technology such as texting a faster way to communicate, but it prevents procrastination in projects. “It’s the convenience and the readiness,” he said. “So that way nobody has to remind themselves to do it later.”

the earthquake and half are homeless, including people who lived in the slums or in makeshift homes prior to the earthquake. The United States sent $315 million in aid and, including donations from around the world, more than $1.12 billion has been poured into Haiti’s recovery efforts. According to the National Red Cross headquarters, more than $30 million has been raised via text message to aid the people of Haiti. Deb Birkam, Executive Director of the Central Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, remembers when she started working for the organization 15 years ago and the only technology in her office was a computer (with no internet) and a fax machine. “(Fax machines) were used to contact us for donations,” she said. “This is the

first time we did donations via text, and it was successful.” The Internet also is playing a major role in communication, Birkam said. Should another disaster strike, she said text messages would likely be used to solicit donations. Macomb alumna Michelle Motley said she has thought twice about the daily blessings in her life after seeing the impact of the earthquake continue to unfold. “We (as Americans) should show more gratitude for everything we have,” she said. “Some people don’t even have the daily necessities and yet we take ours for granted.” For more information about the earthquake in Haiti and how to donate, visit redcross.org. university@cm-life.com

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Grant |

state | text |

continued from 3A

continued from 3A

continued from 3A

Merit in November 1992. Since then, CMU has been connected to several colleges, libraries and health care facilities. Merit is supplied with America’s longest running National Science Foundation grant, $39 million that was first received in 1987. Until this past Wednesday, the National Science Foundation Grant was considered to be Merit’s biggest accomplishment. “We own and manage our own fiber infrastructures that are connected to the backbone,” Downing said. “CMU is connected to that very backbone.” The fiber-optic infrastructure will use money from the grant to connect 32 counties from Monroe to Mackinaw City. CMU and the other eleven public universities govern and are involved with the strategic direction of Merit. “People will have better access,” Downing said. “And CMU indirectly benefits from it.”

Grant’s level of debt. Pell Grant recipients at CMU have dramatically increased since 2006. About 6,200 Central students received a part of $23 million this academic year and more than 4,700 received some of nearly $12 million in 2006. “Until Michigan’s economy improves, we’re going to have more students receiving the Pell Grant,” Fleming said. Obama also touched on topics such as health care reform, government spending and energy reform. Mount Pleasant freshman Monica Atkin thought Obama’s speech addressed key points, but said the opposition he faces is stiff. “You can still see, visually, there’s a barrier,” Atkin said. “We’re supposed to be coming together to solve America’s issues.”

How strong of a bill? Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt, said the bill could be strengthened by making texting and driving a primary offense instead of a secondary one. “I think, within the next couple of years, it’ll be a primary offense,” he said. The State House has already approved similar legislation. House and Senate members are expected to reach a compromise before the legislation heads to Granholm’s desk. Detroit graduate student George Draughn thinks the ban’s intentions are good, but enforcement will be difficult. “I don’t think that it’s going to be an enforceable law,” he said. “The way they have it designed is good, but I don’t think it’s going to be an enforceable law and, even if they do enforce it, it may not be done in the right manner.”

university@cm-life.com

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twitter | Follow us online at twitter.com/cmlifesports Central Michigan Life

Sports Weekend Friday, January 29, 2010 | Section B

Basketball

Standings Men’s MAC Standings West Division Team

MAC

Overall

CMU NIU Ball St. WMU EMU Toledo

4-2 4-2 4-3 3-3 2-4 0-6

9-9 8-10 10-9 11-8 10-9 3-17

East Division Team

MAC

Overall

Akron Kent St. Buffalo Miami BGSU Ohio

4-2 4-2 3-2 4-3 3-3 2-4

14-6 13-7 10-6 7-13 10-8 11-9

Chippewas lose first game against MAC East Guards Harman, Bitzer of men’s basketball team shoot below 30 percent By Tim Ottusch Senior Reporter

The CMU men’s basketball team’s struggles in Oxford continued Thursday night. The Chippewas lost their first Mid-American Conference crossover game, 64-51, against Miami in Oxford, Ohio. CMU has not won at Miami since 1991.

Offensive struggles proved to be the Chippewas’ crutch in the game. The RedHawks outshot CMU 46.5 percent to 37.3 from the field. “Miami was tougher, make no question about it,” said CMU coach Ernie Zeigler. “Coach Coles and the Miami program prides itself on its level of toughness and grittiness, and they were a team that came out with a sense of purpose in their home floor.” In the first half, CMU got off to an early lead with two field goals by senior guard Jordan Bitzer. With Central leading by as many as four, the RedHawks went on a 10-0 run, eventually taking an 18-12 lead. Senior forward Chris Kellermann’s

pair of free throws with 4:52 remaining in the first half ended a 6-minute, 46-second scoring drought, making it 18-14 Miami. The RedHawks outshot CMU in a deErnie Zeigler fensive first half, 38.1 percent to 29.2, taking a three-point lead at halftime. CMU started the game 2-for-10 shooting. Junior guard Antonio Weary quickly tied the game in the second half, and the teams went back and forth for the first 10 minutes of the half. But with Miami up 35-34, Weary

Senior foward Britni Houghton has little free time between basketball, classes and having a young marriage.

Miami 64, CMU 51 Ball St. 75, Buffalo 69 *Home teams in bold

Women’s basketball coach cites poor rebounding for switches

Wednesday’s results BGSU 64, EMU 61 Akron 79, WMU 70 Ohio 99, NIU 84

*Home teams in bold

By Aaron McMann Staff Reporter

Tuesday’s results

Ball St. 65, Miami 59 Kent St. 69, Toledo 49 *Home teams in bold

Women’s MAC Standings West Division Team

MAC

Overall

Toledo EMU CMU Ball St. NIU WMU

6-1 5-2 4-3 3-4 2-5 0-7

16-4 15-4 7-12 9-11 8-11 5-15 sean Proctor/staff photographer

East Division Team

MAC

Overall

BGSU Kent St. Akron Miami Buffalo Ohio

7-0 5-2 5-2 3-4 1-6 1-6

17-4 12-7 11-9 5-15 5-15 5-15

Wednesday’s results Kent St. 82, CMU 76 BGSU 74, WMU 56 EMU 56, Ohio 53 Toledo 69, Buffalo 67 Miami 96, NIU 51 Akron 66, Ball St. 64

Senior women’s basketball player Britni Houghton is married to Tony Hernandez, who plays the drums for his band, “Hyperbole.” Hernandez has played bass for more than 10 years.

Love and basketball Senior forward Britni Houghton takes the role of player on the court and wife off the court By John Evans | Staff Reporter

A

student athlete’s schedule can get chaotic with practices, games, class and trying to have a social life. The life of a married college student can be even more hectic. But women’s basketball senior Britni Houghton has embraced her marriage and said she thoroughly enjoys her dual roles of athlete and wife. Houghton and her husband, Tony Hernandez, have been together for more than four years and got married on Aug. 7, 2009. Houghton said the difference between being married and not married is not very big. “The only huge difference is that we are living together,” she said. “It is really cool and I enjoy it — it’s not really that stressful. It is actually better for me because I have someone here all the time and, if I’m having a bad day or need to talk to someone, he’s always here.” Houghton’s legal name is Britni HoughtonHernandez but, since this is her last year of playing basketball, she left it as Britni Houghton

*Home teams in bold

Men’s MAC Leaders *As of Wed., Jan. 27 Player (team)

w w w w w w w w w w

David Kool (WMU) Rodney Pierce (Buffalo) Brandon Bowdry (EMU) Carlos Medlock (EMU) Robbie Harman (CMU) Armon Bassett (Ohio) Kenny Hayes (Miami) D.J. Cooper (Ohio) Jake Barnett (Toledo) Justin Greene (Kent St.)

Rebounds

Player (team)

w w w w w

Brandon Bowdry (EMU) Donald Lawson (WMU) Jarrod Jones (Ball St.) Calvin Betts (Buffalo) Otis Polk (BGSU)

PPG

20.1 18.6 16.8 15.1 14.5 14.3 14.1 13.8 13.7 13.4

RPG

10.1 8.1 7.7 7.7 7.6

Field Goal Percentage Player (team)

w w w w w

Malik Perry (Ball St.) Nikola Cvetinovic (Akron) Sean Kowal (NIU) Jimmy Conyers (Akron) Justin Greene (Kent St.)

A loss | 2b

Guevara says lineup will change

married student athlete

Thursday’s results

Points

missed a pair of free throws with 10:31 remaining in the game and the RedHawks quickly scored a field goal. The following possession, CMU turned the ball over and Miami quickly scored again and was fouled. Completing the three-point play, the RedHawks went up 39-34 with 9:44 remaining. From there, CMU never got closer than four points, and the RedHawks led by as many at 13. Bitzer led CMU with 10 points and four rebounds. Senior guard Robbie Harman scored nine points after starting the game 0-for-8 from

%

57.0 54.2 53.8 53.5 52.3

Expect more changes to the women’s basketball team’s starting lineup as the CMU returns to Rose Arena at 4 p.m. Saturday against Miami University. Coach Sue Guevara was unhappy with the team’s front court production in its 82-76 loss at Kent State on Wednesday and said changes will be made to the team’s starting five. “I’m not happy with the production of our forwards right now,” Guevara said. “I just don’t feel a sense of urgency, so I have to do some things – whether it’s sitting, not starting, Sue Guevara more drills and more production in practice – until I can get some rebounds and some defense. When we have a 5-foot guard who gets four rebounds and outrebounds our forwards, we have a problem.” Junior Kaihla Szunko had nine points and seven rebounds against the Golden Flashes, while senior Britni Houghton scored five points and grabbed one rebound. Sophomore Skylar Miller had four points and two rebounds in 27 minutes. Junior forward Laura Baker scored six points in 14 minutes and Sherryia Armstrong picked up a foul in the only minute she played. “It was just a lack of communication on our part,” Houghton said. “Coach is going to make some changes and hopefully it betters the team. We have each other’s back and we’re holding each other accountable.”

A women | 2B

CMU GAMES Friday 7 p.m. — Wrestling at No. 15 Virginia Tech

Saturday

file photo by Matthew Stephens

11 a.m. — Men’s, women’s track

Senior Britni Houghton is second on the team with 13.5 points per game and second on the team in rebounds with 5.1 per game.

12.7

Houghton’s career points per game average. She averages 13.5 points per game this season and scored 16.7 last year.

opinion w Tim Ottusch discusses the importance of winning against the MAC East, 2B

A married | 4B

533

back to work w The gymnastics team opens Mid-American Conference competition, 4B

Points scored in her junior year ranks second most in CMU history for a single season.

doubleheader w The wrestling team faces Virginia Tech and Old Dominion this weekend, 3B

4 p.m. — ­ Women’s basketball

vs. Miami (Ohio) at Rose Arena 7 p.m. — Men’s basketball

at Bowling Green

Sunday 5:30 p.m. — ­ Wrestling

at No. 25 Old Dominion

’S ! IT EEE 4B G FSREE PA

I N H C N C N O . M > L I 5 Central Michigan Life THIS S VALENTINE’ DAY...

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2B || Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

women |

opinion

continued from 1b

Despite an underachieving frontcourt, the CMU bench contributed 47 points on Wednesday, including a career-high 18 points from freshman guard Rachel Mauk. “Coach has been talking to me about getting my opportunity and chance

loss | continued from 1B

file photo by matthew STephens

Senior guard Robbie Harman led CMU with 14.5 points per game before Thursday’s game against Miami. He finished with nine points on 3-for-11 shooting at Millett Hall in Oxford, Ohio.

Games vs. MAC East will decide team’s fate CMU needs success against opponents in better division

O

ne of the CMU men’s basketball team’s main priorities coming into the season was to win the MidAmerican Conference West Division. Yet, ironically, it might be how it plays against the MAC East that decides its fate. This week started crossover play between the East and West division teams — six games that will either springboard or plummet division-title hopefuls on both sides. In past years, the East dominated the West and, if CMU wants to separate from the pack, a strong record against the East is a must. Last season, the MAC West went 7-29 against the East. The division went 1-17 on the road during crossover play and no team won more than two games. And after the seven games of cross-over play this year, the East has won five. Four of those wins have came on the road. If the East dominates the West again this year, and CMU goes .500 or better in the span, it will put itself in prime contention down the stretch. Last year’s MAC West Division title ended in a three-way tie between Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Ball State. All three teams went 7-9 in the MAC and, if only one of them finished .500 during crossover play, it would have won the division outright. If Eastern Michigan, Toledo or Northern Illinois finished .500 during crossover play, it would have tied

Schedule vs. MAC East Up next: Tim Ottusch Senior Reporter for the lead or won the division outright as well. A critical home stretch CMU’s formula for success coming into MAC play was to win every home game and split on the road. So far, CMU is 3-0 at home and 1-2 on the road in the MAC. Sticking to its formula will be key for CMU, especially against the East, when it hosts probably the most crucial home stretch of the season starting next Thursday. Between Feb. 4 and Feb. 9, CMU hosts Buffalo, Kent State and Akron, the top three teams in the East. If CMU can win all three, it would likely hold a game or two advantage when MAC West play starts up again, no matter what it does on the road against the East. Despite playing perhaps the three best teams in the MAC during that time, CMU has played well at home this season. CMU is 6-1 at Rose Arena and has not lost since its home opener against Princeton on Nov. 14. The Chippewas went 2-1 at home against MAC East teams last year. Senior guard Robbie Harman said last Saturday’s game against Northern Illinois was the loudest he heard Rose Arena during his four years at CMU. If the team wants to keep that atmosphere, the wins must continue.

Saturday: at Bowling Green Thursday: Miami L 64-51 Feb. 4: vs. Buffalo Feb. 6: vs. Kent State Feb. 9: vs. Akron Feb. 11: at Ohio

Who’s hot: Junior forward Will McClure has played solid defense throughout MAC play.

Who’s not: Senior guards Jordan Bitzer and Robbie Harman combined for 6-for-23 from the field Thursday.

the field. Bitzer and Harman went 6-for-23 combined. “They knew they had to really come at those two, and they really did a good job of that,� Zeigler said. The RedHawks (7-13, 4-3 MAC) were led by guard senior Kenny Hayes, who scored 20 points and junior forward Nick Winbush had 13. Miami outrebounded CMU 33-27. CMU did not arrive in Oxford until 4:30 a.m. Thursday after the team bus broke down in Okemos. It delayed the trip an hour and a half.

to take it and I finally got my chance,� Mauk said. “I was really down on myself at the beginning of the season, but now I’m just trying to stay positive.� Miami (5-15, 3-4 MAC) snapped a three-game losing streak on Wednesday with a 96-51 win against Northern Illinois. The RedHawks are led by 5-foot 10 freshman guard Courtney Osborn, who averages 18.4 points per game.

“They’re an explosive team – they mix up their defenses, press,� Guevara said. “It’s going to be a matter of us taking a little bit more pride in defending our home court.� CMU has not won against Miami since 2000, losing nine consecutive and 21 of the past 23 games. The Chippewas lost 83-78 in last year’s meeting.

four more steals. Thomas (6-foot-6) leads the Falcons in scoring with 11.7 points per game and 15.8 during MAC play. Sophomore guard Dee Brown (6-foot-3) also averages double-figure points per game with 10.4 overall and 10.2 in conference games. Polk (6-foot-9) leads the team with 7.6 rebounds per game (fifth-best in the MAC)

and is the third on the team in scoring, averaging 9.5 points per game. Central Michigan next plays at home against Buffalo at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rose Arena. The game against Buffalo starts a three-game home stretch, including games on Feb. 6 against Kent State and Feb. 9 against Akron.

sports@cm-life.com

sports@cm-life.com

Looking ahead CMU (9-9, 4-2 MAC) continues play against the MAC East at 7 p.m. Saturday in Bowling Green. BGSU (10-8, 3-3 MAC) won its opening crossover game 64-61 against Eastern Michigan Tuesday in Ypsilanti. The Falcons were down 37-28 at the half, but outshot the Eagles 53.8 percent to 28.6 in the second half. Sophomore forward Scott Thomas led the Falcons with 18 points, 17 of which came in the second half on 7-of-9 shooting. Thomas was one of four Bowling Green players scoring in double figures. Senior center Otis Polk had 10 points and seven rebounds. The Falcons outrebounded the Eagles 33-27 and had

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436 Moore Hall • CMU • Mt Pleasant

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cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

Track ‘relaxes’ at home

Men, women host second of four at Jack Skoog By Josh Berenter Staff Reporter

file photo by ashley miller

CMU senior 165-pounder Tyler Grayson, left, wrestles Stanford’s Nick Amuchastegui during his 5-2 decision Jan. 17 at Rose Arena. The Chippewas travel this weekend to face No. 15 Virginia Tech tonight and No. 25 Old Dominion on Sunday.

Wrestling meets familiar foes, but new faces against Top 25 Chippewas travel to Virginia Tech, Old Dominion By Matthew Valinski Staff Reporter

Virginia Tech came to Mount Pleasant on Jan. 25, 2009, and ended the CMU wrestling team’s 15-match home unbeaten streak last season. Tonight, No. 7 CMU looks to end the No. 15 Hokies’ sevenmatch home unbeaten streak at Cassell Coliseum. Although the two teams wrestled last year, the only rematch will be from this year’s Midlands Championships, Matt Steintrager where No. 9 Matt Steintrager defeated No. 14 Jarrod Garnett 4-2. Both have one loss in duals this year and, with both wrestlers ranked in the top 15, Steintrager said he is looking at the match to prove his ranking. “Nothing really matters until Nationals,” he said. “So it’s important to move my ranking up or keeping it where it is so that I can get a good seed at Nationals, so I don’t have to wrestle the good guys until later in the tournament.” Steintrager said it will be important for him to stay aggressive this weekend during the entire match without letting his opponent take control. “I got to get to my shots a lot

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 || 3B

easier and pressure forward,” he said. “A lot of times, I don’t keep pressure on my opponent for long enough, and I just need to keep to a single leg and get to my takedowns.” Garnett is one of four ranked wrestlers for Virginia Tech. New opportunity Conor Beebe, who Steintrager beat for the spot at 125, will have an opportunity at 141 pounds. Beebe will wrestle No. 10 Chris Diaz, who leads Virginia Tech with 23 total wins, along with 16 wins in duals. Beebe scored the only win for the Chippewas in the first six bouts last year against the Hokies before Central took three of the last four. Redshirt freshman Donnie Corby has moved up to 157 pounds, while Steve Brown continues to deal with an injury. Corby will likely face No. 4 Jesse Dong, second on Virginia Tech with 22 wins. While Corby has had some success since moving into the starting lineup, he said he needs to improve on his takedowns if he wants to get wins against better opponents. “I’m getting in on my attempts, but I’m not finishing them,” he said. “I’m leaving points out there.” In the heavyweight class, CMU’s Jarod Trice’s 15 wins are just one more than Virginia Tech wrestler Tim Miller’s losses (14). Old Dominion Sunday, the Chippewas will wrestle No. 25 Old Dominion, which has a five-match un-

Up next Next matches: CMU (10-2) at Virginia Tech (14-3), 7 tonight at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Va.; CMU at Old Dominion (8-3-1), 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va.

Who’s hot: Matt Steintrager, Scotti Sentes, Conor Beebe, Justin McDermitt and Donnie Corby did not give up a point against EMU. beaten streak. Virginia Tech comes in at 14-3, but two of the three losses have come against Mid-American Conference member Kent State. Central defeated Old Dominion twice last year but, like against Virginia Tech, rematches will not be likely. Steintrager will get his second chance against a ranked opponent as he takes on junior No. 7 James Nicholson, whose lone loss this year came against Wyoming’s Michael Martinez. He is second on the Monarchs with 24 wins. At 197 pounds, senior Eric Simaz will get tested against No. 13 Jesses Strawn, as he already has 10 pins on the season in 31 matches. No. 14 Chris Brown is the only other ranked wrestler for Old Dominion. He will most likely take on No. 17 Tyler Grayson, who is 9-1 in duals this season. sports@cm-life.com

The CMU men’s and women’s track and field teams return home Saturday for their second of four home meets this season. CMU hosts Mid-American conference opponents Kent State, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and non-conference opponent Oakland University in the Chippewa Invitational. Events begin at 11 a.m at the Indoor Athletic Complex’s Jack Skoog Track. Coach Willie Randolph said he thinks KSU and EMU pose the biggest threat, but his team is not looking past any school. “Our biggest competition is always everybody,” he said. “Every school has a certain level of strengths and weaknesses or levels that we want to be competitive against.” Randolph said expectations are higher now that the team won several events last week. Last week, Kent State men’s and women’s teams lost dual meets to Akron. The men lost 78.5-72.5 and the women lost 75-73. Eastern Michigan beat CMU 100.50-44.50 on Jan. 15 in Ypsilanti. CMU has more home meets this indoor season than in the past three years. Randolph his teams look forward to competing at home. “Being able to wake up in your own bed and come over in a comfortable environment allows athletes to relax,” he said. “At home, you can have your friends and family support you,

file photo by matthew stephens

Senior thrower Greg Pilling looks to rebound Saturday after not scoring last meet.

and you have the ability to compete freely.” Senior All-American Greg Pilling, who did not score in last week’s meet because of a foul, said he is looking forward to this home meet. “My wife and my son will be here,” he said. “It’s good to be home and be able to relax.” Pilling has been limited thus far because of a long outdoor season with the Canadian national team, but said his goals are high for the MAC championships in February. “I want to medal at the conference championships,”

he said. “I want a throw of 60 feet.” Pilling’s threw his careerbest in the weight throw last year at the Chippewa Open, where he threw 58 feet, 11.5 inches. Randolph said his staff has discussed several times how to handle Pilling’s training during the regular season because of his long summer. “The amount of training that goes in for a thrower is unlike (anything else),” Randolph said. “He’s perfectly fine with the timing right now.” sports@cm-life.com

4B || Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

Married |

Gymnasts open MAC competition

continued from 1B

on the roster because that is what everyone knows her as, she said. Meet and greet Houghton and Hernandez met when she was at Waverly High School. It was Hernandez’s father who introduced the two. “She (Houghton) went to school with my sister and my dad introduced us to each other,” Hernandez said. “One thing led to another after that.” Hernandez is a 25-yearold sales worker for a labor law firm in Lansing and commutes every day from Mount Pleasant. His real passion, however, is music, he said. Hernandez plays in a band called “Hyperbole,” which started in Lansing. He has played bass for more than 10 years and plays the drums for his current band. Some of the other band members have traveled to California to pursue a record deal with Dream Records out of the Dream Center. The Dream Center is a church and nonprofit organization in Los Angeles. Time together With Houghton’s schoolwork and basketball schedule, along with Hernandez’s work, time together would seem scarce. But Houghton said it is the opposite. “With his work schedule and my school and basketball schedule, it actually works out perfect,” she said. “He gets off work around 4 p.m. and is home around 5:30 p.m., which is when I am done, so it is perfect.” Houghton said although her mom is her biggest fan, Hernandez attends every single home game and even some road games if he can make them. He agreed their schedules are not as bad as some may think, and there also are perks to being married to a basketball player. “It is cool being married to a student athlete,” Hernandez said. “There is time where we miss each other, but we always talk on the phone and we see each other every night. I am a huge basketball fan, so I enjoy watching her.” Tension Houghton said her parents were a little shaky when she got married. “At first, they were weary about it. They thought it might take away from my focus,” Houghton said. “They thought it might hinder my play but, now, they are embracing it better as time goes by.” Houghton has been a four-year starter at CMU

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

Quest for league title starts Saturday in Ypsilanti By Nick Conklin Staff Reporter

courtesy photo

Senior women’s basketball player Britni Houghton and her husband, Tony Hernandez, have been together for more than four years. They got married on Aug. 7, 2009.

and is the fifth player in program history to score more than 1,000 points prior to their senior season. She has 13.5 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game this season. Her total points and average points per game have improved every season, including her junior year last season, when she became the second CMU player to break the 500-point mark in one season. Coach Sue Guevara said she has noticed how Houghton has been able to conduct herself. “I think it’s really cool of how she has been able to handle a marriage (while) playing like she’s playing right now and doing well in the classroom,” Guevara said. “I don’t see her marriage on the court. She’s done a really nice job of when she steps on the court, she knows what she’s on the court for.” Once again, Houghton has her average in double-digits and has provided some stability as a senior to a team that started the season 4-11 (CMU is now 8-12). Guevara said she has seen Houghton grow as a person and a player over the years. “That’s one of the best things about this job, this profession, is that you get to watch players grow up,” Guevara said. “And as much as sometimes she will just drive me out of my mind, I love her to death.” After this season of basketball, Houghton has one more semester of school remaining before she graduates. Upon graduation, if the

Year by Year 2006-07: Britni Houghton led CMU by shooting 45.7 percent from the field. Made 76.2 percent of free throws. Finished fifth in scoring and third in rebounding of all MAC freshmen.

2007-08: Increased field goal percentage to 47.7 and shot 51.1 percent during MAC play. Averaged 15 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in the conference.

2008-09: Became the 17th player in CMU history to pass the 1,000-point plateau and the fifth to do so before her senior year. Her field goal percentage in the MAC dropped to 44.1 percent, but her points per game average jumped to 16.7, which ranked third in the MAC.

2009-10: Shooting 42.4 percent from the field and ranking second on the team with 13.5 points per game. She averages 5.1 rebounds per game and is shooting 76.7 percent from the free throw line. opportunity to play professional basketball overseas presents itself, she said she is going to pursue that goal. Otherwise, Houghton plans on trying to get a job traveling with her husband. sports@cm-life.com

The CMU gymnastics team’s goal to win a MidAmerican Conference title has not changed since Jerry Reighard started coaching. “They (goals) haven’t changed in 25 years,” he said. “We want to go undefeated in the conference and we want to win the regular season championship.” The team will take on that mission this weekend when it faces Eastern Michigan to open MAC competition at 7 p.m. Saturday at Bowen Fieldhouse in Ypsilanti. The Eagles lost their first meet of the season to defending MAC champion Kent State, 195.175-191, on Jan. 22. Senior Katie Simon said the team’s performance must be consistent with its goals. Katie Simon “I expect to win the MAC and go to regionals,” she said. But Reighard said personal performance and improvement from each gymnast is just as critical. Reighard said the approach does not change whether it is a conference meet or a non-conference meet. “We need to face the rest of our schedule as a nameless, faceless opponent,” he said. Simon helped pace the Chippewas last weekend against Denver and BYU, scoring a 9.85 on the uneven bars and a 9.875 on the vault. Freshman Darrian Tissenbaum scored a 9.8 on the vault in the tri-meet. Her performance in Denver won her the MAC specialist of the week award. The award honors gymnasts who compete in one or two events during a competition, but are not considered all-around performers. “We strive to win those things,” Reighard said. “And those specialists who are great athletes have a way of getting recognized.” CMU’s 49.2 team score on the vault marked the third-highest event score

file photo by Paige Calamari

Sophomore Kristin Teubner scored a 9.8 on the floor exercise, 9.775 on the balance beam and a 9.875 on the vault last week in Denver, Colo.

in the program’s history. The Eagles Led by senior Erin Grigg, who posted a 38.175 allaround score in the team’s only meet, EMU looks toward junior Nikole Viltz and freshman Kaylyn Millick. Viltz posted a 9.750 on the balance beam and Millick scored a 9.725 on the uneven bars.

CMU registered two wins last season against the Eagles — its first coming in the State of Michigan Classic (193.925) and the second coming in the Eagle Invitational (195.675). CMU has yet to hit the 195-point total this season. However, it broke the 194point plateau last week in Denver (194.025). sports@cm-life.com

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