Nov. 6, 2009

obituary | former geography professor remembered, 3A | Basketball Coach Zeigler sees new season as big opportunity, 1B

holiday| Celebration shares cultures breaks stereotypes, 3A

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

local crime

Police looking into series of break-ins in town, on campus Signs indicate same person or people involved

By Jake Bolitho Senior Reporter

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is investigating a series of breaking-and-enterings that took place over the past few weeks.

Since Oct. 18, a total of 11 burglary-related cases in several houses and apartments around town have been reported by the department, seven of which occurred from Oct. 18 to Oct. 26 alone, according to an MPPD press log.

Central Michigan University Police Chief Bill Yeagley said the break-ins are not nearly as common on campus.

“There are very few on campus,” he said. “We have had several larcenies in the dorms, but they involve unlocked doors.”

The breaking-and-enter-

ings are similar to the numerous vehicle larcenies that were reported recently, he said. Both go in streaks and all signs indicate they are being committed by the same person or people.

Yeagley said most of the time, the crimes can be prevented by simply making sure doors are locked. To reduce the odds of a forced-entry burglary, several measures can be taken.

“Lighting is key — the more secure the lock, the better,” he said. “These deter the people from breaking into your place.”

Several security cameras are placed throughout each of the residence halls. The cameras do not point into each individual room, but they can be used to catch suspicious activity in the hallways, so the suspect can later be tracked down, Yeagley said.

“The cameras are really helpful, but it does not guarantee anything,” he said.

photos by nate kostegian/staff photographer

Marilyn Whitehead receives a kiss from her husband, Dave, at the dinner table Sept. 27 after a busy weekend of working to finish the harvest for the season at their Winn residence.

a love for farm life

metro@cm-life.com

grant plagiarism

Math professor: ‘I wasn’t involved’ Lisa DeMeyer claims no wrongdoing

By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

One of the seven mathematics faculty members listed on the original National Science Foundation proposal found to be plagiarized said she did not participate in writing the proposal.

Mathematics associate professor Lisa DeMeyer was one of the seven faculty members on the investigative staff for the grant proposal and was a senior staff member on the project.

She said in a letter e-mailed to Central Michigan Life she did not participate in writing the grant proposal.

“I assisted the co-principal investigators developing course materials, that was going to be my job, but the

project was stopped before the work was complete,“ DeMeyer said.

The Board of Trustees decided to return $619,489 in grant money to the NSF after plagiarism took place in the proposal and the research.

Two members of a math department research project were found to have violated CMU’s research integrity policy, and one of those people is no longer working at CMU, said Interim University President Kathy Wilbur in a previous interview.

Of the seven CMU math faculty listed on the original grant, two have since left the university — Azita Manouchehri, now a professor at Ohio State University, and Ken Smith, now a professor at Sam Houston State University.

The other math faculty members still at CMU include Douglas Lapp, Charles Vonder Embse, Dennis St. John and Carl Lee.

Dave shares a treat with his dog and friend, Ed, on Sept. 26 as he fills a cow’s water trough on their farm in Winn. Ed plays a big role at Whitehead Farm and is found next to Dave on most days.

Dave and his dog, Ed, walk back on Sept. 27 from their field off Broomfield Road in Winn after picking tomatoes for the road side produce stand.

Winn father continues tradition while working full-time

By Nathan Kostegian | Staff Photographer

D

avid Whitehead has been farming all his life.

In fact, he was raised on the same land he farms today.

“This farm was established in 1869. My father bought the farm from my great-aunt Suzie,” Whitehead said.

Whitehead said farming is no easy life. He came to realize this at an early age and he would not be able to support his family just through farming.

He has been an employee at Morbark Industries in Winn for the past 30 years, where he builds wood chippers, but also continues to manage the farm.

“I’ve been growing pumpkins and corn for the past 10 years, and it’s been successful,” he said.

He starts his day with chores around the farm, such as feeding his four beef cows and making sure the fresh produce stand is full and ready for the day’s sales.

Then, it is off to work.

Whitehead said he was able to help pay for most of his three kids’ college tuition from produce he pulled out of the ground. The Whiteheads sell their fresh produce right in their front yard year-round, which is the only way they make money

Slideshow For more photos on the Whitehead family, visit cm-life.com off of their harvest.

Always producing As the seasons change, so do the items for sale.

From sweet corn in the summer, pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter, the farm is always producing.

Whitehead is a cash cropper and trusts his customers will

A farm | 6A

university@cm-life.com

Honors director stepping down in 2010

NEWS

James Hill will return to teaching political science

w Facebook considering offering music, 5A

By Emily Pfund Staff Reporter

sihang zhang/staff photographer

James Hill, head of the Honors Program, sits in his office in Powers Hall Thursday while discussing his career at CMU. Hill decided to step down as head of the program this year.

[inside]

Honors Program Director James Hill will step down in May after seven years in the position.

“If I stay much longer, I’ll be the director with the longest term, and I don’t think I want that distinction,” Hill said.

The average honors director has served for a term of three years, said Judy Idema, associ-

ate director of the Honors Program.

Hill came to CMU in 1980, teaching political science for 23 years before taking up his current post in the Honors Program. He will return to teach political science after he steps down.

“When I finish this year, I’ll have been here for 30 years.

Man, that went by fast,” Hill said.

“It doesn’t feel like 30 years.”

Hill said when he was hired to the director position, he was told his main goal would be to build the program.

“When I started out, the program was hidden away in scattered rooms in Larzelere,” he

said. “You couldn’t find us.”

Accomplishments During his tenure as director, the program moved from Larzelere to its current offices in Powers Hall. At the time, CMU did not have specific honors faculty, so Hill implemented a selection process by which 200 honors faculty have been added to the program.

Idema said Hill also increased the number of honors courses offered annually to 100 from 30, raised the GPA and ACT requirements for admission to the program, increased graduation A honors | 2A

w Journalism Hall of Fame set for Saturday, 3A

SPORTS w Soccer plays MAC tournament semifinal game at 11 a.m. today, 1B

CM-LIFE.com w Check for a video on Fabiano/Emmons/Woldt’s ‘Who’s Line is it Anyway?’

weather w Partly cloudy High 48/ Low 40

KOMPLIQUÉ FASHION SHOW AUDITIONS TOP 50 RECEIVE OVER $50,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS, CASH & PRIZES | SUBMIT PHOTOS BY 12-NOV-09 | WWW.KOMPLIQUE.COM/CMU

2A || Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR Today w Click! The Photography of Juanita Baldwin is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Charles V. Park Library Baber Room. w The David Garcia Project Open Session is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Isabella Room. w On the Rox Fall Concert is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. w Riecker Literary Series presents Men, Women and Ghosts from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Moore Hall’s Theatre-on-theSide.

Saturday w “Faiths Around the World” is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Extended Hours Study Room. w M.E. Ware: Ritual Regalia for Contemporary Living is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Main Gallery of the University Art Gallery. w The Journalism Hall of Fame Night is from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center, 5665 E. Pickard Road. w Riecker Literary Series presents Men, Women and Ghosts from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Moore Hall’s Theatre-on-theSide. w Band-O-Rama is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Corrections Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting.

It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2009 Volume 91, Number 33

www.cm-life.com

[News]

IN THE NEWS

Fort Hood shooter still alive, Army officials say FORT HOOD, Texas (MCT) — An Army psychiatrist who had recently completed training in treating traumatic stress disorder opened fire Thursday on a group of soldiers preparing for deployment to Iraq, killing 12 and wounding 31.

A law enforcement official in Texas and a military officer in Washington identified the shooter as Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a psychiatrist in the Army Medical Corps.

Both officials requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.

After earlier reports that Hasan was dead, Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, the base commander, said Hasan was alive and in custody.

Virginia medical licensing records indicate Hasan, a graduate of Virginia Tech, earlier this year completed training in disaster psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., just outside Washington.

He also served in a residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington in 2007.

The records gave his primary practice as Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, where many of the wounded were taken.

Two other soldiers were in custody, said Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, the base commander at Fort Hood, though U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, whose district includes Fort Hood, later told CNN they had been released.

Cone said all casualties were military personnel.

“It’s a terrible tragedy. It’s stunning,” Cone said.

Hasan used two handguns during the attack, Cone said.

The shootings began about at 1:30 p.m. CST Thursday at a personnel and medical processing center, Cone said. A second incident took place at a theater on the base.

The identities of the dead or wounded weren’t released. One of the dead was a civilian police officer, Cone said.

Fort Hood, adjacent to the city of Killeen and about 60 miles from Austin, is the largest active duty armored post in the U.S., with about 52,000 troops from the 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division and other units stationed there. Nearly all of its units are currently deployed in Iraq.

A graduation ceremony for soldiers who finished college courses while deployed was going on in an auditorium at the Readiness Center at the time of the shooting, said Sgt. Rebekah Lampam, a Fort Hood spokeswoman.

Greg Schanepp, Carter’s regional director in Texas, was representing the congressman at the graduation, said John Stone, a spokesman for Carter, whose district includes the Army post.

Schanepp was at the ceremony when a soldier who had been shot in the back came running toward him and alerted him of the shooting, Stone said. The soldier told Schanepp not to go in the direction of the shooter, he said. Stone said he thinks Schanepp was in the theater.

Distraught Fort Hood family members, including parents rushing to pick up their children from day care, gathered at the main gate after the base was locked down.

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PHOTO OF THE DAY

paige calamari/staff photographer

Mount Pleasant senior Bridget Scanlan, left, and freshman Madison Scanlan watch as Mount Pleasant resident Michael Philo creates a balloon monkey Wednesday afternoon outside of the Bovee University Center. Philo, also known as Magical Balloon Michael, has made balloon creations since he was 4 years old. After a brief period spent as a professional wrestler, Philo chose to pursue balloon creations as a career.

hill| continued from 1A

numbers from the program and gave students the opportunity to study abroad through the Honors Program.

“In the past seven years, I have accomplished all my goals but one, which I don’t see happening any time soon,” Hill said.

His final goal for the Honors Program is to have an honors college established at CMU but, because of what he called the “exodus of senior administra-

tors,” including the university president and provost, it will not happen in the near future.

Search is on Hill’s replacement, Idema said, will come from the pool of 200 current Honors faculty.

Claudia Douglass, interim vice provost of Academic Affairs, is in charge of organizing the search for the new Honors Director. She said the process has already started and that applications will be screened starting Nov. 30.

The new director will be chosen in early 2010 and will take over the post Aug. 16, 2010.

“That gives quite a long period of time for this person to be mentored by Dr. Hill. We’re really looking forward to an excellent transfer of knowledge,” Douglass said.

Hill said he built up the program, so his successor should focus on cultivating the students.

“The big battles have been fought. Now we need to take care of the students,” Hill said.

-Staff Reporter Ryan Czachorski contributed to this report. university@cm-life.com

inside life Central Michigan Life

3A

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

Geography professor always put students first

By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

Retired geography professor Joseph G. Bradac is remembered as a man who loved to travel.

“As a family, we had opportunity to travel a lot because we would visit places in the U.S. and other countries, too. My brother and I got a chance to see countries through his eyes,” said Bradac’s daughter and Rosebush resident Jane Hamilton.

Bradac, 94, of Mount Pleasant died Tuesday due to complications with a pancreatic disease.

He was a professor of Central Michigan University’s geography department from 1953 until his retirement in 1980.

“He accomplished a lot in his life,” Hamilton said.

His story Born July 9, 1915, in Marmarth, N.D., he was the son of immigrants from what is now called the Czech Republic.

Hamilton said as a child, she enjoyed traveling in North Dakota.

Joseph Bradac “One of the places I 1974 enjoyed going to was a small town he was from (because) this was a totally different way of living we were used to,” she said. “As a child, it was like being at Disney World.”

Hamilton admired her father’s parents worked hard to provide a good life for her father, which he later picked up.

“He had a good old-fashioned work ethic and respect to go with it. He was always learning,” Hamilton said.

In 1937, Bradac graduated from Dickinson State University in Dickinson,

Journalism Hall of Fame makes room for six more

By Theresa Clift Staff Reporter

Six Central Michigan University alumni will make their way into the Journalism Hall of Fame Saturday.

The inductees are Jeffrey R. Caponigro, Matt Dobek, Terry Foster, Monetta Richey Harr, Rick McKay and Betsy Pollard Rau. “There are more nominations than inductions,” said Hall of Fame founder and associate journalism professor Jim Wojcik. “All six are outstanding people. This class is one of the best.”

The eighth annual Journalism Hall of Fame Night takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center, 5665 E. Pickard Road.

The journalists were chosen for their accomplishments in the field and contributions to their communities.

Caponigro, a ’79 alumnus, is the president and CEO of Caponigro Public Relations and a former Board of Trustees chairman. Dobek, ’81, is the vice president of public relations for the Detroit Pistons.

Harr, ’71, is a retired staff writer from the Jackson Citizen Patriot. McKay, ’76, is the Deputy Photo Editor for the White House. Rau, ’75, is a retired high school journalism teacher from H.H. Dow High School in Midland.

The banquet also will honor the 2009 Young Journalist of the Year, 2004 graduate Chris Gautz. He was editor-in-chief of Central Michigan Life for the 2003-04 academic year.

Ever since, his investigative work in journalism has been praised and admired by his coworkers, according to his Hall of Fame biography.

A selection committee selects the inductees each year based on nominations from outside sources. In order to be nominated for the Hall of Fame, the nominee must have graduated more than 10 years prior to the event.

For the young journalist, the nominee must have graduated less than 10 years prior to the event.

“It wasn’t terribly difficult — they’re all well-respected, accomplished professionals,” said journalism department interim chairman Tim Boudreau. “They’ve all contributed a great deal to the field.”

The panel looks for background, accomplishments and community involvement, said Director of Student Publications Neil Hopp.

“It’s about upholding the standards and ethics of CMU journalism, and what they have done with their lives,” Hopp said. “It’s how they made a difference.” university@cm-life.com

Warren senior Mai Thao represented the Hmong New Year at Thursday’s Unified Holiday Celebration in her act that demonstrated Pov Pob. “I am demonstrating Pov Pob, a ball-tossing game that was originally used to meet the person you were going to marry,” Thao said.

“Now it is more focused on introducing children to each other, so they can bring their villages together as one.”

university@cm-life.com

f r o m was h i n gto n to c m u

sean proctor/staff photographer

In the game, if someone drops the ball, they must give the other person something of theirs as collateral.

The 12th annual Unified Holiday Celebration was held in the Bovee University Center Rotunda and showcased multicultural holidays and organizations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Thai New Year, Japanese New Year, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Diwali, Ramadan and the New Year Powwow.

“Experiencing this event is a way to see what great talent we have here at Central Michigan University,” said Sterling Heights sophomore John Kue. A holiday | 5A

Traffic light removal

The City of Mount Pleasant is removing two flashing red lights at two intersections today — Main and Broadway and Main and Michigan. The Mount Pleasant City Commission approved the removal of the lights at its Oct. 12 meeting. The lights were installed in 2005 to help drivers adjust to the intersections being four-way stops but, now the lights are being removed to save on electric costs. The intersection of Broadway and Washington also is a four-way stop. The flashing light will remain there to allow drivers to adjust. The Commission will evaluate the need for the light in the near future.

David Garcia Project

The David Garcia Project presents a disabilities awareness open session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today in the Bovee University Center Isabella Room. The event is meant to give knowledge to people about the effects of disabilities. For more information, contact Jenny Jordan at the Volunteer Center at 774-7685 or volunteer.center@cmich.edu.

Dance marathon

Individuals will participate in a dance marathon starting at 10 p.m. today, with check-in beginning at 9:30 p.m. The cost is $7 for pre-registered contestants and $10 at the door.

Elimination is based on lack of continuous dance movements.

Contestants will compete for a grand prize while dancing to popular music, enjoying food and hanging out with friends. All proceeds go to United Way. For more information, contact Jackie Heiss at (313) 550-6280 or heiss1jk@cmich.edu.

Men, Women and Ghosts

jake may/staff photographer

Saxe Residence Hall Director Ben Witt works at his computer in his office Oct. 28. Witt worked in federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., where he found his passion for safety and security.

Safe and secure Saxe RHD worked for two federal agencies

B

Holiday celebration shares cultures, breaks stereotypes

By Ariel Black Staff Reporter

Time at CMU Later in his career, Bradac created the first geography travel course.

Retired CMU geography professor and Joseph Bradac Mackinaw City resident 2009 Burton Nelson knew Bradac as a friendly man.

“I knew him for 42 years and taught with him years ago, and he loved to teach about Africa — that is what he enjoyed the most,” Nelson said.

One of Nelson’s fondest memories was Bradac inviting him and others to house parties.

“I remember going over there and having parties — he and his wife were very congenial,” Nelson said. “I just always looked up to him as a good teacher, always

thinking of students first. ” Retired geography professor and Mount Pleasant resident John Grossa knew Bradac for 14 years and was a colleague of Bradac until he retired.

“His interest was always in agricultural geography and I found his interest and my interest corresponded quite a bit,” Grossa said.

Grossa said by their shared professional experiences, they learned from each other and Grossa enjoyed being around the department with him.

“He certainly was well thought of by both faculty and students,” he said.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Lux Funeral Home, 2300 Lincoln Road.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Parish, 302 S. Kinney Ave., with internment at Calvary Cemetery.

By Lonnie Allen | Staff Reporter

Michelle Bigard, a faculty member at the Counseling Center, claps along with one of the performances with her 16-month-old daughter Laura during the 12th Annual Unified Holiday Celebration on Thursday night in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.

Event showcases multiculturalism, talent at CMU

N.D., and later attended Montana State College.

[Life in brief]

en Witt knows all about safety.

As he should, since he spent three years working with two federal agencies in Washington, D.C., before coming to Central Michigan University.

Witt, coordinator of residential security and Saxe residence hall director, said he felt his skills could be better used in the school system.

“I guess ultimately what I would like to do is draft public policy,” Witt said. “Not necessarily as an elected official, but as someone who writes policy as it relates to security in our schools.”

Witt works with a “If I was a Thief” program, which helps students understand how crimes can be prevented. The group walks through halls and checks doorknobs to see if they are locked.

Statistics show most crimes are crimes of opportunity, he said.

“If we find an unlocked door, we lock it and leave a note saying, ‘if I were a thief, I could have...,’” he said.

Criminal Justice 101 Witt’s passion started by taking a criminal justice class at Grand Valley State University, where he studied history.

He had a professor he liked — James Walker — and he wanted to take more of his classes. Witt said Walker was one of those campus-legend professors and a professor everyone wanted to take.

Witt took Walker’s Criminal Justice 101 class, continued study in that area and worked part-time for the GVSU Public Safety department.

GVSU Public Safety Capt.

Brandon DeHaan said Witt was a positive influence while working for the department.

“Ben had a genuine concern for safety and for his fellow students,” DeHaan said. “He has a heart for the job.”

After graduating from GVSU, Witt went to the federal law enforcement training center in Artesia, N.M., instead of the police academy, he said.

His time in Artesia included physical and weapons training, along with learning the federal

law code. After Artesia, he went to Maryland and started work six months later in Washington, D.C., where he profiled security for high-profile individuals, he said.

Leaving Washington While in Washington, Witt’s passion shifted.

“After living in D.C. for three years, I knew the bigcity life was not for me,” Witt said.

He left his work in law enforcement and started attending Central Michigan University for a master’s degree in public administration. With the degree, he hopes he can make a difference by bringing his knowledge of safety to the community, he said.

Last spring, his law enforcement experience provided another opportunity for him at CMU. The knowledge Witt has about security made him the right man for the job of coordinator of residential security, said Associate Director of Residence Life Shaun Holtgreive.

“Ben is uniquely qualified for this job with his expertise in security,” Holtgreive said.

Witt said he believes security policies and procedures work best if students, faculty and staff help make them work.

“We don’t ever want a culture at CMU where our students are so disconnected and disengaged that they are not looking out for one another,” Witt said. university@cm-life.com

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

Ghost stories and tales of the supernatural will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. today in the Moore Hall Theatreon-the-Side. The supernatural stories are presented in an intimate, original theatre piece, featuring works from Shirley Jackson, Elia Wilkinson, Peattie and Pulitizer Prize winners Edith Wharton and Amy Lowell.

For more information, contact Betsy Richard at 774-4299 or richa1ej@cmich.edu.

On the Rox concert

On the Rox performs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. today in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Central Michigan University’s all-female a cappella group will present its fall concert and will be joined by the Michigan State University Accafellas. Tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. For more information, contact Nicole Bouman at (231) 250-2259 or bouma1na@ cmich.edu. For a full story, see cm-life.com.

Art exhibit

The sculptural works in Ritual Regalia for Contemporary Living are displayed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the University Art Gallery’s Main Gallery. These items are wearable and conceptually wearable garments.

They are designed to illuminate contemporary society’s need for ceremony and ritual. The garments are constructed with a sense of irony and humor.

For more information, contact Anne Gochenour 774-3800 or goche1as@cmich.edu.

Race for Second Base

The Central Michigan District Health Department Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program is holding a 5k run/walk from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Finch Fieldhouse Room 110. There is a raffle, as well as prizes for the top male and female participants.

Registration is $15. For more information, or to become a sponsor of the event, contact Sarah Cardon at 506-3199 or raceforsecondbase@gmail.com.

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 Friday, Nov. 6, 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 |Politics requires active participation, even after a national election

Making a change

S

tudents were full of vigor this time last year when getting involved in politics.

The 2008 presidential campaign was a moment to create change, and many students took advantage of the election and voted. Now, a year later, students aren’t showing the same, if any, enthusiasm toward politics.

There’s a lot going on in America that will need younger generations to step up and make decisions.

Politics does not stop after major elections. Students need to stay involved in decision-making and voice their opinions on policies and current issues.

Three incumbent City Commissioners were re-elected Tuesday. In a town of an estimated 26,000 people, 1,403 people showed up to vote, making the voter turnout an embarrassing 5.77 percent.

The city commissioner is a huge influence on Mount Pleasant policy, directly affecting Central Michigan University students. Fraternity and sorority houses are within city borders and have to comply with zoning ordinances. For a new business to be established, city commissioners have to approve it.

Students need to inform themselves of all changes occurring in their town,

even if they do not plan on living in the same place for more than a few years.

Ignorance is a weak excuse, especially when they are given every opportunity to influence policy.

State government should have the interest of students as well.

In the wake of a weak economy, Gov. Jennifer Granholm continues to say she wants to advance funding for higher education, despite making significant cuts in the state budget.

The end of the Michigan Promise Scholarship is a prime example.

Every student who qualified for the scholarship should be up in arms, writing letters to every Michigan politician. Just because these cuts are going into effect doesn’t mean they’re permanent.

For how involved students were in the national election, it is disheartening that they show little or no interest in national affairs.

The health care debate is still raging in the White House, yet it’s a dead subject on campus. Whatever politicians ultimately decide on health care will

affect all students and their futures.

Now is the time to bring concerns and other problems with the proposed health care reform to the attention of politicians. Heath care reform will be much harder to change after it becomes a law.

There are a lot of other national issues that students should be debating about — the war in Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay and unemployment, for example.

The Internet makes communication easier and faster than ever before.

Send your state representative an e-mail on your concerns of current issues. Demonstrations happen all over the state. Join a rally and make a stand. At the very least, young people should be voting at all levels, from the President of the United States to the city commissioners.

Politics does not stop after each election. It is an ongoing process that calls on every citizen to participate.

Democracy isn’t politics for spectators. Exercise your voice, and make some real change.

ROSS KITTREDGE [CARTOON]

, Nathan Inks Columnist

Double standard Two mathematics professors violated the university’s research integrity policy, costing the university $619,489.

Earlier in the week, two independent investigators concluded that plagiarism had taken place in the grant proposal and research materials for a research project funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

To guarantee CMU will earn grant funding from the NSF in the future, the Board of Trustees voted to return $619,489 to the NSF. Personally, I think the professors guilty of the plagiarism should have to pay for a large portion of it.

Interim University President Kathy Wilbur did say however, that one of the professors is no longer here at Central Michigan University.

If legally possible, the university should open a civil case against these professors and try to get them to pay part of the grant money back.

The professors involved should be fired immediately. If not, they should at least have their salaries and benefits cut, with the difference going toward paying back the grant money.

What kind of image does this send to our students? “If you plagiarize, we may give you a failing grade in the course but, if one of our professors plagiarizes, we’ll cover the $619,489 that they essentially stole from the NSF.” These two professors ought to be ashamed of themselves. They knew better. I have never seen a syllabus that doesn’t include the academic integrity policy in it, so how could these two professors read off that policy and tell students not to plagiarize while they themselves were doing it?

At a time when the university is struggling financially, we cannot afford to throw away this much money because of two professors’ stupidity. The professors need to be held accountable and need to pay for a substantial amount of the grant.

[our readers’ voice] Math student dissatisfied with professors who plagiarized Having been a student involved in the secondary education math program, I feel as though I should express my frustrations with those leading me in my schooling.

To graduate with a degree in secondary mathematics, one must take a series of cohorts that covers various math topics. While one going into the teaching field would expect to be taught various strategies and approaches to teaching math, this was not the case in several of these classes.

Throughout my course of study, I learned how to use the N-Spire, an expensive calculator that my professors expect administrators and math teachers to incorporate into the curriculum. I felt as though I was being taught to use an expensive piece of equipment to market to my future employers.

While I was not pleased with the education I was paying for, I kept my mouth shut because my professors stressed the importance of students being able to

explore mathematics using tools such as the N-Spire.

They constantly reassured us that what we were learning was based on research that proved that this calculator is a crucial tool for learning through exploration.

It is disheartening to hear that the research may not be unique to the setting in which I was learning, and that the research they were claiming as their own may not have been discovered by CMU faculty.

In every class on CMU’s campus, professors include a section on student professionalism that includes a portion regarding plagiarism.

Students risk credit, their grades and expulsion from the university for plagiarism. Professors should be held to the same standards that they impose upon their students.

I would hope that the university I have attended for six years would not hold a double standard.

Zonta Club thanks RSOs for helping out with Applefest On behalf of the Zonta Club of Mount Pleasant, I would like to personally thank all the CMU students and student organizations for your recent contribution of time to Applefest.

This event could not have been a success without the help of you and the many other volunteers who donated their time. Over seventy individuals from the community volunteered their time over a three-day period, including braving inclement weather on the day of Applefest.

Our special thanks goes to CMU students from the Volunteer Center, Alpha Phi Omega, American Sign Language Society, Circle K, Family Relations Council, Phi Theta Kapa and Pre-Audiology Student Organization.

Once again, the Zonta Club of Mount Pleasant thanks you for your efforts and contribution of time!

Tanya Domina, CMU faculty President of the Zonta Club of Mount Pleasant

Danna Galvin Saint Clair senior

C M Y o u | What do you think of graduation being at Kelly/Shorts Stadium?

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

Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

Gay isn’t the new black The demographics cannot be compared as the same As a black woman, I have experienced discrimination two-fold.

There have been many times when I was excluded from participating in a group because I wasn’t of the right ethnicity.

I have also seen the invisible “boys only” signs hung up not on doors, but etched on the hearts of those who still believe it’s a man’s world.

My identities as being a woman and African American have greatly shaped many of my viewpoints and the way I perceive the world. This is not a bad thing.

I also know discrimination can come in multiple forms.

As someone who is not of a major social group, I can see why some people might equate being black with being gay. Or even say gay is the “new” black.

From the outside looking into this viewpoint, here are some reasons why I strongly believe gay is not and never will be the new black.

An ethnicity cannot, and never will be a valid comparison to a sexual orientation.

I am black. I am heterosexual. My ethnicity and preference for men are two separate categories that do not relate to each other. For example, it doesn’t make sense for me to say, “being heterosexual is the new white,” just because a majority of a population is heterosexual; like the majority of the population is white.

I cannot change myself from being black to another ethnicity while, with homosexuality, sometimes people can choose to become heterosexual.

The argument also can be raised that with bisexuality, is that still the new black?

I have an understanding of both sides of this issue of gay being the new black and why this statement is logical to some people. What I do not understand is that when I hear arguments about why being gay is the new black there are claims that, “black people should know where we are coming from, especially with them always being discriminated against.”

I have empathy for anyone discriminated against, whether they are gay, straight, black, white or blue.

But because of reasons beyond my control, I cannot relate to sexuality as being the same as an ethnicity, or the new version of black.

Of course I do not speak for all black people when I say gay is not the new black. And I am pretty certain not all gay people feel that they are the new black.

With this sensitive subject in mind, there may be wrong or right answers but, for now, just let the data speak for itself.

That is the most important thing.

[letters to the editor]

“I think indoors may be better since the weather here is unpredictable.”

Jennifer Armstrong,

Southfield freshman

“It would be a nice ceremony.

I just hope it doesn’t rain.”

“I think it’s a good idea considering how well the football team did this year.”

Steven Loonsfoot,

Kincheloe senior

Emma Supanich,

“It might be better to stay indoors.

Too many risks.”

Chris Thomas,

Southfield sophomore

Holland freshman

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

Sinister Productions moving from Isabella to S. Mission Tattoo parlor changing locations despite concerns from next door

By Randi Shaffer Staff Reporter

The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission Thursday approved a move by Sinister Productions tattoo studio to the empty location at 1807 S. Mission St. by a 7-1 vote.

Despite objection from Renee and Dave Rowley, co-owners of the Designer Consignor next door at 1809 S. Mission St., the commission approved a motion to accept the use of a group A special-use permit to relocate Sinister Productions from its current location at 2056 S. Isabella Road.

Sinister Productions owner Norman Dow’s request drew support from his former clients, ranging from

permanent residents of the Mount Pleasant community to students at Central Michigan University.

According to the specifications of the approved package, Dow must obtain a copy of a state license proving that his facility meets and adheres to minimum public heath standards, including inspection by local health departments. The standards will be put into effect by the state starting Jan. 1, 2010.

The Planning Commission expressed concern that the addition of a tattoo parlor to the proposed location would encourage the development of a “skid row” area.

However, both property owner Steve Silverberg and Dow agreed loitering would not be permitted outside the studio and smoking would only be permitted outside the back of the building.

“There will be absolutely no ‘skid row’ effect because I run a clean and respect-

able business,” Dow said.

Dow also must adhere to the set hours of operation — from noon until 9 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

Sears request The Planning Commission approved the request of a site plan review by the Tancor Corporation to replace an outdoor enclosure at the loading dock of Sears, 1400 S. Mission St. The replacement will require the destruction of the vacant Taco Boy building.

The vote was unanimous for approval of the site plan, provided the Tancor Corporation and follows the Oct. 20 plan presented to the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission also discussed the financial implications of the 2010 Census for the City of Mount Pleasant, and stressed the importance of students correctly filling out forms. metro@cm-life.com

Facebook invades MySpace territory Music to be offered on social network sites

“I personally can’t wait to try it out. I’m constantly looking for new Web sites that you can listen to music on.”

By Luke Dimick Staff Reporter

Ryan Wurmlinger, Marysville junior

Web giants Google and Facebook are introducing applications that will give music fans the ability to find and sample songs on the Web. Google’s new service will combine its search engine capabilities with streaming and purchasing functions powered by music sites such as lala.com and MySpace’s ILike application.

“I figured it was only a matter of time before Google launched something like this,” said Marysville junior Ryan Wurmlinger. “I personally can’t wait to try it out. I’m constantly looking for new Web sites that you can listen to music on.”

After searching for an artist on the site, the new function will provide users with song samples, information about albums and artist biographies.

Social networking Web site Facebook also is teaming up with lala.com to power a new music gifting application that enables users to purchase song MP3s or “websongs” and send them to friends.

The site is expanding on

holiday| continued from 3A

The room was transformed into a dinner setting, where a wide array of food was served, complete with a main stage surrounded by display tables for each organization.

“Christmas is largely celebrated in America, so it’s nice to see minority groups coming together to celebrate other holidays,” said Thao, member of the Asian Cultural Organization.

Attending the event in-

current gifting applications that allow users to purchase virtual plants and pictures of birthday cakes with a credit card and send them to their friends.

“I think it’s logical for social networking sites to try to offer services to increase their usability with their users,” said Broadcast and Cinematic Arts instructor Trey Stohlman.

“However, I think they also need to consult their users to find out what services they would like to see added before they just start making changes. I know several people were upset about the recent changes to the Facebook interface.”

MyMusic Google and Facebook are not the only Web sites going through transitions.

According to the Financial Times, MySpace is officially moving from a social networking site to focusing more on music and entertainment.

“Facebook is not our competition,” MySpace CEO and former Facebook executive Chris Dewolfe told the Finanformed students about cultures different from their own and educated them on those cultures’ religious practices and traditions, said Kue, a member of the Asian Cultural Organization.

“People who come to the Unified Holiday Celebration get exposure to other cultures, break stereotypes, and gain diversity,” said Iron Mountain junior Rachelle Lindow, member of 12 C.A.R.A.T.S. Fifteen acts were performed at the celebration, which ranged from musicians and dancers to demonstrations of cultural traditions,

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 || 5A

[News]

cial Times. “We’re very focused on a different space.”

MySpace is still one of the Web’s most visited sites at 100 million users, but is far behind Facebook’s 300 million users.

MySpace recently teamed with iTunes, giving users the ability to buy songs without leaving the site.

“I think this is a great idea for MySpace,” Stohlman said.

“They know they can’t compete, but also they know a lot of users and industry professionals used the service for music distribution and promotion. I think they’ve found their niche and are making smart decisions at this point.”

Smiths Creek junior Deedra McKeand also agrees with MySpace’s new business model.

“I think it’s a good move for MySpace because no one really goes on that site for social networking anymore,” McKeand said. “The only use I get out of MySpace is for checking out bands and listening to music.” studentlife@cm-life.com

including the voice of musician and Lansing senior Chris Cadogan, who welcomed the crowd.

Along with learning about other cultures’ customs, representatives from the Study Abroad program were present as well.

“I gained a greater perspective on culture from traveling abroad,” said Grandville senior Andrea Skala, representative of the John Cabot University in Rome. “It definitely opens your eyes to see how easy it is to travel around the world.” university@cm-life.com

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Actors and comedians Michael Showalter, left, and Michael Ian Black of Comedy Central’s “Michael & Michael Have Issues” perform Wednesday night in Plachta Auditorium. Although originally billed as a lecture, the night was filled with improvisational comedy rather than a speech about show business.

Comedy Central comedians ditch lecture, crack jokes Nearly 700 fill Plachta Auditorium for ‘Mike and Mike’

By Brad Canze Senior Reporter

Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black improvised and played off each other and the audience to get riotous laughs Wednesday night.

However, they “absolutely, positively” did not lecture about show business to the crowd of nearly 700.

“I don’t know why they billed it as a lecture,” Black said before the presentation. “There will be no educational content whatsoever. If they asked how much learning will be going on, I would have said zero. Zero learning.”

Instead of talking about the process of creating their Comedy Central show, “Michael and Michael Have Issues,” they riffed on each other with jokes about feces, race, Purdue Chicken and cats for more than an hour.

And that seemed perfectly fine with the audience, as they laughed and clapped and cheered with the comedians.

“It was hilarious, and I could almost not stop laughing,” said Alma resident Christine Smith.

“I’ve been a fan of them since (Comedy Central show) ‘Stella.’”

Included in the performance were video clips from Black and Showalter’s appearance on a morning news show at a Detroit Fox affiliate several weeks ago. In the clips, they teased the anchorwoman, made apple crisp and presented the weather forecast.

Program Board lecture chairwoman Nikki Burnstein said although the event was sold to them as a lecture, she and Program Board were happy with the event.

“I thought it went really well,” the Farmington Hills junior said. “It ended up being more comedy, which wasn’t what was expected, but it still went well.

I didn’t expect it to be educational, but … I was still happy with it.”

Program Board faculty adviser and Coordinator of Student Activities Damon Brown said the event cost $20,000.

Showalter, sick the day of the performance, said he thought it went well and enjoyed it nonetheless. “(Sickness) kept me behind the podium, more than

anything,” Showalter said.

“But in a sense, it made me a little goofier than I normally would have been.”

Black said his one hope with the performance was to simply make people laugh.

“Whatever your present circumstances, no matter

how much trouble you’re in with the law, simply receiving the gift of laughter will make them all go away,” Black said.

“Even problems with the law.

Especially problems with the law.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Interdisciplinary Programs

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6A || Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

farm family|

CMCH, nurses agree to new contract

By Ryan Czachorski Staff Reporter

The Michigan Nurses Association and Central Michigan Community Hospital reached a labor agreement Monday after nine months of negotiations.

“We didn’t get everything we wanted, but nobody ever does,” said Lisa Harrison, MNA labor relations representative. “I am very happy we were able to reach an agreement.”

The new contract, not yet signed, expires June 30, 2010, according to a press release from CMCH spokeswoman

be honest about the amount they take and pay for, as the only cashier he has is a mailbox on the side of the produce stand.

Whitehead said farming has become a global market, but his customers like know-

Darcie Van Dop. The main sticking points of the deal are a wage freeze on the nurses contract and the nurses’ ability to give input for the hiring of new nurses.

The wage freeze is still intact and no increases will be given for the length of the deal.

The MNA was concerned a wage freeze could impact its ability to rehire nurses and hire new ones.

“The nurses will have input regarding the postings and vacancies,” Harrison said. “A wage freeze is a big compromise.”

The 111 registered nurses at CMCH had been working

without a formal contract since February.

Negotiations broke down in September, with the MNA holding an informational picket outside CMCH. The MNA voted to authorize a strike in June, although the required notice was never given to the hospital.

The length of the contract is short, Harrison said, but the MNA is happy to have settled the labor dispute.

“All that matters fundamentally is that the parties reached an agreement,” she said metro@cm-life.com

Panel wants “Chippewa” changed nathan kostegian/staff photographer

Dave Whitehead drives on Sept. 25 to his pumpkin field in Winn with dog, Ed, in his 1985 Ford F250 Explorer. He bought the vehicle brand new, but now it stays on the farm as a work truck. continued from 1A

www.cm-life.com

[News]

ing they are getting fresh produce from a local source and are paying a fair price.

He said if he is selling good quality products, then he does not need to worry about them selling.

Whitehead is not all business though; he also is a family man. While on the

farm, he also bears the titles of husband, father, son and grandfather.

Even though the whole family is not always on the farm, they have been, are, and always will be Whitehead Farms. news@cm-life.com

By Emily Grove Staff Reporter

Mount Pleasant junior Joshua Hudson is strongly against the use of the Chippewa name in representation of Central Michigan University.

“This is not a mascot issue.

This is a human rights issue,” Hudson said.

A forum was held Thursday night to discuss different views on the use of the nick-

for the full story w See cm-life.com. name “Chippewas.”

The main topic of discussion was whether the Chippewa name should be changed. All panel members were in agreement, believing the nickname should be changed. But they think a change is not likely to happen overnight.

“I think it should be revisited by the school and the tribe, but I think it definitely has to go,” said panelist Ben Hinmon, a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

Though the panel was unanimous, students had varying opinions on the use of a Chippewa to represent CMU. university@cm-life.com

tournament breakdown | Check out a look at the other three teams in the MAC soccer tournament, 4B Central Michigan Life

Sports Weekend Friday, November 6, 2009 | Section B

men’s basketball preview

soccer

The last 12 months for the men’s basketball program saw the team face a multitude of character-testing instances. Now, they begin the 2009-10 season after a...

CMU plays semifinal against

Toledo

Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH) face off in other game

By Matthew Valinski Staff Reporter

ashley miller/photo editor

Coach Ernie Zeigler brought in seven players to the program this season after losing seven for various reasons after the 2008-09 season.

year of change Zeigler sees season as an opportunity to make up for last year’s misfortunes

By Tim Ottusch | Assistant Sports Editor

I

t was not supposed to go the way it did last season for the CMU men’s basketball program and coach Ernie Zeigler.

Heading into his third season at the helm of the program, Zeigler felt it was the year the team got over the hump and started a sustained stretch of winning seasons.

That is how it went for him when he was an assistant at Pittsburgh. That is how it went when he was an assistant at UCLA. But a variety of factors did not allow that to happen.

Despite a Mid-American Conference West Division championship, the proverbial ‘next step’ was not taken. The 200809 season and what transpired after it was closer to a nightmare than anything else.

file photo

The men’s basketball team went 12-19 last season.

Scattered start Heading into the season, Zeigler had a roster he liked and a program he thought was coming into its own. The team, seeing the potential it felt it had, embraced the motto “take the next step.”

“The aspirations were to become a winning program,” Zeigler said. “I felt like we had kind of laid the foundation of what we wanted to be as a program.”

But the nucleus of that roster did not play with each other much at all.

The team started the season

missing forward Marko Spica, guard Jordan Bitzer and forward Marcus Van. Van, kicked off the team for a short period of time, was later reinstated, and Bitzer came back after missing time in the fall semester because of academic ineligibility. Spica missed the entire season due to injury.

But in all the chaos and uncertainty throughout the roster, Zeigler was notified his future at CMU was secured. The day of the team’s first regular season game on Nov. 14, 2008, against Princeton, Athletics Director Dave

Heeke gave him a one-year contract extension through the 201011 season.

Heeke said the extension was given because he feels Zeigler is the coach that will lead the program out of its current state.

“I really feel Ernie has the ability to build this program,” he said. “That’s what we talk about a lot and I feel we are on the right track.”

But as the season began, things worsened. Now, senior forward Chris Kellermann, on his way to his best season of his career,

broke his foot after seven games and missed the rest of the season.

With Kellermann and Spica out, it left a gap in the team’s roster that later forced the team to change the way it played.

“What I found out real quick is that the things you can’t control sometimes make the circumstance much more harder than you would ever imagine they could ever be,” Zeigler said.

“And that’s definitely what happened to us in the early part of A Zeigler | 3B

the seniors Jordan Bitzer- G

Brandon Ford- C

Bitzer averaged 12.1 points and 33.2 minutes per game last season. He has averaged at least 26 minutes played per game during the past two seasons and started the final 23 games his freshman season.

The fifthyear senior saw increased playing time last year with injuries to Chris Kellermann and Marko Spica. Ford started four games and averaged 9.8 minutes played. He had a career -high four rebounds on Feb. 7.

Robbie Harman- G Harman started all 31 games last season, averaging 32.9 minutes played per game and 11.4 points. His 72 3-point field goals led the Mid-American Conference. Harman also is a member of the baseball team.

Chris Kellermann- F Ke l l e r m a n n averaged 14.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game before breaking his foot after seven games and redshirting last season. The forward graduated in May with a degree in sports studies and is working on getting his master’s.

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The CMU soccer team will have a chance to earn its firstever Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship this weekend.

The Chippewas (15-3-2, 9-0-2) play Toledo (11-6-3, 6-3-2) in the first semifinal at 11 a.m. Friday at the CMU Soccer Complex for a chance to play Sunday in the final.

The winner will play the winner of Eastern MichiganMiami (OH) game, which will be played at 2 p.m Friday at the CMU Soccer Complex.

CMU and Toledo played to a double-overtime 0-0 tie Oct. 25 in Mount Pleasant earlier this season.

CMU outshot Toledo 10-2 in regulation but, after both teams were held shotless in the first overtime, the Rockets had three more shots in the second overtime.

The Chipp e w a s clinched the MAC regular season c h a m p i o n - Jenna Hill ship earlier that weekend with a 1-0 win against Bowling Green. Junior Jenna Hill said the team became too complacent in its abilities.

“They wanted to win more than we did that day,” she said. “They shut down our forwards pretty well, but we were not ready to play. We were kind of satisfied in winning the MAC and we were not ready to play that Sunday.”

Offensive woes While the Chippewas’ offense leads the MAC in goals, it has only scored six goals in its past seven games.

Senior forward Amanda Waugh said in order to put the pressure on the Toledo, CMU cannot have another slow start to the game.

“We haven’t really had a game where we have came out strong since the beginning,” Waugh said. “As the game wears on, we tire them out and usually score in the second half, but we need to have a game where we come out really strong and score a goal early.”

Although the Chippewas are the No. 1 seed, it is the Rockets who won the last three MAC Tournaments.

Toledo also has played well in Mount Pleasant, with the Chippewas’ latest victory over Toledo in Mount Pleasant coming nine years ago in a 5-2 win in 2000.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” said coach Tom Anagnost. “They are a great team, we highly respect them but, on our end, if we do what we are supposed to do and play how we’re supposed to play, I feel like we challenge them mightily.”

The CMU offense has had trouble putting the ball in the back of the net against Toledo, having scored one goal against it since the 2002 season.

A tourney | 4B

2B || Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[men’s basketball]

Kellermann, Spica return after injuries

By Tim Ottusch Assistant Sports Editor

file photo by Nathan kostegian

Freshman guard Finis Craddock had 11 points in 23 minutes in CMU’s 85-38 exhibition win against Marygrove on Nov. 1.

Newcomers add depth to roster Zeigler replaces seven players with new recruits

By Tim Ottusch Assistant Sports Editor

The men’s basketball team introduces seven new players after a season filled with injuries and depth problems and an offseason filled with departures.

During the offseason, the team graduated center Marcus Van and Ryan Thomas, let go of junior forward Jacolby Hardiman and had Jeremy Allen, Lawrence Bridges, Adrian Hunter and William Eddie all leave on mutual terms.

With those seven spots, coach Ernie Zeigler filled his team in with a balance of guards and forwards.

“I think we bring a lot of depth,” said junior transfer Jalin Thomas.

Freshmen Joe Estrada and Finis Craddock, along with junior transfer Amir Rashid, will add depth to the guard position. Also expected to see time at guard is Thomas, who also will play forward depending on game matchups.

Thomas scored 12.5 points per game last season at Pen-

sacola Junior College.

Rashid averaged 12 points and 5.4 assists per game at Trinity Valley Community Jalin Thomas College.

The added depth comes after a season that saw guards Robbie Harman and Jordan Bitzer, now seniors, play around 33 minutes per game.

Coach Ernie Zeigler said the addition of Craddock and Rashid to the position should take some of the load off Harman, Bitzer and junior guard Antonio Weary.

“They’re going to be a huge addition to the depth of our back court because they bring quickness and ability to handle the ball and be able to make plays off the dribble themselves,” Zeigler said.

Thomas and other newcomers will get a chance to see significant minutes after Weary broke a bone in his left hand during the team’s 85-38 exhibition win against Marygrove.

“Coach has brought me here to step in in case something like this did happen,” Thomas said. “And the fact that did happen is really unfortunate, but I’m prepared to step in and do what I need to do.”

The newcomers paid immediate dividends in the win.

Craddock finished the game with 11 points and Thomas had eight rebounds.

“I think I can really help out this team with my rebounding (ability),” Thomas said In the paint Depth also was a problem at the forward position last year.

Senior forward Chris Kellermann was out for the season after the team’s seventh game with an injury and junior forward Marko Spica missed the entire season with an injury.

Helping out Spica, Kellermann and senior center Brandon Ford will be newcomers freshmen Sean Day and Tyler Brown and junior transfer William McClure.

Thomas is expected to see playing time at the forward position as well.

McClure averaged 9.6 rebounds per game last season at Lake Land College.

“I think Will McClure is definitely going push for minutes up front,” Zeigler said. “I think his ability to rebound and be a defensive presence for us is definitely going to help the depth up front.” sports@cm-life.com

Senior forward Chris Kellermann was on his way to his personal-best season last year — before it all went wrong.

Kellermann broke his foot, ending his season just seven games in, after averaging a career-best 14.4 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game.

“It was very frustrating,” Kellermann said. “I thought I was going to be back before the season ended but, clearly, it was a lot worse than I thought.”

But Kellermann, who graduated in May and is now working on a master’s degree in sports administration, was not the only big man missing last season.

Junior center Marko Spica missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

With Spica and Kellermann out, it presented the team with depth problems in the post. Senior center Marcus Marko Spica Van who, for a time, was let go from the program, and senior center Brandon Ford were the only experienced players left to play in the paint. Van played nearly 30 minutes per game, finishing the season averaging 13 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.

But this year, despite Van graduating, CMU looks to have a solid presence at the forward position.

Kellermann, Spica and Ford all return. And the team brought in freshman forwards Sean Day and Tyler Brown, as well as transfer junior William McClure.

Coach Ernie Zeigler said getting Spica and Keller-

file photo by jeff smith

Junior forward Marko Spica missed all of last season due to an ankle injury.

mann’s experience back on the court is crucial.

“It is absolutely huge because they’re experienced guys,” he said. “They’ve been through the process.”

Spica said getting his and Kellermann’s versatility back in being able to play down low and from the perimeter will add a dimension the team did not have last year.

“We can play inside and out,” he said. “I think that’s our biggest strength ... We both can play low, both can get out and knock down those open shots.”

Zeigler said although Kellermann has been known to play well on the perimeter, they worked on improving his inside game with the time he had off.

“We’ve really worked at him being able to score around the basket as well, so he’s not so dependent upon his jump shot to score,” he

said. “But his versatility at the power forward position is a matchup problem for a lot of teams.”

A learning experience While sitting on the sidelines was low point for Spica, he said he took in a lot from watching a season from the bench.

“I learned a lot, it’s a totally different angle,” he said.

“It’s totally different between those four lines and sitting right there (on the bench).”

Spica also said he learned a lot more about what the coaches were asking from him before, seeing it from their angle.

Zeigler said he expects him to be more to the point this season with his plays instead of worrying about making a more intricate one. sports@cm-life.com

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports weekend]

men’s basketball

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 || 3B

field hockey

Central to host final exhibition Women advance in tourney Transfer Thomas to start in place of injuried Weary

By Dave Jones Senior Reporter

The CMU men’s basketball team has one more chance to prepare for its season opener next week.

For their final exhibition game, the Chippewas play Indiana University-South Bend at noon Saturday at Rose Arena.

Coach Ernie Zeigler said, among other things, this game will test his team’s defense after seeing a much improved unit on the floor during its exhibition win Sunday against Marygrove.

“They’re going to be a good challenge for us,” Zeigler said. “Our help-side defense could definitely improve (since Marygrove) ... just really being more aware where the ball is, as a team, and communication.”

He said with so many new players on the team and contributing on the floor, com-

zeigler |

municating and gaining chemistry as a team are important aspects of the exhibition.

“It’s easy to get caught Ernie Zeigler up in ‘What should I be doing?’ versus, ‘I’m doing what I need to do and I’m communicating with my teammates as well,’” Zeigler said.

Indiana University-South Bend comes into Saturday’s game with a record of 1-1, already into its regular season.

The Titans opened with a 79-75 loss on the road to Purdue North Central, but won their home opener against Goshen College, 80-70.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us because they run a lot of different things offensively,” Zeigler said.

Injury Bug Junior guard Antonio Weary clutched his left hand during the first half of the Chippewas’ first exhibition game against Marygrove.

Fifteen After the team’s 75-61 loss at Toledo on Jan. 20, which put the team’s Mid-American Conference record at 1-3, it sparked the coaching staff to look at what could be done to improve the team’s slipping record.

Zeigler said one his goals has always been to get his best players on the court as much as possible in a productive manner. But with the injuries, the team’s lack of depth left the starters on the court more than usual. Their talents were no longer being utilized in as productive of a way as possible.

During a midseason meeting, assistant coach Keith Noftz suggested slowing the team’s tempo on the court.

The coaching staff decided to implement a system it called “15”, which vaguely meant the team would not try to score until there was 15 seconds on the shot clock.

The new system began to pay dividends. CMU, 4-12 at the time, finished the regular season on a 7-6 run. And, for the third consecutive year under Zeigler, it advanced to the second round of the MAC Tournament before losing in overtime to Ball State, 64-61.

CMU held its opponent to less than 70 points in every game after the Jan. 20 loss to Toledo.

But with some things in order, the team’s identity dramatically changed again in the offseason.

sistant coaching job at Florida International to coach under Isiah Thomas, whom he previously worked with earlier in his career. He reunited with Allen, who transferred to FIU. Zeigler said the transfers were not a complete surprise to him and the other coaches, but the number of players departing was.

“I was not fully aware that all four were going to leave,” he said. “We had some inkling that one or two guys was thinking about leaving.”

With that inkling, Zeigler knew he would most likely have to recruit a few additional players when spring arrived.

“It definitely, in the spring, put us on the track of finding (guard) Finnis Craddock and (guard) Amir Rashid and (guard/foward) Jalin Thomas.”

Zeigler said.

Joe Estrada, Tyler Brown, William McClure and Sean Day rounded out the recruiting class.

Zeigler had an idea he might be losing some players and scouted accordingly. But in June, the team took another unexpected hit.

Forward Jacolby Hardiman was arrested June 24 after being arraigned on felony charges and was released from the team.

“There is a level of accountability that is expected of Central Michigan basketball players,” Zeigler said. “And it’s not going to be compromised, and it’s my responsibility to help them understand, to take that next step into adulthood.”

Hardiman was later convicted of a high-court misdemeanor and sentenced to two days in jail and fined. He transferred to Robert Morris University.

Roster overhaul CMU graduated Van and Ryan Thomas when the season ended. But by the time July arrived, it lost five more players.

Jeremy Allen, Lawrence Bridges, Adrian Hunter and William Eddie III all departed the program under mutual terms, and all have since moved on to other basketball programs.

Assistant coach William Eddie Jr., William Eddie III’s father, also left, taking an as-

The Present Through all the injuries, personal issues, transfers and new recruits, CMU is looking at this season as its opportunity.

“We’re hungry, extremely hungry to, first and foremost, become a winning program,” Zeigler said.

Zeigler gives credit to seniors Bitzer, Brandon Ford, Robbie Harman and Kellermann for staying through all the adversity and holding together the program after losing seven players and gaining seven more.

continued from 1B

last season. We had to reinvent ourselves for a lot of different reasons.”

It looked as if he jammed his finger but, as a precaution, he was taken out of the game and did not start the second half.

After tests, it was revealed that Weary broke a bone in his left hand and will miss four to six weeks to begin the season.

“You build a relationship with someone over the last two years, especially with Antonio,” said senior guard Robbie Harman. “But anyone else who steps in will do just fine.”

Junior guard Jalin Thomas will get the start for Saturday’s exhibition and, most likely, when the season begins Nov. 14 against Princeton at Rose Arena, Zeigler said.

“I thought in the first exhibition game that he really rebounded well and he’s getting more comfortable offensively,” he said. “So I think he put himself in position to get the first stab at it.”

The team’s regular season opener is Nov. 14 against Princeton in Rose Arena. sports@cm-life.com

“I think they are the guys that were in the trenches, and they were the guys that were carrying the torch when maybe some of those other guys who left weren’t quite as committed as they were. ... I think they’ve welcomed the change because they knew those guys weren’t totally on the same page with them,” Zeigler said.

Harman said having the seniors know his system so well makes things run a lot smoother on the court.

“Everyone that’s been here for four years knows what (Zeigler) wants, so it makes his job easier with us being out there relaying what he wants,” he said.

Zeigler kept specific goals to himself and the team, but it is apparent expectations are high. Expectations say this is the turning point. This is the year the program blossoms.

“In April, I want to look back and say, ‘Man, this was the most successful team that we’ve had since I’ve been the coach,’” he said. sports@cm-life.com

By Jacob Lougheed Staff Reporter

The field hockey team will face Ohio in the Mid-American Conference semifinals for a chance to get back to the championship round for the first time since 2005.

After beating Ball State 3-1 Thursday, the team will play the regular sesaon MAC cochampion, Ohio.

“It is going to be a tough game for us because OU is playing really good right now,” said head coach Cristy Freese.

“The last time we played them, it was a 5-0 defeat and was certainly one of our worst games.”

Fresh off of a first-round bye, the Bobcats (10-8 overall, 8-2 MAC) are a team which defeated the Chippewas by a combined score of 7-1, including a 2-1 win in Mount Pleasant.

“There are some things that we have to do better against this team,” Freese said. “We have to be quicker in our passing than last time and we need to move some people around a little bit to defend better against what they did last time.”

Ohio is the better ranked team according to the stand-

ings, but CMU does not mind playing the role of the underdogs, said sophomore Paulina Lee. Paulina Lee “I think it would be a great thing to get to the finals because, standings-wise, it will be an upset,” Lee said. “I think it gives us that chip on our shoulder because no one thinks we are going to win, and that makes us play a little bit harder.”

The Chippewas’ four-game winning streak is their longest of the season. Lee said she understands this is a good thing in terms of team morale, but she hopes it does not become negative.

“We need to keep the mindset that, yes, we have won a few games, but every win has been a battle,” Lee said. “We need to make sure we aren’t becoming too cocky while, at the same time, know that we can win the next game.”

Freese said teams do not often get second chances, but she will take one when the op-

portunity comes.

“I tell the kids that we do not get second chances, but we do have one now,” she said. “We wanted this game and I am really excited that we have it because we were really disappointed in the outcome of the last game (against Ohio). We just have to make the most of it.”

Thursday Lee said the start of Thursday’s 3-1 win against Ball State set the tone for the entire game.

“The biggest thing that we did was that we came out very strong in the first half and we came out with intensity,” Lee said. “Ball State is a good team and, if we didn’t come to play, we would have lost.”

Senior Kelly Jordan opened the scoring, getting her careerhigh 12th goal of the season.

Freshman Erin Dye made it 2-0 a little more than a minute later. Jordan then scored her second goal to put the Chippewas up 3-0 at halftime.

The Cardinals scored their goal in the 43rd minute of the second half. sports@cm-life.com

4B || Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

MAC s o c c e r T o u r n a m e n t

Meet CMU’s weekend competition

By Matthew Valinski Staff Reporter

No. 2 Eastern Michigan The Eagles will get a chance to avenge a regular season loss to Miami for a chance to advance to its second consecutive Mid-American Conference Championship game.

Eastern Michigan is led offensively by senior forward Ashley Rodrigues, who leads the MAC with nine goals this season.

Coach Scott Hall said Rodrigues’ knowledge on the field sets her apart.

“She has a great soccer sense,” he said. “Whether she has the ball or she doesn’t, she is truly dangerous on the field. She has really learned to adjust herScott Hall self and the style of play to the rest of the team.”

Helping Rodrigues offensively is junior Paige Sheridan. She is second on the team with 13 points and scored the only goal against Central Michigan during the MAC season. Sophomore Chelsea Detrick, who led the MAC with 11 goals last year, has scored five goals this season.

Defensively, Hall said EMU has two junior goalkeepers capable of keeping the team at top form in Maggie Manville and Monique Budani.

Both have played and started in 10 games this season and each has five shutouts. They are the top two goalkeepers in the MAC in terms of save percentage (.909 and .900 respectively).

“Both of them have different specialties,” Hall said.

“Depending on the team we’re playing, we can mix and match which one will play against that team depending on which one fits better against how that team plays.”

While Eastern Michigan has outscored its opponents 9-6 in first halves of games, it has done its damage in the second half, outscoring its opponents 19-7.

We typically play 15, 16 players a game,” Hall said.

“Even the players coming off the bench give us an added boost, just as the players on the field, so we don’t really lose anything when we sub.”

No. 5 Toledo The Rockets are looking for a MAC-record fourth consecutive MAC Tournament Championship.

Although Toledo has an experience edge on all three other teams, coach Brad Evans said he does not think it will be a factor because it comes down to who is playing the best on Friday and Sunday, not last year.

Toledo is led by a senior class that has yet to lose a MAC tournament game and includes two-time reigning MAC Player of the Year Molly Cornwell.

“She is the most competitive player I have ever coached,” Evans said.

Tied for the lead in the MAC with nine assists, Cornwell also has scored four goals to lead Toledo with 17 points.

Cornwell is helped at the forward line by former high school teammate and current Toledo senior Ali Leak,

Tourney| continued from 1b

However, Anagnost said this year’s team is different because it has so many players capable of scoring at any given moment. The Chippewas have had 14 different players score this season.

“You can’t really key on anyone on our team,” he said. “We’ve proven that every game. It makes us more difficult to defend.”

CMU will play at home, where it is 17-1-2 in the past two years. Anagnost said it is a great example of how a program can rise just two years after not reaching the MAC Tournament.

“We’re excited about that and we hope we get a big crowd this weekend,” he said. “It shows a lot of where we’ve come from the last few years.” sports@cm-life.com

who leads the team with 6 goals, along with senior Heather Wesley, third on the team with four goals.

Evans said Brad Evans this year’s team has grown stronger because of what the season has dealt them.

“We have gone through so many injuries this year,” he said, “There has been plenty of times we could falter and we haven’t.”

In goal for Toledo will be sophomore Vicki Traven who, after a freshman campaign that ended with being named MAC Freshman of the Year, has played well enough to be tied for third in the MAC with six shutouts.

“She has excellent reaction,” Hall said. “She is a very good shot-blocker and she has proven to be consistent with balls out of the air.”

No. 6 Miami (OH) Miami is looking to reach its first MAC Tournament final since winning three consecutive MAC Tournament Championships from 2000-03.

The RedHawks made the semifinals after avenging a regular-season loss to Akron, beating the Zips 2-0 Sunday at Akron.

Now Miami is switching places with Akron against Eastern Michigan as the

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports weekend]

Eagles attempt to avenge a regular-season 1-0 loss Miami handed them Oct. 9 in Ypsilanti.

“It will be a chess-match of players trying to break each other down during the game,” Eastern Michigan coach Scott Hall said. “As a fan, this will be a fun game to watch. You got players who can attack and defend.”

Two-time First team AllMAC selection Sara Lund is leading the team in goals for the third consecutive season with seven, including three in the team’s past seven games. All three goals came with her coming off the bench.

However, the scoring is coming from more than just one player, as nine RedHawks have more than two goals on the season.

Senior Allison Berkey is tied with Lund for the team lead with 16 points and is second on the team with six goals, and senior Kersta Carlson is tied for the MAC lead with nine assists.

As a team, Miami has scored three goals or more in seven games, all wins.

Miami will have another senior helping at goalie.

Krista Pace has been starting since her freshman year.

Pace is third in the MAC in goals-against average (.61) and save percentage (.879).

Pace also is second in the MAC with eight shutouts. sports@cm-life.com

Volleyball plays at Toledo, Muncie

By D.J. Palomares Senior Reporter

The volleyball team will play its final two games away from home this weekend.

CMU plays at Toledo at 7 p.m. today and at Ball State at 1 p.m. Sunday.

“We spent so much time on the road in the beginning of the season that it really doesn’t affect us anymore,” said junior outside hitter Lauren Krupsky.

Some changes in the lineup will stay consistent with last weekend. Freshman outside hitter Katie Schuette impressed enough in her first start last weekend to keep her starting spot this weekend. Schuette had 12 kills against Kent State last Saturday.

Toledo, 7-2 at home, was swept last weekend by Northern Illinois and Western Michigan. Both matches were lost in straight sets.

Central also swept the Rock-

ets in their first meeting earlier this season.

“I don’t know that we got Toledo’s best game the last time they Erik Olson were here,” said coach Erik Olson. “I don’t think they competed up to the level they are capable of and I am expecting more from them this weekend.”

CMU barely defeated Ball State earlier this season in a five-set match (9-25, 25-27, 25-21, 25-23, 15-12).

The day in between the two matches is rare for the Chippewas, who usually play matches on back-to-back days.

“It’s different (because) we have to keep the team busy and focused,” Olson said.

“But it is also nice to have the time late in the season to recover when usually we

only have 24 hours.”

Ball State struggled throughout October, going 3-7. But the Cardinals managed to finish the month with a 3-0 victory against Northern Illinois, tied with CMU for second in the MAC West division.

“Ball State is a completely different team than what we saw the first time we played them,” Olson said. “They have a lefty in their lineup and they moved their outside hitter to the middle. It has provided much better ball control for them.”

Central will finish the season at home against MAC West leader Western Michigan and NIU next weekend.

“The postseason is really creeping up in our minds,” said senior middle blocker Kaitlyn Hurt. “We just want to finish these last couple of matches strong and really hit our stride in the tournament.” sports@cm-life.com

Lesnau returns for club hockey team

By Adam Niemi Staff Reporter

After a 4-2 homestand that included a sweep against Bowling Green, the club hockey team takes a full roster to Saginaw tonight after a weekend off.

The team plays Saginaw Valley State at 9 p.m. in the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena. The teams then play at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Isabella County Events Ice Arena.

After uncertainties about

whether senior Mike Lesnau would be back on the team, it appears he will be in the lineup this weekend.

“We’re pretty rested up and we got Lesnau back,” said senior left winger Joe Vandermarliere. “So we should get some scoring back.”

Lesnau was second on the team last year for points scored, with 46 total, including 22 goals.

Central coach Mike Jakubik has had to deal with a depleted lineup recently. Sophomore

goaltender Zach Knaus left the second game against Bowling Green after hurting his knee.

Sophomore right winger David Sitarski said the team has not lost focus during the weekend off in preparation for Saginaw Valley State, a Div. III American Collegiate Hockey Association team.

“We’re all going into the weekend with the same intensity no matter who we’re playing and what division they’re in.” sports@cm-life.com