Feb. 26, 2010

Page 1

Guard duo rise as unlikely starters, 1B

Students prep for spring break with workouts, 3A

Friday, Feb. 26, 2010

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

Affirmative Action Office changes its name Title now Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter

Employees working out of Charles V. Park Library room 428 are now answering their

phones a little differently. The office, formerly known as the Affirmative Action Office, changed its name Thursday to the Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity. The name was changed to better illustrate the services employees provide, said Matthew J. Olovson, assistant affirmative action

officer. “(We changed it) to be more acceptable, to be better understood as the office to handle discrimination and harassment complaints,” he said. China sophomore Yanyan Fu thinks the name change met its stated goals. “I think it’s great. Affirmative Action is an older-fash-

ioned name,” Fu said. “It’s more clear. People can tell the function of this office.” The change had nothing to do with the law passed in 2006 involving affirmative action in the state of Michigan, Olovson said. The initiative stated programs that receive state funding could not use that funding for affirmative action programs.

Olovson said there are still federal laws in favor of affirmative action, and the office can still provide affirmative action services with those funds. “We receive federal funding. We still have affirmative action programs,” he said. A longer process While the name change

came suddenly to Central Michigan University students, discussions of a modification have been ongoing among university officials for about 10 months. A proposal to change the name was submitted to the senior officers, and has just now been approved. The of-

A civil rights| 2A

SSBAG results available today

SHOWING HOW IT’S DONE

Answers to some budget suggestions on the CMU Portal

See the budget suggestions w Log in: ssl.cmich.edu/ssbag/

Staff Reports

photos by jeff smith/staff photographer

Comstock Park sophomore Alastair Watt leads a warm-up with his jazz dance class Wednesday evening at The Vision Studio of Performing Arts, 131 E. Broadway St. Watt, who has been dancing for 11 years, teaches the group of girls Monday through Thursday evenings in one- and two-hour sessions.

Daring to Dance Student teachers find experience rewarding

Some suggestions for cutting the 2010-11 Central Michigan University budget are now online along with responses. Interim University President Kathy Wilbur said at a budget discussion Tuesday that the suggestions sent to the Senior Staff Budget Advisory Group last fall would be online Friday on the CMU Portal. For example, 20 responses suggested CMU not build the College of Medicine. The SSBAG’s response: “Board of Trustees authorized the start of the College of Medicine in 2009.” Six responses suggested charging students for sporting events. SSBAG’s response: “Under consideration. The Athletics Department is reviewing the feasibility of this suggestion.” Ten responses suggested offering retirement incentives for buyouts. SSBAG’s response: “This is already an option.” At the meeting, Interim Provost

Gary Shapiro said more than 150 suggestions were submitted since the Web site has been up. Central Michigan Life sent a Freedom of Information Act request to CMU for the suggestions earlier this month and was rejected. The letter said the records were exempt under Section 13(1)(m) of the Act, which states communications and notes within a public body or between public bodies of an advisory nature, to the extent that they cover other than purely factual materials, are preliminary to a final agency determination of policy or action. Anticipating a budget shortfall, Wilbur asked for each budget center to submit a proposal for a 3, 6 and 9 percent budget cut plan. She received the plans Feb. 15. Wilbur said Tuesday that more budget forums will be held to keep the campus community updated. university@cm-life.com

Transition in Power

By Heather Hillman | Staff Reporter

S

queals of anticipation filled the main lobby of The Vision Studio of Performing Arts on Wednesday evening. A group of girls bounced around the room, unable to contain their excitement. But this was not the entrance to a Jonas Brothers concert. The girls — dressed in pink tutus — were waiting for their ballet instructor, Grand Rapids junior Shanna King, to begin class. Sherry Wohlscheid of Mount Pleasant said her daughter Alexa, 5, always looks forward to King’s ballet class. “Alexa loves Shanna,” Wohlscheid said. “I think she does a wonderful job.” King leads the future ballerinas with stretching exercises at the start of each class.

Comstock Park sophomore Alastair Watt leads a dance with his jazz dance class Wednesday evening. For Watt, teaching improves his own dancing skills. “When you dance by yourself, you don’t really see what it looks like,” he said.

On this night, smiles spread across each pupil’s face as she praised their improvement. “You work so hard to help the kids learn,” King said. “When you finally see the light go on, it’s so rewarding.” Share the talent King has been dancing since she was three and is ea-

ger to pass her skills to others. One day, she hopes to teach kids with disabilities to enjoy dance as much as she does. “Dancing is what I love to do, so why not share my talent with others?” King said. “I love to see other people learn.” Comstock Park sophomore Alastair Watt has spent the

past 11 years perfecting his own dancing and dreams of one day performing in the movies. He teaches classes at the studio five days a week. For Watt, the real prize is watching the children turn into great dancers. A Dance | 2A

Today is interim University President Kathy Wilbur’s last day in her current position. On Monday, Presidentdesignate George Ross will take over the position. editorial w Wilbur’s time as president had its positives, negatives, 4A

stay tuned w CM Life will feature an interview Monday with Wilbur about her presidency.

Pair will interview for CCFA associate dean position By Darnell Gardner Staff Reporter

The College of Communications and Fine Arts is preparing open forums next week for the position of associate dean. Randi L’Hommedieu and Shelly Hinck will interview. The associate dean’s normal duties include leading program and curriculum development, assisting with stu-

dent recruitment and helping faculty by promoting grant writing and new teaching methods. Hinck, a professor of communication and dramatic arts, hosts a forum at 2:30 p.m. Monday in Moore Hall 211. L’Hommedieu, chairman of the School of Music, will host one at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moore Hall 211. L’Hommedieu said he sees the position as an opportuni-

ty to be involved in important decisions the college will be making in the future. “I think there are challenges that we’re going to face in this budget climate and the decisions will rest in the dean’s office, and I’d like to have an opportunity to participate in those decisions and help steer the colleges and departments,” he said. L’Hommiedieu has been director of the School of Music

If you go... w Associate dean of College of Communications and Fine Arts open forums w Shelly Hinck: 2:30 p.m. Monday in Moore Hall 211 w Randi L’Hommedieu: 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Moore Hall 211 for eleven years. He said his experience with accrediting

organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Music has given him a background in curriculum and institutional standards and guidelines. In addition to assisting the dean, L’Hommedieu said he wants to work with diversity initiatives and encourage student involvement in study abroad programs, creative projects and research activities.

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Hinck, who was unavailable for comment, has been a faculty member since 1988. Jane Matty, chair of the associate dean search committee and associate dean of the College of Science and Technology, said Hinck has promoted service learning at the university. “She’s been involved in the honor’s program and she’s

A dean | 6A

2A || Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR

cm-life.com

PHOTO OF THE DAY

ON CM-LIFE.COM w Mike Posner and Big Sean perform Thursday to sold-out Plachta Auditorium crowd.

Today

WEATHER FORECAST

w A social work program orientation starts at 11 a.m. in Anspach Hall 257.

Today

w “Bowling for Memories,� a Sigma Kappa philanthropy event, takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. at ULanes in the Student Activity Center. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go toward Alzheimer’s Disease Resarch. w “Family Adventure Night,� an event with climbing and ziplining, takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the rock wall in Finch Fieldhouse 112. The event costs $10 for each family. w The discussion “Black History and the Movement: Across the Diaspora� takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

Saturday w CMU’s Mens Basketball Team takes on Western Michigan at 12 p.m. in Rose Arena. w “Up All Night,� an event with food, music and activities, takes place from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Student Activity Center. Admission is free for CMU students and $5 for the public.

Sunday w A choral concert takes place 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Music Building’s Staples Family Concert Hall. The concert is free and open to the public. w The film “8 Femmes,� a musical comedy, plays at 6 p.m. in Pearce Hall 327. The film is free for students and the public.

Corrections Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting. It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. Š Central Michigan Life 2010 Volume 91, Number 62

dance | continued from 1A

“Everyone has a limit where they want to give up,� Watt said. “I want to get them over that and make them want it.� King and Watt are members of Orchesis Dance Theatre and perform as part of the University Theatre series. Teaching not only benefits their students, but also is a way to improve the duo’s own skills.

70 percent chance of precipitation

High 32/Low 25 Snow/Wind

Saturday

30 percent chance of precipitation

High 36/Low 25 Snow Showers

Sunday

30 percent chance of precipitation

High 36/Low 26 Flurries

The Home Builders Association of Central Michigan presents Nathan kostegian/staff photographer

Mike Posner performs to a sold-out crowd Thursday night in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Tickets for the show with Big Sean have been sold out since January. Posner was about an hour late and did not take the stage until about 9:40 p.m. About 1,200 people attended the sold-out show. “I didn’t know who he was until tonight, and he’s better than I expected,� said Lansing sophomore Ivanna Rogers. For the full story, see cm-life.com.

Toyota president apologizes at House hearing Wednesday By Ralph Vartabedian and Ken Bensinger Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON — Apologizing for Toyota’s missteps in dealing with defects blamed in dozens of fatalities, a contrite Akio Toyoda told members of Congress his company was “not perfect� and that its rapid growth had “confused� the priority it places on safety. “Quite frankly, I fear the pace at which we have grown may have been too quick,� the president of Toyota Motor Corp. said during more than three hours of testimony. “I regret that this has resulted in the safety issues described in the recalls we face today, and I am deeply sorry for any accidents that Toyota driv-

ers have experienced.� Toyoda, grandson of the company founder, had initially planned to skip Wednesday’s appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He changed his mind amid escalating investigations into Toyota’s handling of the sudden acceleration problem, including probes by Congress, a New York federal grand jury, the Transportation Department and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Speaking in halting but proficient English, Toyoda told the House panel he became aware of the sudden acceleration issue late last year, despite the company’s 2007 recall in the U.S. market to replace floor mats

civil rights | continued from 1A

fice wanted to make clear it provides help to any victim of discrimination of any nature. Comparable university offices have changed their names or have had different names to illustrate similar points. Western Michigan University’s office is the Office of Institutional Equity, while Wayne State University’s is the Office of Equal Opportunity.

“When you dance by yourself you don’t really see what it looks like,� Watt said. “By fixing them, you fix some of the things that you do.� A challenge Amy Perschbacher of Mount Pleasant owns the studio at 115 South Mission St. and said she looks for teachers with a passion for dance that will inspire her students. King has worked with Perschbacher for two years, while Watt just started last month. Perschbacher said both are

"It’s a trend,� Olovson said. “I think a lot of other institutions that had affirmative action offices have already changed.� Despite the change, employees will provide the same services to students. Trenton freshman Adrian Dahlquist thinks the name will not make a difference to most students. “It doesn’t really matter to me,� she said. “It’s the name of a building.�

Official Sponsors

2010

Located at

that could cause sudden acceleration in two models. Members of the House committee raised a wide range of broader concerns about the company’s secrecy, its practice of making all of its safety decisions in Japan and the company’s insular corporate culture. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in testimony that preceded Toyoda’s that the company was “safety deaf,� a problem he laid on the company’s failure to communicate adequately between its headquarters in Japan and its corporate staff in North America. The company wasn’t taking the current safety problems seriously, LaHood noted, until he dispatched a senior aid to Japan late last year.

CMU Indoor Athletic Facility Mt. Pleasant

MISSION

LUMBER & HOME CENTER

FRIDAY March 12 5pm-9pm

SATURDAY March 13 10am-8pm

SUNDAY March 14 11am-4pm

Adults $3. Children under 16 FREE if accompanied by an adult. Advance tickets available for $2 at the HBA office at 2026 Independence Dr., Mt. Pleasant, Mission Lumber & Ric’s Food Center in Mt. Pleasant, Witbeck's in Clare, Weidman Pro Hardware & McCarther Insurance Agency in Weidman, Out of Bounds Pizzeria & Citgo Station & Glen's in Alma

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university@cm-life.com

a joy. “I always want to bring in something that’s going to challenge the students; something that they may not get anywhere else,� Perchbacher said. At the end of class, King is always reluctant to say good-bye to her young students. She cannot help but smile with pride at their accomplishments. “There’s no better job than doing what you love to do,� King said. studentlife@cm-life.com

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A

Friday, Feb. 26, 2010

City Commissioner looking to alter purchasing policy Joslin: Purchases should ‘have to stay in your state’ By David Veselenak Online Editor

City Commissioner Jon Joslin wants to keep city dollars local by looking into a new purchasing policy for Mount Pleasant. Motivation for further research came Monday from the City Commission’s decision to award a $154,750 sewer relining bid to Insituform Technologies

Commissioner David McGuire said he has no problem supporting local business, but Utility Services Authority is not in the mid-Michigan area. Belleville is in Wayne County. “If this was somewhere within 30 miles, I’d be all over this,” he said. “The fact that it is that far away does not do anything for me.” Mayor Jim Holton said the city has a 2 percent local preference policy — that if a local business’ bid is second lowest and is within 2 percent, the city has the option to contract with the local company. Currently, only items

USA from Chesterfield, Mo. Joslin argued that for an additional $150, the city could contract with a Michigan-based company, Utility Services Authority in Belleville, and keep the city’s money in the state. “If you can buy it locally... (then) I think it should be mandated we do that,” he said. “Ultimately, you have to stay in your state.” Joslin motioned to award the bid to Utility Services Authority, but the proposal did not receive a second. Joslin was the only dissenter in the vote for Insituform Technologies USA.

that are bid out are subject to the local preference policy. Everyday items, such as pens and paper, are not included. Joslin said he would like to have a policy in place for everyday items. With the sewer relining issue, he said the city was well below the proposed budget of $249,000. Because all the bids given to the city were much lower than budgeted, he said, the commission should try to keep money in Michigan. Holton said although he tries to keep purchases local, he votes with taxpayers’ money in mind. “If we can buy something

cheaper not within our community, we have to look at that as well,” he said. “Is it good for our economy? No doubt about it. Is it good stewardship for our taxpayer’s dollar? I don’t know if that’s true or not.” Joslin said he will report back to the City Commission in a few meetings with his findings. Holton said he would expect an agenda item regarding the city’s purchasing policy this summer, as the city is going to start focusing on the 2011 budget and other pressing issues. metro@cm-life.com

union township

Officials could end DDAs by next month

metro@cm-life.com

Two people were taken by ambulance to Central Michigan Community Hospital following a single-vehicle accident Thursday in Chippewa Township. According to Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Police Sgt. Jerry Smith, a GMC Yukon was tracking eastbound on Broomfield Road just past Leaton Road when it slid into a ditch around 6:45 p.m. The vehicle’s two female occupants received minor injuries and were taken to CMCH, Smith said. He did not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the crash. “There were just icy road conditions,” Smith said. The Isabella County Sheriff’s Department responded along with Tribal Police.

The Central Michigan University Surplus Sale takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in Lot 1, near the corner of Bellows and Douglas streets. Items for sale include office furniture and equipment and household furniture. All sales are final. For more information go to purchasing.cmich.edu or call University Stores at 774-3917.

By Maryellen Tighe Senior Reporter

Stay or go? The township plans to make a decision by March on whether to discontinue the authorities, but officials are still in the process of gathering information. Mount Pleasant Public Schools has been one of the areas hardest hit by the diversion of money to the DDAs. The school district is beginning to make cuts that will affect class work of the students, Superintendent Joe Pius said Wednesday, noting the state could cut another $255 per student. “Right now, we are looking at cutting almost 3 million out of our budget,” he said. “We are looking at changes at the top and all the way through the entire program.” But Jim Zalud, treasurer of the West DDA, believes the authorities should stay intact. “The only taxes we capture are for the increase of growth in our area,” he said. “When these things were conceived years ago, there was some fairness.” The DDAs were forced to downsize by hard economic times in the mid-’90s and have already cut most of the fluff from their organizations, said Mike Brehm, East DDA chairman. “We’re a very efficient organization, we’re all volunteers, we’re all unpaid,” he said. “Ninety-six cents of every dollar that we bring in is used for projects, how do you get more efficient than that?” No matter the decision, the township will still have to pay off the bonds of the West DDA, Barker said, and each group — the Commission on Aging, ICTC and others — would likely still have part of their taxes captured to help pay that off.

Minor injuries in single-vehicle accident

Surplus sale

Funding concerns voiced Wednesday at board meeting

Two downtown development authorities could close doors in Union Township by next month as part of a money-saving effort. Debate stemmed from the method of funding for DDAs — capturing taxes. Some local groups disagree with the funds allocated by Union Township to the East and West DDAs because other programs are strapped for financing. DDAs are funded with a percentage of tax increases in areas where the DDA operates. Several groups would otherwise receive those tax dollars. Among them are the Commission on Aging, Isabella County Transportation Commission, Chippewa River District Library and Mount Pleasant Public Schools. Several people voiced their dissent to keeping the DDAs at Wednesday’s township board meeting. “This DDA capture is a burden,” said Tom Delia, Chippewa River District Library board president. More than $4.4 million was captured from 2004 through 2008. The DDAs were established in 1985 to increase the area’s tax base, township Supervisor John Barker said, and most communities close DDAs after this goal is accomplished.

[Life in brief]

Advanced materials seminar

A discussion on polymer science takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. today in Dow 107. Dr. Petar Dvornic, senior research scientist and professor of polymer science from the Michigan Institute in Midland, will lead the discussion. For more information, contact Jessica Lapp at lapp1jw@cmich.edu or at 7742221. photos by sean proctor/staff photographer

Wayland junior Rikki Jo Holmes strengthens her quadricep muscles while doing a wall sit at the ACT program workout session Thursday in Kulhavi Hall 145. There were 15 different stations and each repetition was 45 seconds long.

Spring break

steppin’

Students work out, get ready for midterm hiatus By Randi Shaffer | Staff Reporter

N

othing puts a spring in one’s step like spring break. The upcoming recess from school prompted Rikki Jo Holmes to take up a workout regimen. She grabbed a drink from her clear plastic water bottle at the conclusion of an hour-long workout Thursday in Kulhavi Hall 145. “I feel really, really good,” the Wayland junior said. “I’m really proud of myself. I wanted to get fit for spring break.” Holmes was one of five girls to participate in the Thursday morning session of the Act Program, a six-week fitness course sponsored by Residence Life and University Recreation that ends this week. “It’s basically a small training program,” said Angie Dalton, Residence Life coordinator of fitness, facilities and wellness. Dalton said the program had more than 100 participants with seven personal trainers instructing courses held

at different times of the day. “Everyone sets individual goals,” she said. “We make sure their goals are reasonable, safe and healthy.” Participants in Thursday morning’s workout rotated between different stations, working on

Wayland junior Rikki Jo Holmes runs down the Kulhavi Hall stairs at the ACT program workout session Thursday in Kulhavi Hall 145. She ran up five flights of stairs, across the hallway and down five flights back to the workout, where she went through the 15 stations again.

toning muscles and losing weight. Stations included basic exercises such as sit-ups, jumping rope, push-ups and wall sits. Between rounds of exercise in the classroom, participants took breaks to run throughout the Kulhavi Hall staircases.

Holmes said cost was a major influence on her decision to participate in the Act Program. “It’s free, which is a big benefit,” she said. For Macomb Township freshman and Kulhavi resident Katelyn A ACT | 6A

Alcoholic energy drinks can be health risks Official: Depressant with stimulant combination can be ‘unhealthy’ By Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter

Libby march/staff photographer

Bartender Erin Essex, 29, of Midland makes a Jägerbomb on Wednesday at Coco Joe’s Beach House, 4855 E. Blue Grass Road. Ingredients in a Jägerbomb include Red Bull and Jägermeister.

Valerie Raiss loves a good Jägerbomb on a night of relaxation. “I usually buy them when I’m out at a bar,” the Lake Angelus junior said. “I really like the taste.” She is not alone. Despite health concerns, beverages combining alcohol

and energy drinks have grown in popularity within the past three years, said Chad Miller, a manager at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St. “The energy drink shots seem to be the most common types of shots we sell,” Miller said. “We usually only use energy drinks for Jägerbombs.” Miller said many alcoholic beverages that contain energy drinks require students to lay down some extra cash. “They’re expensive because you have to pay for an entire Red Bull in the price of the drink,” Miller said. Good for you? But the popular drinks may

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

pose health risks. Becky Wang, substance abuse prevention coordinator for the Ten Sixteen Recovery Network in Isabella County, said the combination of energy drinks and alcohol can be dangerous. Wang said it is unhealthy to combine alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, with caffeine, a stimulant. “When you combine the two, often times people don’t necessarily feel intoxicated,” she said. “When you add caffeine in the mix, it sort of tricks your body into thinking that you’re not as drunk as you really are.” She said mixing the two A Drinks | 6A

Charity game

The Third Annual Rowdie and Friends Mascot Charity Basketball Game takes place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Rose Arena. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds from the game go to the American Lung Association. The charity game follows the Central Michigan University men’s basketball game against Western Michigan University. There will be a silent auction, giveaways, free food and photo opportunities with mascots. For more information, contact Don Helinski at 745-6134.

Governor candidate discussion

Former Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, hosts an open discussion from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Big Boy Restaurant, 1623 S. Mission St. The breakfast is hosted by Central Michigan University’s Campus Conservatives and is open to the public. For more information, contact Campus Conservatives at cmucampusconservatives@gmail.com.

Vote for student art

The 2010 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition opens today and runs through March 27. The University Art Gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The gallery will take votes for the Public Choice Award during the reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, contact Gallery Director Anne Gochenour at 774-7457 or e-mail goche1as@cmich.edu.

The Chicago Gypsies

The play “The Chicago Gypsies” will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Moore Hall’s Bush Theatre. Showtimes are 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and tickets are $5.50 for students and seniors and $7.50 for others. The performance runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday with admission at $5 for students and $7 general admission. The story is based on a family of actors out of work during the Great Depression, traveling a long distance from their Chicago home. For tickets, call University Central Box Office at 774-3000 or go to centralboxoffice.cmich.edu. For more information, contact Jim Hickerson at 774-3874.

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. 26, 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 | Wilbur had her ups and downs during 8-month presidency

An end to a term

K

athy Wilbur’s term as interim president of Central Michigan University is coming to a close. Wilbur has achieved and faltered in a few areas in her 8-month stint as president. Hopefully, she will take her experiences from this position and apply it as she returns to her role as vice president of Governmental Relations and Public Affairs at CMU. Wilbur’s biggest strength as president was her visibility. From visiting students in residence halls to participating in forums, Wilbur has been more accessible to the CMU community than previous president Michael Rao. Her willingness to approach students was a fresh change, considering Rao hardly met with students prior to

leaving for Virginia Commonwealth University last year. Rao likely wouldn’t have held a budget forum that addressed students and faculty. President-designate George Ross should make it a point to be just as accessible as Wilbur was, especially when there is so much uncertainty on campus.

Wilbur is not without her faults, however. Failing to update the public about budget cuts during the last Board of Trustees meeting was a disappointment. Weeks before the meeting, Wilbur said she would reveal budget cut suggestions at the meeting. On one hand, it is understandable that there are many people besides Wilbur involved with budget cuts and she is not entirely to blame. But the lesson learned is not to speak of something if you can’t deliver it, especially with a subject that impacts so many people. Another bump during Wilbur’s term was the denial of Freedom of Information Act requests. Central Michigan Life filed 14 FOIAs in February concerning the revealing of budget cut suggestions, and all of them were initially denied. But voila! Today, some budget cut suggestions sent to the Senior Staff Budget Advisory Group were posted to the Web, which begs the question: Why was

the FOIA asking for them rejected? While this is not all on Wilbur, we would like to see more transparency with issues that impact thousands of people involved with the university, and we would like to see a president that advocates that. Wilbur, despite lacking a Ph.D., became interim president because of her role as a lobbyist and her familiarity with pushing CMU’s interests forward. Becoming president so quickly and running a university is no easy feat, especially with state appropriations dwindling and Michigan’s economy struggling. The insider perspective and knowledge of what it takes to be a leader at CMU should help Wilbur be even more effective when working with government officials on the part of the university. Hopefully, she will remember the pressure of tackling the university’s problems and fight in the interest of the students.

CHRIS TAMLYN [CENTRAL SQUARE]

Brad Canze Columnist

Cooking at home Many college students become dependent on fast food, eating out and ordering take-out for their meals. One of my roommates, who claims to not have the time or the inclination to cook for himself, almost never goes a day without drive-thru burgers or pizza delivery. And while the convenience and time-saving aspects of this kind of lifestyle are without question, cooking at home can be beneficial for financial, health and social reasons. Obviously, cooking at home is a money-saver. Several weeks ago, I deep-fried popcorn shrimp and baked cheddar biscuits, spending roughly half of what it would cost to get the same meal at a Red Lobster. Of course, there’s also the advantage of actually knowing what is being eaten. Cooking at home affords the advantage of choosing what is being consumed and what is not. While this does not always translate to a more healthy diet, it does give more control over nutrition. But the most important thing, from the perspective of a college student, is the social advantages. It is difficult to cook amounts small enough for just one person, so I often end up inviting friends over as well. Once somebody gets good enough at cooking and learns their way around a kitchen, eventually friends and roommates will start to request that they have meals cooked for them which, of course, affords favors or brownie points to the cook. And of course, as a college-aged guy, being able to cook a good meal is a great quality to impress women with as well. While it may seem like a silly thing to put such importance on, taking a little extra time and effort to cook at home now, while in college, will result in small changes in savings and health that will eventually compound into a huge difference. And who knows? Cooking one good meal may just net you the significant other of your dreams.

[Our reader’s voice]

Trustee Torreano should be given more credit As chair of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees, I must challenge the factual errors and tone of the Feb. 19 CM Life editorial calling for the resignation of Trustee Gail Torreano. Being a member of the CMU Board of Trustees is an honor and responsibility that every member takes seriously. We serve because we all have a deep commitment to the university’s students, faculty and staff. While trustees are most visible to the campus community at board meetings, their responsibilities extend far beyond that. Trustees regularly represent CMU at events, participate in fundraising activities, make financial contributions of their own, meet with university stakeholders, handle a variety of board communications on behalf of CMU and attend commencement ceremonies. All have board committee assignments that require additional

time and attention, and those who serve as chair or co chairs of the Board of Trustees have extra responsibilities. It also is not uncommon for board members to serve on other university boards and committees. Your editorial incorrectly states that Trustee Torreano has missed two of the last four board meetings. Factually, this is the first meeting she has missed since July 2009, participating in meetings in September, October and December. Since February 2009, she has attended six of the eight board meetings held. Trustee Torreano’s service to CMU and her devotion to the success of the university’s students surpass her role as a member of the Board of Trustees. She has served as a member of the President’s Advisory Board, the Development Board and, as board chair, appointed the

presidential screening committee and participated fully in all the presidential search activities with the rest of the board once the Screening Committee had made its recommendations. In addition, Trustee Torreano has assisted with securing financial gifts from AT&T, where she serves as a senior vice president. She also has personally made significant financial contributions to the university. Few alumni remain as dedicated and connected to their alma mater as Gail Torreano. CM Life needs to be factual when they decide to malign the reputation of a person so devoted to CMU and recognize the personal sacrifice and professional responsibilities of those who give so much back in the interest of the university’s students, faculty and staff. Stephanie Comai Chairwoman, CMU Board of Trustees

CM You|What whould you like to see covered more in CM Life?

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

“More things about interesting people, not budget meetings.” Sarah Dwones,

Westphila senior

“I would like more diversity issues. I like mainstream, but covering (unknown) groups would be beneficial.”

“More crossword puzzles.” Emily Seymour,

Goodrich junior

“Local government issues. That is something that is important and often overlooked.”

Henry Hammond,

Jake Neher,

Detroit senior

Bloomfield Township senior

SEan proctor/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.

Lonnie Allen Staff Reporter

Farming addiction FarmVille easy to consume life Addictions are typically associated with drugs, alcohol and sex. I have to confess mine is farming. It is an addiction that has slowly worked its way into my everyday life. Farming begins when I get up in the morning. I need to gather eggs and milk the cows. I need to visit and fertilize my neighbors’ farms, and it all has to be done before my first class starts. Yes, my addiction is FarmVille, a virtual farm, but it is definitely an obsession I cannot go a day without. Sure, this addiction of mine isn’t harming me physically. However, it has changed the way my day is conducted. Instead checking my e-mail and reading some news in the morning, I am farming. I farm even before I go to bed. It takes me an hour to visit all my neighbors on FarmVille. It is ridiculous to spend an hour fertilizing virtual farms, but I don’t stop. I have to keep going. I might be lying to myself if I say FarmVille hasn’t affected my classes. I haven’t missed due dates for assignments, though I have pushed the envelope so I could harvest crops. This addiction has affected my daily chores. Dirty laundry is piled high and dirty dishes may stink up the kitchen — but my farm looks great. Visiting family on the weekends has taken a backseat to scaring away gophers and crows. In the past, I would have been afraid to announce publicly I am farming on Facebook. But today I can admit to my addiction on FarmVille. I gathered some information from the Zynga game network and read an article on CNN.com on FarmVille. I was astounded with the report. An estimated 75 million people each month play FarmVille, which is roughly equal to the numbers who have played the classic arcade and desktop game Tetris during its entire existence. The report also said FarmVille has had, to date, up to 118 million installs. It has more monthly users than the population of France. I was shocked yet relieved at once. Could anyone have imagined technology and social networking sites leading to millions farming? Computers make jobs easier while information is only a click away. Cell phones make communication instantaneous, with some practically handheld computers, making it hard for a junkie like myself. These technological improvements are supposed to make our lives easier, but may have introduced some serious consequences. If people don’t relate to my confession and believe this is something to ignore, I must warn you that there are other enticements on Facebook waiting. Accepting just one of these invitations from a friend could lure you into a virtual need — the need of completing just one more task.

[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.

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[News]

Google a buzz with new social networking function Feature combines popular sites on Gmail platform By Connor Sheridan Senior Reporter

paige calamari/staff photographer

Mount Pleasant resident Liz Dealing looks at art pieces Tuesday morning at the Art Reach Gift Shop and Gallery, 111 E. Broadway St. Art Reach plans to expand the gift shop and gallery into the former location of The Cobbler Shop Shoes by July.

Art Reach on Broadway expands to new location By Maryellen Tighe Senior Reporter

Downtown Mount Pleasant’s art scene is reaching out. Art Reach on Broadway, 111 E. Broadway St., will expand into an adjacent property, 115 E. Broadway St., in July. The Cobbler Shop will consolidate to its Alma location, according to a sign on the building. Owners of the shoe establishment declined to comment this week. “The opportunity just kind of fell into our lap,” said Kim Bigard, gift shop and gallery coordinator. “When (the Cobbler Shop) made the decision to close down they came and offered it to us, and we jumped at it because it really is perfect for our needs.” The space will give Art Reach room for more 3-D presentations and art installations, Bigard said. Currently, such art is limited to a wall of the store. Officials already have all exhibits planned for the rest of the year, but 3-D exhibits should go up in 2011. Art Reach is moving its ad-

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 || 5A

ministrative and classroom portions into the expanded Broadway Street space. Art Reach Center of Mid Michigan, 319 S. University St., will close. “The idea was that we wanted to be under one roof,” said Art Reach Executive Director Kathy Hill. “We chose to keep it downtown so that we can have the same presence at the store.” Rick Stevens, an Art Reach volunteer, said the move should decrease the confusion between the two stores and increase cohesion. “We’re going to be all together. We always felt like this has been a long-distance romance between us and the headquarters,” he said. “Now, we’re all going to be in one building like one big happy family.” Fascination with art Renovations and the addition of new artists are planned with the expansion. Art Reach on Broadway currently serves as a co-signment shop where local artists are able to present and sell their work. All artists with work in Art

Reach have Michigan ties, Bigard said. The establishment has even displayed students’ work through the years. “You get to meet a wonderful group of people who are really fascinated by the arts,” Stevens said. “There’s always the person that says, ‘You know, I do art,’ and you get their artwork in here and it starts doing well and they get more involved in the artist community.” Building an artistic community is a goal of Art Reach, he said. There are many people who come into the store to buy gifts for family or friends; others come to pick up some of the culture of Mount Pleasant. “It’s a bright spot of culture in a town that isn’t famous for that big town culture feel,” Mount Pleasant resident Marsha Biggs said. Art Reach Center of MidMichigan opened in 1981 on University Street and expanded to Art Reach on Broadway in 1999. metro@cm-life.com

Could Google Buzz be the next social networking hit? The new tool from Google combines several applications such as Google Reader and Picasa with Twitter or Facebook-like functionality. The service was unveiled Feb. 9 and is accessible with a Google account from its email service, Gmail. “All my contacts are right there,” said Joshua Trimble, a Central Michigan University alumnus. “It’s my ideal internet platform.” Trimble, 27, is an IT Service and repairman at Carmen-Ainsworth Community Schools who resides in Flint. His favorite feature of Google Buzz is how it incorporates all his Google services into one easily shared location. He said he enjoyed that he could take a picture with

his Motorola Droid phone, upload it to Google’s Picasa Web Albums and have his Web Albums account automatically sync with his Buzz account and notify all the users following him. Trimble also appreciates Buzz’s synchronization with his Google Reader account, as it allows him to share an article over Buzz with his followers and take part in a dialogue about it, all from his Gmail inbox. “Google is really expanding, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” Trimble said. Information overload? That rapid expansion is a concern for some people uncomfortable with the amount of information people readily feed into Google’s databases. One blogger has already voiced her dissatisfaction that her abusive ex-boyfriend and his friends were made to automatically follow her Google Buzz account, which had her location and employment listed, according to a report by Business Insider.

Google released an update which revised Buzz’s automatic following features, though privacy issues remain a concern. Associate Professor of Sociology Alan Rudy quoted University of Texas professor Clay Spinuzzi’s Twitter Account. “Buzz follows Google’s strategy of rapid innovation, rapid controlled failure, internal competition, disrupting competitors,” Spinuzzi said. Rudy is an active user of several social networking sites and tools such as Twitter and Digsby, which he uses personally and professionally. “My basic sense, at this point, is that students who use (Facebook) for status updates, (instant message) through (Facebook), AIM or some other software, and text regularly on their phone aren’t going to have much more use for Buzz than they have for Twitter,” Rudy said in an e-mailed statement. studentlife@cm-life.com

LGBT attempts to reach residence halls with Thursday night forum By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

Southfield sophomore Robert Donald never related to just one group — gay, black or athletic. Donald, Gay Straight Alliance ambassador, wants to educate people about the process of coming out and how to handle the differences people may have with their orientation. “The biggest thing is to educate people on terms and issues, and show people we are people too,” he said. A panel of five LGBT community members spoke casually with a group of about 40 people Thursday evening in Merrill Hall during an event called “Gay Elephant in the Room.” Donald came out to his friends in the eighth grade, when he was 13 years old. At 15, he came out to his family. Donald said it was a complete relief to know he can truly be himself around his friends and family, which lead him to start a series of forums to educate and in-

form people of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities. The idea of the forum is to reach out to residence halls, Donald said. “Education is a powerful thing,” he said. “If we come to them in their residence halls, it would make things easier.” The panel consisted of Holt senior Matt Darling, also GSA president, Howell senior Stasi Russell, GSA pride co-chair, and Detroit junior Arielle Watts, public relations for GSA. The panel told their coming-out stories and their experiences with the LGBT community. They talked about dating, religion, name-calling and how to approach friends and family. The crowd asked questions and talked about their personal stories as well. Aly Jarosz, a Traverse City sophomore, attended the forum to learn more about the LGBT community. “I’m straight,” she said. “But I wanted to learn more about the gay community.” Jarosz learned how many

people struggle with the coming out process and was mostly shocked people are actually scared to come out to friends and family. Overall, she felt she had become an advocate for the LGBT community. “I have a huge prejudice with the people that are against gays,” she said. As a panelist, Darling casually spoke to the crowd and expressed his sentiment for those still dealing with identity concerns. He wanted the attendees to get comfortable and see the forum as conversation rather than a presentation. During his coming-out process, Darling said he was scared, but realized it was the best thing he could have done for himself. “I came out and experienced a lot of support and love instead,” he said. Donald said this was the first forum of the series. He plans to continue the series and hopes to host it in Kulhavi hall at the end of March. studentlife@cm-life.com

6A || Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

Tour de Mont Pleasant returns with changes By Alethia Kasben Staff Reporter

One of Michigan’s largest bicycling events will return to Mount Pleasant this summer with a few minor changes. Le Tour de Mont Pleasant is set for June 11-13. It will be the second time the event has taken place in Mount Pleasant. Last June, more than 500 cyclists participated. This year, the event will include a commuters’ race and a family fun ride, the proceeds of which will go to a local charity. The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce puts on the event. Robert Stout, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, said the changes were made to make the event more spectator friendly. “We aren’t making any major changes because all reviews of the event have been positive,” he said. “We’re just trying to fine-tune and improve the event by tying in businesses and family.” Le Tour consists of three different European-style races for men and women. Racers are split up into categories numbered one through five based on skill level — one being the most professional and five being amateur. On June 12, there will be a

www.cm-life.com

[News]

What questions can employers ask? Students alerted to be wary of illegal queries By Kevin Drescher Staff Reporter

file photo by josh kodis

Bikers ride through downtown streets during the first “Le Tour de Mont Pleasant.” More than 500 cylists participated in the 3-day event, which challenged people to bike various long distance routes.

one mile race held in downtown Mount Pleasant for all registered cyclists. There will be two races the following day — a 110-mile race for male cyclists on levels one or two through all of Isabella County and a 50-mile race for all cyclists levels three through five. This year, the event’s “Race Central” section will be more consolidated to an area between Broadway and Michigan streets, where the winner’s podium, registration tent and results posting will be. Will it go on? Chamber officials hope the event will continue after this year. But Lisa Hadden, the chamber’s president and CEO, said it takes an “enormous amount of work” to gain a permit for the event through USA Cycling. Criteria for the Tour includes having medical attention present, law enforcement at intersections and special transportation for the racers, and hiring professional race timers, judges and referees. “I think the cycling community was watching us to see how we would do last year since it was our first race,” Hadden said. “I think we demonstrated that we were more than capable of hosting a first class race and this year

will be bigger and better.” The bike shop Motorless Motion, 121 S. Main St. will provide mechanical support for the racers. Shop Manager Allison Quast said the business participates to raise awareness about cycling and give community members a new outlook. “It is excellent to get involved as both a volunteer or racer as it gives economic development to the community by bringing in people from outside areas,” she said. Le Tour brings a lot of traffic to downtown because each racer brings family or other team members, and hundreds of spectators come. Stout said he does not have hard data to prove the community economically benefited from the event. “But the hotels fill up and the restaurants are busy, and that’s a good sign,” he said. More participants are expected to return this year. All registration will take place at sportsbaseonline.com, after the permit is granted. Cost is between $25 and $30. Children’s registration forms will be sent home from local schools with students, or parents can register at the chamber. For more information, visit mt-pleasant.net/tour.htm. metro@cm-life.com

Many people do not realize there are questions employers cannot ask when signing off on a job application. Though it may seem each application asks nearly the same questions, tiny differences can set a question apart as illegal. Julia Sherlock, Central Michigan University’s Career Services director, warns students to be careful as illegal questions can lead to job discrimination. “Anything of a personal nature that’s out of the basic qualifications that they say you need for the job is typically out

of bounds,” she said. Sherlock said, however, that illegal questions are not as common today as they may have been years ago. “I can’t even believe, especially in these days, that anything illegal would be on an application. There is very little mistakes on the employers’ ends,” she said. “It’s not a perfect world, but it’s certainly not acceptable.” Boise State University Career Center has listed some illegal questions that specifically cannot be asked. For example, employers cannot specifically ask “Are you a U.S. Citizen?,” “How old are you?,” “What is your marital status?,” “Do you need an accommodation to perform the job?,” or “Have you ever been arrested?” Brian Partie, associate director of CMU’s Career Services,

act |

dean |

continued from 3A

continued from 3A

Coates, the location was only one factor in her decision to participate. “I love exercise and I wanted to get in shape for spring break,” she said. Coates plans to participate in future programs similar to the Act Program if she has the opportunity.

been involved in a variety of extra-curricular and student learning initiatives,” Matty said. Matty said both candidates will go through a daylong interview process next week in which they will meet with department chairs, the search committee, the dean and the provost.

Reaching a goal In addition to the recent Act Program, Holmes has participated in past events with Student Recreation such as Butts and Guts, Boot Camp and Turbo Kick programs. Dalton said in addition to the Act Program, everything Student Recreation hosts is free, ranging from student programs to fitness classes. “I thought it was awesome and I needed the motivation,” Coates said of the Act Program. “It was great.” studentlife@cm-life.com

drinks | continued from 3A

greatly increases the chances of alcohol-related risks. Prepackaged alcoholic energy drinks, such as Sparks, Tilt and Joose are available in stores. These alcoholic beverages are offered in a variety of flavors, such as orange, tropical and cranberry. They typically have between 6 to 9 percent

said students should do some background research before setting out on a job hunt. “We always encourage students to thoroughly investigate what the job is that they’re applying for,” he said. “The truth is we haven’t had too many situations with students.” On many applications employers ask people to fill out information regarding their race for filling purposes only. Though most say that it is optional, applicants are never legally obliged to do it, Sherlock said. Mount Pleasant senior Kathleen Sheahan-Stahl said she did not realize certain questions are off-limits, but sometimes still on applications. “They’re trying to just make you fill it out without having to make you do it,” she said. “They’re being very tricky.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Candidates also will have a chance to interact with the campus community in their own open forums, she said. “The purpose of the open forum is to allow other people who are interested in the candidates to meet them and listen to their answers to questions, and give them an opportunity to provide input on the candidates relative to the conditions,” Matty said. university@cm-life.com

alcohol by volume. Aaron DeLaRosa drinks Sparks on occasion. DeLaRosa said he does not notice an energy boost from the drinks, but enjoys the flavor. “I only drink Sparks when I start drinking early on in the day as a starter drink,” the Lexington senior said. “They don’t really have an alcohol taste — they remind me more of sweet tarts.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Mac championships | Track teams host their conference meet today and tomorrow, 2B Central Michigan Life

Sports Weekend Friday, February 26, 2010 | Section B

Basketball

G ua r d d u o e a r n s s tat u s at C M U

men’s basketball

Weekend

Zeigler: pride at stake in WMU game

Men’s MAC Standings West Division Team

MAC

Overall

Ball St. WMU CMU EMU NIU Toledo

8-6 7-7 7-7 7-7 5-9 0-14

15-12 15-13 13-14 15-13 9-18 3-26

East Division Team

MAC

Overall

Akron Kent St. Buffalo Miami (OH) Ohio BGSU

11-3 11-3 8-6 8-6 6-8 6-8

21-8 21-8 16-10 12-16 16-13 14-13

CMU hopes to rebound from heartbreaking loss By Daniel Monson Senior Reporter

Coach Ernie Zeigler said his team’s pride will be tested at noon Saturday against Western Michigan. The final home game for the CMU men’s basketball team comes three days after it lost an 18-point lead in the second half at Northern Illinois. The loss sent the Chippewas into a second-place tie with WMU and Eastern Michigan at 7-7 in the MidAmerican Conference West Division. Zeigler gave the team Thursday off from practice to regroup. The Chippewas are 1-5 in the MAC since starting 6-2. “The true test of a man’s character and in this case a team, is how you respond at your lowest moments,� Zeigler said. “(Thursday) was a day to reflect on that for our guys. We’re going to regather (today) and see who responds.� To defend their West Division title, the Chippewas need to win their final two games and Ball State (8-6 MAC) to lose its final two (Saturday at Toledo and Thursday at Western Michigan). A tiebreaker would go to the Cardinals, who hold the advantage because of their wins against the East Division’s top teams. “We definitely missed an opportunity last night to gain a win in our league,� said senior forward Chris Kellermann. “The important thing for us is we can’t dwell on it for too long.�

Saturday Games

CMU vs. WMU Akron vs. BGSU Kent St. vs. Miami (OH) Ohio vs. Buffalo Ball St. vs Toledo EMU vs. NIU matthew stephens/senior photographer

*Home teams in bold

Senior guards Robbie Harman (left) and Jordan Bitzer play their final home game at noon Saturday against Western Michigan. The duo is one of the top backcourts in the Mid-American Conference after low expectations to start their careers.

Setting a

Women’s MAC Standings West Division Team

MAC

Toledo EMU CMU Ball St. NIU WMU

11-3 9-5 8-6 6-8 4-10 2-12

Overall

21-6 19-7 11-15 12-15 10-15 7-20

East Division Team

MAC

Overall

BGSU Kent St. Akron Miami (OH) Buffalo Ohio

12-2 11-3 9-5 6-8 3-11 3-11

22-6 18-8 15-12 8-19 7-20 7-20

Saturday’s Games WMU vs. CMU Toledo vs. Ball St. Akron vs. Miami (OH) Ohio vs. Buffalo BGSU vs. Kent St. NIU vs. EMU *Home teams in bold

Men’s MAC Leaders Points

Player (team)

w w w w w w w w w w

PPG

David Kool (WMU) 20.8 Xavier Silas (NIU) 19.5 Rodney Pierce (Buffalo) 18.9 Brandon Bowdry (EMU) 16.6 Carlos Medlock (EMU) 15.6 Armon Bassett (Ohio) 15.2 Robbie Harman (CMU) 14.6 Jordan Bitzer (CMU) 14.6 Kenny Hayes (Miami OH) 14.5 Justin Greene (Kent St.) 14.0

Rebounds

Player (team)

w w w w w

RPG

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

9.8 7.7 7.5 7.5 7.4

Field Goal Percentage Player (team)

w w w w w

%

Justin Dobbins (EMU) Sean Kowal (NIU) Justin Greene (Kent St.) Erik Marschall (BGSU) Brandon Bowdry (EMU)

62.3 56.3 53.8 52.7 51.0

standard By Daniel Monson | Senior Reporter

J

ordan Bitzer and Robbie Harman still have to prove themselves. Not on the court — each is a 1,000point career scorer and has started the last 49 games for the Central Michigan men’s basketball team. But the pair of senior guards can’t seem to get past Rose Arena’s stringent security force before games. “Chris (Kellermann) and them just walk right in because they’re tall — not us,� Harman said. “We get stopped and questioned. My picture’s even right there on the wall.� Parking can be an issue, too. “I’ll tell them I’m a player and they don’t believe me,� Harman said. “I’ve had to park way out in the lot before.� That Bitzer and Harman aren’t immediately recognized as athletic stars on the CMU campus might not seem fair given their outstand-

w w w w w

%

David Kool (WMU) Jordan Bitzer (CMU) Tommy Freeman (Ohio) Armon Bassett (Ohio) Max Boudreau (Buffalo)

88.8 88.4 85.1 82.6 82.3

Rebounding woes The Chippewas played Thursday without leading rebounder Jalin Thomas, who sat out because of a back injury he suffered on a hard foul in CMU’s win against Tennessee State on Feb. 20. The result was a 34-21 rebounding disadvantage. “We need him desperately,� said Zeigler. “As badly as we need his toughness and his will to fight through, this is a kid that’s fought through and kept concussion-like symptoms to himself. I’m going to be very cognizant of not just putting him out there just to put him out there.� The Huskies, who snapped a 10-game losing streak, grabbed 17 offensive rebounds. CMU’s players at the power forward and center positions collected one rebound. “We’ve had some tough losses,� Zeigler said. “It was probably one of the most frustrating ones because of our lack of toughness. There was nothing tough about our team, particularly up front with our frontcourt players.� Thomas, who averages 5.3 rebounds per game, said he is feeling better and will try to play Saturday. “I’ve still got a lot of the tightness all over my back,� Thomas said. “A lot of it’s in the lower back area. I can’t push off of stuff and jump as well as I

ing play in the past four years. But they don’t seem too bothered by it. Their journey has been a long struggle for Division I recognition dating back to their high school days.

!

Lost in transition

‘You can’t play here.’ The words stung the 18-year-old Bitzer as he began his collegiate career. He had committed to CMU thanks to the confidence of former coach Jay Smith, who recruited the small town kid from Michigan’s Thumb. Then Smith resigned the job on May 11, 2006. As Bitzer began to make plans to move to campus, he was confident he could impress the new coach. Afterall, he was the Thumb’s main attraction at Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School. He led the school to a

A guards | 3b

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1. Robbie Harman 221 2. Giordan Watson ($ %-+,' +!-,$,C +,;+- = ' 6

+ (2004-08) 199 $

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Free Throw Percentage Player (team)

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Expected to do little, senior backcourt revives program

Career steals 1. Giordan Watson 203 4. Jordan Bitzer 168 5. Robbie Harman 158

Season 3-pointers made

1. Robbie Harman 93 Tommie Johnson (1987-88) 93 9. Jordan Bitzer 65

A wmu | 3b

Senior night Men’s8### basketball team plays 7 /##4 A) D &!C), C;$ 5 w C ?>4>@88"6##75 ?>4>@/#367793 its final home game at Rose +; * %) ;(+ &)-D 2)- G)*B (

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file photo by ashley miller file photo by matthew stephens ()* + ,+!- . ! $,. / 0 1"## $ Harman excelled 3456/5764#3" at Traverse City Central High School, Jordan Bitzer is a native of Unionville, a town of 2 the same high school as CMU great Dan Majerle. about 500 in Michigan’s Thumb area. ! + )- 2+ ! + / ! /##4 ! $

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w Women’s basketball team looks for bounce-back game after Toledo loss, 4B

sublets • roommates • lost & found • for sale • books • bikes • furniture • pets

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CentralMichiganLife

2B || Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

WARM-UP

track and field championships

FOR

Spring Break

Busch

16.99*

$

30 pk., 12 oz. cans file photo by sean proctor

Freshman Kevin Bacon leads the MAC in the long jump after jumping a distance of 24-1 1/2 last Friday at the Jack Skoog Open at the Jack Skoog Indoor Track in the Indoor Athletic Complex.

CMU prepares for conference meet By Josh Berenter Staff Reporter

Willie Randolph said he took the track and field and cross country coaching position at CMU specifically for weekends such as this one. The CMU men’s and women’s teams host the Mid-American Conference Championships starting at 10 a.m. today at the Jack Skoog Track in the Indoor Athletic Complex. The championships will conclude Saturday. “We’re going to go in there and put our best foot forward,” Randolph said, “and be competitive like we’ve been preaching all year long. This is a championship culture and a championship situation.” The MAC Championships is a team-scored competition with points awarded in the men’s competition to the top six finishers in each event ranging from 10 points to one. The women’s competition awards points to the top eight finishers. With every team from the MAC competing this weekend, Randolph said there is not one specific opponent to focus on, but Akron will be difficult to prepare for because CMU has not faced it this season.

Senior thrower Greg Pilling said he also expects a lot of competition from the Zips. “Akron is one of the stronger teams (in the conference),” he said. “(They are) emotionally and psychologically strong, but we are up to the challenge to fight for the No. 1 spot.” Athletes such as Pilling and senior jumper Erika Schroll, who will compete in their last indoor MAC Championships, said this weekend will be bittersweet. “This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to compete in front of a home audience,” Pilling said. “But, at the same time, it’s sad. This is the last time I’m going to compete indoors.” Schroll said she relishes the home atmosphere to conclude the indoor season. “It hasn’t sunk it yet that I’m a senior,” Schroll said. “It’s a significant thing going into a MAC meet at home and as a senior, so it’s pretty cool too.” Besides the senior leadership, Randolph said he expects several younger athletes to step up. The biggest underclassman contribution for CMU has been freshman Renaldo Powell. Powell has won the 60meter hurdles twice this season, and Randolph has rising expectations for the freshman. “He’s acting like a junior or senior now,” Randolph said. “He’s definitely one of the most consistent younger athletes

2009 Results Men Women 1. KSU 2. EMU 3. Akron 4. CMU 5. UB 6. - 7. - 8. - 9. - 10. - 11. 12. -

Akron KSU Miami (OH)* Buffalo* WMU UB CMU Ohio EMU Toledo BGSU NIU

we’ve had. Let’s see how he really holds his own.” The women’s team has not won the MAC indoor title since 2004, while the men won it in 2005. Notes Heading into the championships, senior Riak Mabil has the best time in the MAC in the 5,000-meter run (14 minutes, 26.10 seconds) and freshman Kevin Bacon leads the MAC in the long jump (24-1 1/2). Senior Marcus Breidinger is second in the pole vault (17-4 1/2). For the women, Schroll has paced the MAC in the high jump (5-11 1/2) and junior Shanaye Carr is first in the 60 hurdles (8.53). Senior Cara Dukes is third in the MAC in the 400 (55.76).

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w Received All-American honors for the discus in 2009. w Broke the school record in the discus (197 feet 2 inches) at the 2009 NCAA Mideast Regional. w Scored at the 2009 MAC Indoor Championship in the weight throw (58 feet 5 1/4 inches). w Competed with the Canadian National Team last summer. w Selected to the All-MAC Academic Team in 2009.

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w Won every competition she has competed in this year in the high jump. w Won her only appearance in the women’s pentathlon, will compete in both events at MAC Championships. w Leads the conference in the high jump (5 feet 11 1/2 inches). w Won the high jump at the 2009 MAC Championships (5 feet 7 3/4 inches). w Selected to the All-MAC Academic Team in 2009.

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men’s basketball

Seniors to play last game at Rose

continued from 1B

Division 7 state championship in football and appeared in three state title games in football and basketball. But that didn’t matter to new CMU coach Ernie Zeigler, who was hired at the end of June 2006. All Zeigler heard from other coaches was that Bitzer might not make it on the Division I level. Zeigler, faced with developing a program that had gone 4-24 in 2004-05, did not have the luxury of giving scholarships to players who might develop; he needed players immediately. Mark Gainforth, Bitzer’s high school coach and close family friend, accompanied Scott and Kim Bitzer to a meeting with Zeigler to discuss their son’s future. Gainforth tried to calm the fears of the apprehensive Bitzers, who did not have a positive feeling about the meeting. “I was wrong, because when they walked out, I said, ‘Hey, how’d it go?’ They all kind of looked up at the same time and I could tell there had been tears in their eyes,” Gainforth said. “They were right — that’s not the kind of meeting you want to have with your incoming coach.” Said Bitzer: “They basically tried to take my scholarship away. We got to the parking lot and my mom just bawled.” Because of NCAA rules, Bitzer had a choice to play for at least one year before his scholarship could be rescinded. The Bitzers had a decision to make. “He had his heart set on playing at Central,” said Scott Bitzer, Jordan’s father. “It was kind of like somebody just took his dream away.” Jordan called Zeigler a few days later. “I told him, ‘I want to prove myself to you,’” Jordan said. Out of shape Bitzer was a frequent visitor to garbage cans inside Rose Arena to vomit in the middle of Zeigler’s draining workouts. “I was huffing and puffing and gasping for air — it was not a fun time,” Bitzer said. “I was telling people, ‘This is not how I envisioned basketball to be.’ ” But Scott Bitzer said quitting was not an option for Jordan before or during the season. Jordan also felt some responsibility to continue for his small town. “I definitely didn’t want to be known as a quitter, that’s for sure,” he said. “That was definitely running through my mind.” Bitzer gradually worked his way into shape, but a stress fracture in his foot kept him out of the team’s first two games. On Nov. 19, 2006, however, his fortune changed. CMU trailed 42-26 late in the first half against Missouri-Kansas City. Desperately, Zeigler turned to Bitzer on the bench. After missing his first 3-point attempt, Bitzer made five of his next six shots — including a 3-pointer that gave CMU its first lead of the game. His 17 points led to CMU’s 85-68 win — Zeigler’s first home victory. Bitzer was a starter six games later. “It probably was one of the more special moments for he and I as a player and a coach — the beginning of a lot of special moments,” Zeigler said. Developing trust Four years later, Zeigler says he has since “profusely apologized” to the Bitzers and Gainforth for initially being reluctant to keep him at CMU. “I use Jordan Bitzer as a motivational discussion piece,” Zeigler said. “I’ve had guys that I’ve brought in that were so soft that they left because they couldn’t stand competing against Jordan Bitzer. I’m just truly blessed to have the opportunity to coach him.” Said Jordan: “After it was all said and done, he kind of came up and apologized and I thanked him for giving me the opportunity. Ever since then, our relationship has grown each and every year.” Zeigler fought to keep him enrolled after academic problems near the end of his sophomore season caused him to be ineligible for CMU’s first eight games. After getting back on track, Bitzer was eligible by the end of December. “It made me look in the mirror and re-evalute myself,” Bitzer said. “It made me cherish the things I have. I just really was just lazy and didn’t do the stuff I needed to do in the classroom.” Robbie, get up! Lynette Harman was a mom, coach and motivator to her five children as they grew up in Traverse City. As a single mother in charge of raising three girls and two boys, Lynette had a special

Central Michigan Life || Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 || 3B

[Sports]

Arena’s finale before offseason makeover By Daniel Monson Senior Reporter

file photo by matthew stephens

Senior forward Jordan Bitzer scored 12 points in CMU’s 53-38 win on Jan. 13 against Ball State at Rose Arena.

Jordan Bitzer Born: Sept. 6, 1987

Career highs

Points: 28 vs. EMU, Jan. 20, 2010 Rebounds: 10, twice Assists: 4, 10 times Steals: 6 vs. Ball State, Jan. 17, 2009 3-pointers made: 6 vs. Niagara, Dec. 23, 2006

Robbie Harman Born: Feb. 4, 1988

Career highs

Points: 31 at Ohio, Feb. 11 Rebounds: 6 vs. WMU, Feb. 14, 2007 Assists: 7 at Marquette, Dec. 2, 2008 Steals: 7 vs. Ferris State, Nov. 16, 2009 3-pointers made: 10 at Ohio, Feb. 11, 2010 bond with her children through athletics — but she was not about to take it easy on them — especially Robbie, her oldest son. “I never wanted to baby him,” she said. “I knew that was going to be important not to do. You can’t raise strong men if you baby them. Lynette coached Robbie and David, her youngest son who now is a walk-on kicker on CMU’s football team, until they reached middle school. She coached her daughters for 12 years. When she wasn’t coaching, she made her presence felt from the bleachers. “A lot of people laughed at me sitting in the stands at basketball games or football games. He’d be down on the floor and I’d say, ‘Robbie, get up!’ ” Said Zeigler: “Lynette is really a free spirit — very emotional and caring. Robbie plays with a lot of that emotion he’s been able to ascertain from his mom.” Because Robbie’s three older sisters played basketball, he was around high school athletes his whole life. One time, he wandered onto the court during one of their games and started shooting baskets on the other end. The game was halted, but Robbie didn’t want to stop. Robbie developed a toughness that later would help him embody Zeigler’s “think tough, be tough” philosophy. After hurting his shoulder during his junior year of football, Robbie shook it off and practiced for three more days, catching passes against his chest. After the pain didn’t subside, Lynette took him to the hospital for X-rays. He had a broken collarbone. Robbie’s mental toughness also was tested during his high school years. His father, Tom Harman, lived near St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula throughout his childhood because he and Lynette divorced when Robbie was in elementary school. In 2002, Tom decided to move back to Traverse City to be closer to his children. But only a year later, he went to the hospital with what he thought was pneumonia. It wasn’t. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. He died only a few months later — right before Robbie’s sophomore high school basketball season. “Basketball tryouts were just about to start when my dad passed away and it was a good place for me to go — I could just go play basketball and just

not think about it,” Robbie said. “That was a real big part of me getting through it so well.” As Tom was in the hospital dying with Lynette by his side, he told her Robbie would be successful — and she would have a role in that. A perfect fit Harman was not heavily recruited at the Division I level, even though at Traverse City Central High School, where he was a Class A all-state selection in baseball, basketball and football, leading each of those teams to conference titles. “I wanted to prove everybody wrong, so I reached out to Jay Smith and self-recruited myself here,” he said. Harman’s early role in practice as a walk-on was to pass the ball to teammate and All-MAC point guard Giordan Watson. “Coach Zeigler told me later, it didn’t take him long to figure out that Robbie was the hardest worker on the team,” Lynette Harman said. He went from what he called an “expendable” walk-on to someone Zeigler used to exemplify his coaching philosophy. “When he got to Central, all he knew was just to work hard,” said Watson, who now plays professionally in Germany. “To sort of see him grow up is kind of cool that he’s having this success now. It’s just a testament to where hard work will get you.” After his sophomore season, he was rewarded with a scholarship that Lynette had pushed for when Zeigler was hired. “After he earned his scholarship, he did not become satisfied — he still kept getting better,” Zeigler said. “Now, he’s one of the top players in our conference.” Final shot Zeigler credits Bitzer and Harman with getting CMU basketball back to respectability in the MAC. “In year one, we were just trying not to be the laughing stock of the league anymore,” he said. “Bitzer and Robbie and those guys came in when there was zero respect for Central Michigan.” One or the other has led CMU in scoring in 22 of the team’s 27 games this season. And their relationship with their head coach has never been stronger. “It’s weird looking back on it now because we feel we have a really good relationship with him now — we love him, he loves us,” Harman said. “In fact, I know he loves us — this year he screamed it out in practice.” The duo’s slow-developing relationship has turned into a friendship that translates to their unselfishness on the court. Ask either who the better 3-point shooter is, and they point to the other. “I don’t know if we got along the best when we first got here,” Harman said. “I thought he was weird and he thought I was weird.” Four years later, they have an unmatched chemistry in the backcourt and off the court. “I think they’re best friends at this point,” said Scott Bitzer, Jordan’s father. “There are times out on the court when I think they play like they’ve been playing their whole lives together.” Zeigler chooses not to think about what life will be like without the duo in the backcourt. “I don’t want to think about it right now,” he said. sports@cm-life.com

Four seniors will close their home careers and play the final regular-season basketball game Saturday at Rose Arena against their arch-rival. Jordan Bitzer (Unionville), Brandon Ford (Petrolia, Ontario), Robbie Harman (Traverse City) and Chris Kellermann (O’Fallon, Ill.) likely will get the start at noon against Western Michigan. Because of Wednesday night’s 67-65 loss at Northern Illinois, Zeigler said he has not yet decided on the starting lineup. “It’s going to be filled with a lot of the emotion, especially with it being the last game in the gym,” Kellermann said. “That’s where we go, that’s where we pretty much made ourselves as players. It’s going to mean a lot to get that win, especially against our rival on our home court. I know our seniors our going to be pumped up for it.” CMU still could host a firstround tournament game at Rose if it does not win the MidAmerican Conference West Division, but construction already has begun on CMU’s new Events Center, scheduled to be ready for basketball in November. “I’m very excited about the new events center next season,” said junior forward Jalin Thomas. “I think it’s going to

WMU | continued from 1B

usually can. Sitting out was just too tough. Even if I’m not 100 percent, which I may not be, I still plan on playing regardless.” The rematch The Broncos (15-13) beat

bring in a lot of people.” Bumpy journey Kellermann and Ford are in their fifth seasons. The pair experienced CMU’s 4-24 overall season in 2005-06 under former coach Jay Smith, which included a 1-17 MAC record and no home conference wins. Smith resigned in May 2006 and Ernie Chris Kellermann Zeigler was hired a month later. Zeigler led CMU to a 13-18 record in his first season and a tie for third in the MAC West Division with a 7-9 record. In 2007-08, they improved to 8-8 in the MAC and 14-17 overall to tie for second in the division. Last season, Zeigler and the Chippewas tied for first place in the division with a 7-9 record and 12-19 overall mark. At 13-14 and 7-7 this season, the Chippewas have a chance to finish with their first winning record since 2003-04 if they win their final two games. “They represent the ups and downs we’ve been through in past four years,” Zeigler said. “Hopefully the culmination of that will allow of us to be able to reflect on all of these times we’ve had and feel good about what they’ve been able to accomplish.” Senior support All of the seniors are expecting a sizeable group of friends and family to make the trip Toledo 61-41 on the road Wednesday led by 6-foot-5 senior guard Martelle McLemore, who scored 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting. He made four 3-pointers and took the scoring load from senior guard David Kool, whose 20.8 average leads the MAC. Kool had two points on 1-of-4 shooting against Toledo, but scored 17 when WMU beat CMU 70-61 on

to Mount Pleasant, with the largest contingent likely to be Bitzer’s group of supporters from the Unionville-Sebewaing Thumb area. “Bitzer’s probably got his whole town coming,” said Kellermann, who expects 15-20 people to make the trip. Mark Gainforth, Bitzer’s high school coach, said it will be an emotional moment — especially because of the amount of people who followed Bitzer’s career in the Thumb. “The feel that he gave the community — we can say, ‘Hey, we’re from Unionville, Michigan,” Gainforth said. “We all became a part of his success. Jordan carried the weight in a such a way that was maturity beyond his years. “He had the attention of the entire Thumb and sometimes that attention draws the negativity out of a person. That’s why I think he has such a following — always appreciative, always took time to talk to the people who would stay after games.” Lynette Harman, Robbie’s mother, said it will be a sad occasion. She said two of Robbie’s older sisters who will not be able to make it are getting a group of 25 people together to watch the game at a bar in southern California. “I’ll cry,” Lynette said. “I’ve had a lot of senior walks with Robbie. I’ve walked out on high school senior football games, baseball games, basketball games. It’s an emotional time because another chapter of the book is over.” sports@cm-life.com

Jan. 16 in Kalamazoo. “A lot of their role players stepped up last game,” Thomas said. “As long as we can shut them down, that will prove well for us. If (Kool)’s got to do all the scoring, then we can live with that. We’ve just got to make sure the rest of the guys are held in check.” sports@cm-life.com

4B || Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

[Sports]

cm-life.com/category/sports

Women look to rebound after Toledo loss Chippewas travel to Kalamazoo as season unwinds By Aaron McMann Staff Reporter

The CMU women’s basketball team travels to Kalamazoo at noon Saturday to play rival Western Michigan, hoping to rebound from Wednesday’s deflating loss against Toledo. CMU (11-15, 8-6 MAC) beat WMU 74-65 in the teams’ first meeting Jan. 16 at Rose Arena. Senior guard Britni Houghton led the team with a game-high 23 points, while junior guard Shonda Long added 17. WMU (7-20, 2-12 MAC) comes off a 65-52 loss Wednesday at Eastern Michigan. The Broncos have lost four consecutive and 15 of their last 17 games. “We have to regroup and get some momentum going into the (MAC) tournament,” said coach Sue Guevara. “This team has come a long way and it is very resilient.” The Broncos are led by sophomore Miame Giden, who averages 14.4 points per game.

Junior forward Ebony Cleary had one of her best games of the season against CMU in the teams’ previous meeting, scoring 19 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. “Rebounding and defending Ebony Cleary is going to be really big,” Guevara said. “Knowing where their shooters are and getting out and contesting wide-open 3-pointers — that’s what we really have to focus on for Saturday.” Deflating loss CMU saw its division title hopes fade after a 77-68 loss Wednesday against Toledo at Rose Arena. The loss snapped a ninegame home winning streak and moved the Chippewas into third place in the West Division. As it currently stands, CMU will still host a first-round game in the conference tournament. Breakdowns in perimeter defense halted CMU’s momentum, leaving shooters open and allowing Toledo to hit back-to-back 3-pointers twice late in the second half. “We got lost on getting out for the shooters,” said junior forward Kaihla Szunko. “(There were) a couple confusions that really hurt us.

gymnastics

CMU looks to separate from Huskies in MAC Teams have similar records despite wide differential in scores By Nick Conklin Staff Reporter

The CMU gymnastics team has not been at the same level as Northern Illinois since Jan. 15. The Huskies (6-3, 2-2 MidAmerican Conference), just one meet behind CMU (8-2, 2-1 MAC) in the standings, peaked last week at 192.775 in a tri-meet at Kent State. Meanwhile, CMU has beaten that score in five consecutive weeks, scoring more than a point better in four of those five. It looks to continue that trend when it travels to Northern Illinois at 3 p.m. Sunday in DeKalb, Ill. The in- Britney Taylor creases are part of what CMU coach Jerry Reighard calls a progressive program — constantly getting better within the year and from season to season. “That’s the reputation we have here,” he said. “In the collegiate world, you’re either a maintenance program or progressive program.” The team improved from a 191.65 in the first meet of the season and a 192.275 in the second. The Matchup The Chippewas have compiled a 31-8 all-time record against NIU. Their two MAC victories came against Western Michigan and Ball State. Previously this season, CMU beat WMU twice. The team competes against Ball State on March 13. The Huskies rely on junior Holly Reichard, who posted three scores of 9.7 or higher in the team’s last meet against Kent State and Rutgers. She sits in sixth place in the all-around category in the league with a high score of 39.0 against Ball State. She ranks fourth in the MAC on the balance beam after a 9.825 effort against BSU. CMU has been inconsistent on the balance beam. It averages 47.793 and scored as low as 47.250 (Kent State), but peaked at 48.775 (State of Michigan Classic). Following a three-fall rotation against Kent State, the lineup rebounded last weekend at home and posted a 48.525 on the event. Senior Katie Simon and freshman Britney Taylor led the team with matching scores of 9.8. Taylor said her focus against NIU will be on the small details and having a well-rounded routine. “I want to be more consistent on everything and not

What’s on tap Up next: 3 p.m. Sunday at Northern Illinois

Who’s hot: Senior Katie Simon won the all-around last week with a 38.85, scoring a 9.8 or higher in all but one rotation.

Notes: The balance beam lineup recorded just one fall against WMU, compared to three the week before. take anything for granted,” she said. The team swept all four events last weekend, including season-highs on the floor exercise (48.975) and on the vault (48.925). Sophomore Kristin Teubner finished in second place on the vault with a 9.85. Her 9.875 on the floor exercise helped propel the Chippewas to victory in the rotation. She said the floor is one event she feels can be a continued success for the team. But the main goal for the upcoming weekend is hitting the score of 196. “We’re going to keep focusing on getting a tenth better, and getting to that 196 score,” Teubner said. Senior Success Simon was recently named to the American Athletic Award Ballot, which honors the best senior gymnast in the nation. As one of 18 national nominees, she is the only CMU gymnast to have been named to the ballot. The voting will commence in March behind a panel of six NCAA judges. Simon holds the MAC lead on the vault (9.875), while placing second on the uneven bars (9.9) an fourth in the allaround (39.175). Postseason The top 35 programs in the national earn a bid for their regional tournaments. Central sits in the 27th slot, behind a regional qualifying score of 193.605, ranking first in the MAC. freshmen The team now has three freshmen in every lineup except the balance beam, which has two. Taylor competes as an all-arounder, while Emily LaFontaine and Kari Dieffenderfer are in two lineups. Bailey Brumbach is a specialist on the floor exercise and Darrian Tissenbaum is a specialist on the vault. Brumbach, who has been in and out of the floor exercise lineup, scored a 9.7 last week against WMU. sports@cm-life.com

cm-life.com Staff Reporter John Evans thinks the team can turn the Toledo loss into a positive. We just struggled.” After CMU took a 52-48 lead with 7:43 remaining, its biggest lead of the game, Toledo fought back and took a 62-56 lead with 3-pointers on consecutive possessions from Clare Aubry and Jessica Williams. “It was a game of momentum,” Guevara said. “And Toledo had more momentum. We couldn’t get anything Kaihla Szunko going.” To l e d o opened leads of eight and nine points early in the game and CMU responded with a defensive flurry, forcing turnovers and keeping the game close before trailing 28-27 at halftime. Houghton scored 17 points, tying Carla Sterk for second place all-time in points scored at CMU with 1,539. Toledo went 11-of-22 from beyond the 3-point line and shot 55.1 percent for the

What’s on tap Up next: Saturday at Western Michigan

Who’s hot: Senior forward Britni Houghton scored 17 points in the team’s loss against Toledo. She is now tied for second place on the CMU all-time scoring list with 1,539.

Notes: The team shot 50 percent from 3-point range against Toledo. However, it was outrebounded 31-25 by the Broncos. game, compared to CMU’s 41.8. Tanika Mays scored a game-high 23 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range. “It’s a disappointment and everyone is pretty upset about it, but we can’t let it affect us,” Szunko said. “We’re too close to the end of the season to let it affect our game.” sports@cm-life.com

matthew stephens/senior photographer

Senior forward Britni Houghton scored 17 points in Wednesday’s loss against Toledo at Rose Arena. She is now tied for second place in the CMU all-time scoring list (1,539).

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