Nov. 18, 2009

Page 1

kennedy | speaker series kicks off thursday, 3a |final four Four contenders remain in chase for Detroit, 1B

auto lab| Students love working on vehicles, off-roading, 3A

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

p h y s i c s b y d a y, a s t r o n o m y b y n i g h t

nsf grant plagiarism

OSU not taking action against former CMU prof School awaiting final report; NSF has no plans for one By Jake Bolitho Senior Reporter

jake may/staff photographer

Assistant physics professor Axel Mellinger pours liquid nitrogen onto a laser beam, a procedure he uses while teaching students about physics, Tuesday in the basement of Anspach Hall. Mellinger is an amateur photographer who created his second all-sky panorama in August. The photo took 22 months and two trips to South Africa to create, allowing viewers to see connections between night sky elements. “Science and astronomy. It is just so much fun to play with these things and see what we can discover,” he said.

A galaxy quest Mellinger traveled to both hemispheres to complete all-sky panorama By Maryellen Tighe | Staff Reporter

A

xel Mellinger has a hobby that takes him halfway around the world. The assistant physics professor is an amateur photographer and finished his second all-sky panorama in August. The photo, which took 22 months and two trips to South Africa, shows the entire night sky and allows viewers to see connections between night sky elements. “It’s only my hobby,” he said. “During the daytime, I do polymer physics.” In order to complete his all-sky image, Mellinger needed to photograph from the northern and southern hemispheres. He traveled to Texas and northern Michigan to take the photos for the northern hemisphere. “What’s unique about Dr. Mellinger’s work is that it stretches and you can see how everything fits together,” said David Batch, director of Abrams Planetarium in East Lansing.

Most astronomy photographs are of a specific part of the sky, Batch said. Mellinger’s work allow viewers to see how objects are related. Another unique part of Mellinger’s work is the color and exposure. He took each photo with red, yellow and blue filters, and used three exposure times in order to have proper dynamics. For clarity, he repeated the entire process five times to average the effects. “I divided the sky in a grid of 70 fields, starting at the North Celestial Pole,” Mellinger said. “It takes about an hour and 40 minutes to complete each field.” The photos show lanes of dust and any organic, metallic or silicate microscopic material across the sky, said physics professor Glen Williams. It obscures light and causes distant stars to have a red tint.

A Brooks space odyssey Stars highly visible in winter atmosphere

For a link to the panorama photo, visit the Web site. “I was stunned when I saw his picture, and you see these dust lanes more clearly than I’ve ever seen before,” he said. Photography has been a serious hobby of Mellinger’s since he was a child. In 1998, he put together images of the Milky Way, which his friends said resembled a painting of the sky. Mellinger finished his first full-sky panorama in the late 1990s with a chemical film camera to replicate the painting. As a physicist, he had the skills to do the image processing. “It was something that not a lot of other people were doing,” Mellinger said. university@cm-life.com

libby march/staff photographer

But not only is the view getting clearer, there are several fascinating objects at their peak viewing conditions right now or will be in coming weeks.

“We generally find that the winter sky has a lot of interesting things to look at,” Williams said. “Still visible now is the A brooks | 2a

Gov.: Diversify economy through higher education Granholm discussing plans Thursday at CMU By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she hopes to diversify Michigan’s economy by removing barriers to higher education to double the number of Michigan college graduates. Michigan needs to reshape its economy as national economic trends shift from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, she said Thursday in a conference call with reporters. “We have to recognize that Michigan’s economy has changed,” she said. “What worked for your parents doesn’t work for you anymore.” Granholm is encouraging

If you go... w What: Gov. Jennifer Granholm w When: 9:15 a.m. Thursday w Where: Charles V. Park Library Auditorium

students to contact their state senators and representatives and tell them to support the reinstatement of the Michigan Promise. She is visiting universities and community colleges this week, including CMU at 9:15 a.m. Thursday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium, to discuss the Michigan Promise Scholarship. Funding higher education is Granholm’s answer to the state’s economic woes. But allocating more tax dollars to fund public education is easier said than done. Michigan

A GRANHOLM | 2A

Students generally prefer cmich e-mail

By Connor Sheridan Staff Reporter

Coldwater sophomore Kayla Nearpass listens as physics professor Glen Williams explains the workings of the 16-inch reflecting telescope Oct. 26 in Brooks Hall. The telescope, bought 13 years ago for approximately $78,000, would cost more than $100,000 today.

A nsf | 2A

technology

Elimination not a consideration for Central

By Connor Sheridan Staff Reporter

As the autumn weather turns crisp and memories of July’s fireworks begin to fade, students can still find beauty in the skies any clear night. Stargazing will be at its peak in the coming months of fall and winter because of simple atmospheric changes. “Winter nights are better because the air is drier,” said physics professor Glen Williams. The observatory will host an open session for students to use the telescope from 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday in the Brooks Hall Observatory.

cm-life.com

An Ohio State University official said they have taken no action with the CONCEPT grant controversy despite employing one of the math professors cited in several investigative reports. Earle Holland, assistant vice president of Research Communications at OSU, said the university will not consider the case resolved until the National Science Foundation issues its final report. In August 2008, an investigative committee formed by Central Michigan University concluded plagiarism occurred in an NSF grant proposal, as well as course materials produced

from the research. CMU math professor Douglas Lapp was named in the report regarding the grant proposal, as was Azita Manouchehri, a former CMU professor who now teaches at OSU. The CMU Board of Trustees approved returning $619,489 of the $770,119 in grant money to the NSF because of the committee’s findings. Manouchehri could not be reached for comment. The committee’s findings do not mean OSU considers the investigation to be over, Holland said. “The only connection that we might have is that this individual is on our campus,” he said. “The end of the process would be an NSF report.” Maria Zacharias, a public affairs specialist for the NSF, said she is unaware of such a process for this case.

More schools than ever are considering dropping student e-mail accounts. Central Michigan University is working on expanding theirs. More students get their essential e-mail connection from CMU than the national average, according to a study conducted by the Faculty Center for Information Technology in 2006 that showed 84.2 percent of CMU students preferred their university e-mail to other forms. This number is higher than

the average of 82.8 percent across other four-year institutions. “There is a sort of mounting thought of the idea of not assigning e-mail addresses,” said Roger Rehm, vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer. A study conducted by EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit organization promoting information technology for higher education, indicated around 25 percent of institutions such as CMU have begun to consider ending email address services. This number is a marked increase from the 1 to 2 percent figures of 2004. But Rehm is not entertaining the idea. “It would disadvantage a number of students and that

would concern me,” he said. While higher education in general is getting to the point where it begins to consider e-mail roughly equivalent to paper mail, Rehm said, the benefits just do not outweigh the potential risks. “(The CMU account) is the primary account that I use,” said Madison Heights sophomore Emily Denryter. “Most of the people I know mostly use the CMU account.” She said she only had one other account which she used to keep up with a student group, and she is happy with CMU’s service. “That’s my primary account,” said Rockford senior Samantha Corey.

A CMICH e-mail | 6a

2A || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR Today

w M.E. Ware: Ritual Regalia for Contemporary Living is presented from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the University Art Gallery Main Gallery. w The Study Abroad Open House will take place from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Room 106.

Thursday

w A discussion on student retention topics will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Education and Human Services Building Room 315. w A public debate about students being required to wear school uniforms will take place from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in Moore Hall Room 105.

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 91, Number 38

GRANHOLM| continued from 1A

is generating 40 percent less revenue than it was in 2000, and funding for public schools and universities has been cut dramatically. Cuts to scholarships The Michigan Legislature did not include the Michigan Promise Scholarship in the budget it gave Granholm Oct. 30 despite the fact that Granholm included the Michigan Promise in her 2010 Executive Budget, said Granholm’s Deputy Press Secretary Megan Brown. The legislature’s budget decreased state funding to 15 state universities by 0.4 percent, cut student financial aid more than 61 percent and cut $500 million

NSF| continued from 1A

“There are no plans to issue a final report,� she said. Careless, not reckless OSU was notified by Interim Provost Gary Shapiro of the allegations against Manouchehri in December 2007. The math professor accepted a position at OSU earlier that summer. Holland confirmed the university received the letter and was made aware of the situation. It was determined in the final report by the CMU investigative committee that Manouchehri had an established pattern of “careless� work. Holland cited carelessness, also termed by the NSF as negligence, is not as severe of a violation as recklessness, which the NSF considers to be research misconduct. “It is not scientific misconduct if the person is merely careless,� he said. The committee found Manouchehri had shown negligence when it came to the course materials she plagiarized, according to the documents. However, the documents also stated recklessness was displayed on the part of the individual who inserted plagiarized material into the grant proposal. from public school funding. “CMU students will be impacted (by the budget cuts),� said Diane Fleming, associate director of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Fleming said the Michigan Competitive Scholarship was cut by 50 percent and the available funds will only be administered to students who currently receive it. “At the moment, we have no idea how much money returning students are going to get,� she said. To help fund public schools, Granholm suggested revenue increases, including taxes on tobacco products, eliminating increases in state income tax personal exemptions and refusing to award businesses some tax breaks. To reinstate the Michigan Promise, Granholm wants to freeze the 10 percent credit

Involvement The exact level of each professor’s involvement in the writing of the grant proposal is unclear, according to the committee’s findings. Two people testified to the committee that the grant proposal was written by Manouchehri, but based off of Lapp’s ideas. Another individual was told by Manouchehri that Manouchehri wrote the proposal, and another was told she wrote the majority of it. One member of the research team said the proposal was written through the combined efforts of Lapp and Manouchehri. Lapp told Central Michigan Life on Thursday he had little to do with the actual writing of the proposal, but instead reviewed it and provided his comments to Manouchehri. OSU’s Office of Research Compliance considers plagiarism to be research misconduct and could result in appropriate sanctions based on the case’s severity, according to the university’s research misconduct policy. Holland said he cannot comment on what action — if any — the university will eventually take regarding the case. “We’re not going to have any comment whatsoever until there is a final report from the NSF,� he said.

WEATHER FORECAST Today

CM-LIFE.COM online media

20 percent chance of precipitation

High 55/Low 42 Partly cloudy

Thursday

VIDEO Check for a video on the code talker from Monday.

50 percent chance of precipitation

High 49/Low 37 Rain showers

friday

20 percent chance of precipitation

High 49/Low 37 Mostly cloudy

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

Mount Pleasant sophomore Micah Milan takes advantage of the windy weather and practices kiteboarding on a longboard Tuesday in Lot 62E. Milan has been kiteboarding in Lake Michigan for three years and practices with a snowboard or longboard during cold months.

university@cm-life.com

increase for the Earned Income Tax Credit and redirect the money allocated to the EITC toward the Michigan Promise. State Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant, said he would want to know the mechanics of what Granholm is suggesting. “If the numbers work out, I’d certainly look at it in a positive way,� he said. In lieu of losing the Michigan Promise, students across the state continue to pinch pennies to fund higher tuition rates, although most end up having to take out numerous loans. “Students need to consider the fact that Michigan is going to be in fiscal distress for more than this one year,� said assistant political science professor J. Cherie Strachan. metro@cm-life.com

dennis banks WEDNESDAY

November 18, 2009 Kiva in Moore Hall 7:00 p.m.

A strengths-based conversation about American Indian Culture and Community. Dennis Banks tells his life story, shares his experiences, and explains how he empowered himself and others to rise above oppression, trauma, racism and police brutality.

CO-SPONSORS

Central Michigan University, College of Humanities & Social & Behavioral Sciences, Native American Programs, King/Chavez/ Parks Program, OfďŹ ce for Institutional Diversity, University Bookstore, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Grand Valley State University CMU is an AA/EO community and strongly and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. (See www.cmich.edu/aaeo) For more information or for individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations, please contact the Multicultural Education Center at 774-7318 at least two days in advance.

www.cm-life.com

[News]

DESIGN JOEL RICKERT joel11_83@msn.com

jeff smith/staff photographer

brooks| continued from 1A

Ring Nebula. That’s an impressive sight.� He said the Orion nebula, Saturn and Venus are all worth looking for. “Right now, if you get a clear night, Jupiter is up, very bright. I have a fun time looking at Jupiter and (its) moons,� said Beverly Hills senior Rachael Tomasino. Her senior Honors project focuses on astronomy. She designed a slitless

spectrograph with Williams’ help to analyze the elemental composition of distant stars. Unfortunately, she and every other astronomer who relies on terrestrial equipment can only observe on clear nights, which do not happen too often during winters. “The nights are good when you get them,� Tomasino said. Open Skies The Brooks Astronomical Observatory was opened on top of Brooks Hall in 1964 along with the hall itself. But

it is not only for use by physics majors — open houses have been held since 1976. “It’s open to everyone, even if you’ve never heard of astronomy before,� Tomasino said. Open house attendees can take turns looking through the main telescope. The observation deck on top of Brooks also is opened for these nights. Along the deck, smaller telescopes are often set up oriented toward interesting astronomical sights. studentlife@cm-life.com

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Observable signs of drinking basis for MIPs Police not allowed to use breathalyzer without warrant By Ryan Czachorski Staff Reporter

Police officers are now required to use observable signs of intoxication or admissions of drinking as the basis for a Minor in Possession citation instead of using a breathalyzer. A state court of appeals upheld a decision from a U.S. District Court to prevent police officers to ask for breatha-

lyzer tests on minors in non-driving cases without a warrant. A preliminary breath test, or PBT, can now be given to a minor with a warrant, but it is unlikely a warrant could be issued in time for a breathalyzer to provide any evidence. Public Information Officer Dave Sabuda said the Mount Pleasant Police Department has operated under this practice for the last few years. “We can’t request they (minors) take PBTs to show they are in fact a minor in possession,” he said. “Now I’m looking for signs of intoxication. I’m looking for bloodshot eyes, smell of alcohol on their breath, slurred speech and stag-

gered speech.” Central Michigan University Police Chief Bill Yeagley does not believe the new rules will greatly impact the CMU Police Department. “When we have a conversation with someone about a minor in possession, we have a lot of tools we can use,” he said. “We’re going to continue doing things the way we do, minus the PBT. Before there were PBTs, we used our senses to determine whether minors were in possession.” Isabella County Undersheriff Laude Hartrum said most minors submitted to a request for a PBT before the ruling. He thinks the impact will be small,

but there will be some minors who will be able to avoid an MIP citation. “Obviously, it’s going to have some impact, because it’s affording minors a protection they didn’t have before,” he said. The Isabella County Sheriff’s Department will look for more warrants for PBTs in MIP cases if the situation calls for it, Hartrum said. Drivers give implied consent to a PBT when they sign for their license, and refusal is an issue with the Secretary of State. If they continue to refuse, a blood test can be administered and their license can be suspended. metro@cm-life.com

[Life in brief] Mr. Rogers’ Sweater Drive

The third annual WCMU Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Dec. 18 in central and northern Michigan. By collecting new or gently-worn sweaters, WCMU is partnering with several organizations to give to those in need this winter. For dropoff information, visit cmu.org or drop off sweaters at the Central Michigan University Public Broadcasting Center. For more information, contact Renee Shaver at (800) 727-9268 or shave1rr@cmich.edu.

Fall leaf pick-up

environment

Sunday is the last day for residents to rake leaves into the streets. City crews will make one final pickup Monday. Some guidelines to insure leaf removal include raking leaves into the street along the curb or to the street shoulders in uncurbed areas and to raking leaves into street gutters in low piles. On Pickard, Mission and High streets, where traffic prohibits leaves in the gutters, leaves can be raked between the curb and sidewalk. Bagged leaves, branches, grass clippings and garden cuttings will not be picked up.

a dirty ride

Robert Kennedy Jr. to talk green

FYE Peer Mentors

Speech kicks off Speaker Series Thursday at Plachta

The selection process for First Year Experience mentors for the 2010-11 academic year is beginning. FYE peer mentors have the opportunity to help students transition to Central Michigan University and the college atmosphere through the FYE 101: First Year Experience course. Students can get information and an online application at fye.cmich.edu/ mentors-prosp.htm. For more information, contact Jana Lewis at lewis3jm@cmich.edu or Jason Bentley at bentl1jm@cmich.edu.

By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

Fenton freshman Danielle Duval is interested in what Robert Kennedy Jr.’s point of view is on the environment and pollution. Duval said she does not have a lot of knowledge about global warming and hopes that attending Kennedy’s speech Robert Kennedy Jr. will help her understand it better. “I feel like people don’t really care about the environment,” she said. “It’s not their number one concern, but I think (Kennedy’s speech) will make them more aware.” Kennedy will speak about current environmental issues at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Issues he will discuss include global warming and population growth, said Keith Voeks, assistant director of University Events. Kennedy’s speech will kick off this year’s Speaker Series. “We expect it to be one of our best attended speakers this year,” Voeks said. “We encourage people to get out on Thursday night to see what a great member of our society has to say about our environment.” About him Kennedy was named one of TIME magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” for his success in helping environmental watchdog organization Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River in New York. The group’s achievement helped spawn more than 160 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe, according to his biography. In 2009, he was named one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Agents of Change.” Director of University Events Bob Ebner expects a very positive outcome from Kennedy’s speech. Since Kennedy will speak about energy dependence and creating jobs, Ebner said he believes it is the right timing for what Michigan’s economy is experiencing. “His speech will be very fascinating,” he said. The event is co-sponsored by the President’s Office and Provost’s Office. Admission is free. Tickets are required for those planning to attend and are available through the Central Box Office in the Bovee University Center. Interim Provost Gary ShaA Kennedy | 5A

nathan kostegian/staff photographer

Jonesville senior Frank Weyer, left, talks with Pinckney junior Jeff Adams Thursday night in the IET building at the automotive open lab.

CAR JUNKIES Students love working on vehicles, off-roading

By Joe Borlik | Senior Reporter

J

eff Adams has never been afraid to open the hood of a Jeep and get his hands greasy. The Pinckney junior has devoted the past year to working on a ’99 Jeep Wrangler Sport. He has given it new axles, a new front bumper, 36-inch tires, new rims and steering linkage. His reason? Off-roading. “I’ve driven it up walls and have come close to flipping it,” Adams said. “Most regular Jeeps could never make it in the places we go.” Adams and his friends go off-roading almost every weekend at a 200-acre park in Harrison with woods, trails, mud holes, roads and valleys. He even built an off-roading course in his hometown backyard out of 27 tons of boulders and rocks. “I’ve climbed rocks at least four feet,” Adams said. “This Jeep has been so dirty, you couldn’t see the colors.”

Other off-roaders Adams is one of a handful of students who regularly work on cars Thursday nights in the Engineering and Technology Building. Jonesville senior Frank Weyer joins him and is working on a 2000 Dodge Dakota. He plans on swapping the axles with one-ton axles from a truck so it will be better for off-roading. Weyer said he was inspired after he saw what Adams did with his Jeep. “I’ve been interested in cars since I was 10,” Weyer said. “When you work on cars, you know what went into it, and if something goes wrong, you can fix it yourself.” Adams has obsessed over off-roading since he was in

high school after his parents gave him a Jeep Grand Cherokee. “Once I discovered offroading, it was another way to get my blood rolling,” Adams said. “I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie.” He has owned a total of three Jeeps and has built up every one. Adams said Jeeps are the best vehicles people can buy for off-roading. His girlfriend, Pinckney sophomore Elyse Kinker, said Adams and his friends are obsessed with working on cars. “Jeff knows everything there is to know about Jeeps,” she said. “Because of Jeff, I know more about Jeeps than any of my friends.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Automotive major leaving with professor Students finishing classes as DeKryger retires By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter

Bill DeKryger has walked the halls of Central Michigan University at 6:45 every morning for nearly four decades. He will check his e-mails, then go to class to teach about his lifelong passion of cars. But not for long. In less than a month, the assistant professor of engineering and technology will retire after serving 38 years on staff. “I won’t have a place to go in the morning,” he said. “I’m kind of a morning person — now, I’ll have to find something else to do.” DeKryger has one goal for his students — to teach them

everything he can about cars, from engines to electrical systems. After working in a Hollywood garage many years ago, DeKryger found that few people know much about cars. “I decided that once I became a teacher, one of the classes I would teach would be a consumer information class, where people could learn how to manage their cars and not get ripped off,” DeKryger said. IET 182: Automobile Ownership and Maintenance is still offered today. DeKryger said he plans on spending his retirement engaging in volunteer work and building a Shelby Cobra. End of an era Terry Lerch, interim chairman of engineering and technology, said DeKryger is the only instructor who teaches

Anspach speaker

Laury Silvers, visiting assistant professor from the University of Toronto’s department for the study of religion, is speaking from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in Anspach Hall Room 161. The Female or Shared Authority Movement in North American Islam seeks to open up the role of community prayer leader to women from within the boundaries of traditional Islamic Law and practice. Silvers is a scholar of Islam and a participant in the movement and is discussing the basic legal issues surrounding woman-led prayer, the nature of the resistance to it, how the movement is challenging male-only authority and how the goal of her movement relates to the aspirations of other varieties of feminism. For more information, contact Betty Lewis at 774-3444 or lewis1ec@cmich.edu.

Public debate

Central Michigan University students will debate from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday in Moore Hall Room 105. The public debate will be presented by students from COM 267: Intro to Debate and will debate whether public schools should require uniforms. The debate will introduce opening arguments from both sides, which will be followed by questions and discussion from the audience. Admission is free. For more information, contact Jeff Drury at 774-3950 or drury1jp@cmich.edu.

Turkey Trot

nathan kostegian/staff photographer

Engineering and technology faculty Don Maurer works with Perry sophomore Tim Ball during class Monday evening in the Auto Shop.

the industrial technology major with an automotive technology concentration. This fall is the last semester students can finish classes in the major. Lerch said the de-

David Veselenak, Managing Editor | news@cm-life.com | 989.774.4343

cision to cut the major was made around 2006 because of lack of resources and interest. He said probably less than A auto dept. | 5A

A 5k walk/run around the campus of Central Michigan University takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday starting at Fabiano Hall’s lobby. Check-ins will begin at 10 a.m. and the race will begin at 11:11 a.m. Immediately following the race, participants will receive a pancake breakfast. Registration for the race will be outside Fabiano Hall by the fountains. Prizes will be gift certificates. A participant can sign up at the event or by emailing turkeytrot2009@yahoo. com. Include name, number and shirt size. The cost is $10 to participate in the race and everyone gets a shirt. For more information, contact Steve Wincent at (517) 936-8438.

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

voices Central Michigan Life

4A Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

“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

[cm-life.com/category/voices]

Brian Manzullo, Editor

in

Chief | Will Axford, Voices Editor | Matthew Stephens, Presentation Editor | Lindsay Knake, Metro Editor | David Veselenak, Managing Editor

EDITORIAL | Gov. Granholm coming to CMU is the best chance for students to speak up

Promising talks

G

ov. Jennifer Granholm is coming to Central Michigan University Thursday to talk about the Michigan Promise Scholarship. She will speak at an open event 9:15 a.m. Thursday at the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium. Students are encouraged to attend the event and voice their opinions to the governor regarding the Promise. The Michigan Promise Scholarship was cut from the state budget before the beginning of this semester, leaving many students without their $4,000 scholarship for passing the Michigan Merit Exam. The scholarship had to be cut from the state budget in order to keep the state running. Many students were depending on the

scholarship to help pay for classes and living expenses. The cancellation has sparked fierce debate around campus without any direct action. But meetings such as these could help change all that. This is an opportune moment for students to get involved and tell Granholm directly how they

feel about the cancellation of the Michigan Promise. Granholm has her hands full trying to balance the budget, boost the state economy and create jobs so people will stay in Michigan. Despite her busy schedule, Granholm is creating the time to come and talk to CMU. Students should try and show the governor the same courtesy. An early 9:15 a.m. start time isn’t every student’s favorite time. Sleeping in and early classes will no doubt deter most students from showing up to the Park Library Auditorium. But if students are truly as passionate about the Michigan Promise as they say they are, they’ll show up and listen to Granholm. Wake up and let her know that the scholarship is needed. Skip class and let your professor know ahead of time if need be and demand an explanation as to why students aren’t receiving the money they

were expected to. Speaking to the governor oneon-one in her office would be much more awkward than speaking to her on campus, where students are every day. The chance to speak to Granholm face to face in such a comfortable setting may not happen again for a long time. The scholarship is more than just money for college students. It’s an incentive for young people to seek higher education in Michigan and make their home state better. It’s encouragement for high school students to do well on the Merit Exam, showing the state the strengths and weaknesses of our public school systems. There has been enough talk on campus about what Granholm should do with the Michigan Promise. Now it’s time to tell her directly. Don’t let the chance slip away.

ROSS KITTREDGE [CARTOON]

EDITORIAL

Good, healthy competition It’s no secret that education is a key part of advancing society and rebuilding the economy. During the election last year, President Barack Obama said he would be committed to enriching education in America. A year later, Obama stays true to his word with the new $4.35 billion federal program Race to the Top. The program is not a free loan, however. In order to receive any of the funding, states have to improve their education systems. Using the $4.35 billion as a reward rather than an upfront paycheck for every state is a smarter way of ensuring that the money is actually going to improving school systems. Funds are expected to be handed out in January. The Race to the Top is set up as a competition between each state. Whichever state improves their education the most will receive more funding. This a unique approach to a growing problem. It ensures that improvement is rewarded instead of simply using more money for a plan that isn’t working. A similar system should have been used for Wall Street. By simply receiving billions of dollars, companies were not required to prove that stimulus money they took was used in a productive manner. Instead of paying back the American people, profits from Wall Street are going toward paying huge bonuses for CEOs who do little to help America. The other positive side of this fund is that student achievement will become a direct link to evaluating teacher performance. It makes perfect sense to link the two, since a good teacher will no doubt produce smart students. Teacher accountability is an important factor in improving education. Teachers that are not up to par with education standards need to be retrained or, in an extreme case, let go. Hopefully, the Race to the Top will spur competition and create the better education it intends to. When every state is motivated to compete and improve their education system, it’s the students who win. Ultimately, America’s future will become a little brighter.

[our readers’ voice]

Granholm’s visit should address state problems It’s too bad Gov. Jennifer Granholm feels it’s more important to have a partisan political rally on Thursday morning than a free, frank and unfettered discussion with students on the challenges facing our great state. The governor’s rally is ironic, as she will be asking cash-strapped students to pay even more in taxes in exchange for resurrecting the Michigan Promise Scholarship. It’s also ironic that Granholm blames the state Senate for “breaking a promise” when both Democrats and Republicans in both chambers of the Legislature made the tough decisions that the governor was unwilling to make; balancing a budget without tax increases. In these tough economic times, raising taxes isn’t the answer to

our challenges. Unfortunately, this is a lesson that Granholm has never learned. And the governor’s inability to lead Michigan has cost the state her future. Campus Conservatives Board of Trustees

Graduation in Kelly/Shorts Stadium this May Janice Martin says: My daughter is graduating from Central Michigan University after attending 5 years to get her teaching degree. I attended her fiance’s graduation last year in May and remember the downpour of rain we all had to dart through in the parking lot. It was bad enough we had to run through the soaking wet park-

ing lot, but at least we had a dry graduation ceremony. I too believe that having all the graduates walk in one ceremony, not announcing their name is a real shame. These young adults have worked very hard over the past 4 to 5 years and deserve the recognition of having their name read at their graduation. Their parents, who have paid their tuition in most cases, deserve to hear their child’s name announced. I would much prefer to have another location off campus and sit in a dry environment with my daughter’s name announced than sit in a large stadium and not even be able to see her. I may even have to try and see around umbrellas! And what will the graduates do to keep dry? Will they all have umbrellas up too? What if we can’t see them, hear their name or even find them where they are sitting? I say why bother at all? What a shame!

C M Y o u |What would you ask Gov. Granholm if you had the chance to?

Central Michigan Life Editorial Brian Manzullo, Editor in Chief David Veselenak, Managing Editor Matthew Stephens, Presentation Editor Eric Dresden, Student Life Editor Lindsay Knake, Metro Editor Sarah Schuch, University Editor Andrew Stover, Sports Editor Tim Ottusch, Assistant Sports Editor Ashley Miller, Photo Editor Will Axford, Voices Editor Caitlin Wixted, 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

Jason Gillman Jr. Columnist

Playing around Landing a career involves learning outside of class You’re fresh out of school, interviewing for a job. Your major didn’t require you to get an internship anywhere, and you never tried getting any experience in your field on your own. You get asked that question at the end: “Why should we hire you?” I’ve always thought this question is really asking “So what experience do you have that you can apply?” My current pinnacle of geekdom came last Christmas vacation, when I wrote a Web-based inventory management application and decision support system for my dad’s business. I used PHP for the language, MySQL for the back end and Apache to serve it up. There was only one class I had taken that had any relevance to the project. It was database management, and the things I pulled from it were more theoretical than practical. In essence, I acquired about 95 percent of the knowledge to build this application from staying up late at night writing scripts to do different, random things such as control Winamp or append lyrics to the currently playing song at the bottom of an Apache directory listing. Basically, just playing around. “You should hire me because I’ve written an inventory management application utilizing PHP and MySQL for a $2 million company, and I can bring this experience to yours” is how I might answer the question posed at a job interview. The moral of the story is that even if it’s not structured (like an internship), people should go out and play around. Don’t worry about the fact it’s not related to your intended career path. In fact, seemingly nonrelated hobbies and experiences can pay dividends on the job hunt. For example, photography is one of my hobbies. This certainly has nothing to do with Business Information Systems, but let’s come up with another fictitious interview scenario. Say I’m trying to get into a BIS position at a photography studio straight out of Central Michigan University. The interview goes well, and it’s time for that one question: “Why should we hire you?” “My experience with photographic work flow utilizing Light Room and Photoshop will allow me to better understand and fulfill your information system needs” should do the trick, especially given the real possibility I’m competing with people who have more experience in MIS than I might have. Suddenly, my photography experience proved useful in snagging a BIS gig. Don’t get me wrong. Formal education shouldn’t be discounted — not at all. It can, and will, give the theoretical basis of knowledge for what you do. However, going out and “getting your hands dirty” just for the sake of it or otherwise is what’s going to make potential employers go, “Yeah, we want this kid.”

[letters to the editor]

“Health insurance and her view on the public opinion.” Michael Kasigwa,

Uganda graduate student

“Future plans for Michigan’s economy, especially toward helping university funding.”

“The new health plan and who is supporting it. Global warming, too.”

“Michigan’s economic crisis and her thoughts on how to move forward.”

Jalal Borshaid,

Kailee Smith,

Saudi Arabia junior

Jackson junior

Heather Paluszczak,

Waterford senior victoria zegler/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.

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

[News] charity

in with the new

Toys for Tots hopes to give gifts to about 4,000 this year Competition among sororities, residence halls for most donations By Jaimie Cremeans Staff Reporter

sean proctor/staff photogr

Saugatuck junior Dan Nemets left, Warren resident Becky Warren and friend Will Westerfield help Georgianne Gennette Zavaglia, center, co-owner of now-closed The Daily Grind, a coffee shop in downtown Mount Pleasant, set up her Italian-style restaurant, bakery and coffee shop, called “Tavola Gigi’s” Tuesday on Mission Street.

Local business owner opens Italian restaurant on Mission Daily Grind closed; Tavola Gigi’s opens today By Maryellen Tighe Staff Reporter

“I wanted to come back to something that was a little more familiar than living in Houston and traveling the world.” Georgianne Gennette Zavaglia, owner of Tavola Gigi’s

The Daily Grind owner Georgianne Gennette “Gigi” Zavaglia opened her first restaurant after traveling the world. Now the Mount Pleasant resident is bringing the flavors of Italy to Tavola Gigi’s, 437 S. Mission St. Zavaglia closed the Daily Grind to open Tavola Gigi’s, which means “GiGi’s Table” in Italian, today to fulfill her love of Italian food and culture. “We’ve just become such a fast food society and people have ... forgotten to just savor and relax,” she said. At the Daily Grind, which closed Friday, Zavaglia filled her customer’s requests for traditional Italian dishes she learned from her husband Joe’s Italian family and her own interest in Italian cuisine.

Customer demand Zavaglia and her mom got lost while looking for somewhere to move in Michigan and stumbled across Mount Pleasant. Zavaglia moved here to raise her family. She opened the Daily Grind hoping to start the business, then go back to international recruiting, but that never happened. People came in requesting

kennedy|

If you go...

But her start was not in cuisine. Zavaglia worked in international medical recruiting before she decided to settle down in Mount Pleasant. “I wanted to come back to something that was a little more familiar than living in Houston and traveling the world,” Zavaglia said.

w What: Robert Kennedy Jr.

continued from 3A

piro thinks the university should look forward to Kennedy’s visit. “Our students and our faculty need to have the ability to interact with nationally known figures,” he said.

Focusing on the environment Kennedy’s speech, titled, “Green gold rush: A vision for energy, independence, jobs

auto| continued from 3A

10 students are finishing classes for the major. “We’ll miss Bill (DeKryger) more than the program,” Lerch said. “He’s been here for 38 years. That’s a lot of history walking out the door.”

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || 5A

w When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday w Where: Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium w About: “Green gold rush: A vision for energy, independence, jobs and national wealth” and national wealth,” will cover the importance of creating a green economy and the many solutions it may have on the Waterford senior Jim Allcornsaid he loves taking DeKryger’s classes. “Students in the program have built motors for classic cars, dune buggies, vintage motors and motors for drag racing,” he said. “You can learn to truly build an engine from the ground up.” studentlife@cm-life.com

the store expand into dinners and catering. “It just kept snowballing,” Zavaglia said. “It’s really our customers that started it.” Becky Warren, Tavola Gigi’s pastry chef, worked for Zavaglia three years ago at The Daily Grind and jumped at the chance to return. “It was so fun and I met so many cool people,” Warren said. “It was my favorite job.” Andy Amsdill, the night cook, also is excited at the opportunity to work for Zavaglia. “They’re good people — they know about business,” Amsdill said. “It was just nice to see good people who cared about their customers.” metro@cm-life.com

multiple challenges faced in the environment today. He will discuss the need for a cultivated and wellcomposed energy policy that would help reduce energy costs and national debt while shaping America into a better country. “The environment is a hot topic now,” Voeks said. “(Speaker Series) is not only excited about his visit, but also about his message on the environment that he’s going to deliver.” university@cm-life.com

Toys for Tots hopes to have a 50 percent increase in toy donations this year. “That first year, we gave toys to 50 kids,” said Lucinda Clark, Mount Pleasant resident and Toys for Tots Coordinator. “Last year, we gave toys to 1,954 kids.” The local chapter was started in 1987 by Clark’s father, Dick Barz, who got involved to stay busy during the holidays after his wife died. To aid donations, more than 200 Toys for Tots donation boxes are set up in establishments throughout Isabella and Clare counties. The Marine Corps started Toys for Tots in 1947, setting up boxes at local businesses to collect donations of toys for newborns to 15-year-olds. Central Michigan University students will have a chance to donate toys in boxes set up in residence halls and sorority houses. Phi Sigma Phi fraternity is holding two separate competitions for the sororities and the halls. The sorority that collects the most toys will receive a plaque and a dinner prepared by Phi

Sigma Phi members. The residence hall that wins will receive a pizza party sponsored by the fraternity. “This is the first year for this, but we’re hoping to make it an annual thing if it goes well,” said Kyle Demars, a Phi Sigma Phi member and Dimondale junior. Students welcome to donate The competition started Sunday and ends Dec. 3. Demars said the fraternity is still waiting for a response to their official request to set up boxes in the residence halls but, as soon as they receive permission, the boxes will be set up. Battle Creek junior Jenna Cope, Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority president, said the sorority has already collected some toys and believes the program will be a success within the Greek community. “The Greek community is great about helping each other out and participating

in philanthropic events, so we are confident that participation won’t be an issue,” she said. All students are welcome to donate. “Go to any of the residence halls that has a box or any sorority house would be happy to take them,” Demars said. The boxes will stay up until Dec. 17 and will be dropped off Dec. 18 at Finch Fieldhouse, where volunteers will collect and sort them. Additional donations can be taken to Finch Fieldhouse that day. Dec. 19 is “distribution day.” Any parents in need of a present for their kids can bring a driver’s license and their child’s birth certificate, and each child can pick up to $25 worth of toys. “They don’t have to be in any programs, just anyone who needs a toy,” Clark said. “If someone were to lose their job today, they could come get a toy.” studentlife@cm-life.com

6A || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

courtroom drama

Student on ‘Judge Mathis’ TV show Friday, wins case Senior sues former roommate for unpaid bills By Luke Dimick Staff Reporter

jeff smith/staff photographer

Mount Pleasant resident Arthur Fountain watches as workers build the new CMU Events Center Tuesday from a sidewalk on East Broomfield Street. A total of 80 trees will be cleared to make way for the new Events Center. “I remember when they were just seedlings,” Fountain said. “It’s always sad when they remove trees, but I understand why they have to.”

‘A totally new appearance’ at Rose Tree removal begins; students mixed on surrounding fence By Luke Dimick Staff Reporter

The $21 million CMU Events Center construction is resulting in tree removal and large fences blocking busy sidewalks. According to a University Communications press release, 80 trees will be removed, 22 relocated and 34 will remain in their existing location. An additional 80 trees will be planted around campus to compensate for each removed tree. Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of facilities management, said workers will complete the project in phases. The Rose Arena renovations are to be completed by October 2010, the practice gym and wrestling room by December 2010 and the renovations for the Student Activity Center area by February 2011. Once construction of the Events Center is complete, new sidewalks in the area will accompany 49 new trees, 34 shrubs and 16,357 perennial flowers.

“I think the renovations definitely need to be done. A lot of things on campus have been renovated and modernized and, with Rose being so small, it needs to match all the other updates on campus.” Kelsey Miller, Jackson sophomore “It will have a totally new appearance,” Lawrence said. “New sidewalks will be installed because of the change in ground elevation and alignment to the new lobby entrance.” student reaction The fence surrounding the construction area has received mixed reviews from students, and it will be surrounding Rose Arena for more than a year until the construction is complete. “The fence was annoying the first few times when I had to go around, but it’s good that it’s there,” said Manistee junior John Phillips. “It’s only in the way if I forget about it and take the crosswalk with the light instead of planning to take the other route ahead of time.” Phillips said the fence is a needed safety precaution and

is a necessary evil that comes with construction. “The fence is a minor irritation, but isn’t construction always annoying?” he said. “In the end, things will look good and we’ll be glad we put up with it.” Jackson sophomore Kelsey Miller said even though she heard the fence has made some people late for classes, the updates will be a good addition for campus. “The fence is a little bit of a nuisance, and is not pretty to look at, but it just foreshadows what is to come for Rose, and that is exciting,” Miller said. “I think the renovations definitely need to be done. A lot of things on campus have been renovated and modernized and, with Rose being so small, it needs to match all the other updates on campus.” university@cm-life.com

Gay, lesbian Safe Zone training takes place Thursday By Kelli Ameling Staff Reporter

Central Michigan University wants to be a safe zone for gay, lesbian and transgender communities. Students can partake in Safe Zone Training from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday in Rowe Hall Room 229, said Jon Humiston, student ombuds officer and president’s office assistant. “Suicide rates, dropping out of class and alcohol abuse are all high because of the negative climate on campus,” said Director of Gay and Lesbian Programs Shannon Jolliff. The training will include why it is important to have safe zones on CMU’s campus. It also will include terminology and issues facing GLBT communities, Humiston said. Jolliff said the training also will include heterosexual privileges, GLBT climate of the campus, the coming-out process

www.cm-life.com

[News]

If you go... w What: Safe Zone Training w When: 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday w Where: Rowe Hall Room 229 and what it is like and what it means to be a safe zone. “(A safe zone) would be a network of campus allies for GLBT where they can go for support around campus,” Humiston said. Jolliff said a safe zone does not have to necessarily agree with what a person is saying, but has to know how to help the person with resources. “We don’t expect them to be trained counselors. We expect them to understand resources the campus provides,” she said. CMU has 280 safe zones on campus, Jolliff said. Every

month, there is training held for people who want to be a safe zone. The turnout is about 15 people at each training, she said. At the end of the training, there are contracts people can sign if they decide they want to be a safe zone, Jolliff said. “Anyone who is interested in the training and networking (is welcome to come),” Humiston said. university@cm-life.com

For Florida senior John Wimbush-Sherrod, suing his roommate means an all-expenses paid trip to Chicago and several minutes of embarrassment on national television. Wimbush-Sherrod sued Milford junior Jacob Goodin for unpaid gas and electric bills and won the case on the legal reality TV show “Judge Mathis.” The episode will air Friday. The incident happened in the spring semester of 2009 and the segment was filmed in Chicago over the summer. “I took (my roommate) to Judge Mathis because we were both college students and we couldn’t afford to pay the bills,” Wimbush-Sherrod said. “I wasn’t mad at him and I wanted to work things out.” Goodin was unavailable for comment. He said he went on the Judge Mathis Web site and submitted his dispute and was called within three days by producers. He was informed that he and his roommate would be flown out for free, be provided meals, spending money and a hotel

room. “The filming took literally two minutes in and out, but we were there for a full day and John Wimbusha half,” Wim- Sherrod bush-Sherrod said. “I hated filming because we didn’t have time to talk or tell the story. We just embarrassed each other on national TV to help them out with ratings.” ‘Didn’t do anything’ He said the producers told him to bring embarrassing pictures of his roommate or any proof that he parties, drinks or does drugs. “We were embarrassing each other so bad that we even started to lie since we didn’t have to take an oath,” he said. “We just wanted to look good for TV.” Wimbush-Sherrod said even though he won the case and received $200 — half his money back — he was unsatisfied with the experience. “Judge Mathis didn’t do anything,” he said. “He sat up in a chair, laughed at us, yelled for me to shut up when I talked, didn’t look at any facts and then made his decision off of what we were just saying.” A retired judge of Michigan’s

cmich e-mail| continued from 1A

Corey had a Hotmail account before starting at CMU, but began using her university mail to keep in touch with her professors. Jackson freshman Chance McBride does not consider his university account to be

his primary address, but he does use it for all his educational and professional correspondence. “I have my school (stuff) on there — I don’t like getting other stuff to clutter it up,” McBride said. The university e-mail accounts serve as communica-

Want to watch? Episode will air Friday on FOX 66 and Fox 32. w 3 p.m. - Fox 66, on campus channel 40, off campus channel 8 w Noon - Fox 32, on campus channel 10, off campus channel 5

36th District Court, Mathis has presided over his television court since 1999 and has filmed more than 1,000 episodes. On the series, cases are classified as tort law, which are civil disputes with a maximum $5,000 claim. “The parties both agree contractually to go on TV and to subject themselves to a ruling and follow the ruling of the TV show’s private court,” said Kenneth Sanney, a faculty member in the finance and law department. “What it seems like is that these courts don’t have any legal jurisdiction — it’s more of a contractual situation.” Sanney said the way the court would enforce their ruling is by bringing a breach of contract lawsuit against the party that didn’t follow the court’s ruling. “It would just create another lawsuit for a breach of contract,” he said. studentlife@cm-life.com

tions centers for students, as well as ensuring a lack of liability for the university. As long as CMU has one place provided by the university where students can go to check their grades and financial data, CMU does not have to worry as much about potential mix-ups, Rehm said. “It’s a safety net,” he said. studentlife@cm-life.com

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Students may reschedule exams

promoting pipes

By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

Students may have a hard time prioritizing during the last couple weeks of the semester with so many tasks to complete. There may be a solution to help those who have more than two exams in one day. Students might be able to reschedule one of the exams for another day during the week. If the students want to reschedule, they should approach their professor as soon as possible. There is no formal way of rescheduling an exam, and it is completely between the professor and the student. “(Students) can always be

photos by jeff smith/staff photographer

Cedar senior Fred Lawrence, Order of Collegiate Pipe Smokers member, smokes his pipe at a Nov. 12 meeting at the future site of the Smokers Club Lounge, 100 S. Mission St.

RSO hits the tobacco, educates students on smoking a pipe Order of Collegiate Pipe Smokers looks to promote passion By Luke Dimick Staff Reporter

Smoking tobacco from a pipe is not just a way to get a nicotine fix for Andrew Miller and 13 other students. It is a way to experience the relaxation and fellowship associated with pipe smoking. The Order of Collegiate Pipe Smokers is a registered student organization that enjoys the activity and culture of pipe smoking and tobacco. Its purpose is to educate people about pipe smoking and pipe culture and provide a place for pipe smokers to come together and socialize. Miller, a Utica junior, formed the RSO in mid-September aiming to meet other college students that share his passion for pipe smoking. “One of our goals written out in our constitution is that we want to give people a positive view of smoking and show that there are good people who choose to smoke,” he said. “There are a lot of people that already have a negative view on smoking.” The greatest challenges that pipe smokers face as a group are the misconceptions that surround the art of pipe smoking, he said. “For many people, if they were to see someone smoking a pipe, it is very common to assume that it’s (marijuana) or something of that nature,” Miller said. “It’s really tough to have a good first impression on people when they are willing to automatically assume something negative of you.”

Members of the Order of Collegiate Pipe Smokers talk about their pipes and sample different kinds of pipe tobacco at their meeting Nov. 12 at the future site of the Smokers Club Lounge, 100 S. Mission St.

“I think the pipes are really cool, and it’s just nice to sit around and smoke pipes with your friends. It invokes conversation and it’s just really nice and relaxing.” Fred Lawrence, Cedar senior at doing some dog walking for the Humane Society,” Miller said. The group recently competed at a pipe smoking competition at the Shepherd Bar and Grill in Shepherd, where Redford senior Andrew Petrevics placed eighth. “Everyone got 3.3 grams of pre-weighed standard pipe tobacco and a total of two matches,” Petrevics said. “We had to light our pipes within one minute and we weren’t allowed to relight after that. Whoever could produce smoke for the longest time

was the winner.” Cedar senior Fred Lawrence has been pipe smoking for three years and could not pass up the opportunity to join the RSO. He said he enjoys all aspects of smoking pipe tobacco. “For one, it tastes and smells really good,” Lawerence said. “I think the pipes are really cool, and it’s just nice to sit around and smoke pipes with your friends. It invokes conversation and it’s just really nice and relaxing.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Other involvement Other than just enjoying the fellowship of smoking pipe tobacco, the group also partakes in community services and events. “Right now, we’re looking

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Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || 7A

proactive and talk to their professors now,” said Registrar Karen Hutslar. However, professors are not required to accommodate the student’s schedule. “There’s no guarantee,” Hutslar said. “It’s really up to the faculty. There aren’t a lot of students asking for this, and the ones that are are being accommodated.” Sterling Heights freshman Stephanie Condne is just one of several students unaware of the opportunity. “It could be necessary for some students,” Condne said. “Students should take advantage of this opportunity only if they really wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

Condne advises students to prepare for their exams because professors cannot always work around their schedules. “Most faculty are kind to students and willing to accommodate students when appropriate and possible,” said Joe DeBolt, professor of sociology, anthropology and social work. If students have three exams in one day that are heavily weighted on their final grade, then making an arrangement to make up the exam would be a good solution, DeBolt said. “The purpose of testing is measuring learning,” DeBolt said. “You want to do that as accurately as possible.” university@cm-life.com

Arabic classes still offered at CMU Class approved for University Program use By Theresa Clift Staff Reporter

Central Michigan University will offer Arabic classes as long as interest lasts. The university started them in fall 2008. There were two sections of classes, both taught by foreign language instructor Ghada Ibrahim. The class was successful and, this year, two sections of Arabic are being offered again. About 30 students were enrolled both years. Instructors who teach Middle East-related subjects encourage students to learn the language. The class, FLN 197E, was approved two weeks into the semester to receive Group IV-B credits, which makes it more appealing to students. “There is increasing interest of students who have taken other related subjects in history, religion and political science to supplement these courses with learning this pivotal language,” Ibrahim said. “There is an idea to develop either a minor or a certificate of Middle East Studies engaging all the mentioned

departments.” For now, FLN 197E is held in the fall as a introductory course and FLN 297E as the next level offered in the spring. Offering the intermediate class depends only on demand. An intermediate class may be offered next year if there is enough interest, Ibrahim said. Lexington junior Justin Regan took both the fall and spring Arabic classes. “As a political science student with a particular interest in the Middle East, I feel that the class was an extremely useful starting point — something of a springboard to later steps,” Regan said. “Professor Ibrahim was an absolutely amazing instructor with a wealth of knowledge on the language and culture, and she incorporated both these things into the study.” She would often discuss the historical or religious rationale behind cultural differences between the West and the Middle East, and as a Muslim, she was often able to give a perspective that gets missed or ignored in America, Regan said. Continued studies Half the students who took the introductory class took the second level, and several of them applied for a study abroad program. Many of them

are in the Middle East now or ready to go in the spring, Ibrahim said. “I’m traveling to Jordan next semester in order to continue my study of the language, which I find not only incredibly beautiful, but also very practical considering my interest in foreign relations,” Regan said. “I could have gone with no cultural knowledge or understanding of the language, but (Ibrahim) has given me a leg up that will allow me to go above and beyond what I could have done alone.” Houghton Lake senior Michelle Fitzgerald also took advantage of both classes. “I am a Spanish minor and love learning languages,” Fitzgerald said. “It was definitely interesting and very fun.” Fitzgerald said she learned a lot about Islam and Muslim culture, including the food and traditions of Arabic-speaking countries. Besides the language, students also learn cultural advantages and awareness. “I think, in this country, we make too many assumptions about Islamic culture and don’t really take the time to learn about it so also in that regard this class was very useful,” Fitzgerald said. university@cm-life.com

cm-life.com | Volleyball beats EMU 3-2 in first round of MAC Tournament

sports

B

Central Michigan Life

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

[cm-life.com/category/sports]

The

Preview

Cardinals add wrinkles to offense

Final Four

Ball State turns to Wildcat formation By Dave Jones Senior Reporter

It was on Nov. 19 last season when Ball State came into Kelly/Shorts Stadium and changed the Chippewas’ season. The No. 14 Cardinals defeated CMU, giving the team its first Mid-American Conference loss. The team lost again the following week and missed out on the MAC Championship after an 8-2 start. The Chippewas are once again undefeated in the MAC. But Ball State is not close to the same team as last year. Undefeated leading up to last year’s game against CMU, the Cardinals are coming into the 8 p.m. game today at Scheumann Stadium with a record of 1-9 (1-5 MAC). However, with CMU just one game ahead of Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference West Division standings, the Chippewas cannot afford to look past Ball State. “We kind of reminded ourselves that, last year, this was our turning point, but that’s not what we’re focusing on,â€? said junior linebacker Matt BernMatt Berning ing. “We’re approaching this game like we have every other game this year.â€? Different attack Last season, the Cardinals were led by junior quarterback Nate Davis, who left early for the NFL Draft. But this season, the team ranks near the bottom of the MAC in passing offense with just 143.7 yards per game. Now the Cardinals depend on their running game, especially since starting quarterback Kelly Page has been out with an injury. It left fifth-year senior Tanner Justice to fill the void. Justice, in three starts, has attempted 38 passes, an average of just more than 12 pass attempts per game. But to counter that, CMU coach Butch Jones said the Cardinals have the most complete running back group in the conference. The Cardinals have averaged 163.2 rushing yards per game while leaning on three running backs ­â€” MiQuale Lewis, Cory Sykes and Eric Williams ­­â€” and have implemented different offensive schemes, including the wildcat formation, since Page has been sidelined. “(Lewis is) playing his best football right now,â€? Jones said. “It’s the same thing we saw last year — he’s extremely difficult to tackle, elusive in the hole and runs with power. He’s a powerful running back, he can always make the first guy miss.â€?

Two teams in each division remain contenders Coach speak

By Andrew Stover | Sports Editor

T

“The five of us are all fighting for the post-season, only two of us can go to the championship game.�

he dust has begun to settle on the Mid-American Conference football landscape. With two weeks remaining, four teams — two from the West Division and two from the East — have separated themselves from the pack. West representatives CMU (6-0 MAC) and Northern Illinois (5-1 MAC) are separated by one game. East representatives Temple (6-0 MAC) and Ohio (5-1 MAC) are in the same standing. And as if fate played a hand in the schedule-making, the two West Division teams play in the regular season’s final game. In the East, the story is the same. “You hope to get into November and control your own destiny,� said CMU coach Butch Jones, “and we’ve set ourselves up in September and October to able to do that.� True to his word, CMU controls its fate. If it wins its final two games, it earns a trip to the MAC Championship on Dec. 4 at Ford Field in Detroit. But CMU is not alone with its strategy. Northern Illinois, Ohio and Temple all control their own fate as well. Each team can earn a trip to the championship game by winning its final two games. “We just got to worry about ourselves and take care of what we can take care of,� Jones said. Temple’s case Temple is the frontrunner to represent the East Division. But the Owls, undefeated in MAC games, will play two teams with winning conference records in the final two weeks. First up is Kent State and, technically, the Golden Flashes are still alive in the hunt for a division crown. Kent State and Bowling Green are at 4-2, but need a lot of help, including the need for the undefeated Owls to lose their last two games. Temple coach Al Golden said he has paid no attention to scenarios. Instead, he has the team focused on Kent State, a team he included in the championship conversation. “All I can do is tell you our focus right now is on Kent State ... The five of us are all fighting for the postseason,� he said. After Kent State, the team plays Ohio in a

Hit by Injuries Senior cornerback Josh Gordy will miss another game and will be replaced by junior Vince Agnew. Senior defensive end Sam Williams will miss the rest of the season after suffering a spinal cord injury. sports@cm-life.com

cm-life.com Join us for a live chat during the football game against Ball State at 8 p.m.

Al Golden, Temple

“It’ll still come down to winning two football games against two really excellent opponents.� Frank Solich, Ohio

“At the end of the year, you want to be playing for something. A lot of times, at this time, you’re not.�

game that could be the division championship. If Ohio still has one loss and Temple is undefeated in the MAC, an Ohio win would put both teams at one loss and give the Bobcats the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Jerry Kill, Northern Illinois

“I think we got to control what we can control, and the only thing we can control right now is ourselves.�

The knockout punch But for Ohio, things get more interesting. On Saturday, the East’s second-place team plays the West’s second-place team, Northern Illinois. Both teams have one loss and losing all but eliminates either one from championship contention. Ohio coach Frank Solich said he understands the task at hand. “You look at (NIU) statistically and in the conference and you understand that you got your hands full,� he said.

Butch Jones, Central Michigan photos courtesy of Northern illinois, Temple and Ohio Athletics

A four | 3B

Key remaining games November 21 V. Noon Kent, Ohio

V. 1 p.m. Athens, Ohio

November 27 V. 1 p.m. Athens, Ohio

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V. 1 p.m. Mount Pleasant, Mich.

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ALL MONTH +DL LDL M=>7>I 'DD@>C< >CID I=: +6HI Regalia, photos and t-shirts from CMU’s annual Pow wow Multicultural Education Center, UC125

2B || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

CMU INSIDE

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

|||||||||||| game 11 P l ay e r s t o Wat c h b a l l s tat e c a r d i n a l s

Cardinals

Offense

Pos. No. Name QB 17 Tanner Justice RB 33 MiQuale Lewis 7 Cory Sykes 6 Eric Williams WR 1 Briggs Orsbon 4 Daniel Ifft 12 Torieal Gibson TE 88 Zane Fakes LT 72 Cameron Lowry LG 74 Michael Switzer C 66 Kreg Hunter RG 73 Dan Manick RT 77 Austin Holtz

Defense

Class Sr. Sr. So. Fr. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr.

Pos. No. Name DE 90 Brandon Crawford 91 Robert Eddins DT 65 Drew Duffin 95 Rene Perry MLB 8 Travis Freeman SLB 24 Theon Dixon WLB 42 Davyd Jones CB 19 Koreen Burch 16 Charlie Todd 10 Jason Pinkston FS 25 Sean Baker 9 Kyle Kuntz SS 38 Alex Knipp

Specialists

Class Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr.

Pos. No. Name Class P 18 Scott Kovanda Fr. K 26 Ian McGarvey Jr. PR 16 Charlie Todd Jr. KR 6 Eric Williams Fr.

MiQuale Lewis- RB

Cory Sykes- RB

Tanner Justice- QB

Profile Built like a bowling ball, the 5-foot, 6-inch, 193pound running back leads BSU in rushing with 792 y ards.

Profile Sykes is second on the team in rushing, including a 200-yard performance against Eastern Michigan.

Why to watch Lewis is the lead back in a three-man backfield. In the three games since quarterback Kelly Page went down, the team has only passed 38 times.

Why to watch Sykes and freshman Eric Williams provide speed and elusiveness to compliment the style of the workhorse Lewis.

Profile The fifthyear senior has started the last three games since redshirt freshman Kelly Page went down with injury.

C e n t r a l M i c h i g a n C h i pp e w a s John Williams- DT

Dan LeFevour- QB

Nick Bellore- WLB

Profile The spaceclogging Williams may be the most unheralded player on the CMU defense.

Profile L e Fe v o u r is coming off his fifth sixt o u c h d ow n game of his career last week against Toledo.

Why to watch It is a perfect time for Williams to get recognition. CMU’s biggest defensive linemen will be extremely prominent in stopping BSU’s run attack.

Why to watch As usual, the offense hinges on the play of LeFevour. He has done damage in conference-play with his legs; last week, he beat Toledo with his arm.

Profile In recent weeks, Bellore has separated himself from Matt Berning for the team lead in tackles.

Quotable Comment ..... THE

Why to watch Under Justice, BSU has overhauled its offensive scheme to a run-first style which now features the wildcat.

Why to watch Bellore and Berning may have their names called by ESPN2 announcers more than anyone else. The duo have to play sound defense.

“

Chippewas

Offense

Defense

Specialists

Pos. No. Name QB 13 Dan LeFevour RB 2 Bryan Schroeder 29 Carl Volny WR 27 Antonio Brown 7 Bryan Anderson 1 Kito Poblah TE 82 David Blackburn LT 73 Jake Olson LG 66 Jeff Maddux C 63 Colin Miller RG 64 Allen Ollenburger RT 78 Rocky Weaver

Pos. No. Name DE 98 Frank Zombo 95 Larry Knight 56 Kashawn Fraser DT 54 Sean Murnane 94 John Williams MLB 46 Matt Berning WLB 43 Nick Bellore SLB 17 Tim Brazzel CB 31 Kirkston Edwards 22 Vince Agnew 14 Tommy Mama 24 LaVarus Williams FS 12 Eric Fraser 9 Bobby Seay SS 44 Dannie Bolden 40 John Carr Pos. No. Name P 96 Brett Hartmann K 36 Andrew Aguila PR 27 Antonio Brown KR 27 Antonio Brown

Class Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So.

Class Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Class So. Sr. Jr. Jr.

They took away our season last year. We were seven minutes and 32 seconds away from (going to) the MAC Championship. They took it from us, and we haven’t forgotten that.” -Junior defensive tackle Sean Murnane

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VENUE: Scheumann Stadium

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Ball State hosts CMU at 8 p.m. today at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Ind. At full capacity, Scheumann Stadium seats 25,400.

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[Sports]

game breakdown

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || 3B

v o l l e y b a l l m a c t o u r n e y : CMU 3 , EMU 2

Cardinals lose in rout Sports Editor Andrew Stover breaks down tonight’s game against Ball State at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Ind. Quarterbacks Nevermind CMU senior quarterback Dan LeFevour, who totaled six touchdowns last week against Toledo. It is tough to compare quarterbacks when one team rarely uses its passer. After Ball State redshirt freshman quarterback Kelly Page went down to injury, coach Stan Parrish inserted senior Tanner Justice. But with the decision, the entire offense changed. The wildcat formation is now prominent in Muncie. And Justice is just a piece of the puzzle, much less a factor compared to running backs MiQuale Lewis, Eric Williams and Cory Sykes. Justice, in three starts, has attempted 38 passes, just more than 12 per game. Advantage: CMU. It is easy to hold an advantage against a team that fails to utilize the position. Ball State may even be better since implementing the wildcat, but it is not because of quarterback play. Justice, who lines up in a receiver position when BSU uses the formation — which it does often — will only get a few hand-offs to pass out of just to keep the defense honest and prevent it from loading the box. Running backs Just when junior Carl Volny seemed to be finding his groove, sophomore Bryan Schroeder stepped up with a 105-yard performance for CMU last week. But the focus in the backfield will be on the other team. Senior MiQuale Lewis racked up 177 yards last year Bryan Schroeder against CMU at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. But in the wildcat for the first time against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 24, he ran for 301 yards, a school record. In the same game, sophomore Cory Sykes ran for 203. And the Cardinals were without freshman Eric Williams, who actually is ahead of Sykes on the depth chart. At times, all three backs will be in the formation at once and, sometimes, more than one of them will touch the ball on a given play. Ball State’s wildcat is based on misdirection and, despite not having near the success it had against EMU since then, it is sure to cause confusion for CMU. Advantage: Ball State. Ball State has three game-changing running backs, and Lewis had success against the Chippewas in the past. CMU offensive line vs. Ball State defensive front seven Ball State’s front seven is giving up more than 155 rushing yards per game, on par for what LeFevour and CMU have accounted for week after week. Its defensive line has the third-fewest sacks in the conference as well. CMU’s offensive line Jake Olson gelled last week against Toledo. The Chippewas had six rushing touchdowns and a 100-yard rusher (Schroeder). Also, LeFevour dropped back 37 times and was sacked just once. He was given enough time to complete 29-of-36 passes for 341 yards and two more touchdowns. Advantage: CMU. Schroeder and Volny have shown in recent weeks the ability to carry the load, but LeFevour should put up ample rushing numbers this week. Ball State offensive line vs. CMU defensive front seven The Cardinals have the Mid-American Conference’s fourth-best rushing offense and CMU has the conference’s third-best defense against the run. Something

has got to give. In this case, Ball State will get its yards. It is inevitable since it started running the wildcat. But CMU has a veteran defensive line and two linebackers ­— juniors Nick Bellore and Matt Berning — that are among the MAC’s best. Expect senior linebacker Tim Brazzel to see more playing time in run support.

The volleyball team defeated Eastern Michigan yesterday in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. Junior Lauren Krupsky and sophomore Kaitlyn Schultz led the Chippewas with 19 kills each. CMU took the first and third sets, while losing the second and fourth sets. In the fifth set, CMU won 16-14 to advance. The team plays Northern Illinois in the second round at 11 a.m. Friday at the Seagate Center in Toledo, Ohio. Check cm-life.com for a full recap.

Advantage: CMU. With no passing game to worry about, CMU’s front seven should be able to contain the Ball Bryan Anderson State rushing attack and minimize damage.

matthew Stephens/ presentation editor

|

CMU wide receivers vs. Ball State secondary Ball State is middle-ofthe-pack in terms of defending the pass, and it is tied for the least amount of interceptions in the MAC. Last week against Toledo, LeFevour connected with senior Bryan Anderson and juniors Antonio Brown and Kito Poblah for big plays.

four

Advantage: CMU. This one is no contest. Simply put, Ball State does not match up well with CMU’s playmakers on the perimeter.

Out West CMU has the easiest schedule, record-wise, of the four teams. The Chippewas play a one-win Ball State team before meeting Northern Illinois. CMU can clinch the division with a win Wednesday night and a Northern Illinois loss Saturday. The same can be said for Temple if Ohio loses to Northern Illinois. Jones stayed diplomatic regarding a struggling Ball State team. “I think we got to control what we can control, and the only thing we can control right now is ourselves,” he said. “There will be great focus on our football game.” But after last year’s loss to Ball State that virtually eliminated the Chippewas out of the championship picture, players have had a

Ball State wide receivers vs. CMU secondary As a sophomore, Briggs Orsbon has shown the ability to make plays but, again, it will not matter. In Justice’s first two starts combined, he completed just eight passes. Last week, albeit statistically better, he still only attempted 19 passes, completing 11. If anything, some trickery could lead to a big pass or two. Advantage: CMU. CMU’s secondary will have to be more concerned with helping in run support. Safeties Eric Fraser and Dannie Bolden will likely have an extensive role in run support, but something to look for will be the if cornerbacks Kirkston Edwards and Vince Agnew — in for injured starter Josh Gordy — can help with run support on the perimeter. Coaching CMU Coach Butch Jones got his team to rebound from its loss to Boston College in fine fashion, beating Toledo 56-28. Advantage: CMU. Set aside CMU and its success for now. Ball State was undefeated going into the MAC Championship last season. As of now, the Cardinals are 1-9 under new coach Stan Parrish. Even without last year’s quarterback, Nate Davis, among other players, the math is not too difficult to figure out. Prediction Ball State has lost nine games this year, but six have been decided by one possession. However, it is hard to imagine CMU not blowing this one wide open.

CMU 56, Ball State 17

continued from 1B

Whichever team loses is more than likely out. Whichever team wins plays its counterpart at the top of its division the following week for a chance to play in December.

more difficult time keeping emotions out. “They took away our season last year. We were seven minutes and 32 seconds away from (going to) the MAC Championship,” said junior defensive tackle Sean Murnane. “They took it from us, and we haven’t forgotten that.” Murnane refuses to care what Ohio and Northern Illinois do later in the week. “We’re controlling our own destiny,” he said. “Northern’s got a loss, we don’t care. If we lose or win this game, we’re playing Northern for the (division) championship.” Opportunity But with two games remaining, all four teams — CMU, Northern Illinois, Temple and Ohio — control where they go from here. “At the end of the year, you want to be playing for something,” said NIU coach Jerry Kill. “A lot of times, at this time, you’re not.” For NIU and Ohio, one of the teams could realistically lose its conference hopes after this week. For Jones, the finish validates what he has thought all along.

“I’ve said it time and time again. This is the most balanced conference in the country ... To be coming down to the final stretch, and you’ve got two on the

East side and two on the West side that can win it, I think that speaks volumes,” he said. sports@cm-life.com

4B || Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

men’s basketball

women’s basketball

Holman starting at PG today

CMU seeks to snap skid vs. Flames

By Aaron McMann Staff Reporter

The CMU women’s basketball team will play a non-conference game in the state of Illinois for the second time in a week. It plays Illinois at 8 tonight in Champaign, Ill. Coach Sue Guevara brushed off the consecutive games to Illinois and the travel as factors for the team. “It’s just another road trip,” she said. “If you look at our conference schedule, we have to go to Buffalo (Feb. 4) and Akron (Feb. 6).” Guevara named senior Kendra Holman the starting point guard for the game. Freshman Jalisa Olive will come off the bench after starting and scoring five points against DePaul. Both players saw about the same amount of playing time in the game. Junior Shonda Long, senior Britni Houghton, sophomore

By Tim Ottusch Assistant Sports Editor

The CMU men’s basketball team will try to beat the University of Illinois-Chicago for the first time under coach Ernie Zeigler at 7 p.m. today at Rose Arena. Zeigler is stressing a better defensive presence and rebounding effort against UIC after giving up an uncharacteristic 70 points per game through the team’s first two games. “We got to continue to be able to contest shooters and put ourselves in position to start being able to get stops,” he said. Last season, Illinois-Chicago stifled CMU’s offense, holding it to just 39 percent shooting and 37.5 percent in the second half. The Chippewas led 35-33 in UIC Pavilion after the first half, but was outscored 44-32 in the second half. Senior guard Robbie Harman led CMU in scoring that game with 17 points. He is averaging 20 points per game through two games this year. UIC has defeated Central each of the last three seasons, evening the all-time series at 3-3. The Flames are 1-0 on the season, defeating the University of Illinois-Springfield 72-59 on Saturday in Chicago. Stepping in Zeigler said he has been impressed with junior forward Jalin Thomas, who is in a starting role with sophomore guard Antonio Weary out with an injury. Thomas is averaging nine points and eight rebounds per game through two games this season. “Jalin embodies what our program is about and what we’ve been building it on,” Zeigler said after Monday’s 82-69 victory against Ferris State.

paige calamari/staff photographer

Junior forward Marko Spica did not start for CMU on Monday against Ferris State.

Thomas was the last player brought on the team during the offseason. Zeigler recruited him after forward Jacolby Hardiman Jalin Thomas was let go. Zeigler said Thomas has done a good job in replacing the void Marcus Van left when he graduated this spring. “Jalin, I think, has definitely taken a strong step forward in being able to be that type of guy for us,” he said. Monday The team won its first game of the season against Ferris State behind Harman’s 18 points and seven steals Monday at Rose Arena. Thomas earned his first career double-double, finishing with 10 points and a

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

team-high 12 rebounds. CMU bounced back from a slow start to the game, trailing 15-6 at one point before outscoring the Bulldogs 76-54 after the 14:20 mark in the first half. Freshman guard Finis Craddock and junior forward William McClure got the start in place of junior forward Marko Spica and senior forward Chris Kellermann. Spica and Kellermann combined for just seven points and one rebound in the team’s season-opening loss to Princeton last Saturday. Spica finished Monday’s game with 14 points and four rebounds, while Kellermann had 11 points and one rebound. After today’s game, CMU is not at home until Dec. 1, when it hosts Chicago State at 7 p.m. at Rose Arena. sports@cm-life.com

Skylar Miller and senior Kaihla Szunko will round out the Chippewas’ starting lineup. Long scored a career-high Kendra Holman 30 points Friday while Houghton, a preseason first-team All-MidAmerican Conference honoree, scored 18. Szunko accounted for 10 of the team’s 31 rebounds. Experienced Illini The Fighting Illini finished the 2008-09 season ninth in the Big Ten, going 5-13 in the conference and 10-21 overall. Illinois returns eight of its nine players from last year, including a senior front-court duo of 6-foot-3-inch center Jenna Smith and 6-foot-1-inch forward Lacey Simpson, who averaged 18.5 and 11.5 points per game, respectively. “They are big, very athletic,

long and will get after you, especially in the half-court,” Guevara said. Smith, an All-America candidate, was named preseason First-Team All-Big Ten three consecutive years and scored in double figures in 41 consecutive games. Six freshmen were added to the Illinois roster this season, two of which are already making an impact in Champaign. Guard Karisma Penn led Illinois in scoring Sunday with a game-high 18 points, while forward Adrienne Godbold scored 14 points in its 85-53 win against Siena. The Fighting Illini lost their regular season opener at Temple, 82-78, in overtime. CMU (0-1) is 2-3 all-time against the Fighting Illini, losing the last meeting 82-44 on Dec. 28, 2004, at Illinois. The game will be streamed live on BigTenNetwork.com. sports@cm-life.com

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