MArch 26, 2010

reforming state education, 5A

gymnastics | Team prepares for MAC Championships, 1B

Football players use Pro Day to impress NFL scouts, 1B

Central Michigan Life

Friday, March 26, 2010

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

Help Desk adds Web assistance

Landline phones staying in halls

Analysts can remotely fix computer problems

By Connor Sheridan Senior Reporter

SGA discussed removal, but savings not enough

By Tony Wittkowski Staff Reporter

Some may consider landline phones a thing of the past.

But they will remain in residence hall rooms at Central Michigan University.

CMU’s Student Government Association has been discussing the value of landline phones in students’ rooms at a time when cellular phones are the everyday norm.

“A lot of students don’t use them anymore,” said Jason Nichol, SGA President and a Mount Pleasant senior. “We are one of the few schools that still have phones like these.”

However, Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life, said cutting the phones would not save much money.

The cost per phone line is about $14.30, including courtesy, desk and room phones, he said.

“They’re the best way of communication,” Holtgreive said. “The phone lines running through campus aren’t going away.”

Mark McDonald, the director of networks for information technology, said because of low costs, there is no reason to cut the phones.

“The current cost, at this point in time, is not very much,” he said. “Getting rid of the phones would have no savings next to no cost.”

McDonald said it only takes four or five people to maintain the phones throughout the year.

Many students rely on cell phones, so the landlines are mostly used for long-distance calling. The university has saved on those costs, McDonald said.

“We own the phone system that’s used,” Holtgreive said. “So we’re not at the whim of any outside sources.”

Brittany Mouzourakis, SGA vice president and Garden City senior, said SGA will continue to look at different options to replace landline phones and save the university money.

Colleen McNeely, a Brighton freshman and SGA Historian, said after talking to Holtgrieve, the group is still interested in trying to save money through the phone lines.

“We would like to get financial reports from Mark McDonald to see how much we can save students, because students are what we’re interested in,” she said.

The safety of landlines The safety of students also is an issue.

A LANDLINE Phones | 2A

photos by nathan Kostegian/staff photographer

Hundreds of college students from universities across the state picketed the elimination of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and budget cuts for higher education Thursday at the Capitol Building Legislative Office in Lansing.

Students: ‘Bail us out’

New options are available for Central Michigan University students, faculty and staff wrestling with computer troubles.

The CMU Help Desk introduced “Help Desk Chat,” a new online support feature, on March 10 on the CMU Portal.

Users can now talk with Help Desk analysts through an instant messenger-like interface from anywhere with an internet connection.

“It will help us deliver better support through traditional methods,” said Duane Kleinhardt, manager of information technology communications.

The tool also allows analysts to ask for permission to take control of the user’s computer, whether it is a PC, Mac, Linux or even a BlackBerry.

With permission granted, users can watch as the analyst navigates through and works on their computer or can be guided through the process by an analyst-controlled indicator.

Many problems Help Desk customers drop off their computers for can now be effectively resolved online, Kleinhardt said.

The service is available across nearly all network connections and has even been successfully used between different continents, said Derek Leib, assistant manager at the Help Desk.

Leib said remote support is particularly useful for CMU students off campus who are unable to instantly A chat | 2A

What’s on

About 300 protest higher-education cuts at Capitol

the Web

VIDEO

By David Veselenak Online Editor

See cm-life.com for excerpts of speeches.

L

ANSING — Ashley Chaplain is not the first person in her family to be politically active.

“My grandmother’s 82, and she’s still protesting,” the Wixom junior said Thursday while protesting higher-education budget cuts. “I voted for change, and that’s what I want.”

Chaplain was one of about 300 college students in Lansing to picket the elimination of the Michigan Promise Scholarship and budget cuts for higher education.

The Promise scholarship provided $4,000 to students attending at least

“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” said Wixom junior Ashley Chaplain, 26. Chaplain was one of many CMU students who traveled to Lansing to Thursday to support higher education. “I voted for change, and that’s what I want,” Chaplain said.

a two-year institution, but was cut from the state budget this fiscal year.

Students from as far as Michigan Technological

University in Houghton and as close as Michigan State University in East Lansing marched to show support for funding.

Chanting “bail us out,” and “no cuts, no fees, education should be free,” students marched down Michigan Avenue from the Lansing Center to the state Capitol, where legislators and student government leaders from around the state made speeches.

“The Senate is the first one to have the budget,” said Antonio Cosme, director of political action for student government at Eastern Michigan Uni-

cm-life.com A look at what you can find off the printed pages

Live

Chat!

Mouzourakis

Agnello

JOIN US at cm-life.com for live interviews with SGA presidential candidates Brittany Mouzourakis (8 p.m.

Monday) and Evan Agnello (8 p.m. Wednesday)!

A protest | 2A

Gov. Granholm appoints three Trustees to CMU board Edmonds, Kelley start in 2011; Wardrop starts immediately

By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

Gov. Jennifer Granholm appointed three new members to Central Michigan University’s Board of Trust-

ees on Wednesday.

Ronald C. Edmonds, vice president and controller of The Dow Chemical Co., will succeed Trustee Gail Torreano, and Kevin F. Kelley, director of senior and veterans services for Wayne County, will succeed Trustee Stephanie Comai, currently Chairwoman. Both will begin in January 2011 and have terms that last through December 2018.

Granholm also appointed Robert F. Wardrop II, presi-

FINAL WEEKEND! Central Michigan

INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL8 March 19 - 2

dent and attorney with Wardrop & Wardrop P.C. in Grand Rapids, to succeed Trustee Jacqueline Garrett, who has resigned.

Steve Smith, director of public relations, said Garrett resigned in July 2009 for health reasons.

Wardrop will complete the remainder of Garrett’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2014.

“It was wonderful,” Garrett said, reflecting on her

time spent on the Board of Trustees. “It’s just something that I had to do.”

Wardrop’s new term will begin immediately.

“We certainly will contact (Wardrop) and invite him to the next meeting and all the subsequent meetings as well,” Comai said.

Comai said Granholm can reappoint current members of the board to a new term or hand positions to new people.

CAPITALISM: A Love Story FRI., Mar. 26 @ 4pm SAT., Mar. 26 @ 12pm Celebration! Cinema Mt. Pleasant

“It’s the Governor’s prerogative,” Comai said. “(We) appreciate her appointments.”

The university is facing some tight budget times with decreasing state funding expected, she said.

“We have an outstanding new President (George Ross),” Comai said. “(We) will be in steady hands as he leads the university.”

Meet the trio w Robert F. Wardrop II*, president and attorney with Wardrop & Wardrop P.C. in Grand Rapids w Ronald C. Edmonds, vice president and controller of The Dow Chemical Co. w Kevin F. Kelley, director of senior and veterans services for Wayne County * - Begins immediately

university@cm-life.com

PIRATE RADIO

FILM GEEK

FRI., Mar. 26 @ 7pm SUN., Mar. 28 @ 4pm Celebration! Cinema

SAT., Mar. 27 @ 7pm SUN., Mar. 28 @ 7pm Broadway Theatre Downtown Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF FILMS, SEE PAGE 3B

2A || Friday, March 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

Today w A surplus sale begins at noon in Lot 1 at the corner of Bellows and Douglas streets. w A Frontiers in Advanced Materials seminar with Jeff Klauda from the University of Maryland begins at 1 p.m. in Dow 107. w “Working: A Musical” premieres at 7:30 p.m. in Moore Hall’s Theater-on-the-side.

Saturday w A 5k run benefitting LiveSTRONG begins at 10 a.m. in Powers Hall 136. The run costs $10 pre-race and $12 the morning of the race. w A CMU Brass Band Concert starts at 8 p.m. in the Music Building’s Staples Family Concert Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Sunday w The Mid Michigan Model Train Show and Flea Market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Finch Fieldhouse 110.

Corrections On Wednesday’s Voices page, Patrick Haggerty should have been identified as a Mount Pleasant resident, not as Intercollegiate Athletics Director.

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 70

chat | continued from 1A

access support technicians.

“This way, they can enjoy the technical expertise available to main campus,” Leib said.

Though Leib is excited for the tool’s potential, he said he is sympathetic for the concerns some users may have in handing over their computer’s controls to a distant technician.

The remote support feature displays a prominent “cancel” button and completely uninstalls the support application from the computer when terminated, he said.

Kleinhardt said the Help Desk staff is trained to provide support for the tool’s new features.

“It makes it easier on us, and it makes it easier on the

protest | continued from 1A

versity. “Their budget has a 40 percent decrease in education.

They burned through all the funding the federal government gave us.”

State Rep. Joan Bauer, DLansing, and chairwoman of the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, said she will work to bring funding back to higher education.

“It is time to reverse this horrible trend and invest in education,” she said.

Central Michigan University received about $2.4 million last year in stimulus money. Earlier this week, the Senate approved a 3.1 percent budget cut to public universities, which would result in a $2,584,400 reduction for CMU. Student Government Association Vice President Brittany Mouzourakis spoke to the crowd as well. It was her first

New economic group could replace Union Twp. DDAs Up to $2.745 million in well site upgrades coming

By Maryellen Tighe Senior Reporter

Consolidation of Union Township’s two Downtown Development Authorities is being considered by local government officials.

Township Supervisor John Barker presented his idea for a combined body to replace the DDAs at Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting.

“Union Township is of the size that we need to streamline many things,” Barker said.

DDAs construct partnerships between public and private entities to spur economic growth in an area.

The township’s east and west DDAs were the topic of another recent meeting, during which trustees considered putting both on the chopping block. Officials have been concerned with the method of funding for DDAs — capturing taxes.

But the township’s DDAs could be replaced by the Union Township Economic Development Authority, Barker said. The EDA would be responsible for the area within the previous DDAs,

customer,” said Chris Zamplas, a Novi sophomore and Help Desk analyst.

The remote support software was developed by Bomgar Corporation and paid for by an $180,000 award from the CMU 2010 Vision Fund.

New way to register The new Course Search and Registration tool will be available starting today from iCentral and the CMU portal, Kleinhardt said.

“You’ll be able to build your schedule Friday, and register with one click when registration is open,” he said.

New features include sorting courses by professor or time slot, scheduling conflict detection and automatic resolution, and a “keyword search” allowing students to find classes by topic and overall program.

The old Course Search and Registration tool will still be available at least until the new one can be made compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Kleinhardt said.

High 43/Low 25 Sunny

time speaking at a rally that size, she said.

“I definitely thought about that this morning,” the Garden City senior said.

Mouzourakis said she was severely affected with the elimination of the Michigan Promise. In addition, she said she was a recipient of the United Auto Workers Ford scholarship, which also was cut before school started in August.

“Their choice to rescind this scholarship, in combination with the broken Promise from the state of Michigan, has resulted in me having to look elsewhere to cover my $5,000 in scholarships,” she told the crowd.

Chaplain said although it was cold — temperatures hovered in the low 40s — the weather did not get in the way of protesting.

“I’ll stand out here in the cold. I’ll stand out for this,” she said. “This is nothing.” university@cm-life.com

0 percent chance of precipitation

Saturday High 54/Low 32 Partly Cloudy

20 percent chance of precipitation

Sunday High 54/Low 28 Few Showers

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Paige Calamari/staff photographer

Shepherd junior Kate Caszatt checks shelves Wednesday morning in the Charles V. Park Library. Caszatt was born with Turner Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects physical development in women. “The only real way it affects me is height,” Caszatt said. “You just get used to adjusting.”

be worth the investment, Trustee John Verwey said.

Other investments in economic development groups have not worked well for the township.

“Now you’re saying we’re going to have another economic development group, and I just wonder what it’s going to cost us and what we’re going to get,” Verwey said.

The board of the new EDA would be appointed by the current Board of Trustees. Barker recommended the appointment of several individuals, including Carol Churchill, president

30 percent chance of precipitation

of Mid Michigan Community College, and Marty Figg, grounds and maintenance director at the Riverwood Resort.

No official decision was made Wednesday regarding the proposal.

Other business Union Township is likely facing its last summer with water restrictions, Kim Smith, the township’s Public Works coordinator, said at Wednesday’s meeting.

Up to $2.745 million in well site upgrades will be financed by Isabella County,

Landline phones | continued from 1A

If something were to happen on campus and calls needed to be made, people may not answer their cell phones, McDonald said.

He said the phones in the residence halls would not have this problem. “(The phones) are directly connected to the natural infrastructure,” McDonald said. “They all have a wired connection to the police department or 911.”

In case of an emergency, faculty and administration can use phones as a way of

getting in touch with students.

Emmons Hall Director Nathan Tomson said he stopped using the phones and contacts students through email.

“I don’t think people use them,” Tomson said. “Although the phones are a good way to ensure safety if someone is injured.”

Landline phones are the most secure and reliable way to reach students on campus and some costs are worth overall safety, Holtgreive said.

she said. The county will retain ownership of the project until the bonds are paid off, which could take 20 years, but the contract allows the township to retain control of the system.

“The resolution will sell bonds in the amount that we need,” Smith said. “We can pay this bond back earlier without penalty.”

Bids for the project will be reviewed April 6 and a decision for the company will be made at the April 14 Board of Trustees meeting. metro@cm-life.com

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which will maintain separate budgets and activities, and also propose suggestions for the whole area of Union Township.

Getting rid of the DDAs could result in a lack of follow-through on current projects, Treasurer Pam Stovak said. She has not heard any complaints about the DDAs except for an occasional lack of communication.

“Take the current DDAs and let them operate as they have for 20 years,” she said.

“They can each then focus on their specific area and their specific needs.”

The EDA may overlap with the $10,000 contract Union Township already has with the Middle Michigan Development Corporation, Stovak said.

The MMDC would be working in central Michigan to retain and grow the jobs already here, MMDC President Brian Anderson said.

“It’s very hard to attract companies from out of the country or out of the state,” he said. “(We are) planting some nice roots and having that flourish into companies that create jobs.”

The MMDC brings a higher level of expertise than the EDA will, Barker said. And the MMDC is better connected for grant requests.

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A

Friday, March 26, 2010

Health care reconciliation bill approved in House If enacted, would add $60 billion to reform law

By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

The U.S. House of Representatives approved its health care reconciliation bill for a second time Thursday in a

220-207 vote.

The bill, originally approved Sunday in the House with the now enacted health care law, was put before the U.S. Senate this week. The Senate approved an altered version of the reconciliation bill in a 56-43 vote, after identifying two violations involving Pell Grant spending.

According to published reports, the grant spending would not immediately affect the fed-

eral budget, making the provisions ineligible to be included.

The reconciliation bill was drawn up to persuade leery House Democrats on Sunday to approve the Senate’s version of the health care bill, which President Barack Obama signed into law Tuesday.

“It has to pass both houses in the exact same version,” said Jayne Strachan, assistant political science professor. “There has

to be a reconciliation, usually a subcommittee with members from both (houses), and then they’ll reconcile their language and then it has to go back and be approved in both houses.”

Public reports show the bill would add more than $60 billion to the $875 billion health care reform law enacted Tuesday, expanding insurance subsidies for middle- and lower-income families and Medicare’s prescription

drug benefit.

House Democrats were expected to approve the bill despite Republican efforts to use parliamentary rules to impede the process with the hopes of killing its passage, some have argued.

“Since (the health care bill) passed, all the Republicans have been doing is trying to A health | 5A

Wheels turn in search for associate deans

The candidates w

w

w

w

Associate Dean of Student Affairs: Robert Satonik, Stephen Peterson and Mala R. Chinoy Associate Dean of Administration and Finance: John Cookinham, Lawrence Mathews and Deborah Biggs Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs and Hospital Relations: Carl Sirio, Richard Pomerantz and John Chessare Associate Dean of Medical Education and Faculty Development: Undetermined

By Emily Grove Staff Reporter

Christi Brookes knows a thing or two about “The Scarlet Letter.”

Brookes, an assistant professor of foreign languages, literatures and cultures, has been working on a book she co-authored, titled “The French Face of Nathaniel Hawthorne.” The book has been in the works since she finished her dissertation and began her career at Central Michigan University around 2004.

Community grant

The Seung-Ni Fit Club, 2217 S. Mission St., is offering free Zumba classes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and April 6, open to the community. Each participant also will receive a pass to attend two other Seung-Ni classes for free. Those classes include Body Sculpt, Aerobic Kickboxing, Plyo Pump and Hardcore. For more information, contact the Seung-Ni Fit Club at 798-6455.

Wilderness First Aid Course

photos by matthew stephens/Senior photographer

Commerce Township senior Justin Rydzewski shakes the hands of Magatte Wade, right, and Michael Strong, left, after winning the Inspire Michigan! competition Wednesday.

Rydzewski won for his entrepreneurial idea “Downtown for a Pint,” a free outdoor concert featuring bands which brings business to downtown Mount Pleasant and helps raise money for the American Red Cross.

Get inspired ‘Downtown for a Pint’ wins social entrepreneurship contest

By Michael L. Hoffman Staff Reporter

M

i c h i g a n’s economic future may seem bleak

to many.

But the 15 students who pitched ideas to Michael Strong and Magatte Wade on Wednesday in the Education and Human Services Building’s French Auditorium have fresh pathways in mind for innovation.

Strong is the co-founder, CEO and chief visionary officer of FLOW, an entrepreneur organization, and Wade created Adina World Beat Beverages.

The duo judged the students based on original ideas for how to improve the social and economic climate of Michigan through social entrepreneurship for “Inspire Michigan!”

“Social entrepreneurship is initiating a business, either nonprofit or for-profit, that has a social impact in the community,” said Strong, also the author of “Be the Solution”.

“You could even call it ‘Social Impact Entrepreneurship.’”

Commerce Township senior Justin Rydzewski won the contest for proposing the idea of bringing back “Downtown for a Pint.”

He won $500, to be put in a business account, and a domain name for a Web site.

“Downtown for a Pint” is a free benefit concert that Rydzewski, along with other members of the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, created last year. The event takes place in downtown Mount Pleasant and features live music, raffles, food and games with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross.

Another goal of the concert is to introduce new people to the downtown area that may be unfamiliar with it, Rydzewski said.

“Downtown is the heart of Mount Pleasant, and many people don’t know where it even is,” he said.

Wade said she liked Rydzewski’s idea best because it has the potential for “universal replication

The book is about the French views and criticism of American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, best known for writing “The Scarlet Letter.”

“It’s actually a story about plagiarism,” Brookes said. “Famous English writer Henry James basically plagiarized the French critics’ views of Nathaniel Hawthorne and this follows the literary sources of that criticism.”

Brookes was one of five recipients of Excellence in Teaching Awards that CMU handed out earlier this month.

Brookes, who also was named the 2010 recipient of the Lorrie Ryan Memorial Teaching Award, said she

The American Red Cross is holding a Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course. The 16-hour course for parks and recreation staff who work in remote environments an hour or more from EMS response. The courses will be offered in May and June. Participants must be at least 14 years of age and possess current certification in adult CPR/AED. Individuals also can train to become a Wilderness and Remote First Aid instructor. Topics in the wilderness training include head, neck and spinal injuries, hypothermia, heat-related emergencies and altitude-related illnesses, among others. For more information, contact Health & Safety at the Central Michigan Chapter at 773-3615 ext. 1, or go online to centralmichigan.redcross.org.

Fight poverty with music

Six local artists will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. today at Kaya Coffee & Tea, 1029 S. University St., to raise money to fight local poverty. Donations decide which artist wins.

Benefit concert

Magatte Wade of Adina World Beat Beverages, a multi-million dollar beverage company that sells culturally authentic beverages from diverse nations around the world, and Michael Strong, chief executive officer and chief visionary officer of FLOW, judged the Inspire Michigan! Wednesday night in the French Auditorium.

across America.”

“It can easily be done in any city in the country,” she said. “This is a great way to bring business to struggling cities.”

Strong said he has total confidence Rydzewski will succeed.

“He really has something going on,” Strong said.

Other ideas The contest saw a diverse range of ideas, including connecting high school students with elementary

schoolers, establishing healthy habits early in life and continuing sustainable gardening on campus property.

Strong and Wade said the contest was judged on the quality of presentations, the ideas’ practicality and the contestants’ devotion to their plans.

“Social entrepreneurship is important to local communities like Mount Pleasant,” Strong said. studentlife@cm-life.com

Professor penning novel, wins award Other instructors recognized by CMU

Students who wish to withdraw from a class with an automatic “W” need to do so by 5 p.m. today. Withdrawal cards can be turned into the Registrar’s Office in Warriner Hall 212, or the Student Service Court in the Bovee University Center, and must have an instructor’s signature.

No individual withdrawals will be accepted after today.

Free Zumba classes

By Lonnie Allen Staff Reporter

A Dean | 6A

Course withdrawal deadline

The Union Township Board of Trustees approved budget additions for the implementation of the Energy Community Development Block Grant on Wednesday.

The project will fund three wind spires, which are wind-powered electricity generators. Two will go to the wastewater treatment plant, 4511 E. River Road, and the other will be at the Union Township Hall, 2010 S. Lincoln Road.

college of medicine

The search for associate deans for the College of Medicine is progressing.

Incoming dean Ernest Yoder will participate in the hiring process, but it will take some time, said Darby Gwisdala, special assistant to the provost. She could not comment on when the hiring would happen.

“The wheels of justice grind slowly,” she said.

Steve Smith, director of Public Relations, said Yoder has been unavailable because he is traveling abroad.

Yoder was named inaugural dean March 16. Interim College of Medicine Dean Cam Enarson declined the position in January for personal reasons.

CMU continued searches for the associate dean positions before Yoder was officially named dean of the college.

In a previous interview, Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe, chairman of the search committee for the associate dean of Student Affairs, said the associate dean searches could not stop because most of the committees had already chosen candidates to come to campus.

Roscoe said he is in the final steps of submitting the recommendations of his committee’s search to Interim Provost Gary Shapiro.

“My understanding is once the provost receives the information we submit, then he will meet with the new dean (Yoder),” Roscoe said.

“I believe the two will hold discussions before an associate dean is named.”

Barrie Wilkes, associate vice president of Financial Services and Reporting and chairman of the search

[Life in brief]

BCA career fair

Central Michigan University students and residents can meet a variety of broadcast and cinematic arts professionals at a career fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda. Those interested also can learn more about electronic media career options. For more information, contact Lori Rathje at 774-3851 or rathj1l@cmich.edu.

Bowling fundraiser

Pins for Possibilities, a bowling fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society, will take place from 9 to 11 p.m. Sunday at Riverwood Lanes, 1313 E. Broomfield Road. Registration is $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door, and includes two games, shoes and pizza.

There will be raffles and drawings throughout the night. For more information, contact Lindsay Ostin at 810-488-0103 or pinsforpossibilites@gmail.com.

learns a lot from her students.

“My first reaction is to say that I was humbled in a way,” she said.

“You’re not always sure how your teaching is seen by colleagues and students. I was really happy.”

Brookes’ book is in the editing process and is slated to release at the end of this year or in early 2011.

She is beginning her second book, a solo project that examines how the French viewed Russia in the 19th century.

Other awards jeff smith/staff photographer Martin Baxter, assistant professor Christi Brookes, assistant professor of foreign languages, literatures of geology, is another winner of and culture, laughs at an Academic Senate meeting Tuesday in Dow A Awards | 6A

An acoustic or indie benefit concert will take place from 6:30 to 11 p.m. today at the Broadway Theatre, 216 E. Broadway St. The “Listen to Lessen: Depression and Suicide Prevention Benefit Concert” benefits Listening Ear, a crisis hot line for depression and suicide, at 107 E. Illinois St. The cost is $5 in advance and $7 at the door. For more information, contact Beth Wright at 810-923-1720 or e-mail listentolessen@gmail.com.

Science Complex. Brookes, who has served as a senator since September, won the FACIT Excellence in Teaching and Lorrie Ryan awards.

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

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

voices Central Michigan Life

4A Friday, March 26, 2010

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

– The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

[cm-life.com/category/opinion]

Brian Manzullo, Editor

in

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

EDITORIAL | Health care reform helps younger generation, but comes with a hefty price

Revamped health

T

his has been a monumental week for the United States.

Months of debate by government officials ended with President Barack Obama’s signature on health care reform Tuesday.

On one hand, it is good to see the U.S. government taking action and making an effort to improve one of the country’s flaws. But despite the new law’s benefits, there are still some shortcomings that should be addressed.

Giving health care to more people is the best argument in favor of the law.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46.3 million people in America did not have health insurance in 2008. That was 15.4 percent of the total popula-

tion. The New York Times reported that an estimated 30 million people will be covered by the president’s new plan.

Young adults are now allowed to stay on their parents’ health care plans until the age of 26. That can be good news

for the younger generation, especially for students about to graduate. Given that most jobs after graduation offer slim benefits packages, the option of staying on a family plan gives young people a little bit of breathing room.

But the health care overhaul doesn’t come for free.

One of the biggest drawbacks is the $940 billion price tag it will take to implement the plan. Obama said the price of establishing universal health care won’t add to the national deficit.

This means that taxpayers, and more specifically today’s college students, will have to bear the burden of financing health reform.

Such a large amount of money will take years to pay off. Coupled with the stress of paying student loans and social security, today’s college students will have quite a bit to pay off when they start their careers.

Another consequence of the law is that businesses must now offer health

insurance to their employees. While there must be at least 50 employees before any business has to offer insurance, owners of smaller businesses are no doubt going to struggle with this new stipulation. It may be enough to shut some down or force layoffs so owners can cuts costs.

Another major flaw in the president’s approach to health care is that people will be required to have health insurance, even if they believe they don’t need it. The government can now penalize the uninsured with fines and taxes.

It’s unfair to punish those who can’t afford health care or believe they are healthy enough to go without insurance. The government seems more bullish than a provider in this instance.

Is the new approach to health care for the best? It will take some time to see. But at the very least, it’s good to see the U.S. government at work, trying to improve America.

NATE BEELER [CARTOON]

Sherrie Keaton Senior Reporter

Define ‘race’ I am a black American.

My cultural history also can be traced to the American Indian Blackfoot tribe and, even further, to African ancestry.

Even though I primarily identify with one ethnicity, I am like many other Americans, a jumbled-up hodgepodge of cultures, ethnicity’s and multiracial backgrounds.

This helps define America as a true “melting pot” of colors.

To be un-politically correct, many people can be considered to be Amexicas (American and Mexican), Eurasians (European and Asian), Halfrican Americans (half black, half mixed), Cablinasians (white, black, Indian and Asian), Hapas (mixed Asian); and many other unique names that can describe cultural identities.

Putting down one’s racial identity on the 2010 Census forms can be more than a 10-minute task.

Since America is a diverse nation that is constantly changing, the Census forms need to adequately reflect this.

In a recent Chicago Tribune article on Census snapshots, several examples of multiracial families that represent the greater scope of Americans were unsure of how to categorize themselves.

On the form, people can check more than one race box, but there is no “multiracial box” to check off.

Nationally, approximately 2.4 percent of the population, which is over 6.8 million Americans, chose to identify with two or more races on their answers, also according to the site.

In Michigan alone, 2000’s Census form stated there were 523,589 state residents, or 5.3 percent of the total population, that were foreign-born, according to citydata.com, a city profile analysis Web site.

One’s multi-racial identity can be a source of continuous pride and honor.

We are a gumbo pot of diversity that is ever-evolving, and when it comes to filling out Census forms, there should be more choices available to mark off.

[our readers’ voice]

Alfie Kohn’s teaching suggestions lack research, facts “Alfie Kohn’s been on Oprah!”

Based upon the audience reaction, this announcement made during the speaker’s introduction seemed to translate into instant credibility.

Much of what he said March 17 has merit. Teachers ought to be creating an environment that nurtures a lifelong interest in learning, problem solving and creativity.

The current system does emphasize rote learning over process discovery. Standardized curricula and high-stake testing probably are counterproductive for training problem solvers.

Unfortunately, Mr. Kohn has a penchant for overgeneralizing and oversimplifying.

After criticizing false dichotomies for oversimplifying matters, he proceeded to dichotomize all the complexities of teaching practices into two categories: traditional and progressive.

Traditional approaches, we are told, are exemplified by the empty receptacle metaphor.

Students are passive containers and the teacher’s job is to pour in the facts.

Kohn contends that traditional approaches have decreased the quality of learning and student curiosity and have increased the gap between the rich and poor.

Where is the data supporting these claims? We were repeatedly told that research supports these claims, but the details of this research were glaringly omitted from his talk.

This strikes me as someone trying to sell something, like snake oil.

In a time of school closures and teacher layoffs, Mr. Kohn’s message is more irresponsible and damaging than ever. The stakes are high.

The recent firing of 93 teachers and staff at Central Falls High

School in Rhode Island in reaction to a federal mandate related to underperforming schools will not likely remain an isolated event.

We ought to be arming teachers with empirically-derived and validated practices that work.

Mr. Kohn seems to reject all traditional measures that we would use to identify successful teaching practices and provides nothing as a replacement.

Only twice, and briefly, during his 90-minute talk did he actually employ a ‘progressive’ approach, instructing everyone to ‘learn’ with a neighbor.

Of course, not everyone complied. Mr. Kohn seemed to be OK with this.

“As long as you are OK with it when you become teachers,” he remarked, “everything’s groovy.”

This is a recipe for disaster.

Mark P. Reilly Associate Professor of Psychology

C M Y o u | Who would you like to see as a keynote speaker for graduation?

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

“David Duchovny. He has overcome a lot.”

Jessica Gordon,

Mount Pleasant senior

“Sinbad. He is a swell comedian.

He’s positive in his action and I think he could have something that will stick with graduates.”

“Mandy Moore... nude.”

Marley Williams,

Metamora sophomore

“I’d like to see a CMU Alum.

Someone who could talk about the importance of service and continued learning.”

Andarius Taylor,

Timothy Popma,

Saginaw senior

Kentwoon senior

Paige calamari/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.

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Nathan Inks Columnist

Rushing the bill Democrats should take more time with health care reform (Note: Unless otherwise noted, all statistics are for the Senate version of the health care bill.)

Congress finally approved the Democrats’ health care reform bill Sunday and, on Tuesday, President Barack Obama signed it into law.

One of the main arguments used by the Democratic leadership in support of the bill was that it would reduce the deficit and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, it will do so by $132 billion. When most Americans hear that, they probably think it’s a good thing. But how many people are asking, “Exactly how they are reducing the deficit?”

There are two main ways the Democrats plan to reduce the deficit while increasing spending: raise taxes and push the cost burden onto the states.

In 2014, people with high-cost employee-sponsored health care plans will see a 40 percent excise tax placed on their health care plans. So employers who want and can afford to provide their employees with better health care plans will be punished for doing so, meaning that most will probably push for a less expensive health care plan that will not see a tax of 40 percent.

There will be a new 10 percent tax on indoor tanning services.

Individuals making more than $200,000 (or families more than $250,000) will see a 0.9 percent increase in their Medicare taxes.

Health care companies also would be subject to a variety of fees. A 3.8 percent tax increase could be placed on capital gains, a move that could hurt an already unstable stock market.

In addition to cutting an expected $500 billion out of Medicare growth over the next 10 years, an additional $116 billion will be cut from Medicare Part C. The bill will push an additional 16 million people onto the Medicaid program. This is perhaps one of the worst provisions in the bill from an economic standpoint. While the federal government does cover some of the funding for Medicaid, states cover the costs. An increase in funding needed to pay for Medicaid could be a disaster for states already suffering financially, including Michigan.

If our state cannot pass a balanced budget on time right now, how do the Democrats expect us to be able to pass a balanced budget after they require us to pump more money into our Medicaid program?

Ensuring more people get health care is a good thing but, if the federal government bankrupts states in the process of achieving increased coverage, that does much more harm than good.

The Democrats rushed through this process instead of taking their time to craft a good bill, and the American people are going to realize this.

[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

[News]

Invisible Children hosting Boni

Reforming Michigan’s education ‘the smart way’

By Heather Hillman Staff Reporter

One story has remained deeply embedded in the back of Grand Rapids freshman Caitlin Cheevers’ mind since she joined Invisible Children — the story of Boni.

As a child, Boni was abducted from his family in Uganda by a militant terrorist group called the Lord’s Resistance Army.

He was turned into a child soldier and was forced to kill without crying — and if he did cry, he would be killed.

Boni will speak to students at 7 p.m. Monday in Pearce Hall 128 during a meeting for the Invisible Children Club. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime

Superintendent: State ‘sinking like a rock’

By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter

Michigan will continue reforming its education system regardless of whether the state receives new federal funding, Mike Flanagan told a group of CMU students and administrators Wednesday.

Flanagan, Michigan’s superintendent of public instruction, said the state has focused on student growth as opposed to a minimum proficiency standard throughout the application process for federal Race to the Top funding.

State officials have been revamping data systems to focus on students’ results from individual teachers. The teachers will then be tracked back to their own college or university to determine which institutions are producing the best teachers.

A data system to track this kind of information is being developed, but probably will not be done in time to receive the federal funds.

“The odds aren’t looking great,” Flanagan said. “We’re going to do this with or without the money, and we’re going to do it in a smart way.”

About 90 people attended Flanagan’s presentation in the Education and Human Services building’s French Auditorium, including University President George Ross and Kathy Wilbur, vice president of government relations and public affairs.

The presentation was part of the Michigan Association of Professors of Educational

health | continued from 3A

jake may/staff photographer

Mike Flanagan, Michigan’s superintendent of public instruction, speaks to about 90 people during an education seminar Wednesday in French Auditorium in the Education Building. He said when he makes decisions, he thinks of his granddaughter, on the screen above. “I think of what education system I want my granddaughter to be brought up in,” he said.

Administration’s symposium on educational leadership. believing we can The state remains outside the top 16 states after the first phase of the Race to the Top program, partially because of the poor economic conditions in Michigan.

Flanagan spoke at length on improving the bottom 5 percent of schools in the state while also improving the other 95 percent.

“The problem is, right now, we’re sinking like a rock,” he said. “When the system believes we can, and isn’t kind of winking, it’s a huge start.”

The new program will look to improve teachers as well as students.

Flanagan said teachers particularly strong in one category but weak in another will be taught how to improve, as opposed to fired.

“It’s nice to see they’re looking to make fewer cuts and reforms that aren’t looking to cut teachers,” said Blissfield senior Jessica Wilson.

The old system focused on students’ scores on standardized testing and how proficient individual schools were.

Flanagan wants education to focus on preparing individuals for college and for competing in the global marketplace.

“It’s not just Indiana, it’s India,” he said.

Madeline Gorney attended the presentation and said she was impressed with Flanagan’s ideas.

“I really liked it because I didn’t know the plans for the state,” the Freeland junior said. “It was very informative.” university@cm-life.com

Reading the Bible in three days His House members put on event for third time

By Mike Nichols Staff Reporter

It takes some people years to read the entire Bible.

Members of His House Christian Fellowship plan on doing it in three days.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, members of the church will meet in a tent at the corner of Washington and Bellows streets to begin reading the New International Version of the Bible out loud.

Starting with the first word of Genesis and ending with the final verse in Revelation, the group plans on finishing sometime late Sunday afternoon.

“There’s something I like about reading the Bible out loud,” said Caledonia sophomore Amber Hargett. “When

deans | continued from 3A

committee for the associate dean for Administration and Finance, said three candidates were on campus the first week in March.

“They all went through the on-campus interviews and procedures already,” Wilkes said. “We, being the screening committee, have made our suggestions to the provost.”

After speaking with Shapiro this week, Wilkes is not sure when Yoder will contact the candidates for associate dean, but said he thinks phone interviews could happen next week.

Tom Masterson, chairman of the search committee for the medical school associate dean of medical education and faculty development, said his committee is in the process of inviting candidates to campus.

Central Michigan Life || Friday, March 26, 2010 || 5A

that happens, God has a way of slowing you down and letting his words emphasize what he wants us to see.”

Three-person teams will take turns reading in half-hour time slots, said Sterling Heights senior Derek Collard.

Each team will have one person reading out loud, one praying and one offering free refreshments and Bibles to observers.

About 400 people are participating, Collard said.

The event is called CRAVE and is based on a verse in 1 Peter 2:2-3 that compares Christians to babies that “crave pure spiritual milk.”

Collard said this is the third time the church has conducted the event. He is excited to begin.

Hargett will work all three jobs during different shifts.

“It’s a privilege that we can actually be outside in public reading the Bible,” Hargett said. “In some countries, people have to hide their Bibles under pillows.”

“We anticipate on bringing three candidates to campus,” said Masterson, the associate dean for the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions. “It will probably be next week when we can start scheduling oncampus interviews.”

Ray Christie, chairman of the search committee for the associate dean of clinical affairs and hospital relations, said his committee will meet soon to discuss the three candidates who came to campus last week.

This dean will be responsible for the third- and fourthyear relationships with many of the clinical affiliates, he said.

“I think we had very strong candidates on campus,” said Christie, vice provost of Academic Administration. “The committee will meet and put together a report on the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses and turn it over to the provost.” university@cm-life.com

If you go... w

w

w

What: A reading of the Bible in three days When: 9 p.m. Thursday to Sunday afternoon Where: A tent at the corner of Washington and Bellows streets

Hargett said she cannot wait for the experience and has invited many of her friends.

Matt Schantz, a pastor at the church, said the event was designed not only to glorify God, but also to foster discussion among those not familiar with scripture.

“Access to the Bible is not a problem,” Schantz said. “But often, it’s the bestseller never read.

We really believe God’s word is revealed in scripture in power, and it all points to Jesus.” studentlife@cm-life.com

find ways to find it unconstitutional,” Grass Lake sophomore Alex Angel said.

“But I think (the health care legislation) is a good thing.”

In addition to submitting several amendments to the reconciliation bill, Republicans also voted to suspend commit-

opportunity,” said Cheevers, the secretary of the Invisible Children Club. “Boni really puts a face to the issue.”

Boni will be joined by his mentor and four members of The Invisible Children Organization based in California.

They will discuss his journey and a documentary show based on his experiences called “The Rough Cut.” Erin Sanchez, president of the Invisible Children Club at CMU, is thrilled with the opportunity to educate people on the issue.

“We want to bring awareness to Uganda and what’s happening there on a more personal and local level,” the Lansing junior said. “I think it’s important because it’s something that’s been happening for 25 years tee meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday to prevent discussion. According to published reports, it was a decision Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., called “unconscionable.”

Port Huron senior Andrew Lobb said he expected the Republican reaction because recent polls show the majority of Americans do not support the bill. “(The Republicans) are representing what they believe is

If you go... w

w w w

What: The Invisible Children Legacy Tour, featuring Boni When: 7 p.m. Monday Where: Pearce Hall 128 Cost: Free

and, for some reason, no one has done anything.”

The event is part of “The Legacy Tour,” a 10-week tour featuring young Ugandans who will travel with the Invisible Children sharing their stories.

Many of the Ugandans have never been on a plane or seen the ocean, according to the Invisible Children Web site. studentlife@cm-life.com

the majority of the American view,” Lobb said.

Though he does not think the health care reform legislation was all bad, Lobb said he disagrees with the Democratic party for not including most of the provisions the Republicans wanted to include.

“Most of my objections to the bill are all on democratic principles,” he said. metro@cm-life.com

6A || Friday, March 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Filmmaker sheds positive light on Iran Peace Corps offers “The Iran that I know is not the Iran overseas volunteering Neda Sarmast Students get new perspective during time abroad

By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

Margaret Bidigare is not content to say she wants to travel the world.

She wants to live it.

“I want to have an opportunity to help just that one person who comes along and is reaching out for someone,” the Saint Clair Shores alumna said.

Bidigare graduated from Central Michigan University in May 2008 and is working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania, serving as a health education volunteer in the rural farming village of Ikuna.

“I wanted to become intimate with another culture, language and way of life to gain some perspective on the American way,” she said.

Bidigare left for Tanzania in June 2008 and will complete the program in August 2010.

“My work here involves a lot of different HIV/AIDS related projects and other sorts of fun activities, like teaching village teenagers how to play Frisbee,” she said.

Helping those in need Nearly 200,000 people have participated in Peace Corps since it started on March 1, 1961.

Participants of the government-run volunteer program travel abroad for a period of 27 months and devote themselves to a wide range of issues, including AIDS relief and environmental protection.

Birch Run sophomore Rhane Martin is considering applying.

He said he does not care

if he winds up in Azerbaijan or Guyana, as long as he can help children.

“The idea of being able to help those in need definitely makes me more appreciative of what we have here in America,” Martin said.

Alumna Krystle Dunn left for Senegal, West Africa, with the program two years ago.

She served as a small enterprise development and eco-tourism volunteer.

“I met some wonderful people in Senegal, and I met some horrible people,” the Battle Creek resident said.

“I had projects in my village that went well, and I had projects that failed miserably.”

Dunn said there is no way of understanding how difficult or rewarding the Peace Corps is until committing to it.

“At the end of the day, you’re just hoping the good outweighs the bad, which it usually does,” she said.

spent years on documentary

By Ashante Thomas Staff Reporter

Iranian-American filmmaker Neda Sarmast said she feels the U.S. media has portrayed a negative political image of Iran.

She felt compelled to offer a counterbalance to the media coverage she saw following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“The Iran that I know is not the Iran I’m seeing in the news here,” Sarmast said. “I needed to show who these people really are.”

Sarmast presented her

awards | continued from 3A

‘Fulfilling’ About 20 years ago, Sven Morgan, chairperson of the Geology and Meteorology department, volunteered in Mauritania, West Africa.

He said he hated every minute of the first year of his journey. But he is glad he did not quit.

“I learned how you can live in extreme poverty and still have a fulfilling and happy life,” Morgan said.

He said volunteering changed his viewpoint on materialism. “(There is) no running water or no electricity for 500 miles,” Morgan said. “You are providing a service that is needed around the world.

(Volunteers) will definitely get out of their comfort zone and learn how the real world is.”

the Excellence in Teaching Award.

“I hope this is just the beginning of my accomplishments here at CMU,” he said.

The other winners include assistant biology professors Tracy Galarowicz and Anna Monfils, and William Sykes Jr., professor of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts.

Koblar Alan Jackson, chairman of the physics department, was awarded the Faculty Distinguished Service Award.

The President’s Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity was awarded to psychology professor Bryan Gibson.

The Provost’s Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity was given to assistant physics professor Christopher Tycner and Dawn Decker, assistant professor of counseling and special education.

studentlife@cm-life.com

university@cm-life.com

documentary “Nobody’s Enemy: The Youth Culture of Iran” to a crowd of 25 people Wednesday night as part of Program Board Week.

Iran in reality Beginning in 2005, she spent four years interviewing Iranian youth hoping to bring audiences a more well-rounded look into Iranian culture and its feelings about the United States.

“No Iranians want to kill you,” she said. “They always saw America as quality.”

Throughout her presentation, Sarmast spoke on Iran’s past and present, including the Iraq-Iran war, the Iran hostage crisis and the influences youth will have on the country’s future.

“These children are the

I’m seeing in the news here. I needed to show who these people really are.”

Neda Sarmast, Iranian-American flimmaker children of the revolution,” she said. “Iran is a country that has survived for over 3,000 years.”

Program Board Vice President and Allegan junior Steve Lewis said he thought the program was enjoyable.

Sarmast’s presentation featured interviews and music samples from Iranian hip hop artist Yas. Sarmast said Yas’ music captures the good in Iran,

and invited the audience to listen to his songs.

“It’s the art and culture that will have the biggest impact on politics and foreign policy,” Sarmast said.

She ended her address with a call to action for the audience.

“You are all cultural ambassadors,” she said. “This is my conversation. I don’t want it to stop in Iran.” studentlife@cm-life.com

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conference play | Baseball team begins its MAC schedule with series against Miami (OH), 3B Central Michigan Life

Sports Weekend Friday, March 26, 2010 | Section B

CMU PRO DAY

gymnastics

Conference title looms week after season-high Team looks to build off 196.35 score

By Nick Conklin Staff Reporter

The pressure mounts on Jerry Reighard at this time of year as his team competes for a Mid-American Conference crown.

The long-tenured CMU gymnastics coach has won 10 conference titles, but the 11th has eluded him since the team last won in 2004.

But he is not the only person in the program feeling the extra nerves heading into Saturday’s MAC Championships at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio.

“You want everything to be perfect,” he said. “And you want your athletes to realize that the whole year boils down to this one competition, which really amounts to a lot of pressure on everybody.”

The team finished second to Kent State in last year’s championships and lost to the Golden Flashes on Feb. 13 in Mount Pleasant. But since the loss, No. 24 CMU has won its last five and also broke the 196-point barrier (196.35 vs.

Bowling Green on Sunday).

But the pressure to this meet is new to many of the athletes, as the team has nine freshmen (including redshirt freshman Samantha Piotrowski).

“It is all new for me,” said freshman Britney Taylor. “I am just trying to go in with an open mind ready to compete, and focused.”

Followinglastweekend’s meet against Bowling Green, the Chippewas claimed the highest scores on all but one statistical category, ranking first in the vault (49.2), balance beam (49.025), Britney Taylor floor exercise (49.3) and in the all-around score (196.350).

They place third overall on the uneven bars (48.975).

Individually, senior Katie Simon, who won MAC Gymnast of the Year at last year’s MAC Championships, posted her highest all-around score of her career last weekend (39.475), as she scored 9.9 or higher in two of her events. And last year, she won four MAC titles, claiming first on the vault, uneven bars and the all-around, while tying for first on the floor exercise.

Reighard said Simon is primed for a successful finish.

“Katie looks really good right now — she is really preparing herself,” he said, “If I could get everyone to believe what she is doing works, I would feel more comfortable.”

The team departs this morning for Bowling Green. Upon arriving, it has a scheduled Katie Simon practice in the gym before Sunday’s meet. Reighard said he will attempt to limit the team’s outside distractions and keep the focus on the match and the team.

“We’re really determined that we’re going to make this a team weekend,” he said. “You just want your athletes to understand its all focus.”

Meet Rotations Unlike regular-season meets, the event rotations are in Olympic order, slightly different than the collegiate order the gymasts are accustomed to.

CMU’s day will begin on the uneven bars and finish on the vault, with the balance beam slated in the second rotation.

It has seen inconsistent scores on the event throughout the season, with a lone constant coming from senior Jessica Suder (9.875 high), tied for second place in the league.

An added distraction in this meet is the layoff, or bye time in between events. A normal dual meet flows from event to event with a three-minute touch warmup between runs. Conversely, with all seven MAC teams in one gym, the team is forced to take byes in between events. The Chippewas begin the competition with a bye and have two more later. sports@cm-life.com

photos by matthew stephens/senior photographer

Former CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour completes a pass to former Wayne State running back Joique Bell during his throwing session Wednesday in front of 28 professional scouts at at CMU’s Pro Day at the Indoor Athletic Complex. LeFevour threw to Bell, former CMU wide receivers Antonio Brown and Bryan Anderson and former CMU defensive end Frank Zombo.

A dream in sight Former CMU football players try to impress scouts at Wednesday’s Pro Day

A

By Daniel Monson | Senior Reporter

ntonio Brown was rifling through his duffel bag Wednesday morning inside the Indoor Athletic Complex’s Turf Bay when reporters approached.

Not one shy to grant an interview, the former CMU wide receiver obliged for several minutes before a voice called his name from about 40 BELL yards away. w Wayne State “Hey, Antonio!” hollered Miami running back joins Dolphins scout Ron Labadie. “We CMU athletes at have a workout to do.”

Pro Day, 3B Brown smiled, shrugged and began trotting toward the tunnel that leads to Kelly/Shorts Stadium, where he would showcase his special teams skills by catching punts and kicks.

Brown was garnering plenty of attention at CMU’s annual football Pro Day from many of the 28 scouts from 22 professional teams, who each have a say in deciding which CMU players are drafted April 22-24 at the NFL Draft.

Brown already had run the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, eclipsing his previous 4.57 time he set at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind. He also impressed scouts with his routerunning ability and chemistry with former CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour in the morning’s main event.

“I feel like if I go no later than second round, teams are getting a steal,” Brown said. “I bring so much to the table.”

All eyes on Dan Pro Day was not open to the pub-

Brown catches a pass from LeFevour during the throwing session of Pro Day. The former CMU wide receiver also completed workouts for teams after Pro Day was completed, including catching punts and kicks outside.

40-yard dash times Josh Gordy: 4.32 seconds

Bryan Anderson: 4.53

Frank Zombo: 4.71

Antonio Brown: 4.47

Eric Fraser: High 4.5slow 4.6s

Dan LeFevour: Did not run

lic, but a crowd of scouts and other onlookers gathered in the end zone behind LeFevour, quietly examining him as he threw in front of NFL scouts for the first time.

He declined to throw at last month’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., citing his desire to throw to receivers with which he felt more comfortable.

“Things like this and the Combine, it’s very silent and kind of dead,” LeFevour said. “You’ve got to bring your own energy and you’ve got to get focused on your own. There is no crowd, there is no opponent that gets you ready to go, so you’ve really got to take responsibility.”

LeFevour completed 55-of-62 total passes to Brown, former CMU receiver Bryan Anderson, former CMU defensive end Frank Zombo and former Wayne State running back Joique Bell

A pro day | 2B

Zombo, others impress with workouts

By Aaron McMann Staff Reporter

Zombo ran a 4.71 second 40-yard dash at Wednesday’s Pro Day. The former CMU defensive end also caught passes as a tight end and said scouts liked his offensive potential.

While Wednesday’s Pro Day gave quarterback Dan LeFevour and receiver Antonio Brown another chance to shine, it represented the only chance for many of CMU’s former players.

Both players were hounded and critiqued by pro scouts and the media for every step and move they made, but another senior watched from the background, clinging to dreams of playing in the NFL. Frank Zombo went into workouts Wednesday with the realization that his football career could be coming to a close. Instead, he ended with a chance to reach the next level — perhaps at a different position.

Zombo (6-foot 3, 254 pounds)

hype w Sports Editor Andrew Stover believes LeFevour’s stock is the same as prior to Pro Day, 2B started the day benching 23 times and running the 40-yard dash in 4.71 seconds, a time that exceeded most expectations.

By the time Pro Day ended, Zombo, who played defensive end all four years at CMU, was getting looks at tight end from the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos. He said he also received calls from the Detroit Lions.

“Prior to this, no one really knew I could play tight end,” Zombo said. “I’ve really never had any coaching or any technique training — I just kind of just winged it today — and

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

I think a lot of them were impressed with my athletic ability at tight end.”

Zombo was recruited by CMU and moved to defensive end after being selected as an all-state wide receiver at Sterling Heights Stevenson High School. He had not caught a pass since fall 2005.

That, however, quickly changed last weekend as LeFevour, without a tight end for his passing drills, asked Zombo to fill in. With the little time he had to prepare, Zombo said he received help on routes from former receiver Bryan Anderson and former tight end Joe Bockheim.

“This helped Frank a lot, and that was great for him,” LeFevour said. “He did a great job catching

A others | 2B

2B || Friday, March 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Pro day]

‘Don’t believe the hype’ LeFevour may get criticism, but stock is stabilized

D

an LeFevour didn’t hit the jackpot with his throwing session at Wednesday’s Pro Day, but he didn’t damage his stock either.

The former CMU quarterback and NFL Draft hopeful showed accuracy and zip on his short-to-immediate passes.

But the zip on his ball began to fade on his downfield passes and, at times, he threw offtarget to his downfield receiver, especially while throwing on the run.

But those issues have been cited before. It’s widely acknowledged the ball begins to sail on LeFevour when his feet are not set or he’s flushed out of the pocket.

On LeFevour’s first throw on the run, he rolled left and sailed the ball over the head of former CMU wide receiver Bryan Anderson, who was running down the left sideline.

After that, it seemed LeFevour began to take some off his throws for accuracy purposes, but it resulted in him underthrowing receivers.

But, make no mistake, this is the true Dan LeFevour.

There was a reason he decided against throwing to receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. And say what you want about being a competitor and facing a challenge — LeFevour made the right decision.

He is not the kind of passer to wow scouts with arm strength or long-range accuracy. So why throw to unfamiliar wide receivers in an uncomfortably new locale?

Throwing to Antonio Brown and Anderson was the easiest way to look the best while hurling the ball around.

Andrew Stover Sports Editor “It was nice having guys that I’m familiar with, obviously,” LeFevour said. “You can tell that we’re not mid-season form, and it’s not the best that we’ve produced, but it wasn’t bad.”

But LeFevour is not a combine guy. He’s a gamer.

Similar to Drew Stanton when he came out of Michigan State, a lot more can be learned by watching his tape than attending a workout in an eerily quiet indoor complex, where the only things heard were the pressing of stop watches, the scribbling of notes and the clicking of cameras.

“It’s pretty similar (to the Combine) ... Not everybody in the NFL is sitting up in the stands watching. But the mood is very similar,” LeFevour said.

“It’s very quiet. The air is dry.

You gotta bring your own energy for days like this.”

But even without a packed stadium, 28 scouts representing 22 different pro teams — including the likes of Kansas City offensive coordinator and former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis — was enough to crank up the anxiety.

“I was pacing around, just wanted to get going with my stuff instead of waiting,” he said. “But I think it was positive today.”

Scrutiny But LeFevour’s average throwing session cemented the beliefs of one highly-regarded ESPN draft analyst.

Scouts Inc.’s Todd McShay

called the CMU quarterback the most overrated player in the draft Thursday in the aftermath of the workout.

“Dan LeFevour is stiff in the upper body, he’s not accurate, he has no idea about the prostyle passing game,” McShay said on national television.

“He is indecisive, and I don’t think he’s a good leader ... Dan LeFevour should be a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper disagreed, calling LeFevour a possible second-round pick.

McShay is right about one thing: 2010’s weak crop of quarterbacks helps LeFevour tremendously. Quality quarterbacks are tough to find and, for personnel and financial reasons, their stock tends to rise as the draft nears.

LeFevour is no different.

And despite the criticism he garnered at the Combine and the trouble he had there throwing to immobile targets, his athleticism and size only helps his cause to be drafted closer to the second round than the fifth.

Remember, his 4.66 40-yard dash time was second-fastest among quarterbacks in Indianapolis. And he measured in at a solid 6-foot-3, 229 pounds.

But LeFevour tries to avoid mock drafts, projections and the hearsay from the media.

He knows his stock shouldn’t rise or fall too far in either direction because of what transpired Wednesday inside the Indoor Athletic Complex.

“None of those people have draft picks. If you want the answers, talk to (the scouts) that show up,” LeFevour said.

“That stuff’s fun and people mention it to me but, like (the movie) Public Enemy said, ‘Don’t believe the hype.’”

It’s good advice. Hype is all it is. sports@cm-life.com

matthew stephens/senior photographer

Former CMU wide receiver Antonio Brown (left) and former CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour try to stay loose prior to the passing drills during Wednesday’s Pro Day at the Indoor Athletic Complex.

pro day |

thought LeFevour did exceptionally well.

“He’s got all the tools and tangibles you’d want — it just depends on what team wants him and when they want to draft him,” Bratkowski said.

“He’s a diamond with some rough edges. It’s not coming in and making any wholesale changes, it’s all smoothing rough edges off.”

LeFevour approached Bratkowski after throwing and said, “I could have put more on the ball, but I completed most of them.”

continued from 1B

with no defenders.

“I always want to do better,” LeFevour said afterward. “But I don’t think I hurt myself.”

Several times, receivers had to slow down to catch LeFevour’s pass on deep routes.

LeFevour completed nearly all his short and mid-range passes, taking the ball under center from former CMU offensive lineman Allen Ollenburger and dropping back or scrambling out of the pocket.

LeFevour, who plans to work out with the Carolina Panthers and visit the Tennessee Titans, said scouts told him afterward, “You’ve got a little more to improve on coming from the shotgun, but your stock has been going up and you’ll be just fine.”

All-important day For the rest of CMU’s seven senior participants, Wednesday’s events could not have been more important. It was their only chance to impress scouts after not being invited to the Combine.

“It’s definitely more pressure than a stadium filled with 70,000 people,” Anderson said. “It’s kind of weird to say, but there’s a lot more riding on it because it’s a solo event.”

Anderson, who has rehabbed his left shoulder since CMU’s GMAC Bowl win on Jan. 6, posted a 40 time of 4.53 to quell some doubts about his speed.

He also caught the ball well from LeFevour, including

Taking advice LeFevour has prepared with Zeke Bratkowski, a former NFL quarterback with 26 seasons of coaching experience who has tutored quarterback such as Philip Rivers, Michael Vick and Patrick Ramsey.

Bratkowski, 78, who also worked with former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in the past few months, said he

one ball he pulled in that was thrown near his knees.

“This was everything for me,” Anderson said. “I had one day, one shot.”

With many of the returning players in attendance, CMU coach Dan Enos said the amount of exposure the departing seniors got from the next level only helps.

“It’s a total compliment to those guys who worked out and where this program is,” Enos said. “For our young players to see that and imagine themselves there in a few years, it gives them a little more light at the end of the tunnel that, ‘Hey, that’s going to be me.’”

NOTES Seniors who did not participate in the Pro Day were linebacker Tim Brazzel, who said he is focusing on getting healthy after a back injury; defensive end Sam Williams, who suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury; defensive back Tommy Mama; and offensive lineman Todd Johnson.

Safety Eric Fraser worked out in front of a Calgary Stampeders’ scout of the Canadian Football League, which selected him No. 8 overall in 2009. sports@cm-life.com

s d a e r o h w

? e f i cm l Matthew Stephens/senior photographer

“My favorite part of the paper is

Former CMU defensive back Josh Gordy led all athletes with a 4.32 40-yard dash at Wednesday’s Pro Day at the Indoor Athletic Complex. Gordy also performed individual team workouts after Pro Day was over.

reading the sports section. That is the

others |

and has been since I’ve been reading

continued from 1B

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the ball. I saw him in the defensive drills, but also doing some stuff offensively — it’s going to be hard to cut a guy that can do so much.”

Zombo finished the 2009 season with 45 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, an interception and four fumble recoveries. He will take the next few days off before he continues his training and starts work-

outs with NFL teams heading into the NFL Draft on April 22-24.

“I’m really happy with how everything went,” he said. “It’s going to be nice sleeping today because I’ve been so nervous for this for the last two weeks. All the preparation that’s gone into it has finally paid off.”

FLASH GORDY Cornerback Josh Gordy also put himself on the radar of teams with his performance.

Gordy ran the 40-yard

dash in 4.32 seconds, the fastest time of the day by any player.

He said the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs have all shown early interest, requesting paperwork and background checks.

“I felt pretty good doing everything,” Gordy said. “They all said I put up really good numbers and form well. They liked my ball skills.”

first thing I go to when I open CM Life it. I like knowing the scores for all the games that were just recently played and being informed when I couldn’t make it to the actual game. “

CHELSIE HARDCASTLE Pan-Hellenic president

CM Life reader for 3 years.

sports@cm-life.com

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Central Michigan Life || Friday, March 26, 2010 || 3B

[Sports]

Baseball begins MAC play against Miami (OH) Hernandez looks for third win in Friday start

By John Evans Staff Reporter

file photo by sean proctor

Sophomore right-hander Zach Cooper pitches against Davenport on March 16 at Theunissen Stadium. He allowed one earned run and struck out three in two innings.

The CMU baseball team returns to Ohio to start the MidAmerican Conference schedule against Miami (OH) at 6 p.m. today in Oxford.

The Chippewas (8-8) were in Ohio earlier in the week, beating Bowling Green 12-7 on Wednesday.

The RedHawks (9-10) scored in double digits as well Wednesday, beating Eastern Kentucky 11-3. Junior outfielder Adam Eaton leads Miami with 21 runs batted in and a .342 batting average.

CMU coach Steve Jaksa will

combat Eaton and the RedHawks with senior right-handed pitcher Jesse Hernandez.

“I feel good about some of the things we did (against BGSU), and we are going with Jesse in our first game Friday,” Jaksa said. “He’s our guy we are running out their first, and we need him to do the things we want him to do to keep us in the game.”

Hernandez sports a 5.79 earned-run average and is looking for his third win of the season.

Going into the weekend, senior outfielder Billy Anderson leads the Chippewas with a .358 batting average and senior catcher Dale Cornstubble leads the team with 12 RBIs. Junior left-hander Tyler Melling (9.11 earned run average) is the likely starter for Miami.

He has pitched the first game of

Softball takes weekend off after wins Bats temporarily stalled by rare break in schedule

By Justin Hicks Staff Reporter

The CMU softball team enters its weekend off with nine wins in its last 10 games as the non-conference schedule nears its end.

Its last two victories came on the road during Wednesday’s doubleheader against Detroit Mercy. CMU (12-7) won the opening game 9-0 and followed with an 8-0 victory.

Junior second baseman Brittini Merchant started the scoring in the second game with a two-run home run, her second of the season.

Redshirt freshman catcher Brogan Darwin followed with a two-run homer in the fourth inning, and junior designated hitter Amanda Patrick added a three-run homer in the top of the fifth.

MAC play looms With conference games a week away, the team has relied on consistent power from its offense. CMU has outscored its opponents 66–16 in its past 10 games.

It leads the MAC with a .426 slugging percentage and is third in the conference with a .277 batting average.

Defensively, it has kept its opponent to fewer than three runs per game in that span.

Central coach Margo Jonker said the team came out and set the tone early in Wednesday’s games.

“The team hit early and had good power, knocking the ball out of the park, which is always fun to see,” she said.

Redshirt freshman Sarah Patterson pitched four shutout innings, giving up two hits and striking out six.

Sophomore Courtney King relieved her in the fifth inning, holding the Titans scoreless as well. The win was Patterson’s first of her collegiate career.

“Sarah hasn’t seen a lot of time and really stepped up today,” Jonker said. “She got ahead of the count early and stayed ahead and, when you can do that, you tend to be successful.”

By NCAA rule, after five innings of play, an eight-run lead at the end of an inning marks the end of the game.

Game 1 That mercy rule was necessary in the first game as

p r o d ay

In-state back takes part in CMU workout

By Aaron McMann Staff Reporter

Wayne State running back Joique Bell’s path to the NFL ran through Mount Pleasant.

Bell, the recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy awarded to the Division II player of the year, was invited by quarterback Dan LeFevour in January to take part in Wednesday’s Pro Day as the only non-CMU player.

“He (Dan) came up to me at the (NFL) Combine and asked where my Pro Day was. I told him Grand Valley,” Bell said. “He asked if I wanted to come up to (CMU) and be the running back, and I said most definitely.

We linked up, made the call and got it done.”

He was invited to the NFL Combine in February and finished first among the running backs in the 60-yard shuttle (11.33 seconds) and second in the 3-cone drill, finishing ahead of Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount and a tenth of a second behind California’s Jahvid Best. He also placed fourth in the broad jump (10 feet) and 20-yard shuttle.

Having never played with LeFevour before, Bell got his first opportunity at the Senior Bowl in January when both played for the North in Mobile, Ala. “There were only four or five Michigan guys and we kind of kept together,” Bell said. “We associated with other people, but we have always kept in contact with one another during this time period.”

That association paid off, as Bell worked with LeFevour a few days prior on timing and routes.

He caught passes up the middle of the field and ran post-routes during LeFevour’s workout, an area he looked the strongest at.

“Obviously, we don’t have a running back that graduated this year,” LeFevour said. “He’s not too far down the road, and he did a great job of catching the

ball and running routes for me. I really compliment him a lot for making the drive up here and wanting to do this.”

Division II success Bell (5-feet 11, 220 pounds) holds the record for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, all-purpose yards and total touchdowns at Wayne State.

Despite the Warriors finishing the seaJoique Bell son with a 6-5 record, he was first in the country — spanning all four NCAA divisions — in rushing yards per game (189.45), scoring (17.5 points per game) and all-purpose yards (217.5 per game).

“Personally, I did have a good season but, as a team, I think we could’ve done a lot better — starting off the season 5-1 and ending 6-5, in my book, is unacceptable,” Bell said. “Kudos to me for getting the Division II Heisman but, at the same time, I wish we could’ve at least made the playoffs. That would’ve been more satisfying than winning the award.”

Bell is projected by several scouting Web sites to go in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He has private workouts with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions scheduled and expects to get a call from a few other teams before the draft.

“Every team’s going to show interest,” Bell said.

“You play it by year — you really don’t know what’s going to happen until draft day, when they call you. Even then, within an hour before they call your name, everything could change again, so you really don’t know.” sports@cm-life.com

well, this time taking six innings after another high-scoring game for the CMU offense.

Senior outMolly Coldren fielder Christina Novak started the game with a single and scored after back-to-back steals and a wild pitch that sent her home.

Sophomore shortstop Molly Coldren followed with a two-run homer. She finished the day with three RBI’s, which puts her tied for third in the MAC with 16.

Novak put the game away in the sixth inning, emptying the bases with a grand slam, and shutting down Detroit’s hopes of a comeback. CMU’s nine-run lead was enough to mercy its opponent after six innings.

Freshman Kara Dornbos pitched the first five innings, giving up Detroit’s only hit in the bottom of the fourth.

She also added three walks and four strikeouts in her fifth win of the season. Patterson finished the game in the circle, giving up no hits and striking out two.

The team finished with one error on the day, while Detroit (2-8) finished with six.

CMU next plays Wednesday against Oakland for a home doubleheader at Margo Jonker Stadium. The two games are the last before the MAC schedule opens Friday. sports@cm-life.com

most series this season.

Junior right-hander Jake Sabol will likely start Saturday Wednesday

Sophomore left-hander Rick Dodridge was CMU’s starting pitcher Wednesday in CMU’s 12-7 win against BGSU. However, he was pulled after 3 and 2/3 innings because of a monitored pitch count.

He allowed seven hits and one earned run, while striking out four batters.

Jaksa said he was pleased with the way Dodridge pitched.

“We were really happy with how Rick threw,” he said. “He accomplished some things we wanted to do, and it was a good day for him.”

Cornstubble stayed consistent at the plate, collecting two hits and scoring two runs with an RBI.

Sophomore first baseman Nate Theunissen and senior second baseman Ricky Clark combined for four RBIs in the victory.

“I think the most important thing is that, not only did we pitch well, we also played good defense, and I thought we did some good things offensively,” Jaksa said. “They made some errors, which helped us but, at the same time, I thought a number of our guys had quality at-bats.”

Junior right-hander Bryce Morrow came in relief of Dodridge and pitched 2 and 1/3 innings and allowed four earned runs while striking out two.

Junior Mike Nixon and sophomore Zach Cooper followed in relief and allowed one run the rest of the game. sports@cm-life.com

4B || Friday, March 26, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

Club lacrosse plays final home game

track and field

By Matt Herrod Staff Reporter

Saturday is not just a regular season game against Michigan State for the seniors on the CMU club lacrosse team.

It also is their final career home game.

“Emotions are definitely high this week, as the seniors are keeping the team motivated,” said senior defenseman and captain Andrew Tillman.

CMU (1-3) has never beatfile photo by jeff smith

Senior jumper Erika Schroll placed 12th nationally in the high jump at the Indoor Track and Field NCAA Championships.

Men, women begin outdoor schedule at Raleigh Relays Randolph focuses on MAC title from start of season

By John Manzo Staff Reporter

The CMU women’s track and field team looks to redeem itself after its secondplace Mid-American Conference finish to end the indoor season.

CMU competes today and Saturday in Raleigh, N.C., to begin the outdoor season at the Raleigh Relays at North Carolina State University.

Teams competing against the Chippewas include Georgetown, Duke, North Carolina and Ohio State.

Senior Erika Schroll said the team will use its runnerup finish as motivation going forward.

“We got a fire lit inside of us,” she said. “This beast is about to escape from the team.”

Individually for Schroll, the indoor season completed when she placed 12th at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 13.

As a team, the season ended two weeks prior, as it finished seven points behind MAC champion Kent State.

The Chippewas have been fortunate enough to have cooperating weather conditions to practice in preparation of the Raleigh Relays.

“The weather has been definitely on our side ... The team has been training really hard, both mentally and physically,” said coach Willie Randolph.

Randolph said the team has already targeted the Outdoor MAC Championships on May 12-15 despite the season just beginning.

Road trip Randolph said he broke down the trip and is making sure it is not a trip that taxes the athletes’ legs.

“We will be training at Ohio University for one stop,” he said. “We will do some jogging and some other drills.”

And Schroll’s performance indoors has the team buzz-

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

What’s on tap Up next: Raleigh Relays

Who’s hot: w The women’s team finished second in the MAC to conclude the indoor season. w Senior Erika Schroll comes off a 12th-place finish nationally in the high jump.

Who’s not: w The men’s team finished last out of five teams in the MAC at the indoor championships. ing, Randolph said.

“You think big, and you may be big, but to see you have an example in front of you that says, ‘I’m doing big things as well; come on guys, let’s do the same thing.’

That’s what having a competitive team is all about,” he said.

Men’s The men also compete in the Raleigh Relays but, like the women, Randolph said the focus is on the MAC Championships in May. With a young team, Randolph said the main goal for the weekend is to gain experience.

“We want to move in the right direction on the men’s side to try and balance our attack more, so not only for what we have right now, but also for the future,” he said.

The team is made up of 37 freshmen and sophomores, with 14 juniors and seniors.

But Randolph wants the team to do more than compete.

“We want to have some more national qualifiers,” he said.

A new regional format allows more universities to compete with CMU. “For our kids to be able to get in there and knock heads with some of the best in the country, it is basically the first round of nationals,” Randolph said. sports@cm-life.com

en MSU in six meetings, and will seek an upset at 8 p.m.

Saturday at the Indoor Athletic Complex. MSU is the No. 11 team in the nation, according to LAX Power Poll.

“This is their most talented team they have ever had,” Tillman said. “They’re very fast, do a great job of forcing turnovers and shutting down the other team’s best player.”

MSU (4-1) has quality wins against No. 3 Oregon and No. 16 Georgia.

Junior Patrick Nemes leads MSU with nine goals and 14 points in five games.

Also, junior Connor Bush has four goals and six points in five games.

CMU also faces MSU senior goalie Dean Hall, a Second-Team All-America selection last year.

Tillman said coach Brad Thomas has constantly reminded the team this week of how close it has been in the past of beating MSU. CMU has had leads late in almost every game against

MSU, but mental errors and inexperience led to losses.

Last year was an exception, with MSU beating CMU 12-5 on April 16, 2009.

“We have been going over the game plan, figuring out their key players and their tendencies,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the best way to beat MSU is to force it to play six-on-six and limit its transition game.

After Saturday, CMU next plays April 3 at Michigan. sports@cm-life.com

Butler upsets No. 1 Syracuse in West Bulldogs play winner of Xavier, Kansas State Staff Reports

The Sweet 16 officially has begun, and No. 5 Butler continued the tournament upset trend with a 63-59 win against No. 1 Syracuse in the West Region on Thursday.

The Bulldogs had a balanced scoring attack paced by sophomore Gordon Hayward’s 17 points. Syracuse junior Wes Johnson matched Hayward’s point total to lead the Orange.

Butler had a fast start and led by 10 at the half.

Syracuse came out in the second half and rallied to take a 50-

49 lead, but Butler eventually regained the lead. With the lead at 55-54, Butler senior forward Willie Veasley hit a 3-pointer to push the Bulldog lead to four.

Syracuse senior guard Andy Rautins tried to rally the Orange late, shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range for a total of 15 points but, after a tip-in by Butler’s Veasley, the game was all but over. Hayward hit three of his four final free throws to seal the game.

Syracuse sophomore guard Scoop Jardine came off the bench and added 14 points in a losing effort.

Syracuse was without senior Arinze Onuaku, who averaged 10.5 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game on the season.

Syracuse is the second No.

West Virginia wins, advances to Elite 8 Staff Reports

Without sophomore guard Darryl Bryant, No. 2 West Virginia beat No.11 Washington 69-56 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

It was a tale of two halves as both teams got off to sluggish starts in the first.

Washington led 10-6 at the midway point of the first half.

Both teams did not reach double digits until midway through the half. Junior forward Justin Holiday made the game’s first 3-pointer at the 6:06 mark.

Washington senior forward Quincy Pondexter had zero points and three fouls in the first half. He ended the game with seven points and three rebounds.

However, the Huskies led most of the half, stretching their largest lead to six. At the 3:22 mark, freshman forward Deniz Kilicli gave the lead back to West Virginia, 24-23.

Washington took a twopoint lead to halftime, but it was a completely different game in the second.

West Virginia went on an 8-0 run to give it a nine-point lead, 47-38. The Mountaineers shot 26-of-64 (40.6 percent) and 4-of-13 (30.8 percent) from 3-point range.

Sophomore forward Kevin Jones was West Virginia’s leading scorer with 18 points.

He also had seven rebounds and one assist. The Huskies shot 22-of-56 (39.3 percent) and 3-of-11 (27.3 percent) from 3-point range. They also had 21 turnovers.

Washington’s Holiday

finished the game with 14 points, eight rebounds and four steals.

It is West Virginia’s first trip to the Elite 8 since 2005. It will play the winner of No. 1 Kentucky and No. 12 Cornell (inc.).

Compiled by Staff Reporter Matt Herrod.

1 seed knocked out before the Elite 8 in the tournament. Kansas was eliminated in the second round by No. 9 Northern Iowa in the Midwest Region last weekend.

Next up for the Butler Bulldogs is an Elite 8 matchup with

the winner of No. 2 Kansas State and No. 6 Xavier (inc.). The Bulldogs have not lost since a 67-57 loss to UAB on December 22.

Compiled by Staff Reporter John Manzo.