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INSIDE THIS ISSUE > > > MEN’S SEASON PREVIEW COACH BRAD STEVENS INTRODUCING ROTNEI CLARKE LEAVING COLLEGE EARLY INSIDE DAWG POUND THE LOGISTICS OF GAME DAY PULLOUT POSTER Q&A WITH HINK HORIZON LEAGUE RUNDOWN FAVORITE PLACES TO PLAY PHOTOS ECONOMIC IMPACTS & DIRECTORY COACH BETH COUTURE WOMEN’S SEASON PREVIEW

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elcome to The Butler Collegian’s 201112 special basketball issue.

In this publication, you can read pieces about the teams and players, as well as articles about Hink, local businesses and even you, the fans.

This year, you can get everything you need to know about Butler basketball from The Butler Collegian, either in print or online at www.thebutlercollegian.com.

So how will the men’s basketball team perform following back-to-back Final Four appearances?

Off the bat, it is tough to say anything other than this: temper your expectations.

The roster has undergone great change since the end of the 2011 National Championship game.

Gone are Matt Howard, Shelvin Mack, Shawn Vanzant and Zach Hahn.

On the other side of the coin, Khyle Marshall, Ronald Nored, Andrew Smith, Garrett Butcher,

JACKSON ALDRIDGE Photo By Rachel Anderson Chase Stigall, Erik Fromm, Chrishawn Hopkins and Emerson Kampen are all returning.

Nored and Smith are the only two players still with the team who started more than 20 games last season.

Nored, who is known for his stifling defense, led the team in steals (42) last season and is the returning leader in assists (84).

Smith averaged 8.5 points per game last season, the most among returning players.

The Bulldogs have also added six freshmen: Jackson Aldridge, Alex Barlow, Andrew Smeathers, Roosevelt Jones, Elliott Kampen and Kameron Woods.

Aldridge, Smeathers, Jones and Kampen all averaged more than 14 points per game during their senior seasons in high school.

Smeathers also hit 3-point baskets at a nearly 40 percent clip during his senior season, which would have been better than all Butler players except Vanzant last year.

In addition, former Arkansas player Rotnei Clarke has joined the mix. While he will be unable to play this season, he should make an impact on his teammates in practice.

Of course the team’s schedule will also impact how well things go.

Butler will host seven of its first nine games, and only three of those games will come against teams who finished above .500 last season.

Following those contests, the Bulldogs will face the likes of Purdue, Gonzaga and Stanford before jumping into Horizon League action.

Personally, I do not know what to think. The results of the first nine games could make or break the team’s season.

I project the Bulldogs will finish with a winning record and will be in a season-long fight to reclaim the top spot in the Horizon League.

Beyond that, we will just have to wait and see.

—Colin Likas

Special issue staff: Hayleigh Colombo, Chris Goff, Olivia Ingle, Colin Likas, Jill McCarter, Sara Pruzin, Matt Rhinesmith and Lance Rinker.

Men’s cover photo and design by Maria Porter. Women’s cover photos by Maria Porter; design by Maria Porter and Rachel Anderson.

Passing The Torch

BY BETHANY WERGE| PHOTOS BY MARIA PORTER

All true dynasties in sports require the passing of the torch. Butler’s men’s basketball program is no different.

After the loss of six players – including three of the top four scorers from last season – and the entrance of seven new athletes, it is difficult to predict which players will emerge in the upcoming season.

But like the rotation in any sport, the veterans will have to bring out new standouts.

“The bottom line is, get better every day,” Butler coach Brad Stevens said. “But the guys that have been there and done that will certainly be counted on and that will start with [seniors] Ronald [Nored] and Garrett [Butcher].”

Nored, a 6-foot guard, will be depended on for more than just managing the offensive tempo. He finally made it to unofficial team work outs this summer, something he’s been unable to do the past few years because of a persistent injury.

“I feel like it’s the best I’ve played my whole life,” Nored said. “This being my senior year, and a year where I’ve been able to workout, I’m really excited about being able to get going.”

With a whole new cast of characters to mesh together, every moment that can be spent together is vital.

“In our preseason workouts, I think we’ve done a really good job in the way we’ve worked together,” Nored said. “That’s encouraging because with six new people, you never know how long that’s going take.

But it’s good that it’s already happening.”

The Bulldogs welcome six freshmen, all of whom will be looked at to make an impact this year.

More than half of the new freshmen were members of various all-star teams, and one, Jackson Aldridge, was a member of Australia’s national team.

But the freshmen aren’t the only ones under pressure.

Junior center Andrew Smith returns with the second-highest playing time of returning players, behind Nored, and the highest number of field goals made last year out of all the returning players.

As an upperclassman, he will be looked to for much of the leadership needed on a team made up of mostly of underclassmen. “[Smith]’s going to be important for us,” Nored said. “He’s going to be one of the best, if not the best, big man in our whole league. He’s worked really hard this summer, and we trust him to be good.”

Also hoping for big minutes this season are sophomores Khyle Marshall, Erik Fromm and Chrishawn Hopkins, who are three of the most improved players from last season, according to Stevens.

“It’s a good class,” Stevens said. “There are a lot of good experiences from those three.

“Khyle [Marshall] played a lot, had really good moments his freshman year, and got some good experience this summer. And I think Chrishawn [Hopkins] and Erik [Fromm] are both very improved and will definitely vie

for playing time.”

Marshall, Fromm and Hopkins, like their teammates, have already been making an impact this season through their work ethic in the gym.

“We’re a good example of how caring about the team more than yourself gets you places,” said Fromm. “I’m a firm believer that if you keep working hard and keep your mind in the right place, good things will happen.”

Marshall in particular is no stranger to that philosophy.

This past summer, he was on the U19 national team, representing the United States at the World University Games.

“It was a great honor,” Marshall said.

“It definitely gave me confidence coming into this season.

“I’m looking to start, but you can’t really worry about that. It’s about doing whatever it takes for us to win.”

The continuing legacy is one that does not stem from individual success but team success. How high Butler will climb this season will depend heavily on how certain players do.

But whoever the individuals are, the real test will be how they play together as a team, because the only way to get to the lighting of the torch is by passing it.

D

“Basketball is his job, but he prioritizes family time,” Nored said.

But Stevens was never aware of the popularity of his spectacles.

Even team dinners are a family affair.

Players, coaches and their families gather in the Wildman Room at Hinkle Fieldhouse and enjoy dinner. Stevens’ wife, Tracy, usually brings in Maggiano’s. Team dinners happen four times a year—once in the fall, twice around Christmas and once at the end of year.

uring last year’s NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship game, coach Brad Stevens’ glasses were famous. Fans on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter mentioned the catchphrase “Fear the Glasses” repeatedly for weeks, and pictures were posted all over the web of Stevens in his famous glasses.

“I don’t have Facebook,” Stevens said. “I had no idea my glasses were such a hit.”

Senior captain and point guard Ron Nored said Stevens finally gave in and got a Twitter account this year but “mainly just to follow the guys on the team.”

Social networking is not a priority for Stevens, who schedules practice at 5:30 a.m. so that he and the other coaches can be home when their kids get done with school.

Stevens has a daughter named Kinsle and a son named Brady, who are both under the age of 10.

Everyone also gathers at Stevens’ house once a month.

“I love team dinners at coach’s house,” Nored said. “Just the way he is with his kids, the way he acts with his wife. I look at it and think, ‘I hope someday I can be that kind of father, that kind of husband.’ He just does it the right way.”

Stevens said he believes character, academics and athletics should be priorities, so long as they are in that order.

“I’m here to win, of course,” Stevens said.

“But I also understand that most of these kids will go on to do something other than play basketball in the future, and that’s what I’m trying to prepare them for.”

Stevens, who grew up with a father who played football at Indiana University, has competitive roots that are close to home.

“He doesn’t like to lose,” said Carl Heck, assistant athletic director for internal operations. “He wants to win. But he wants to do it the right way, and he wants his players to do that. He tries to make his players the best they can be.”

Preparation and hard work are important parts of Stevens’ winning season formula.

Stevens, who claims he has been watching game tape since his kindergarten days, reads and learns his opponents like “A” students study for tests.

“He’s a genius, and that’s the best way I can describe him,” Nored said. “He’s really a math person. He always has us ready in the way we should be. A lot of our success has been because of his brains and his game plans. He gives us the freedom and confidence to go out and do it.”

Confidence will be an essential part of the Bulldogs’ equation this year, as the team has gained seven new players and lost four starters.

Despite the turnover, recruiting since the back-to-back national championship runs has not shifted too much, mainly because Butler is looking for a certain kind of player.

a coach of a

different breed

By Katie Day Photo by Maria Porter

“Regardless of what the ranking is, Butler is always looking for someone who can fit in the Butler Way, and it takes a special person to be able to do it,” Nored said.

“People like that find more success here.

People that can come somewhere and give up themselves for the betterment of the team make for a successful program, and that’s what Butler has had for the past 10 or 11 years.”

Creating a successful team for this season and the future are on the agenda for Stevens, and it’s clear to fans and players alike that he will do so with his calm, focused coaching style.

Becoming a bulldog

By Becca Bornhorst

Back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game is something many college basketball players only dream about.

The Butler Bulldogs lived this dream the last two seasons, and senior guard Rotnei Clarke, a transfer to Butler from Arkansas, wants to be a part of the success.

“The two Final Fours and success the last two years obviously popped out in my mind,” Clarke said about his transfer decision. “I thought, obviously, they were doing something right.”

Clarke, a junior with only one year left of basketball eligibility, made the decision to come to Butler just two weeks prior to the 2011-2012 school year.

“I know that we’re going to be put in a position to win, and that’s all that really mattered to me,” Clarke said. “We had three pretty rough seasons at Arkansas, and whether I was in the SEC or not, it still wasn’t very fun because we didn’t win very much.”

The Razorbacks won fewer games than the Oklahoma native would have hoped, and the entire coaching staff was fired after last season.

The NCAA denies any Division I transfer the right to participate in competition without sitting 2011-12 ROSTER 0 Andrew Smeathers 3 Alex Barlow 4 Erik Fromm 5 Ronald Nored 11 Jackson Aldridge 15 Rotnei Clarke 20 Chrishawn Hopkins 21 Roosevelt Jones 22 Elliott Kampen 23 Khyle Marshall 30 Emerson Kampen 31 Kameron Woods 32 Garrett Butcher 33 Chase Stigall 44 Andrew Smith

out for one entire year. This rule allows Clarke to serve only as a practice player for Butler’s current season, making the following season his first and last with the Bulldogs.

“A lot of times you’d be leery about bringing in a one-year guy,” Butler coach Brad Stevens said. “The questions you have to ask are: is he a guy that is going to make your team better for two years, is he a great teammate and how impactful will he be once he gets on that floor?

The answer is a resounding positive to all three questions.”

The sharpshooter Clarke takes 600 shots every day to prepare for his senior season in a blue uniform.

“He is in the gym all the time, and that makes other people follow [his lead],” Stevens said. He’ll really stretch us in practice all year, and he’s going to make our young guys a lot better. He’s probably the best practice player in the country.”

“This year is going to be really tough just because I’m not going to be able to play,” Clarke said.

Due to NCAA restrictions, Clarke will not travel with the Bulldogs this season, forcing the new Bulldog into unfamiliar territory.

“I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve just had to sit and watch basketball,” Clarke said.

“I’m going to try and make my teammates better as much as I can without actually being able to step on the floor. I can’t travel, but I’ll be cheering them on at home games.”

Clarke said he was also attracted to Butler’s team because of the chemistry he felt between the other players when he visited campus.

“We didn’t have a really good team chemistry with our team at Arkansas,” Clarke said. “It is important for chemistry within a team, and they seemed like more friends than just teammates.”

Senior point guard Ronald Nored said Clarke already fits right in with the team.

“He has come, and it seriously feels like we have all been really tight for a long time,” Nored said. “He is a fun, funny guy to have in the locker room and just a great teammate in general. We are already best friends, so I am thankful that we

Photo by Maria Porter got a guy like him to join our program.”

Although Clarke is a nearly a full calendar year away from playing in a regular season game, one thing is certain: Stevens and Clarke’s new teammates said they are happy he chose to transfer to Butler.

“He has an opportunity to make an immediate and big impact in the Horizon League,” he said.

“After having a year of really familiarizing himself with what we do, he will be 100 percent ready when his time comes next year.”

A PRICE TO PAY FOR LEAVING EARLY

By Colin Likas| Photo by Maria Porter

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hen Shelvin Mack left his position as a junior guard on Butler’s men’s basketball team, there were not many people who were truly surprised.

Mack left Butler a year early to enter the National Basketball Association’s 2011 draft, where he was selected by the Washington Wizards.

Since the NBA lockout began in late June, Mack has been stuck playing when he can, which includes action in Pro Am games.

Of course, it would be easy for Butler basketball fans to get on Mack about leaving since the NBA lockout got underway. Mack is unable to practice with his new team when he could have been playing with his former Bulldogs’ teammates this season.

I do not know the reasons behind Mack jumping to the NBA, and it would be wrong of me to try to assume what they might be.

However, I believe that Mack should have stayed at Butler for one more season, and I am not saying this merely because the men’s team could use him this season.

Mack is not the first college basketball player to jump to the NBA before the end of his senior collegiate season, and he certainly will not be the last.

While I do not feel there should be a rule

preventing college students from entering the NBA draft, I do believe they should think long and hard about the choice they are making when they leave college early.

When a student-athlete makes a commitment to play a sport in college, the college assumes that said student-athlete will be part of the team for a full four seasons.

So what happens when a student-athlete decides to break this commitment to play the same sport professionally?

When a collegiate athlete promises to play a sport for a college and later decides he or she would rather go pro than finish his or her collegiate career, it shows that the athlete cannot be trusted with a commitment.

Who says that the athlete will not leave the professional team he or she joins after just a year of participation?

Essentially, negative conclusions can be drawn about an athlete when he or she opts out of a commitment early, and those conclusions can stay with the athlete for the rest of his or her career.

Another problem with an athlete leaving college early is the fact that he or she is not only leaving collegiate athletics—the

Shelvin Mack goes in for a layup in the Elite Eight game against Florida last season. Mack was later drafted by the Washington Wizards. athlete is also leaving his or her schooling prematurely.

What happens if an athlete’s professional athletic career does not pan out? His or her fallback plan would likely be whatever they were learning in college.

However, the athlete did not get a complete education and may now struggle to get a job. Finishing schooling should be a student-athlete’s primary goal during college.

When an athlete leaves college early, he or she is also abandoning the college experience that could have created great future opportunities for the athlete.

Opportunities come in a variety of forms during college, and if an athlete leaves college early, he or she could miss out on something that would have changed his or her life for the better.

Like I said before, I do not know the reasons behind Mack jumping to the NBA. He deserves the right to do as he wishes, and I hope he can have a fantastic career in professional basketball.

In the end, however, I think college athletes need to be careful what they wish for and consider all variables before leaving college early.

T

en years ago, Dawg Pound was a figment in two Butler University students’ heads.

Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Bulldog who doesn’t know of the booming student section on campus at Butler’s athletic events.

Todd Witherow and another Butler student founded the organization back in 2001.

“They found that very few students came to our basketball games,” said Carolina Glenn, a member of the current Dawg Pound executive board. “They sold shirts and discount cards as part of memberships and started to fill our student section.”

Jessica Siegel, a 2006 graduate, was involved in the early years of Dawg Pound as president from 20042006. During her time, the group grew from about 500 members to nearly 800.

“Even though it was a down time for Butler basketball, as we didn’t go to the NCCA tournament, people were still excited about the team and the opportunity to be a part of Dawg Pound,” Siegel said.

“I definitely saw the atmosphere of Dawg Pound move from more of a calm and complacent group to one that is rowdy and involved.”

Today’s Dawg Pound still prides itself on its raucous roots.

“When the pound is full and rowdy for one of our national television games, I’d put it up against any student section in the country,” said Lindsay Martin, marketing director for the Butler

athletics department.

The members of Dawg Pound’s executive board echoed Martin’s delight in the boisterous atmosphere.

“It gets pretty wild,” senior Rudy Longman said. “It’s loud from start to finish.”

Jake Lemon, current president, said Dawg Pound is always full, loud and rowdy on big game days.

“It’s crazy and that’s the way we want it,” he said.

“We like to haggle the opposing team’s players and a lot of them probably don’t enjoy that, but it’s all part of the atmosphere.”

Loren Snyder, a 2008 graduate, said the energy of the Dawg Pound was similar when he was president of the group from 2006-2008.

“During the ballgames we never failed to fill the Dawg Pound section,” he said. “It created a fun environment, and difficult one for opponents.”

In the time that Snyder was president, the organization’s membership continued to grow, going from about 800 members to 1,200. The group also expanded to support additional Butler teams other than men’s basketball.

“I love that there is such a strong Dawg Pound turnout for events other than men’s basketball,” Siegel said. “That used to be a real challenge for us, getting students to come out and support all sports.”

Longman said he has observed the Dawg Pound’s development, even as a young fan.

“I’ve been coming to Butler basketball games all of my life,” he said. “I’ve witnessed the evolution of the Dawg Pound through the years and it’s really grown.

Being a fan here is more exciting now than it ever was.”

Junior Myke Van de Voort, a member of the Dawg Pound Executive Board who is currently studying abroad, said in an email that the organization has even changed in the two years since he was a freshman at Butler.

“People have become much more passionate over the years,” Van de Voort said. “We had a lot of passion when I came in two years ago, but now we have more passionate people in the group as a whole.”

Perhaps the most recent change for the Dawg Pound is the transition from being an SGA-funded student organization to a separate entity of the athletics department.

Despite changes in organizational structure over the years, the group hopes to stay true to its fan-based roots and continue to draw students to athletic events.

“Our major goal is ultimately to get as many people as possible to support the Dawgs and continue the amazing tradition of the Butler Way,” Van de Voort said. “I hope that the majority of students look to us on what can be done to create the outstanding environment Butler has for athletics yet still have the great sportsmanship we’re also known for.”

BY ALLYSON DOBBERTEEN | PHOTO BY RACHEL ANDERSON

NEW DAWGS...

OLD TRICKS The evolution of Butler’s rowdy student section

Filling the house

By Bri Sever | Photo by Maria Porter

I

t’s game day. You make it across the high volume of traffic in the streets and through the large groups of people cluttering the campus sidewalks, finally arriving at your destination: Hinkle Fieldhouse.

It’s a sporting experience that couldn’t be created without a cohesive and meticulous plan of action. A myriad of people and organizations must come together to make game day possible.

With the enormous influx of cars pouring onto Butler’s campus prior to game time, the Butler University Police Department implements a premeditated plan for home basketball games.

However, because of the current “celebrity-like” status of the Butler name, some crucial changes have to be put into effect regarding BUPD’s basketball operational plan this upcoming season.

Police Chief Ben Hunter said sweeping the venue prior to every game for bombs and devices to ensure the safety of the event is a

warranted change because of the busy preparing for things in the publicity of the Butler name on the upcoming season.”

On a typical game day, the ticknational stage.

“Before, I had people ask me et office has to hire ticket sellers to work anywhere Butler where from six was located,” to eight availHunter said. Before, I had people ask able windows, “We don’t me where Butler was in addition to have that islocated. We don’t have five to eight sue now. With will call workthat comes a that issue now. ers. little bit of a BEN HUNTER Although a different conPOLICE CHIEF great deal of cern.”

BUPD isn’t the only his work comes during the week, organization experiencing changes Harris still has game-day duties.

The concession stand since the heightened publicity of operations are also ramped up the Butler basketball program.

The Butler Athletic ticket office prior to game day.

All of the food, paper supplies does not have much downtime during the season or offseason, and drinks must be in place at least a week before the game. With two either.

“As our success has grown, days remaining before game day, the busy time has really become all of the outside vendors—Chikyear round,” manager of fan fil-A, Dominos and Penn Station— development Matt Harris said. order game day food.

“It used to be really slow at Head of concession operations certain parts of the year, but now Eric Richter said student workers even those times of the year are and volunteer groups do a great

deal of work for concession setup prior to and during actual game day and start an hour and a half early.

“On game day student workers come in four hours before the game and start to ice down all beverages, prepare food and make sure the stands are ready to open,” Richter said.

No Butler basketball game would be complete without the work of sports marketing and promotions manager Lindsay Martin, who concentrates primarily on the fan craze.

Martin coordinates the timeout and halftime promotions, game programs, band, cheerleaders and dance team, any contest registration, the kids’ tunnel for starting lineups and any group hospitality events.

As Butler basketball hysteria continues to sweep across the nation, the university will be prepared for the integral workings of the increased fan base and all that goes along with it.

Photo by Maria Porter | Illustration by Maria Porter and Rachel Anderson

BC: How is being a mascot different than being a normal spectator?

H: It is drastically different.

While I still care greatly about the game, as a mascot, the people in the audience become the first priority instead of the actual game.

The goal of a mascot is to entertain people.

A good mascot should be able to entertain those people who have little or no interest in the game, like children or people who don’t care much about sports.

Plus, I’m constantly moving around and am faced with new interactions at every stop, sometimes allowing me to only catch glimpses of the game.

From the mouth of the mascot

Butler University mascot Hink explains what it is like to dance and cheer at the Butler basketball games. ­

By Ashley Davis | Photo by Rachel Anderson Butler Collegian: How was it to experience back-toback national championship games?

Hink: It was simply amazing.

The whole campus was going crazy obviously, but as a mascot I felt more invested because we put work into the program, albeit indirectly.

It was one of the most memorable experiences ever to partake in. I was lucky

enough to do it twice, which is better than a lot of bigger schools can say.

BC: Are there any disadvantages?

H: The only disadvantage to being a mascot is not being able to watch the games in comfort.

The suit does not contain any cooling features, so it becomes 20 to 30 degrees hotter in the costume than the surrounding area. It’s a hot and sweaty mess that you are not able to fix until after the game is over.

BC: What are you most excited about this season?

H: This season I would have to say I am most excited about the basketball team.

It will be interesting to see how coach [Brad] Stevens handles losing essential cornerstones of the program in backto-back years.

BC: How are those games different from normal men’s basketball games?

H: The games vary drastically come tournament time.

There are many more rules and stipulations that mascots must abide by compared to a home game at Hinkle.

Photo by Taylor Cox

BC: What does it take to be a mascot?

H: Energy, energy, energy.

Mascots have to be as lively as possible to act as entertainers.

Without energy, you become a human in costume instead of the larger than life figure that a mascot represents.

As a mascot, you represent your school, community and city.

So you have to be energetic, because the costume absorbs so much of the motion. Being in decent shape is essential as well.

Being a mascot is more strenuous exercise than what people imagine.

BC: What’s your favorite part about being a mascot?

H: My favorite part about being a mascot is easily the ability to make someone’s day, particularly a young child.

Kids either love Hink or are terrified of Hink, but for the most part they love him.

Seeing a kid who is purely enthralled by a giant, furry bulldog puts a smile on my face as well—even though people never get the opportunity to see it.

On tHe HOriZOn Last season the Butler men’s basketball team was in a fight for first place in the Horizon League throughout the season. But where will this season’s team finish in the standings?

Here is a look into my projected Horizon League standings for the 2011-12 season.

10. Illinois-Chicago —2011-12 projected record (28 games): 9-19 (3-15) 9. Youngstown State —2011-12 projected record (28 games): 10-18 (3-15) 8. Wright State —2011-12 projected record (30 games): 13-17 (6-12) 7. Wisconsin-Green Bay —2011-12 projected record (28 games): 14-14 (7-11) 6. Loyola —2011-12 projected record (28 games): 15-13 (7-11) 5. Valparaiso —2010-11 record: 23-12 (12-6) —Lost: guard Brandon Wood, forward Cory Johnson, guard Howard Little —Returning: guard Ryan Broekhoff, guard Erik Buggs, forward Kevin Van Wijk —Skinny: The Crusaders will look for leadership and production from the above trio.

—2011-12 projected record (33 games): 22-11 (10-8) 4. Wisconsin-Milwaukee —2010-11 record: 19-14 (13-5) —Lost: guard Tone Boyle, forward Anthony Hill —Returning: forward Tony Meier,

guard Kaylon Williams, guard Ja’Rob McCallum, guard Ryan Allen —Skinny: The Panthers may not fare well in league action this season following a rough nonconference schedule.

—2011-12 record (30 games): 19-11 (11-7) 3. Cleveland State —2010-11 record: 27-9 (13-5) —Lost: guard Norris Cole —Returning: guard Trevon Harmon, guard Jeremy Montgomery, forward Aaron Pogue, forward Tim Kamczyc —Skinny: The Vikings should put up strong numbers in most offensive categories, but it will not be enough to claim the top —2011-12 projected record (30 games): 20-10 (12-6)

2. Detroit —2010-11 record: 17-16 (10-8) —Lost: None —Returning: guard Ray McCallum, guard Chase Simon, forward Nick Minnerath, guard Jason Calliste, guard Chris Blake —Skinny: While the Titans are not lacking senior presence, they have not played their share of high-pressure games recently. Plus, center Eli Holman was suspended indefinitely in September.

—2011-12 projected record (30 games): 22-8 (14-4) 1. Butler —2010-11 record: 28-10 (13-5) —Lost: forward Matt Howard, guard Shelvin Mack, guard Shawn Vanzant, guard Zach Hahn —Returning: guard Ronald Nored,

How will the Bulldogs fare in the Horizon League?

forward Khyle Marshall, center Andrew Smith —Skinny: This team is not lacking in big-game experience, but a difficult nonconference schedule could burn out the Bulldogs.

—2011-12 projected record (30 games): 21-9 (15-3)

By Colin Likas Photo by Rachel Anderson

Location,Location,Location While packed arenas may offer excitement, most players said there’s no place like their home hardwood and the din of Hinkle Fieldhouse.

By Allie Qualls| Photo by Maria Porter

Seats, scoreboard, court, two basketball goals: all of these are essential parts of any college basketball arena.

Of course some arenas have extra perks, such as special effects lighting and jumbotrons, but most players would say it is not the arena’s amenities that make it their favorite place to play.

For Butler senior women’s basketball player Terra Burns, it’s about the people who contribute to the atmosphere.

“My favorite place to play in is Hinkle, just because of its history,” Burns said. “And I like having the band there during home games.”

Most athletes would tell you their home court is where they like to play the most. For the Butler Bulldogs, home court is Hinkle Fieldhouse.

“It’s like a second home,” Butler sophomore women’s basketball player Sarah Hamm said.

Hinkle Fieldhouse has been home to Bulldogs since it was built in 1928 and is known for being one of the most historical sports arenas in the country.

The students and athletes said they do not take this for granted.

“I would say my favorite place to play is Hinkle,” senior women’s basketball player Devin Brierly said. “There is so much history in Hinkle, and it’s a privilege to play there.”

But, where do the Bulldogs like to

play when they are away from Hinkle?

Brierly said her favorite away location is Kress Event Center, home to the Green Bay Phoenix.

“They always have an awesome atmosphere with the gymnasium packed,” Brierly said. “It’s so fun to play in front of that many people. They are also one of our biggest rivals.”

Sophomore transfer Daress McClung enjoyed her experience playing in the massive 721,762 square foot KFC Yum! Center, located in Louisville, Ky. “It is very modern, up to date with its seating patterns and gym floor design,” she said. “The arena is built around the gym floor with heightening seats, continuously going up from gym floor level up.

“Its an amazing atmosphere due to the diehard fans.”

The men’s basketball team has extensive road experience thanks to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and back-to-back appearances in the National Championship game.

Seniors Ronald Nored and Garrett Butcher said they like to play in NFL arenas because it means they are back in the Final Four, and, like any dog, once they have gotten a taste of something they like, they want more.

“The atmosphere is unbelievable,” Nored said of playing in the large arenas.

Photos by Maria Porter, Rachel Anderson and Taylor Cox | Design by Maria Porter

GAME DAY DRINKS & GRUB DIRECTORY Ale Emporium 8617 Allisonville Road 842-1333 Applebee’s 1072 Broad Ripple Ave. 255-4839

Coaches Tavern 28 S. Pennsylvania St. 917-1191 Chumley’s 838 Broad Ripple Ave. 317-466-1555

Peppers 6283 N. College Ave. 257-6277 The Pub 30 E. Georgia St. 822-9730 Old Pro’s Table 827 Broad Ripple Ave. 255-5417

Average Joe’s 814 Broad Ripple Ave. 253-5844

The Dugout 5707 W. Morris St. (317) 247-5158

Basey’s Downtown Grill & Sports 419 S. West St. 637-4514

Fox and Hound 4901 E. 82nd St # 900 913-1264

O’Reilly’s 36 S. Pennsylvania Ave. 974-0674

Broad Ripple Brewpub 842 E 65th St. 253-2739

Front Page Tavern 310 Massachusetts Ave. 631-6682

Ram Restaurant and Brewery 140 S. Illinois St. 955-9900

Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar 5902 N. College Ave. 722-8888

Gatsby’s 6335 Intech Commons Drive 275-2205

Rock Bottom Brewery 10 W. Washington St. 681-8180

Brothers Bar and Grill 910 Broad Ripple Ave. 252-5530

High Velocity Sports Bar 10 S. West St. 860-6500

Broad Ripple Tavern 745 Broad Ripple Ave. 257-6030 Buffalo Wild Wings 6235 N. Guilford Ave. 257-2999 Cadillac Ranch 39 Jackson Place 636-0100 Champps 49 W. Maryland St. # 121 951-0033

Hotbox 715 Broad Ripple Ave. 257-7500 Kilroy’s 201 S. Meridian St. 638-9464 Monon Food Company 6420 Cornell Ave. 722-0176 Moe and Johnny’s 5380 N. College Ave. 255-6376

Scotty’s Brewhouse 1 Virginia Ave. # 100 571-0808 Stacked Pickle 12545 Old Meridian St # 150 844-4448 Three Wi3e Men 1021 Broad Ripple Ave. 255-5151 Union Jack Pub 924 Broad Ripple Ave. 257-4343 Wild Beaver Saloon 723 Broad Ripple Ave. 722-0687

ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND MONEY MADE

By Michael Becker During the last few years, the Butler men’s basketball team’s success has drawn its share of business to local restaurants and stores.

A majority of students, faculty, staff and alumni get their gear at the Butler Bookstore. The basketball season brings clusters of people out to equip their wardrobes for another season.

Bookstore manager Janine Frainier said basketball season is the busiest time of year. The success of the last two years have forced Frainier to expand the selection and variety so customers can constantly have more options.

“We have seen such an increase in traffic in the bookstore, especially with online orders [the last few years],” Frainier said. “We are building on a team that is already loved. Our goal is to make sure the students are as happy as we are.”

The Butler Bookstore has ordered 30 percent more merchandise this year compared to last, and fans are turning out in droves.

“We are packed an hour before every game, during the game and an hour after every game, along with the kiosk upstairs,” Shari Hagan, manager of the Spirit Shop in Hinkle Fieldhouse, said.

Businesses outside of Butler’s realm have also responded to the basketball success.

John Mybeck, CEO of Strategic Marketing Affiliates,

Butler’s licensing agency, said many retailers have increased the number of Butler products that they offer year-round.

Places including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Finish Line, LIDS, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Kroger and CVS all began offering Butler sportswear for the first time in 2010.

Mybeck said approximate retail sales of Butler University licensed products increased by 55 percent from 2009 to 2010 when they amounted to $2.4 million in sales. 2011 brought even more staggering sales of about $8 million.

“The success that [Brad] Stevens and the Butler basketball program have achieved has been a big factor in the increase in demand for Butler licensed products both within the campus community and across the country,” Mybeck said.

Rob Sabatini, who owns Average Joe’s Sports Pub as well as the Mineshaft Saloon and Rock Lobster, said business stays booming year-round with football and basketball.

He said most of the excitement begins once the NFL ends, and the busiest time ever was during Butler’s Final Four game last year.

“We did not have any chairs or stools available in any of my three places,” Sabatini said. “When the tournament rolls around, we love when Butler, Purdue and Notre Dame play at different times. We can show and benefit from all the games.”

MEN’S 2011-12 SEASON SCHEDULE Nov. 19 Sat. LOUISVILLE (ESPN3) 2 p.m.

Nov. 21 Mon. SAVANNAH STATE (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 Wed. GARDNER-WEBB (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Nov. 27 Sun. At Indiana 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 Tue. OAKLAND CITY (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 Sat. VALPARAISO* (WNDY-TV) 2 p.m.

Dec. 7 Wed. XAVIER (ESPN2) 9 p.m.

Dec. 10 Sat. At Ball State 2 p.m.

Dec. 17 Sat. vs. Purdue# (CBS) 2 p.m.

Dec. 20 Tue. At Gonzaga (ESPN2) 9 p.m.

Dec. 22 Thur. At Stanford 9 p.m.

Dec. 29 Thur. GREEN BAY* (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Dec. 31 Sat. MILWAUKEE* (HLN GOTW) 2 p.m.

Jan. 6 Fri. At Wright State* (ESNPU/ESPN3) 9 p.m.

Jan. 8 Sun. At Detroit* (ESPN3) 4 p.m.

Jan. 13 Fri. CLEVELAND STATE* (ESPNU/ESPN3) 7 p.m.

Jan. 15 Sun. YOUNGSTOWN STATE* (WNDY-TV) 2 p.m.

Jan. 19 Thur. At UIC* (ESPN3) 8 p.m.

Jan. 21 Sat. At Loyola* (HLN GOTW) 2 p.m.

Jan. 26 Thur. At Milwaukee* (ESPN3) 8 p.m.

Jan. 28 Sat. At Green Bay* (ESPNU) 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 Thur. WRIGHT STATE* (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 Sat. DETROIT* (ESPN/ESPN2) 12 p.m.

Feb. 9 Thur. At Youngstown State* (ESPN3) 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 Sat. At Cleveland State* (ESPN/ESPN2) 11 a.m.

Feb. 14 Tue. LOYOLA* (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Feb. 17-19 Fri-Sun. ESPN BRACKETBUSTER TBA Feb. 21 Tue. UIC* (WNDY-TV) 7 p.m.

Feb. 24 Fri. At Valparaiso* (ESPNU) 7 p.m.

Feb. 28 Tue. Horizon League Tournament, First Round TBA Mar. 2-6 (Fri.-Tue.) At Horizon League Tournament TBA Mar. 13-14 Tue-Wed. NCAA Tournament First Four TBA Mar. 15-18 Thu.-Sun. NCAA Second/Third Rounds TBA Mar. 22-25 Thu.-Sun. NCAA Regional Semifinals/Finals TBA M. 31-A.2 Sat.-Mon. NCAA Final Four TBA

Follow @BUSportsWriters or visit www.thebutlercollegian.com for live game action!

PHOTO BY MARIA PORTER

FIGHTING LIKE A BULLDOG

BY ANDRÉ SMITH | PHOTO BY MARIA PORTER

Women’s basketball coach Beth Couture is a fighter. But she “Sarah Hamm and Terra Burns are two important ingredients in won’t tell you that. helping our team, but we will definitely need experience to develop After successfully battling breast cancer, Couture never missed into a solid team.” a beat, continuing to coach and leading her team to numerous Couture said she hopes the team will improve with the older NCAA tournament postseason appearances. players mentoring the younger players. Couture named Burns as “A fighter is absolutely an accurate title for her,” associate head one of the team’s key leaders and expects her to help the younger women’s coach Amy Cherubini said. “She has a lot of passion, and players improve. she fought cancer just like she fights on the court. That makes her “Our upperclassmen have to mentor the younger players,” a success story with her career and her life as Couture said. “It is a long season and I think well.” we have the ingredients to help teach them.”

Couture even fought through a two-day, Though last season the team’s away record 15-mile walk to raise money and awareness was 7-9, Couture said she thinks the team’s for cancer and said she was motivated to youth will actually help them at away games. keep going by the generosity of the doctors “That record was weird because usually our she received treatment from when she was away record is better,” Couture said. “It is up to recovering from cancer. us as coaches to develop an atmosphere that “It was just a small thing I could do to give is conducive for basketball. Usually younger back to the doctors and nurses that treat women players are more comfortable at away games all across Indianapolis,” Couture said. since they are not used to playing in front of BETH COUTURE Despite being labeled as a fighter, Couture the home crowd, which can get to them.”

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH said she finds it odd and would rather see the Burns said she thinks Couture’s connection title given to her players. to her players is what makes her a good coach.

“I find that weird when I hear people say that because it is “Me and coach are really tight,” Burns said. “She has great something that is natural for me,” Couture said. “I am honored communication with her players. Of course we are supposed to do people think of me that way, and I hope I can live up to that. I just our job on the court but of course she still cares for us. Her fight think that success is a choice and when you compete, effort is very with cancer is inspiring.” important.”

Overall, Couture said that her battle with cancer definitely Overall, Couture said that despite the team losing many of its changed her perspective in coaching and in life. seniors last season, she has high expectations and predicts the will “It makes you change your priorities and teaches you to not do well this season. sweat the small stuff,” Couture said. “You just have to let things go “After losing five players we will have a new look,” Couture said. and see what is important and reprioritize.”

I’m honored people think of me that way and I hope I can live up to that.

PHOTO BY REID BRUNER

2011-12 ROSTER 2 Jessika Lark 3 Haley Howard 10 Mandy McDivitt 11 Hannah Douglas 12 Terra Burns 13 Elizabeth Jennings 20 Becca Bornhorst 22 Jenna Cobb 23 Daress McClung 25 Devin Brierly 32 Amanda Raker 33 Kaley May 50 Sarah Hamm

PHOTOS BY MARIA PORTER have her back this year.”

Couture said Burns is one of the team’s leaders to help the younger players, but Burns said she hopes to earn the team’s respect for reasons other than to have the title of a leader.

“I guess I kind of see myself as a leader,” Burns said. “I think it is more so that the players respect me.

“I might not always be playing my best, but you never have to get on me about doing what I am supposed to do in terms of effort. So I think I have gained their respect because of that. Leadership reflects attitude.”

SARAH HAMM—PROLIFIC SCORER Sophomore center Sarah Hamm comes into this season also recovering from injuries from the previous season.

Before suffering a torn ACL, Hamm was one of the Horizon League’s blocked shots leaders and had her season-high of 15 points and eight rebounds in the Bulldogs’ double overtime win against Ball State.

Hamm finished the season with a shooting percentage of .522.

Assistant coach Tisha Hill said she thinks

Hamm has the ability to repeat last season’s success.

“Our job is to bring [the playing ability] out of her, but ultimately it is all on Sarah,” Hill said.

“There is no doubt the ability is there. She is a big threat for us, and if she continues to keep doing what she is doing with her rehab, she will be fine.”

Hamm said though she has the ability, she is still working to improve her play.

“I am really working on defense and trying to be stronger in the paint,” Hamm said. “We have an excellent chance of making the tournament, so in practice I have been working on every aspect of the game.”

AMANDA RAKER—RISING STAR One of the team’s new faces is freshman forward Amanda Raker. As a senior at Perry Meridian High School, Raker shot 53 percent from the floor and was named Most Valuable Player twice. “[Raker] is learning every day and has a lot of great skills,” Couture said. “She will definitely be a plus for us down low, and we expect her to play for us a lot in the [center] and [forward]

positions.”

Hill added that she also expects Raker to be an asset to the team as she grows during the season.

“She is a very good athlete,” Hill said. “She has some good athletic ability she has shown in individual workouts.

“I think she is going to do some great things for us, especially as she grows offensively, but she has that natural athletic ability that can really help in the paint. She has a good role on our team now and in future years.”

Raker said she is working to learn more techniques and skills through practices with the team.

“It is a lot of learning for me,” Raker said.

“I have been learning a lot on defense and offense, but the one big thing for me is rebounding.”

Cherubini said the team’s ultimate goal is just to play better each game and to progress as the season goes on.

“With a young group, we will continue to improve every game,” she said. “After every game and every practice, we just have to walk away thinking we have gotten better that day.”

WOMEN

Who’s hot, who’s new, who to watch

BY ANDRÉ SMITH

PHOTO BY REID BRUNER

T

hough the men’s season is just beginning, the women’s basketball season has been underway.

After losing many of their seniors last season, the Bulldogs hope to use their youth as an advantage on the court.

“This season we are younger,” said associate head women’s basketball coach Amy Cherubini.

“We lost four of our five starters so I think we have gone back to the basics and have to hit on the fundamentals again.

“This is more of a teaching year. We have great team chemistry so we are hoping that will help out and that we will continue to improve.”

Though the team was plagued with numerous injuries last season, there are many players expected to make an impact on the court .

TERRA BURNS—TEAM LEADER Fifth-year senior guard Terra

PHOTOS BY MARIA PORTER

Burns is expected to be Butler’s most prolific scorer.

After suffering numerous injuries and being red shirted last season, Burns comes into this season as a leader and hopes to stay injury-free to help lead the team into the NCAA tournament.

“Getting to the tournament is a big goal this year, especially for me,” Burns said. “Focus is a main thing [the team is] trying to do.

“We are just paying attention to details so we can stay focused on the ultimate goal.”

During last year’s season opener, Burns had 11 points and eight rebounds against Bradley and currently averages 8.5 points per game.

“Had she not been injured, [Burns] would have been one of the best point guards in the league last season,” coach Beth Couture said. “She brings a lot of passion and athletic ability when she plays, so I am excited to

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