Feb. 19, 2010

Page 1

Basketball’s Jalin Thomas a family man, 1B

Students take hockey outside the SAC, 3A

Friday, Feb. 19, 2010

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

No budget cuts discussed at Board meeting Forum Tuesday will allow for questions By Sarah Schuch Senior Reporter

Potential budget cuts at Central Michigan University were not discussed Thursday at the Board of Trustees meeting. Interim University President Kathy Wilbur did not have a compilation of suggested 3, 6 or 9 percent cuts to discuss as she previously planned.

She received the suggestions Monday from each of CMU’s budget centers. “I feel it’s not appropriate at this time,� Wilbur said of such a discussion. “I think we need to wait until Dr. (George) Ross gets here.� In a January interview, Wilbur said she hoped to have a solid set of proposals to present to the Board at its February meeting. Ross was named CMU’s president-designate in December and will assume leadership March 1.

Inside w More Trustees coverage, 5A Trustees Gail Torreano and Marilyn French Hubbard were not present at the meeting, although Hubbard was on conference call. Trustee John Hurd left about 10 minutes before the meeting adjourned. Forum Tuesday A budget forum will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Bovee University Center

Auditorium to address CMU’s budget in general. The forum will be the first of many, Wilbur said. Tu e s d a y ’s forum will Kathy Wilbur consist of a panel of Wilbur; interim Provost Gary Shapiro; David Burdette, vice president of Finance and Administration Services; Toby Roth, director of Government Relations and Public Affairs;

and Ted Tolcher, interim vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. Burdette said the forum will be a chance for the campus community to learn a little more about the university’s budget. “It’s an update on what we know, which isn’t a lot,� he said. “And a chance for campus folks to ask questions.� The forum will start with a brief presentation of the budget’s history, revenue and how the budget works. Then the floor will be open for questions.

“What might be even more important is trying to answer the questions,� Wilbur said. “There are some we can’t answer.� There are so many unknowns, including the state budget, tuition and enrollment, Wilbur said, it is difficult to have definitive answers on certain topics. Discussions of budget cuts may be minimal, butWilbur said she hopes to respond to suggestions given online through the CMU Portal by next week.

A budget | 5A

moving across

mission

Mount Pleasant natives decide to stay in town for college Jake may/staff photographer

Director of Contracting, Purchasing and Health Services Tom Trionfi, second from right, throws his construction hat into the air as university officials line up to shovel a row of dirt signifying the College of Medicine groundbreaking Thursday outside the Health Professions Building.

Medical college now ‘free-standing’ CMU launches drive to raise $24 million By Sarah Schuch Senior Reporter and Ariel Black Staff Reporter

The College of Medicine was officially established at Thursday’s Board of Trustees meeting. The Board voted to recognize the medical school project in order to bring it in line with other academic units at Central Michigan University. “We want to be perfectly clear — it is a free-standing unit,� said Interim University President Kathy Wilbur. “We think it is the right time.� The name change makes the College of Medicine comparable to the other colleges on campus, said interim Dean Cam Enarson. It was an important recognition to make, he said. “The naming of the college is just the internal components,� Enarson said. Breaking ground Enarson and Wilbur celebrated their first dig at the groundbreaking of the CMU College of Medicine later in the afternoon. “They said it couldn’t be done in mid-February to have a groundbreaking,� Wilbur said, “but we’re doing it.� The 60,000-square-foot addition to the already existing Health Professions Building is slated for completion by 2012. “The more-than-$24 million

[inside] POLAR PLUNGE About 230 people expected to jump in freezing pond, 3A

By Heather Shovein Staff reporter

N

ick Cesena knows what it is like to grow up next to a univer-

CMU cheerleader. “I was kind of looking into how to get involved at the university,� he said. “I have friends that were on the team and told me they thought I could do it.� Knowing his town inside and out and being able to drive home to do laundry are perks of living close to home, Cesena said.

#$

sity. He did it right in Mount

Pleasant. Cesena, a freshmen, is one of a select few students who decided to stay in Mount Pleasant and attend Central Michigan The full college experience University, his first choice. Other locals such as junior Capital Campaign will go to “I definitely wanted to go to new facilities, operations and CMU — it’s a great university,� Dan Jackson, however, did not think Mount Pleasant would be scholarships,� Wilbur said. Cesena said. Enarson said he does not But Cesena, who played four their college home. “I initially decided on Uniknow exactly how much has years of football and was homebeen donated to the College of coming king his senior year, versity of Colorado-Boulder, Medicine so far. found his niche doing some- but then I realized that I could photos by matthew stephens/Senior photographer “That’s not an appropriate thing a little different than ath- either pay out-of-state tuition Mount Pleasant freshman Nick Cesena holds his cheer partner South Lyon freshman question today,� he said. “It will letics. Amanda Delgado. Cesena is a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School who decided be an appropriate question in He decided to become a A natives | 2A to attend CMU. the next month.� Board of Trustees Chairwoman Stephanie Comai expressed no hesitancy when explaining her confidence in the university’s ability to raise the money. “We will reach it,� she said. By the beginning of the next decade, there will be a 6,000 physician shortage in Michigan, said Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Sam Kottamasu. With the expected decrease of physicians, the graduates from the future College of Medicine will be trained to fill these positions, Enarson said. “The students will focus the first two years of the program Mount Pleasant junior Dan Jackson is a graduate of Mount Pleasant High Mount Pleasant sophomore Heather Burch is a Mount Pleasant High School graduate on-campus, working within School who now attends CMU and is actively involved in the Leadership who first decided to attend Alma College before coming to CMU. She is an active member Mount Pleasant,� Enarson Institute. of the CMU Club Volleyball team. said. “As far as the new affiliations -+ $,$,C )2! 2)- ! + with West Branch and 0 C E 13# ## >4>68836/"7# $,C+- +&$,C ! ($,+ 2)- ! + 9>4#' ( 13# ## Alpena, the last two years of ?>4>@ 45863"#> the program will send stu " !; ($,C ))D (+ A+ 2)- ! + ; "#F 8/F dents out working with dif ! /# /##4 ?>4>@ 45863"#>

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2A || Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR Today w America’s Army Video Competition will take place from 11 a.m. to noon in Finch Fieldhouse 110. w Eric Bibb will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. w Native American Studies Visiting Professor’s Artwork is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Charles V. Park Library’s Baber Room.

Saturday w Stretch for Health — Continuing Education for Massage will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway St. w An Art Exhibition by Keli Mozzenga and Alyssa Andrews will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Extended Hours Study Room of Charles V. Park Library.

Sunday w Faculty Artist Alexandra Mascolo-David, a pianist, will perform from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Music Building’s Staples Family Concert Hall. w Welcome to Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Charles V. Park Library’s Third Floor Exhibit Area.

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 2010 Volume 91, Number 59

cm-life.com

City looks for details on proposed connector By David Veselenak Online Editor

Eight-foot sidewalks and new bike lanes were just two suggestions the City Commission came up with Thursday after a walking tour of Main and Washington streets. The two streets are the subject of ongoing plans to redevelop the corridor between Central Michigan University’s campus and downtown Mount Pleasant. Safety was one detail the commission deemed crucial for the project, which aims to promote more walking and bicycle riding. “This would be meeting that goal: lighting,” Mayor Jim Holton said. “Safety is number one.” LED pedestrian lighting, one lane of one-way traffic along Main Street and twoway traffic on Washington Street were among other suggestions. A work session followed the walking tour, during which the suggestions were made. Commissioners requested mapping and budgetary details for the tentative plan. It was estimated that implementing the plan would cost the city around $374,000, which is $14,000 more than the allotted budget for the project, according to a memo passed to commissioners at the work session. Holton said he would like the city’s engineers to plan out a more detailed budget for the project to clarify costs. Lights would be spaced between 65 and 70 feet, said Duane Ellis, director of public works. Ellis said the maximum distance most experts advise between lights is 90 feet. “We’re in the ballpark,” he said. “We’re comfortable with that.” Another option to help

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Possible plan details developed for campus connector w LED pedestrian lighting w Eight-foot sidewalks w One way traffic on Main Street, Two-way traffic on Washington Street w Addition of left-turn light at Washington and High streets w One High Street pedestrian island removed with funding, proposed by Commissioner David McGuire, is the sale of sidewalk advertising to offset the connector costs. “It would tell people what’s downtown,” he said. “It’s just an idea.” Bellows work Gary Schwerin, the city’s assistant engineer, also focused on an area where changes could come this summer to Bellows Street near CMU’s Rowe Hall. It includes the addition of 42 parking spaces along Bellows Street. The plan would reduce the number of lanes on Bellows from four to two, and would include the construction of a mini-circle at Bellows and Arnold streets. The mini-circle, similar to a roundabout, would slow traffic down before the road would go to two lanes. “A lot of it is about psychology,” said City Manager Kathie Grinzinger. The parking spaces would be back-in, similar to those along Ottawa, Ojibway and Calumet courts by the Education and Human Services Building. Holton said the back-in parking was CMU’s and the city’s consultant’s preference.

sean proctor/staff photographer

Remus senior Kathleen Krueger prepares two of her pieces, Time and Seasons, for entrance Thursday into the 2010 Annual Juried CMU Student Art Exhibition at the University Art Gallery. The pieces were created using the Van Dyke alternative photographic printing process.

Natives | continued from 1A

or I could go to CMU,” Jackson said. “It definitely became an economical factor.” Mount Pleasant is the perfect size to grow up in and CMU is a good school, Jackson said, but living in town forever is not exactly desirable. He said he initally was not sure about the idea. “It was kind of a sacrifice at first but, now that I’ve accepted it, I’ve really just made CMU that much more of a home. It’s just so much nicer,” Jackson said. Jackson went one step further and moved into Barnes Hall because he received a Leadership Advancement Scholarship.

“We’re kind of required to live there, but there was the option I could live at home,” he said. “I decided, ‘You know what, if I’m going to CMU, I need to actually go to CMU and meet people.’” A quick transfer Sophomore Heather Burch also grew up in Mount Pleasant. After graduating high school, Burch attended Alma College to get away from home. “I didn’t even consider Central,” Burch said. She said CMU just seemed too close. But Alma just did not feel right. After one year, she transferred. “My high school was 1,200 people, and Alma was 1,400 people, so it was just like high school all over again. You saw the same faces ev-

LOS ANGELES — University of California, San Diego leaders and civil rights activists have condemned a student party that mocked Black History Month with a ghetto-themed “Compton Cookout.” Campus administrators said Wednesday that they were investigating whether the offcampus party, held Monday, and its Facebook invitation violated the university’s code of conduct and whether its sponsors should be disciplined. Members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity were identified as among the organizers, but the fraternity president has criticized the event and said his club did not sponsor it. In an e-mail to students and staff, UC San Diego Chancellor Marye Anne Fox said the party showed “blatant disregard of our campus values.” She said the university would hold a teach-in next Wednesday “to discuss the importance of mutual respect and civility.” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Penny Rue said the probe would examine whether the fraternity was involved and whether it should face sanctions. She said it was premature to discuss discipline for individual students but said she wanted partygoers to understand how much pain they had caused, especially to black students. Rue said she did not know how many people attended

the event. Promising a taste of “life in the ghetto,” the Facebook invitation contained many racist stereotypes. For example, it urged women to dress as “ghetto chicks” who “usually have gold teeth, start fights and drama, and wear cheap clothes.” It said the menu would include chicken and watermelon. In an e-mail Wednesday, Garron Engstrom, president of Pi Kappa Alpha, emphasized that the party was neither planned nor endorsed by the social club. “The fraternity regrets the display of ignorance and error of judgment made by any individual members who may have attended or were associated via social media with the racially offensive party,” he wrote. “These actions are in direct violation of Pike’s code of conduct, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.” History professor Danny Wid-

metro@cm-life.com

ener, who directs the university’s African American studies program, said he was outraged but not surprised by the party. He said black students comprise less than 2 percent of undergraduates at UC San Diego, which he described as inhospitable to them. “The campus climate is one in which you are constantly regarded as a statistical anomaly at best,” he said. Widener also criticized Fox’s response as “tepid” and urged strong action against the party organizers, including expulsion if they are found to have used UC computers or facilities to send the invitation. Chris Strudwick-Turner, vice president of the Los Angeles Urban League, also urged a tough response. “If campus climate is important, a message needs to be sent that this is not acceptable,” she said.

WEATHER FORECAST Today

20 percent chance of precipitation

High 35/Low 20 Partly Cloudy

SATURDAY 2.20.2010 CMU CAMPUS

AT ROSE PONDS STARTING AT 10:30AM

challenge yourself, your family, your rso, your office and help raise money for a great cause!

INDIVIDUALS

& GROUPS

©hW_i[ ced[o TO EARN PRIZES

©BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR FREEZING YOUR FUR

©Yeijkc[ Yedj[ij

Saturday

10 percent chance of precipitation

High 37/Low 22 Cloudy

“GOLDEN PLUNGER AWARD”

©feij fbkd][ fWhjo FOOD & BEVERAGES

Law Enforcement Torch Run

Sunday High 34/Low 21 Partly Cloudy

20 percent chance of precipitation

Eat Fresh...Eat Healthy!

studentlife@cm-life.com

inviteS you to...

UC San Diego condemns student party mocking Black History Month By Larry Gordon Los Angeles Times

ery day, and you didn’t really get that university feel, and that’s what I was looking for,” Burch said. Burch decided to live off campus with friends and enjoys being independent even when living so close to home. As a member of the club volleyball team, Burch likes that her family lives close enough to come watch her play. Also, her brother plays sports for his high school and she can go home for a family meal and her brother’s sporting events. Burch said the only thing she misses is not being able to explore a new town, but she is happy with her decision to transfer. “I know so many people who transferred back. I’m like, really happy with it,” Burch said.

POLAR PLUNGE

ANY REGULAR 6 inch value meal

Still Time to Register! Bring your don ations and register th e day of!!

mmmDiec_D h] \eh ceh[ _e d\e

SITE SPONSORS:

5

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for only

STATE SPONSORS:

Expires 3/1/10. Not valid with any other offer. One per customer.

GREAT TASTING!

MADE YOUR WAY! OPEN LATE!

Adjacent to Campus CAMPUS COURT PLAZA

NEXT TO BTAN

To Benefit Special Olympics Michigan

3A

Friday, Feb. 19, 2010

inside life Central Michigan Life

Former state House speaker and CMU alumnus arrested Police wait for blood tests on Craig DeRoche By Maryellen Tighe Senior Reporter

A 1991 Central Michigan University alumnus who once rose to the highest rank in the state House was recently arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Craig DeRoche, former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives and 2006 CMU HomeCraig DeRoche coming Grand Marshal, was spotted highly intoxicated Feb. 9 by residents in the Ann Arbor area. He was slipping and falling in the snow, said Saline Police Chief Paul Bunten. When police arrived, a breath test revealed his blood-alcohol content was at 0.249 percent — three times the legal limit of 0.08. “The investigation is not completed,” said Saline City Attorney Allan Grossman. Legal repercussions for the incident are still in question, police said, because blood test

results are not complete. However, DeRoche’s largest trial may be how the public views his response, said Chris Owens, assistant political science professor. Once a person enters the public sphere, his information and behavior are open to public scrutiny, Owens said. There are many people, he said, who do not enter politics because of the required transparency. “With so many news outlets out there it is harder to keep things secret,” he said. “Once you step into the public arena ... the things you do get scrutinized more than people that don’t (become public figures).” Owens does not think the incident will have a notable impact on CMU. According to published reports, police said DeRoche was intoxicated to such an extent he was unable to stand on his own. Once the blood test comes back — a process Bunten expects to take about two weeks — police will be able to file for a warrant. A warrant could be filed for the breath test, he said, but the blood test is what could detect whether substances besides alcohol were involved. “The officers felt that they wanted some clarification,” Bunten said.

SCENES FROM CAMPUS

Haiti date auction

Eta Sigma Gamma, a health education honorary fraternity will auction off male and female club sports players next week. The event takes place at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Coco Joe’s, 4855 E. Blue Grass Rd. All proceeds will be donated to the “Save the Children Foundation,” which works to assist children in Haiti. Participants auctioned off will be the buyer’s escort for the remainder of the evening. For more information, contact Angela Taylor at taylo3am@cmich,edu

Eric Bibb performs

Blues singer-songwriter Eric Bibb performs at 8 p.m. today in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Bibb has performed at the London Blues Festival in 1996, where he shared a set with Corey Harris and Keb’ Mo’. He has recorded various albums, including 2004’s “Friends” and 2006’s “Diamond Days.” The event is $5 for students and $15 for the general public. For more information, contact Sarah Adams at 774-1539.

Stop signs

photos by jeff smith/staff photographer

Muskegon Community College student Nolan Stier, middle, and Muskegon sophomore Jake Polanyi skate after the puck during a pickup game Wednesday on Rose Pond.

ice wars

metro@cm-life.com

Students spend a winter evening playing hockey outside the SAC

obituary

Podoley a football, track star at CMU Halfback played from 1954-57 By Emily Pfund Staff Reporter

James Podoley, 76, died Jan. 25 after a battle with melanoma. The former Central Michigan University football and track athlete did everything from play in the NFL to coach his children’s sports teams later in life. “Jim was a natural athlete,” said Bill Sowle, a former CMU teammate. “He won an awful lot of events.” He played halfback for the Chippewas from 195457 and is the only player in CMU football history to have his number (62) retired. Podoley’s wife, Pat, said the retirement of his number was one of James’ proudest moments. “It was quite an honor,” she said. The team was 32-4-1 during his time at Central and he had 51 career touchdowns. “I was a freshman when he was a junior, and I remember he would always come talk to us guys on the scrub lineup,” said John Ghere, a teammate of Podoley’s when the two were at CMU. “He was the star of the varsity, but he still had time to make us feel

good and give encouragement.” He also was well known for his track skills and graduated with five track records James Podoley while sharing another. He also briefly held the world record for short hurdles. As in football, Podoley looked out for his track teammates. “I did the half-mile and the high jump and, if I was winning the high jump, he’d come over and just scratch. If I wasn’t winning, he’d enter and, of course, he won,” Sowle said. After graduating from CMU, Podoley was drafted by the Washington Redskins, where he played for four years, of the NFL. He was then traded to the New York Giants, but was injured in his first season on the team and was released from his contract. Podoley was elected to the CMU Football Hall of Fame in 1984. “He was always stepping back and never wanting the limelight,” Pat said. Podoley worked for 47 years selling insurance for State Farm, a job his wife said he loved. university@cm-life.com

By Tony Wittkowski Staff Reporter

T

he 2010 Winter Olympics were the topic of conversation during a pick-up game of hockey Wednesday afternoon outside the Student Activity Center. Port Huron senior Sean Addley, Ohio junior Brian Conn and Northville junior Michael Kreager felt it was the right time to start up an evening of hockey as millions watched the Olympics on television. As they skated, many competitors had Sunday’s scheduled matchup between the Canadaian and United States hockey teams on their minds. The pick-up players said they had a common en-

“I come out and play as much as I can. Just borrow some kid’s pads and you’re ready to go.” Sean Addley,

Port Huron senior

By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter

Leon Drake said he will not be phased by the brutal cold when it comes to this year’s Polar Plunge. The Clare senior will jump into the icy waters of Rose Pond dressed as the Wicked Witch from “The Wizard of Oz.”

The fourth annual Polar Plunge is set for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, with all proceeds going toward Special Olympics Michigan. “It’s not much fun jumping into that lake,” said Drake, who has participated for each of the last four years. “It’s a great cause. I’m glad to raise money for it.” Entrants must raise $50 in donations before they can take the plunge. More than 200 people have already registered, up from around 125 last year. Joel Warner, Polar Plunge coordinator and Information Systems Manager for

Special Olympics Michigan, expects about 230 people to participate. Proceeds from the event will help athletes compete in the statewide Summer Games for Special Olympics Michigan. Participants have to raise $50 to compete in the games, a cost defrayed from the $400 to $600 they would otherwise have to gather. “The money raised at the plunge helps to offset the cost of the state Summer Games, as well as other statewide competitions,” Warner said. While the minimum do-

The city of Mount Pleasant will install four-way stop signs at the intersection of Michigan and University streets at 9 a.m. today. The decision comes from a temporary traffic order that was issued Dec. 18, 2009. Developing the two-way stop into a four-way stop is an attempt to increase pedestrian and driver safety at the intersection and allow for consistency while driving through the downtown area, according to a city press release. For more information contact the Department of Public Works at 779-5401.

Missing person update

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

Port Huron senior Sean Addley, front, and Northville junior Michael Kreager fight for the puck and fall in front of their makeshift goal during a pickup game Wednesday on Rose Pond.

emy in team Canada and Sidney Crosby, who plays for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. “Nothing would upset me more if Sidney Crosby won a gold medal,” Kreager said. “The (USA) team is a lot younger this year, but (Brian) Rafalski has a lot of respect.” Since last year, the group has met two to three times a week during the winter for a quick pick-up game. With no goalie on either end, playing requires more defense than usual. Keeping up with hockey is especially important for Addley. “(I’ve) been playing for my whole life,” Addley said. “(It is) great to come out here, I’ve even seen a church group come out and play using Tupperware bowls for nets.” A home game The two goals used were made up of a piece of wood

and a combination of snow shovels and wastebaskets. Since there were no officials, players tried to keep it clean. “We try to match up as fair as possible,” said Addley. “No blindsiding or anything, just a clean game.” Before starting, the guys placed their sticks on the ice in a group. One player randomly separated the sticks into two piles, forming teams. The players use only gloves, sticks and skates. Despite not having all the equipment that could be used in a hockey game, Conn said he expects the tradition to continue. “I come out and play as much as I can,” he said. “Just borrow some kid’s pads and you’re ready to go.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Polar Plunge to chill more than 200 participants Proceeds from frozen jump going to Special Olympics Michigan

[Life in brief]

nation is $50, the event averaged $220 per person last year, Warner said. He expects a similar total this year. Despite the perceived danger of jumping into freezing water, Warner said he has never heard of a participant suffering ill effects in the eight or nine years the state has had plunges. “It’s more psychological than physical. The most cold that you get is waiting for your turn to jump in,” he said. CMU is competing with Western Michigan University to see who can raise the most money.

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

“(Students should come) to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes and to have fun,” said Kimberly Purdy, public relations manager for Special Olympics Michigan. “We’re encouraging students to come out so CMU beats Western.” Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. Costume awards will be handed out at a Post Plunge Party at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St., starting at 12:30 p.m. Participants receive free food and pizza, and it costs $5 for non-participants. studentlife@cm-life.com

Police are still searching for the 22-year-old Wolverine Lake resident that went missing after he was last seen at O’Kelly’s Bar and Grille or Feb. 5. As of Thursday, no one has seen or heard from Matthew Poole, according to a police press release. The statement said police have searched the surrounding area by foot and helicopter and officials will continue attempts to locate him. The police have received various tips, but have produced results.

Scrapbooking

The Second Annual Cozy Crop Scrapbooking Day takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Leaton United Methodist Church, 6890 E. Beal City Road. The event is a day of scrapbooking, prizes and demonstrations. The event costs $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information contact Becky Cooke at 546-4924 or at beckycooke_78@yahoo.com.

Open Mic Night

The Round-A-Bout Cafe will host an open mic night at 5 p.m. Saturday at 112 N. Main St. The venue is seeking performers with experience and talent. For more information call 615-9051 or e-mail roundabout_cafe@yahoo.com

ROTC

The CMU Army ROTC will host an America’s Army Video Competition starting at 11 a.m. today in Finch Fieldhouse 110. The event is a 24-hour video competition. Anyone who plays video games is invited to attend.

APSSC Social

Dr. John Monahan will host a research presentation hosted by the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus at 7 p.m. Thursday in Sloan Hall 100. Food and drinks will be served. For more information, visit www.chsbs.cmich.edu/apssc.

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

voices

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

Central Michigan Life

4A Friday, Feb. 19, 2010

[cm-life.com/category/voices]

Brian Manzullo, Editor

in

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

EDITORIAL | Torreano should step down from Board of Trustees after missing meetings

Vacant trustee

T

hursday’s Board of Trustees meeting was the three of the last four that Trustee Gail Torreano has not attended. Such a record is detrimental to improving Central Michigan University, especially in a time of vital transition and economic uncertainty. As such, Torreano should respectfully consider resigning from her position on the Board. There’s a lot going on at CMU right now that the Board has to consider, namely balancing a struggling budget and the beginning of a campaign for a $24-million College of Medicine. Now is not the time to miss out on responsibilities, especially at a focal point in CMU’s history.

How can the public take Torreano seriously if she is incapable of showing up to half the meetings planned months in advance? It’s understandable that travel to Michigan isn’t the most convenient for Torreano, who accepted a job in Texas last summer. And Board members said Torreano did inform them ahead of time that she wouldn’t be in attendance at Thursday’s meeting.

But Torreano knew what was expected of her when she joined the Board of Trustees. With the exception of 2009, members of the board only have to attend five meetings a year, all of which are scheduled far in advance. If she cannot come to the majority of meetings, she should not be part of the important decision-making the Trustees are responsible for. Resigning wouldn’t be a sign of disrespect. Students would rather have a member who attends the meetings and is therefore able to make a significant mark on the university than someone not there half the time. If she is busy with other projects, she should be considerate of what’s best for students and what’s best for her own career. Aside from Torreano, the attendance at Thursday’s board meeting was fair, at best. Trustee Marilyn French Hubbard was

available via conference call. She spoke only to give her consent when votes were taken and did not contribute to discussion. Even Trustee John Hurd left a few minutes early, so only four members were physically there until the end. And this, only days before a new president comes on board. Why was attendance this weak for a Trustees meeting? This is supposed to be CMU’s governing body, the people who have the last say on any major decision at the fourth largest institution of higher education in the state. Family emergencies and other similarly important matters are excusable, but not much else. CMU doesn’t need Trustees who are absent when they are called upon. Students are expected to be responsible for themselves. The Board of Trustees should do the same.

CHRIS TAMLYN [CENTRAL SQUARE]

Nathan Inks Columnist

Bringing back the Promise On Thursday, Gov. Jennifer Granholm revealed her plan to bring back the Michigan Promise as a $4,000 tax credit to students who work at least one year in Michigan after they graduate. I question whether this is the right way to try to bring back the Promise, but the Granholm does have the right idea in mind, and that is that some people need to be “weeded out” from getting the Promise. It’s simple math. Either the amount of Promise money per student must go down, or the amount of students getting the money must go down. Without one of these, the state lacks the money to fund the Promise. One of my ideas to reform the Promise was to add restrictions to who is eligible on two fronts: merit and need. If the minimum GPA requirement and ACT scores were raised, some lower-tier students would be disqualified, meaning less money would be needed for the Promise. On another note regarding the Promise, I wonder if losing it was really as bad as people have been saying it was. I have heard CMU students saying the Promise was the only reason that they stayed in Michigan. I’m sorry, but I just don’t believe that. Are you really telling me that a $4,000 scholarship is what convinced you to stay in Michigan? $4,000 does not even cover a semester here at CMU. When you factor in the huge increase in tuition that a student would face by going to an out-of-state college, $4,000 is miniscule. Now, to a community college student, $4,000 can pay for a lot, and this leads me to my final reform proposal: restore the Promise to community college students first. $4,000 goes a lot further at a community college, and it is here where the Promise can help Michigan students most. Hopefully the Legislature will work with her to reform the Promise so that it can at least be brought back for some students.

[Our reader’s voice]

Comments from cm-life.com on removing grade distributions online Dawson says:

Professors who are worried about students shopping for A’s make me laugh. Compare a class like Dr. Phelps’ physics class to Dr. Finck’s same physics class. (People do very well in Finck’s class, have fun, never complain). Are you honestly going to argue that because Dr. Phelps has a much lower average, that students are learning more? Jim O’Bryan says:

Shopping for “easy A’s”… I’ve tried paying off all my teachers for the last 3 years and ended up with an empty cart. Oh well, I guess either the economy isn’t that bad, or our teachers here actually have more integrity than what you give them. For your information, there is such thing as a good teacher, both in respects to how well they connect to students through their teaching style (which usually consists of more than just reading Power Point slides from

the prefabricated book guides they are given), and how honest they are as people. RateMyProfessors.com gives you easiness, clarity, helpfulness, quality and even hotness. Now granted, it doesn’t give grades, but you can get a really good idea of how that class is going to go by seeing the teachers profile. As for shopping for A’s, I won’t even go into those who buy into their positions of power… mossdale says:

A much lower average of what? Grade point average? There could be many reasons why one teacher’s GPA is lower than someone else’s (even if they are teaching the same course). I guess for you, “having fun” is the reason Finck’s GPA is higher than Phelps’? Your post is confusing. The point is that class GPA’s tell students little about that class. A teacher’s SOS scores don’t say much either, especially our SOS instrument here at CMU which has 7 or 8 very general questions about class organization and such. Studies done concerning the usefulness of something like an SOS have shown they do little to really shed light on a teacher’s ability and quality.

Comments from cm-life.com on social media and protesting Me says:

Social media is the degradation of society and product of degenerates. Jim O’Bryan says:

Social media is a double-edged sword, not a “degradation of society and product of degenerates.” We can use it for good, or misuse it as a shallow time killer. Either way, we are the generation that controls the direction in which this media goes. Technology, like everything else, is good in moderation. It is an extension of human labor, which minimizes effort, freeing us form mindless activities. If there is a way to communicate with the masses, effectively and efficiently, we should use it for our good. It could be used for so much more, but sometimes, today, it does make us mindless. This is why we need to be careful with technology in this “Information Explosion” age.

CM You |Are you giving up anything for Lent?

Central Michigan Life Editorial Brian Manzullo, Editor in Chief Heidi Fenton, Managing Editor Joe Borlik, Student Life Editor Jackie Smith, Metro Editor Eric Dresden, University Editor Andrew Stover, Sports Editor Ashley Miller, Photo Editor Will Axford, Voices Editor David Veselenak, Online Editor Chelsea Kleven, Lead Designer Advertising Lindsey Reed, Katie Sidell Advertising Managers Carly Schafer, Shawn Wright Multi-Media Marketing Coordinators

“Actually, I’m not.” Olumide Akeredolu,

Southfield senior

“I’m giving up fast food, swearing and only spending $15 a week.”

“I’m not giving things up, I’m doing things. I’m going to work out more.”

Kellie Leroy,

Chad Braniff,

Saginaw junior

Flushing junior

Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life

“No, I’m not. I haven’t thought of anything yet.” Ashley Smith,

Detroit senior

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

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

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

Hillary Farrell Staff reporter

After the breakup Hooking back up with an ex is never a good idea Several of us live in a transitional period after a breakup, termed Absolutely Stupid Self. I like to call this stage the A.S.S. interlude. During Absolutely Stupid Self, we do a whole lot of inappropriate things, up to and including unplanned threesomes with people we work with. I get it, I promise. It goes like this. Two people meet. They date. These two people break up, because they are not meant to continue dating. Following the break-up, the two people call each other immature names and act really mean to each other in public for a bit. After the turmoil and irrational hatred passes, they see each other on campus. Maybe you have a mutual friend visiting who wants to get a pizza. Maybe you run into your ex while working on homework at the library. More likely, you run into your ex while you are out at a bar or house party where, obviously, everyone drinking is of age. You begin to talk to your ex and catch up on old times. All of a sudden, you think about how hot your ex looks naked. Without knowing, you enter the realm of Absolutely Stupid Self. There are many reasons to enter A.S.S. world, especially after a legitimate break-up. For one, the emotions regarding the break up are dulled. All the anger and hurt have dried out over time. You can no longer remember exactly why you were so furious. Your body may tell you to have sex. You also may be drunk. The largest problem with Absolutely Stupid Self is you forget why you broke up in the first place. All of a sudden, a mental image of riding off into the sunset with your ex-girlfriend and/or boyfriend is the first thing you think about. In the meantime, you completely forget the most romantic thing said ex did for you in eight months of dating. The feelings you feel while under the influence of Absolutely Stupid Self are not real. The way you think about your ex, amid A.S.S. interlude, is not real. Before you jump the gun, and invite this ex over for a movie and foreplay, remember he (or she) is a crazy moron who wrecked your heart. Remember that moment and get absolutely angry about it. Self-respect should come before any drunken, horny text to said ex. If all else fails, talk to a friend. The longer you spend in Absolutely Stupid Self world, the longer you will not be exposed to a perfectly healthy relationship. I promise you, locking yourself into A.S.S. mode will only screw up the possibilities you have lying in front of you. Me? I prefer dating someone, perfect body or not, who does not fart in my bed.

[letters to the editor] E-mail | voices@cm-life.com Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Fax | 989.774.7805 Central Michigan Life welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Only correspondence that includes a signature (e-mail excluded), address and phone number will be considered. Do not include attached documents via email. Letters should be no longer than 300 words and commentary should not exceed 500 words. All submissions are subject to editing and may be published in print or on www.cm-life.com in the order they are received.

www.cm-life.com

CMU seeking refunds for Brooks Hall flaws Parties will attempt mediation to resolve issues

By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

Central Michigan University will seek refunds from Wilcox Professional Services for mistakes made last year in the Brooks Hall renovations. “We do feel we have a suit against the design group,� said Trustee Brian Fannon on Thursday at a meeting of the Board. Steve Smith, director of public relations, said the amount of the refund CMU is seeking has not been calculated, but it will likely be upward of a few million dollars. “It’s simply a financial matter,� he said. The Facilities Committee addressed the Brooks Hall renovations along with replacement of the South Quad heating exchangers at the board meeting. The committee consists of chairwoman Marilyn French Hubbard and trustees Brian Fannon, John Hurd and Gail Torreano, who was absent Thursday.

Mediation, not a lawsuit Although Fannon referred to the conflict as a suit, Steve Lawrence, associate vice president

of Facilities Management, said the parties will attempt mediation. “We, being the university, and the other party will hire a mediator,� Lawrence said. “(We) just feel there were some errors and omissions in their design.� Smith said contracts between CMU and companies require mediation as the first step in resolving an issue. The university will hire a mediator to communicate between the university and the company. Smith said he believes mediation will start this spring. “(We’re) hopeful that, through mediation, there’s a successful settlement,� said David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services. “(We) think we’re right.� At December’s Board meeting, Burdette requested additional funds of $1.42 million going toward additional renovations in Brooks Hall and $80,000 for classrooms and safety rules. The Deferred Maintenance Fund provided $300,000 and $1.2 million came from the general university fund. The Deferred Maintenance Fund is funding provided for maintaining buildings and facilities on campus. The Board approved Burdette’s request, and renova-

tions were completed Jan. 6. Now university officials are focused on receiving refunds from Wilcox for mistakes made in the designs. If the company disagrees with the requests, CMU will continue to pursue it through litigation, Burdette said. South Quad The South Quad, including Beddow, Thorpe, Merrill, and Sweeney residence halls, will receive new heat exchangers for the first time in 50 years. The process will begin in mid-May and is expected to be complete by August when students return to campus for the fall semester. “These buildings are 50 years old,� Fannon said, explaining how the replacements are necessary in order to keep the heating situation under control. The replacements, he said, are not to exceed $315,000. Funding will come from the Deferred Maintenance Contingency Fund— money previously unused from the Deferred Maintenance Fund. “This is a perfect example of why we have this contingency fund,� Burdette said. He said CMU will be able to purchase the parts in advance now and have an extra two months to plan. university@cm-life.com

Two name changes made to CMU departments Engineering and technology becomes a school By Brad Ivey Staff Reporter

The Department of Engineering and Technology is moving forward as an official school. The Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a designation as “The School of Engineering and Technology.� Before that, a department committee voted unanimously on the change. “We are reorganizing into two divisions — one will house technology and one will house engineering,� said Terry Lerch, interim department chairperson. This is an ordinary step for a university to take, said Brian DeJong, assistant professor of engineering and technology. “(The name change) reflects diversity between engineering

budget | continued from 1A

Government relations Roth will speak in the government relations portion of the forum. He said he hopes those in attendance will get a sense of what is going on in Lansing and in Washington regarding budgets.

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 || 5A

[board of trustees]

and technology,� DeJong said. The goal is to distinguish each division, said David Pape, professor of engineering and technology. “It recognizes the wide range of disciplines that are more appropriately housed in a school rather than a department,� Pape said. While there is potential for growth in the school, Lerch said he does not see any major changes in the near future. “Under budget cuts, I don’t anticipate additional resources to the school,� he said. This is not the first name change for the department. Two years ago, the department building was changed to the ET (Engineering Technology) building from the IET (Industrial Engineering Technology) building. This turned into a minor problem, Lerch said, as many people still refer to it as the IET Building — the name on the entrance doors. He said many people do not acknowledge the change in name to the ET building.

“I wish people would call it by its name,� Pape said.

“I think it’s an update for us,� Roth said. “I think they are hearing competing plans from government officials. Some are looking for tax increases, some are looking for purely cuts in the current budget. Roth hopes to discuss which policies will move forward and when they will move forward. He said right now, it is hard for the university to make many decisions when it comes to the budget.

But the forum will be a good opportunity for the panel to hear the concerns of the community, he said. Roth is unsure how proposed cuts will be addressed. “I think it’s a good opportunity to come together and talk about what’s on our minds every day,� he said. “We just haven’t made any of those decisions and we just can’t.�

Geology and Meteorology The department of geology also is now the department of geology and meteorology. The change is because associate professor Neil Mower and assistant professors Leigh Orf and Marty Baxter are transferring from the geography department to the geology department. The change passed with a majority vote by committees from the department of geography and College of Science and Technology. “We’re trying to re-emphasize our program into more water and environmental water resources,� said Sven Morgan, chairman of the geology and meteorology department. “The meteorology department handles atmospheric water and the geology department handles ground water.�

Taylor International Academy granted charter school contract TIA may open in fall 2010, awaits slot opening By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

Taylor International Academy now has an official charter. The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees on Thursday granted a charter school contract to the academy, which will be in Southfield. The CMU Center for Charter Schools, which oversees and evaluates CMU-authorized charter schools, will work with TIA to execute its charter contract. TIA’s charter school application was one of three accepted by the Center out of 41 submitted during the fall 2008 application cycle. Other charter schools approved from the fall 2008 application cycle were Quest Charter Academy, which opened in fall 2009, and Detroit Leadership Academy, approved in September 2009. “We’re very excited about

medical | continued from 1A

External affiliations External components also are being established. A search for medical affiliations and partnerships is well under way, Enarson said. He has traveled about 11,000 miles around Michigan since January visiting different medical centers. The completion of affiliations with Alpena Regional Medical Center and the West Branch Medical Center was mentioned at the meeting. An additional affiliation with Central Michigan Community Hospital was completed before

the promise of each of these schools,� said James Goenner, executive director of the center. “They have outstanding boards and leadership teams.� The Center accepted TIA’s proposal in anticipation of another charter school closing. Michigan law caps the number of charter schools and that number is at capacity, so TIA must have an open slot in order to have a new start-up. Goenner said TIA’s application was granted, but officials still must wait for an opening before submitting a new charter contract to the Michigan Department of Education. Goenner said TIA will offer its students the unique opportunity to participate in an international baccalaureate program with a sister school, the International School of Krakow in Poland. TIA plans to add other international partnerships over time with schools in Africa, South America and Asia. What’s next for TIA TIA will open in fall 2010 if a charter slot opens and the academy is given a code number. Officials anticipate enrolling about

the board meeting in December. The affiliations provide access and resources to the students of the College of Medicine, Enarson said. Clint Bohlen, business analyst for the Alpena Regional Medical Center, said the medical staff thought the partnership was a great way to give back to the profession. “We are hoping to provide a superior experience to these students,� Bohlen said. But he also said he sees how the medical center will benefit, as ultimately the students will help fill a growing need for health care in rural areas. Bohlen noted how the medical staff may be able to learn from the students as well.

250 students from grades K-5. In order to obtain a school code number to start receiving state aid, TIA’s development and leadership team will work closely with the center to gather necessary documentation for a charter contract. The center’s Deputy Director of Administration, Cindy Schumacher, said while TIA will ultimately be responsible for operating as a charter school, it is her job and the center’s to provide support. “We work closely with the developers and leadership team to make sure they’re on track to open in September,� she said. Schumacher said TIA obtained the use of a facility and will now have to hire faculty and staff, recruit students and obtain all necessary equipment and supplies. Goenner said TIA has a lot of work to do, but he is optimistic about the start-up phase. “It’s a lot of work to start a brand new school, (but) we’ve been through their plans and they’re aggressively working on them,� he said. university@cm-life.com

“It is also a way to remain current in the medical profession,� Bohlen said. “Students are going to have a superior education that they will bring into the health facilities. In the process, they will also be teaching us in a way.� The next step, he said, is to start building the College of Medicine from a structural standpoint. Although there are faculty members at CMU already interested in having involvement, external hires will not come this academic year. A founding dean and associate deans must be found first, Enarson said. university@cm-life.com

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university@cm-life.com

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6A || Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Students volunteer to help ‘youth at risk’ By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

paige calamari/staff photographer

A collection of crayons, notebooks and socks surround Clarkston junior Meredith Clark, left, and Troy junior Lauren Johnson on Feb. 13 in their living room at Western Islands. Clark and Johnson began collecting school supplies and socks from classrooms and student organizations for students at the International Community School in Atlanta after volunteering at the school during their 2009 Alternative Winter Break. “We saw such a need and wanted to do something extra,” Clark said.

They are children who come to school ready to learn but without pencils in hand or socks on their feet. They still scream and laugh at recess, even though many have witnessed wars and deaths. Yet, for the elementary-age children in the International Community School in Atlanta, being a child is all they know. “These kids are so young and have had hardships,” said Clarkston junior Meredith Clark, who volunteered at the school. “They would come to school with huge smiles on their faces and you would never think they would be able to bounce back.” Through the Volunteer Center’s Alternative Breaks program at Central Michigan University, Clark and a group of 11 CMU students are able to help the children bounce back. The group traveled to Atlanta last December to help refugee children who were deemed “youth at risk.” The students volunteered in classrooms, working with students and the administrative team.

for ICS, including socks, school supplies and other helpful materials. Clark said the donations are essential because too much is taken for granted. “This is for the children’s education, and they don’t even have paper and pencils to write in for school — all the help they can get is really important,” she said. The school ICS is a kindergarten through sixth grade charter and international baccalaureate school that offers international education programs. Students come from more than 40 nations and the

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Jocelyn Benson has put college students’ needs at the forefront of her campaign to be Michigan’s next Secretary of State. “I’ve prioritized the voice of our youth,” the Democratic candidate told a group of about 50 people Wednesday at Election Kickoff 2010 in Charles V. Park Library’s Strosacker Room. The event was spon-

sored by College Democrats. If elected as the chief enforcer of election laws in Michigan, Benson said she would make numerous improvements to the system to make it easier for everyone, but especially for students, to vote. She said she would implement regional SOS offices on college campuses so first-time student voters can get an absentee ballot to vote instead of voting

studentlife@cm-life.com

studentlife@cm-life.com

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Donating After returning to CMU, the group started a donation drive

in person at polls, which may be inconveniently located or conflict with class schedules. Benson also would work to eliminate Rogers’ Law, which requires a Michigan resident’s registered voter address and driver’s license to match, she said. “(Rogers’ Law) curtails your ability to choose where you want to be politically active,” Benson said.

ideals of our nation and represents the promise of our future world,” Cole said. Wixom senior Justin Haas, the volunteer sight leader, said the group’s goal is to help donate money, clothes and school supplies. “We’re trying to make it more campus-wide and spread the word about the school and our experiences.” Haas said. The last day to collect donations is Wednesday. Students interested in donating school supplies, clothing and other needed items can e-mail the group at johns16L@cmich.edu.

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Secretary of State candidate looks to help first-time voters, students By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

school has a staff from 27 countries. Troy junior Lauren Johnson said the volunteer experience was incredible. “The diversity in that school was unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Johnson said. “The kids all respected each other and they worked harder to understand each others’ differences.” Jeremy Cole, ICS director of development, said the school cultivates and celebrates differences while focusing on commonalities. “Students come from broken nations and neighborhoods fleeing from war and persecution ICS calls upon the greatest

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rebound | Gymnastics team looks to bounce back from last week’s balance beam performance Sunday at Rose Arena , 2B Central Michigan Life

Sports Weekend Friday, February 19, 2010 | Section B

Basketball

the home team

Jalin Thomas’ road to CMU led him away from his six brothers and sisters. But no matter where he is, there’s no doubt he’s a ...

Weekend

Dan Monson Senior Reporter

Men’s MAC Standings West Division Team

MAC

Overall

Ball St. CMU WMU EMU NIU Toledo

8-5 7-6 6-7 6-7 4-9 0-13

14-11 12-13 14-12 14-12 8-17 3-24

East Division Team

MAC

Overall

Akron Kent St. Buffalo Miami (OH) BGSU Ohio

10-3 10-3 8-5 8-5 6-7 5-8

20-7 19-8 15-9 11-15 13-12 14-13

Limping to the finish

Men’s basketball team must rely on others to defend its West crown

T

Saturday MAC West Games CMU vs. Tennessee State Ball St. vs. UT Martin WMU vs. Southern Illinois EMU vs. Detroit NIU vs. Eastern Illinois Toledo vs. Cleveland State *Home teams in bold matthew stephens/senior photographer

Women’s MAC Standings West Division Team

MAC

Overall

Toledo EMU CMU Ball St. NIU WMU

10-2 8-4 7-5 4-8 3-9 2-10

20-5 18-6 10-14 10-15 9-14 7-18

East Division Team

MAC

Overall

BGSU Kent St. Akron Miami (OH) Buffalo Ohio

10-2 9-3 9-3 5-7 3-9 2-10

20-6 16-8 15-10 7-18 7-18 6-19

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*Home teams in bold

Men’s MAC Leaders

w w w w w w w w w w

Player (team)

w w w w w

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

Jalin said. Years later, both aim to make a living from a sport that relies on teamwork — something they have relied upon their entire lives. Busy household

Jeanette Thomas had the task of schooling each of her seven children — three boys and four girls — from the time they began kindergarten until various points for each in their high school years. “It was a very busy time, especially when I had quite a few of them home-schooling at the same time,” Jeanette said. “But you learn in life to do the things that you need to do. Even if it’s going to be busy and A FAMILY | 4B

PPG

David Kool (WMU) 21.5 Xavier Silas (NIU) 19.7 Rodney Pierce (Buffalo) 18.8 Brandon Bowdry (EMU) 16.6 Carlos Medlock (EMU) 15.4 Armon Bassett (Ohio) 15.0 D.J. Cooper (Ohio) 14.6 Kenny Hayes (Miami OH) 14.5 Robbie Harman (CMU) 14.3 Jordan Bitzer (CMU) 14.3

Rebounds

By Daniel Monson | Senior Reporter

alin Thomas was a fourth-grader when he gave up basketball. For more than five years, he and older brother Jadin’s skills sat dormant. He shot around every now and then or played a pickup game on the halfcourt in the backyard, but no five-on-five. Thomas, a junior forward on CMU’s men’s basketball team, and Jadin, two years older, always paralleled their basketball experiences. When they decided to begin playing organized basketball again, they made sure they were committed. “Me and my brother kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘OK — if we’re going to start playing basketball again, we’re actually going to take it seriously,’”

BGSU vs. Akron Ball St. vs. WMU Buffalo vs. Miami (OH) Toledo vs. NIU Kent St. vs. Ohio EMU vs. CMU

Player (team)

family man

Home-schooled with six siblings, Thomas branches out

Saturday’s Games

Points

Junior Jalin Thomas was home-schooled around six brothers and sisters. A stop at a junior college later, he is one of the men’s basketballl team’s top players.

the thomas crew

ANTHONY, FATHEr

Jamin, 27 Member of Army Reserve, likely will be stationed in Afghanistan within a year.

Driver education instructor, worked formerly in telecommunications. Played basketball at Oberlin College.

Jadin, 23

Jalin, 20

Played semi-pro basketball in Columbus, Ohio, area and looking to play overseas.

CMU forward who averages 7.7 points (third on team) and 5.4 rebounds per game (first). Has two double-doubles and has started 20-of-23 games.

RPG

9.9 7.8 7.5 7.5 7.3

Field Goal Percentage Player (team)

w w w w w

Sean Kowal (NIU) Justin Greene (Kent St.) Erik Marschall (BGSU) Nikola Cventinovic (Akron) Jimmy Conyers (Akron)

%

55.1 52.2 51.9 51.9 51.5

Free Throw Percentage Player (team)

w w w w w

Jordan Bitzer (CMU) David Kool (WMU) Tommy Freeman (Ohio) Jake Barnett (Toledo) Carlos Medlock (EMU)

Assists

Player (team)

w w w w w

%

89.6 89.0 85.3 82.8 82.6

Mashon, 25 APG

D.J. Cooper (Ohio) 5.59 John Boyer (Buffalo) 5.17 Mike Douglas (WMU) 4.77 Chris Singletary (Kent St.) 4.17 Carlos Medlock (EMU) 3.62

Middle school teacher in Florida.

Miara, 13 Loves to draw and read and watch movies with Moriah.

Moriah, 15 jeanette, MOTHER Driver education instructor, part-time teacher. Homeschooled seven children.

Miya, 18

Loves to read and hang out, watch movies with Miara.

Will attend Ohio University in the fall on partial scholarship. photo courtesy of the thomas family

Andrew Stover, Sports Editor | sports@cm-life.com | 989.774.3169

he CMU men’s basketball team was riding high two weeks ago. Off to its best start in the MidAmerican Conference in seven seasons at 6-2, it had strong control of a division that had been less than stellar the past few seasons. But after losing four of their past five games, the Chippewas no longer are able to control their fate by winning their remaining games. A 69-63 loss against Ball State (1411, 8-5 MAC) Wednesday night in Muncie, Ind., gave BSU a one-game lead with three conference games remaining before the MAC Tournament. This loss was quite devastating. CMU (12-13, 7-6 MAC) had another chance to prove itself as the top team in the division and played well — but only in the second half. A 15-point deficit early in the half was erased by an 18-0 run, keyed by senior guard Jordan Bitzer. But the Chippewas were unable to keep BSU sophomore Randy Davis in check. He scored 24 points and dished out five assists. Most of Davis’ pro- Inside duction likely can be w Men’s traced back to senior basketball Robbie Harman’s foul team hosts trouble. Harman only played ESPNU 22 minutes and fouled BrackBuster, out late in the second 3B half. It’s no secret Harman makes this team go — offensively and defensively. The team was able to make a comeback with Harman on the bench because of Bitzer’s leadership but, much like the team’s loss against Kent State, Harman’s absence proved costly. CMU needs him in rhythm when he’s on the floor. When he picks up early fouls and sits the majority of the game, Central does not have multiple offensive weapons on the floor. Once the opposition figures out how to stop Bitzer, there’s not a lot of other options besides Jalin Thomas and senior Chris Kellermann, whose play has been streaky to say the least. The road to title defense BSU and CMU face very similar opponents in their final three conference games. Both face Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan and a team they should beat easily on the road. Ball State gets EMU at home and travels to winless Toledo (0-13 MAC) and WMU (6-7 MAC). CMU must take care of a reeling Northern Illinois team that began the MAC slate 4-0 but since has dropped nine consecutive games. The Chippewas then host WMU and travel to Ypsilanti to face Eastern. For CMU, all three are must-wins. Even one misstep means the Cardinals must drop two of their final three, which is unlikely. And ironically, Central must cheer for WMU and EMU, both teams it plays within days of the schools’ matchups against BSU. The reward for a MAC title isn’t only bragging rights. The winner will receive a first-round bye and automatically have a spot in Cleveland for the MAC Tournament. Bracket numbering While Saturday’s game largely is a meaningless game against an inferior opponent, it still will help propel CMU into the remainder of its schedule with a W. ESPNU’s BracketBusters event is supposed to match up similar mid-major opponents to help determine what team might be

A MONSON | 4b

2B || Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports] women’s basketball

CMU playing catch-up to Eagles Win would tie teams in MAC By John Evans Staff Reporter

file photo by sean proctor

Freshman Britney Taylor scored a 9.275 on the balance beam after a fall in CMU’s 194.250-193.925 loss to Kent State last Saturday at Rose Arena. She scored a 9.775 on vault and the uneven bars and a 9.725 on the floor exercise.

Gymnasts look for beam rebound Four of six athletes scored below 9.6 last week on event By Nick Conklin Staff Reporter

A white 8-by-11 sign hangs from the door of the gymnastics room inside Rose Arena as the team prepares for its meet against Western Michigan. It reads in big black letters, “Kent St. What did you do?” The note from coach Jerry Reighard, also adorned in several other locaAndrea tions around de la Garza the practice facility, was meant to question his gymnasts’ efforts following last weekend’s loss to rival Kent State as it hosts WMU at 2 p.m. Sunday. “They got the message,” Reighard said. “Their coaching staff was not too im-

pressed with what happened on Saturday.” The practice week began with an intense focus on the balance beam, an event which cost the team last weekend against Kent State. CMU had four falls on the event, posting a 47.250. However, Reighard sought to help the mental recovery. He changed the location of the apparatus several times in practice to force a new atmosphere upon the gymnasts. Junior Andrea de la Garza said she realizes the struggles that occurred last weekend in the event and focused on the new practice strategies. “We moved the beam around so it would be a new surrounding, like in a competition,” she said. “And we just have to keep it clean and stay on.” Uneven bars Following scores of 48.75 (State of Michigan Classic) and 48.950 (Kent State), the Chippewas will depend on their uneven bars lineup to help solidify points Sunday. Reighard said he has high expectations for the group and has been pleased with the

increase in points throughout the season. “I think we’re really close to breaking loose and getting someone in that 9.9 area,” he said. The Broncos enter the meet at 3-10 and 1-3 in the Mid-American Conference. Sitting in fifth place, they rely on junior all-arounder Kristine Garbarino and redshirt sophomore Meghan Donovan (uneven bars). The only other meet between the teams occurred in the State of Michigan Classic, where CMU defeated WMU 194.975190.875. CMU has a 5-1 record against the Broncos the past four seasons, with the loss coming in 2007, when the Broncos won 192.600190.325. Despite the winning record against Western, de la Garza said the team must move forward from last weekend’s loss. “We just have to move forward,” she said. “The past is the past, so we have to keep the rest of the season undefeated.”

The CMU women’s basketball team looks to gain ground when it plays Eastern Michigan at 5 p.m. Saturday at Rose Arena. Just one game behind EMU, the Mid-American Conference West Division’s second-place team, the Chippewas hope to win their ninth consecutive home game and pull into a tie with the Eagles. “It is going to be a track meet. We need to be in our best shape and on our best game,” said junior forward Kaihla Szunko. “They are one game ahead of us, so this is not an easy win — there are no easy wins.” Szunko said it helps being at home for a big game, especially considering the team’s 8-2 home record. “It is kind of a relief,” she said. “We are playing in front of all our friends and family. We know everyone here supports us and has our back, so I think it gives us a lift being at home.” Szunko was named MAC Player of the Week, the third weekly MAC award of her career, after collecting her sixth and seventh double-double last week against Bowling Green and Northern Illinois.

file photo by matthew stephens

Junior forward Kaihla Szunko scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in CMU’s 98-71 win against NIU Saturday at Rose Arena.

Second time around The Chippewas faced the Eagles on Jan. 6 in their first MAC game. They fell 73-55 after getting into foul trouble. Sophomore guard and Detroit native Tavelyn James leads the Eagles with 21 points per game. “James is a nice player and, if she gets going, you better watch out,” said CMU coach Sue Guevara. “So we have to make sure we do not let her get going.” CMU (10-14, 7-5 MAC), still bidding for a first-round bye in the conference tournament, had a week off to

prepare for the game. Guevara and Szunko said this is a different team the Eagles will face on Saturday. “This is a more confident team, not that we weren’t going in, but we were coming off of two tough losses,” Guevara said. “We are playing with more of a pep in our step, our bench is playing better — yeah, I would say this is a different team.” CMU has four games remaining to decide its fate in the MAC Tournament, which begins March 6. sports@cm-life.com

sports@cm-life.com

Track teams host Skoog Open CMU participates in final meet before MACs By Josh Berenter Staff Reporter

The CMU men’s and women’s track and field teams host the Jack Skoog Open at 5 p.m. today, their third home meet and the final one before the MidAmerican Conference Championships. CMU faces competition from several Michigan schools, including Lake Superior State, Alma, Michigan Tech, Ferris State, Saginaw Valley State and Northwood. Coach Willie Randolph said his coaching staff focused on keeping athletes healthy this week in practice, and he figured out what they need to do to keep the athletes sharp and confident. Last week, the Chippewas started to get national recognition, with both teams placing

in the top 15 of the Great Lakes Region in the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association’s Erika Schroll rankings. Randolph said he wanted his team to be on the national stage since he became head coach in May. “You’re changing into a championship attitude,” he said. “And we need to have championship preparation.” Looking further Randolph said today is an important meet, but the main focus is on the MAC Championships next week. “We’re just waiting for the day (the MAC Championships) to get here,” Randolph said. “We just want to go out and handle our business.” Senior Erika Schroll said the teams’ performances are still a work in progress. “This weekend is more like a

polish-up meet,” she said. “We need to put the final touches on what we’re going to do for MAC’s. I’m expecting a lot out of this team.” Schroll has led the way for the women this season, winning every high jump competition she competed in and adding a pentathlon victory last week at the Grand Valley Big Meet. Randolph said Schroll, a team captain, has been as consistent as anyone on the roster and has been a leader for everyone. The teams goes into the weekend featuring several MAC frontrunners. Men’s senior Riak Mabil is the conference leader in the 5,000-meter run (14 minutes, 26.10 seconds). Senior Marcus Breidinger is second in the pole vault (17-4 1/2 inches). On the women’s side, Schroll is the MAC leader in the high jump (5-11 1/2), senior Cara Dukes is second in the 400 (55.76 seconds) and junior Shanaye Carr is second in the 60-meter hurdles (8.65 seconds). sports@cm-life.com

MAC teams join BracketBuster Tennessee-Martin @ Ball State After beating CMU, Ball State is one game ahead of the Chippewas for first place in the Mid-American Conference. The Cardinals take a break from conference play Saturday when Tennessee-Martin (4-22) comes to Muncie, Ind. BSU sophomore Jarrod Jones leads the way for Ball State, averaging 12.2 points per game. Akron Zips @ VCU The MAC-leading Akron Zips head to Virginia Commonwealth on Saturday. The Zips like to spread the ball around with three players scoring 9 or more points per game. The VCU Rams (18-7) are led by junior Larry Sanders, who averages 15.5 points per game. The Zips are coming off a double overtime victory against Ohio. Chris McK-

night and Jimmy Conyers posted double-doubles in the 91-88 win. McKnight had career highs in points (25) and rebound (18) while collecting his second double-double of the season. The Zips now focus on the Rams, who have the looks of creating the best MAC ESPNU Bracket Buster game on the schedule for this weekend. The game starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday and will be shown on ESPNU for their Bracket Buster special. Western Carolina @ Kent State Kent State (10-3 MAC) is tied for first in the conference with Akron and is led by sophomore forward Justin Greene, who averages 13.3 points per game. The Western Carolina Catamounts (19-8) look for the upset Saturday. The Catamounts are led by 6-foot 6 senior guard Brandon Giles, who is averages 12.4 points per game

Compiled by Staff Reporter John Evans

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Central Michigan Life || Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 || 3B

[Sports] men’s basketball

CMU gets break from MAC play Team welcomes Tennessee State By Tim Ottusch Senior Reporter

file photo by matthew stephens

Senior 141-pounder Conor Beebe defeated Buffalo’s Andrew Schutt 6-1 in Sunday’s 35-3 win against at Buffalo. Beebe has not lost since a Jan. 29 match against Virginia Tech’s Chris Diaz.

Weekend pits wrestlers against Ohio opponents for season crown Borrelli says team more focused on MAC tourney By D.J. Palomares Staff Reporter

The CMU wrestling team faces two Ohio opponents to decide the Mid-American Conference regular-season championship this weekend. CMU opens the weekend at 7:30 p.m. today at Rose Arena against Ohio U n i v e r s i t y, then travels to Kent State to take on the defending regScotti Sentes u l a r- s e a s o n champions. “(Ohio is) going to be coming after us,” said 133-pound sophomore Scotti Sentes. “They just lost a close match against Kent State and they are going to be thinking that they can beat us.” No. 6 Central is on a seven-match win streak and has not lost to an unranked opponent since last season against Virginia Tech. The team beat Ohio last season, 35-3. Ohio opened the season with six consecutive dualmatch victories, but has struggled recently with two losses in the last four matches, including to Kent State. A loss to CMU eliminates it

from championship contention. Senior 141-pounder Conor Beebe said exterior factors will not help in preparation. “It is hard to get pumped up for a MAC match like this because it’s going to be small,” he said. “But it will be my last match at home, so it will be exciting.” His opponent, No. 11 141pounder Germaine Lindsey, is the favorite to win an individual MAC title at the tournament. The junior earned a pin for the Bobcats in his last match against West Virginia and is undefeated against MAC opponents. The Chippewas are coming off a pair of wins against Michigan State and Northern Illinois. Freshman 184-pounder Ben Bennett earned MAC Wrestler of the Week honors with two shutout victories. “It is going to be an exciting weekend for us, as the MAC championship will come down to these two dual matches,” said coach Tom Borrelli. “It is nice to have something to wrestle for and have the rivalry that we have developed with Kent State and Ohio.” Kent State The Golden Flashes stole a victory from CMU last season to end a streak of 10 consecutive MAC titles. The Chippewas look to return the favor at 2 p.m. Sunday. “They kind of rubbed it in our faces last year,” Sentes

What’s on tap Up next:

Friday: vs. Ohio Sunday: @ Kent State

Who’s hot: Redshirt freshman Ben Bennett earned MAC Wrestler of the Week honors with two shutout victories last weekend.

Who’s not: The Chippewas are winless at the 184 weight class since Bennett won on Jan. 21 against EMU. said. “They took a picture of themselves out on our mat. So, it will be nice to get a little payback this year.” No. 20 Kent State has two ranked wrestlers, including returning MAC champion No. 8 133-pounder Danny Mitcheff. Mitcheff is undefeated in the conference with his closest match being a 11-9 major decision against Buffalo sophomore Kevin Smith. Ohio and Kent State are the last tests for the Chippewas before they host the MAC tournament March 6. “The tournament is what it is all about,” Borrelli said. “Obviously, it would be nice to win the dual meets, but its more important to do well in the conference tournament and get into nationals.” sports@cm-life.com

Softball opens season in South Chippewas start schedule in Auburn at Tigers’ Invite By Matthew Valinski Staff Reporter

The CMU softball team begins its season this weekend in Auburn, Ala., to play in the Tiger Invitational. The Chippewas play Nebraska twice Friday, Auburn on Saturday and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville on Sunday. “This week was a whole lot of anxiousness and nervousness but, at the same time, we’re really excited to play,” said sophomore shortstop Molly Coldren. “We’re pumped and ready to show we’re a whole new team this year.” Nebraska and Auburn qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year, while SIUEdwardsville went 40-10. Coach Margo Jonker said she wants to see who translates the abilities from offseason practice to actual games. “It is a matter of putting the whole game together to see who goes where, who works well in competition, who is competitive, who plays better under pressure and who does not, and all of that,” she said. Returning for Central this season is junior pitcher Kari Seddon, a first-team AllMid-American Conference player in 2008 who missed all of last season with an injury.

Weekend schedule Friday: vs. Nebraska (11 a.m.) vs. Nebraska (1:30 p.m.)

Saturday: vs. Auburn (4 p.m.)

Sunday: vs. SIU-Edwardsville (12:30 p.m.)

long road ahead of us.” Coldren said she is expecting herself to move into a leadership role as the season starts. “I’m just focused on being a leader and making sure my team is always up and positive the whole time,” she said. After the Tiger Invitational, CMU is off until the USF Tournament starting March 5. sports@cm-life.com

Jonker said Seddon is practicing as well as she was in 2008, but she wants to see how Seddon will compete against opposition instead of teammates. CMU does not return a lot of pitching experience and Jonker said it will be key for the pitchers to come out ready to pitch. “I think it is important that the pitchers come out strong, but none of them have had much Division-I experience in the last year, so we have to give them some time to get back in,” she said. Sophomore Courtney King is the only pitcher returning who pitched last season, going 0-3 with a 4.20 ERA in five appearances. Junior Brittini Merchant said the team wants to be aggressive in the batter’s box. “I think, right now, we are focusing on being aggressive in the box,” she said. “Having a good at-bat and not getting frustrated by remembering that it is just the beginning of the season and we have a

The CMU men’s basketball takes a step away from conference play Saturday amid the Mid-American Conference grind. The Chippewas face Tennessee State at 6:30 p.m. at Rose Arena as part of ESPNU’s BracketBuster event. “We’ll just take it as another game on our schedule,” said senior guard Jordan Bitzer. “We’re going to prepare the same way we have been for all the games we’ve played this season.” CMU coach Ernie Zeigler said he is looking for consistency since the team lost four of its past five games. “We need to see if we can get back to sustaining a defensive mindset,” Zeigler said. “We’ve kind of been a Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde here during the past five games, and its definitely contributed to our win-loss situation.” The BracketBuster setup pits non-major conference teams against each other to help their chance for a potential NCAA Tournament bid. CMU is 1-2 under Zeigler in BracketBuster games. The team defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 68-62 last season at Rose Arena as part of the series. Tennessee State (8-20) comes off a 76-57 victory against Jacksonville State on Wednesday at Gentry Arena. It was the Tigers’ fourth consecutive win. However, the team is 2-13 on the road this season. The Tigers have three players who score an average of double figures per game and four in conference play. Freshman guard Jacquan Nobles (6-foot-4) averages 11.1 points per game and freshman forward Robert Covington (6-foot) averages 10.9. Junior forward Josh Sain (6-foot-5) leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.7 points per game, but will be out of the lineup. Sitting Second CMU (12-13, 7-6 MAC) lost its share of the MAC West lead in a 69-63 loss to Ball State (14-11, 8-5 MAC) Wednesday in Muncie, Ind. The teams were each 7-5 in the division coming into play. “We don’t control our own destiny now, and we have to regroup and try to finish strong in these last three (conference) games,” Zeigler said, “and put ourselves into position to have the best record we possibly can and see where that puts us in terms of seeding.” Ball State pushed a 10point halftime lead to 15 in the second before CMU went on an 18-0 run, its biggest of the season. The run helped the Chippewas take the lead by as many as four. “I was really proud of the

file photo by matthew stephens

Junior forward Marko Spica scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds in the team’s 69-63 loss to Ball State on Wednesday in Muncie, Ind.

fact that we responded after getting challenged about getting out-toughed,” Zeigler said. The Cardinals responded, however, with an 11-2 run with about 5 minutes remaining to clinch the victory. “Our inability to defend in the first half and in the key stretches of the second half with the lead put us in the position not to be able to sustain a comeback,” Zeigler said. Bitzer led CMU with

18 points while three others scored seven. Randy Davis led the Cardinals with 24 points and Jauwan Scaife had 18. Ball State shot 48.8 percent for the game, double the 24.4 percent it shot in CMU’s 58-38 win Jan. 13 at Rose Arena. CMU returns to conference play Wednesday at Northern Illinois. sports@cm-life.com

4B || Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

Family |

Club hockey team eliminated from playoffs despite win streak

continued from 1B

hectic, you still try to give it your best, and I found homeschooling well worth the effort.” Jalin credits the experience for helping him succeed academically during his time at Pensacola (Fla.) Junior College, where he was named an NJCAA Academic All-American after achieving a 3.6 grade-point average. “It really proved well for us because we’re independent now,” said Jalin, whose 3.48 GPA is highest on the team. “Me and everyone else in my family can get the job done without being told how to do it.” With their youngest three children now in public high school, Anthony and Jeanette Thomas are driver’s education instructors and Jeanette teaches part-time. Return to the floor It was a slow process when Jadin and Jalin began to play again. Their natural ability still remained, but the speed of the game was a challenge and they had just begun to grow into their bodies. “They weren’t as good when they were younger,” Anthony said. “They were taller than everybody else, but they weren’t as mobile. As a result of that, Jalin spent a lot of his time going to the floor.” Jalin played junior varsity at Columbus West High School his sophomore year — his first in public school — before the family moved to Lithopolis, Ohio, where he played his junior and senior years at Bloom-Carroll High. It was a smaller environment that allowed him to flourish. He went from averaging 10 points and seven rebounds his junior season to averaging 25 points and 11 rebounds as a senior. Anthony, who played at Oberlin College, watched and coached from the stands as Jalin emerged as a star. “I don’t think I’d have close to the same interest without my dad,” Jalin said. “It was kind of something we both could do. But my dad taught me how to shoot and everything I know about basketball. It’s funny because everything he says, I end up hearing it from one of my coaches later on.” Competitive family Physical education was in the backyard, and it was an event. Anthony Thomas, who worked in finance and accounting as well as telecommunications, taught the class. “I probably had the most enjoyable part — but least impacting — part of the home-school,” Anthony said. “Because it was always an exciting event, not only my kids, but kids in the neighborhood also enjoyed coming over and being involved in the various activities.” Neighborhood kids joined the Thomas family in the activity of the day — usually pickup games of basketball, baseball and football. And the kids did not want to lose. “Whatever we did, we always competed, whether it was cards or playing video games,” Jalin said. “We always competed with each other and always had times when we got on each other’s nerves.” Branching out Jalin was the last player to sign a letter of intent at each of his collegiate stops. He was not offered a Division I scholarship despite his solid senior season at Bloom-Carroll. Anthony tried his best to woo universities to offer Jalin a scholarship. He went on a visit to Bowling Green, but only was offered a scholarship from Division III schools. Anthony knew his son was better than that. After attending a summer camp in Baltimore the summer after his senior year, Jalin was offered a scholarship at Division I Pensacola Junior College by coach Paul Swanson in August 2007. “Within four days, we had to drive all the way back, and my parents had to send me on a plane with a couple of duffel bags,” Jalin said. “They shipped the rest of my stuff there. It was a pretty bad time. It was the first time I had really been away.” Said Anthony: “As much as we are family, we’re friends as well. I think when he went off, it was very difficult. “But it helped him develop better responsibility as well as better character, being that far away. He’s been able to grow as an individual as a man and as a basketball player.”

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

Injured players return to aid depleted lineup By Justin Hicks Staff Reporter

file photo by matthew stephens

Junior Jalin Thomas has started every game since he came to CMU last fall except for a string of games in late December after he suffered a concussion. Here, he battles Ball State’s Terrence Watson in CMU’s win earlier this season.

What they’re saying CMU head coach Ernie Zeigler "Jalin and Robbie Harman are very similar because in my opinion, they are both guys that are trying to prove that they belong. Jalin took the Juco route to give himself that opportunity and was secondteam all-conference down there in Panhandle Conference, one of top three Juco conferences in country."

CMU assistant coach Darren Kohne "He’s extremely mature for his age and a very ideal person. He’s kind of the type of guy you want your sister to marry or someone who you would love to have in your family. He’s very laid-back, has a quiet vigor about himself — a very simple guy.

Too far from home After a solid first season in which he averaged 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds, Jalin’s sophomore season brought a challenge beyond his control. In December 2008, Anthony contracted what he thought was a stomach virus. He waited for the symptoms to subside. They didn’t. He took a trip to the doctor and didn’t leave the hospital for about two weeks. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. A virus — although caught before it caused a heart attack — had done irrevocable damage. “It affected my game because it was constantly on my mind, especially because I wasn’t able to be there for him,” Jalin said. “But I decided to continue playing because I knew it was what he’d want me to do.” Anthony’s condition gave Jeanette a dilemma. Should she have Jalin come home in the middle of the season to be alongside his father, whose prognosis was questionable? She asked the doctor with Jalin in mind, and got some good news — Anthony would be OK. “It was a hard call to make,” Jeanette said. “I know with Jalin being so far away, he would have preferred to be home closer to his dad to kind of jell with the family at this very trying time.” Anthony still deals with side effects from his ordeal, including dizziness and frequent sickness. “It’s been tough seeing him go through all he has,” Jalin said. Jalin increased his scoring average to 12.7 per game his sophomore season at Pensacola, but no Division I schools wanted his services. When CMU’s Jeremy Allen made the decision to transfer to Central Florida in spring 2009, a spot opened up late for Jalin. He signed in June and had a Division I spot. Swanson, once an assistant at the University of DetroitMercy, had recruited CMU coach Ernie Zeigler’s younger brother, establishing one of the relationships that aided Jalin’s jump to the highest level of college basketball. The future The Thomas family has begun to spread across the country — even internationally. Jamin, 27, is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, and has

been stationed in Kuwait in the past. He is attending Columbus State Community College and likely will be commissioned to Afghanistan within a year. Mashon, 25, is a middle school teacher in Florida. Miya, 18, will attend Ohio University in the fall. Meanwhile, Jadin and Jalin want to continue their basketball careers overseas if there are no opportunities nearby. Jadin has played on a Columbus-area semi-pro team, but it recently moved amid ownership concerns. After his playing days, Jalin said he will look into coaching. “They’re a very proud family,” said CMU assistant coach Darren Kohne. “They’re very proud of how they present themselves, how they represent themselves, their appearance, how hard they work.” Jalin’s teammates have noticed his passion, too. “Everywhere he’s been, he’s been successful,” said senior Robbie Harman. “He’s just had to prove people wrong. Even being undersized at where we have him playing (at power forward).” Said Anthony: “Toughness and flexibility are important — things aren’t going to go exactly as planned. It’s important to be a good human being. Whatever you’re going to do, you need to work hard at it. That’s why they do what they do.” sports@cm-life.com

The American Collegiate Hockey Association Central regional rankings were updated Tuesday, but not in favor of the CMU club hockey team. The team’s four-game win streak to close out the ranking period was not enough to make the playoffs, as it finished the regular season ranked No. 12, two spots out. Even with its playoff hopes gone, Central coach Mike Jakubik said he expects the team will come to play this weekend in the series against Davenport University. “I’m hoping everyone plays

hard to finish out the season and gives 100 percent,” Jakubik said. The teams, which split the 2008-09 season series, play at 8 p.m. Friday at Davenport, then wrap the series at 9 p.m. Saturday at Mount Pleasant Ice Arena. No. 1 Davenport (25-120-2; Central Region), also is on a four-game win streak coming into the weekend series. Forward Robert Collar leads the Central region in assists with 44 and points with 71. “We’ve got to limit their chances and odd-man rushes,” Jakubik said. “They’re the kind of team that puts a lot of shots on net.” CMU (11-13-2-2) welcomes back freshman defenseman Trevor Vosmik, who was suspended Feb. 12 because of a spearing penalty, and senior defenseman Joe

VanderMarliere, suspended for two weeks after a penalty against Grand Valley University. Vosmik returns Friday, while VanderMarliere is eligible Saturday. The returning players add depth and relief to an undermanned defense. With four defenders to dress, the team was forced to use senior forward Marty Lipar as a fifth defenseman last weekend against Lake Superior State. With the season coming to an end, so will the CMU hockey careers of some of the players, including Lipar, the team’s captain. Lipar had a career-best season, scoring 12 goals and adding 28 assists. “It’s been a great, long career at CMU,” he said. “A win would be a great way to cap off my career against one of the best teams in the league.” sports@cm-life.com

Lacrosse plays two in Minnesota By John Manzo Staff Reporter

The CMU club lacrosse team has road games Saturday and Sunday against No. 4 Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota. Senior defenseman Chuck Vierk said a win against Minnesota-Duluth would be huge for the CMU program. The teams play at 4 p.m. Saturday. “Knocking off a ranked team in Duluth would be huge. It would easily be the biggest victory for our program,” Vierk said. “Beating Duluth would cause some buzz for CMU

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selected for the NCAA Tournament, NIT or CBI at the end of the season. It also showcases 11 games on its family of networks. The MAC’s top two teams, Akron and Kent State, both will play opponents on ESPNU. Akron travels to Virginia Commonwealth, while Kent State hosts Western Carolina. Ball State, as a reward for leading its division, faces a subpar Tennessee-Martin

lacrosse, because we have steadily grown and gotten better over the years.” Minnesota-Duluth applies pressure on each end of the field to achieve its success. Vierk said CMU will get chances on the offensive side of the field because of a risk-taking Minnesota-Duluth defense. “Our shots will come because, with an aggressive defense comes opportunities to score due to over playing or being out of position,” he said. Senior defenseman Andrew Tillman said the beginning of the game will be critical. “For Duluth, we plan on coming out fast,” he said. “We

are going to try and shut down their main two players and then, with our offenses’ highscoring abilities, hopefully come out with a lead to start.”

team that has only won four games — one in the Ohio Valley Conference. It’s a meaningless and puzzling matchup with no benefit to either team. CMU gets Tennessee State, which is riding a four-game win streak, its longest of the season. The Tigers’ only other consecutive victories came more than two months ago with wins against Detroit-Mercy (which CMU lost to by 18 on Dec. 22) and Alabama A&M. How ESPN decided this matchup is unclear — CMU has hovered around .500

all season, while the Tigers started 4-20. The Ohio Valley Conference consistently ranks below the MAC in rating percentage index rankings and other lists. The MAC is ranked as the country’s 16th-strongest conference, while the Ohio Valley Conference is ranked 19th. But nonetheless, the Tigers are the matchup and it at least gives fans a chance to see a team that otherwise would never travel to Mount Pleasant. At 259th in the RPI, the Tigers sit below No. 200 CMU.

Minnesota The team also faces Minnesota at 8 a.m. Sunday. CMU looks to capitalize on the inexperience of Minnesota’s defensive unit, Vierk said. “On offense, we need to attack them hard because they have a new goalie and some new defensive players, so they might not be in the flow of things yet,” he said. sports@cm-life.com

sports@cm-life.com

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