Spring 2011 - Issue 4 by CWU Observer

April 28 - May 4 2011 vol 88 no 4

cwuobserver.com

By the students, for the students of CWU

College Rodeo draws a crowd to CWU P.9

SPORTS P.14 Softball takes ďŹ rst in GNAC

SCENE P.7 Students pursue careers in music

NEWS P.3 CWU and Earth Day Photo by Donald Moncrief/Umptanum Photography

NEWS

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - May 4, 2011

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LINDSY WHEADON

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WESTON MORROW

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LINDSAY TROTT

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NICOLE SWAPP

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BRYCE HJALSETH

SPORTS EDITOR

MATTHEW CARSTENS

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JEFF BAYLEY

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KATHARINE LOTZE

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THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Earth month comes to an end Central continues environmentally friendly advancements BY QUINN EDDY

Staff Reporter

As energy prices skyrocket across the nation, Central is paving the way by investing resources in both wind and solar technologies. “I’m excited we are finally getting some renewable energy tools,” said Bill Bender, construction management professor. By the end of spring quarter, a 30-foot Windspire wind turbine will be installed 70 feet west of the Japanese garden beside the main pedestrian mall. Engineering and industrial technology students have installed the rotating assembly. Unfortunately, due to a factory recall on the leveling hardware in the base, the plan to have the generator up and running by Earth Day was foiled. Rather than a horizontal wind turbine, such as the ones that can be seen near Thorp and at the Wild Horse wind farm, Central’s new Windspire generator will feature a vertical airfoil. The main benefit of this design is that the turbine does not need to readjust its position for changing wind patterns. This allows the generator to produce energy when it is windy but isn’t necessarily blowing in one given direction. “Part of its purpose is to demonstrate its usefulness in harvesting wind power in an urban setting,” said Pat Nahan, facilities mechanical engineer. “We wanted a site with obstructions such as buildings and trees to show just that.” A human powered generator can produce anywhere between 250 and 500 watts of electricity. At a peak wind speed of 25 miles per hour, the Windspire generator will produce one kilowatt of power. “The power will be tied into the CWU grid,” said Charles Pringle, mechanical engineering technology professor. “It’s such a small amount of power that it will absolutely be used by buildings on campus.” An exciting feature of the wind turbine is that it has the ability to communicate

COURTESY OF WINDSPIRE ENERGY

wirelessly. Information, such as energy being produced and the RPMs of the rotating airfoil can be sent remotely. The turbine will produce power when wind blows against the airfoils, causing them to spin. When these airfoils spin, the kinetic energy from the wind is converted to electricity by a generator in the base. “Currently, we have sustainability classes and renewable energy classes, but in the future we plan to have a renewable energy degree,” Bender said. In addition to the Windspire genera-

Ombudsman visits CWU Robert Martin promotes environmental awareness for Earth Day event BY PRESTON PRENDERGAST

Staff Reporter

Earth Day was celebrated on April 22 and to honor our mother earth, Central put on its first all day event. “For the first time, we have a full day dedicated to Earth Day,” said Anne Johansen, director of environmental science. Free bike repairs, informational tables and guest speakers were on display in the SURC and around campus to help raise awareness about the environment and the troubles that plague it. One of the speakers that visited was Robert Martin, an expert in environmental affairs. Robert Martin has a BA in political science and a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University National Law Center. He served as National Ombudsman for the Environmental Protection Agency under Clinton and both Bush administrations and has dealt with numerous environment disasters.

Before the speech, an award was unveiled in honor of Dean Hall for receiving the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The reward was given for the eco-friendly measures taken when building Dean Hall. Recycled materials, careful design, bathroom and light sensors all help to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint of our university. Before Martin gave his speech, President James Gaudino said a few words. “I’m very proud to say everything is going as planned, and the new Hogue Hall will be LEED certified as well.” After Guadino took his seat, Martin went to the front of the room. He began with a friendly greeting and proceeded to talk about his work as National Ombudsman. Martin worked on many environmental cases, including the Yucca Mountain test sight in Nevada, Area 51, the World Trade Center clean up and the Anthrax attacks. The toughest part of his job was

tor, solar panels are to be installed on the Hogue industrial technology building this summer and will cover about 40 percent of the roof. “This will get people excited because students will get to see these renewable energy resources in action,” Bender said. This project will give students hands on experience by allowing them to collect and compare data regarding power outputs on both sunny and cloudy days. The maximum output of these solar panels will be 28 kilowatts, creating a sub-

stantially larger amount of power than the Windspire generator. “Annually it would produce the amount to supply eight homes,” Bender said. Solar panels work by collecting solar radiation from the sun and converting this energy into electricity. The energy created from the sun’s rays hitting the panels causes electrons to be knocked out of their orbits. When these electrons are released, electric fields in the solar cells pull the stray electrons in a directional current creating electricity.

the clean up of the World Trade Center “I met Robert back in 2008 at Boulder disaster, Martin said. Colorado, he and I struck up a friendship The issue in the clean up wasn’t a lack over years,” Drozdowski said. “I recogof labor, but a lack nized his honor of essential equipand integrity, and I ment. Not shovels felt he would resoor heavy equipnate very well with ment, but respirathe students.” tors and protecAfter the tive gear against speech, Martin the harmful parstayed around to ticles. talk to guests about Vivid stories his visit. have been told “The story is about the air being necessary to tell filled with particles on Earth Day,” of mercury, asbesMartin said. “It’s tos and fine dust, very important to dust that filled the share knowledge streets of downabout the environtown Manhattan. ment and human Out of all the health.” Martin’s speech information, Marbrought in a good tin emphasized that COREY SMITH/ OBSERVER crowd and fulfilled people should treat the environment SAVE OUR PLANET Expert Robert the ambitions of and each other with Martin speaks “green.” the organizers of fairness. Earth Day. After the speech, “What he has Jardon Drozdowski was on hand to answer to say highlights the programs that we some questions. Drozdowski, resource offer on this campus,” said Marian Lien, management graduate student, thought interim director for the Diversity Center. that Martin would be a great speaker for “We want students to learn about real life issues.” Central’s Earth Day celebration.

NEWS

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

3rd annual Rock Against Rape

BY ALYSSA HOARD SHONTARA ANDERSON

Staff Reporters

The atmosphere was energetic. The mood was light and enjoyable, but the topic of the evening was serious. Rock Against Rape was held to increase awareness of sexual violence and how to prevent it from occurring. The Wellness Center and Sexual Assault Facts and Education (S.A.F.E.) teamed up to put on the event for the third year in a row. In 2009, Rock Against Rape won the Program of the Year award at the Pacific Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (PACURH) national conference. Central’s Rock Against Rape featured three heavily rock infused bands, Lava Land, Portrait and Tyrannosaurus Grace. “I was drawn in for the bands,”said Will Lund, junior computer science major. “Portrait is all personal friends.” Along with the music, the event featured an art battle and pieces from the community were auctioned off. “The whole event is trying to draw in as many groups,”said Andrea Eastlick, health educator/sexual assault response coordinator. “The idea behind the battle is to draw in more people who like art, the art related to the event with ideals such as healing or battles.” Other activities were featured at the event. Students were swarming the booths, participating in trivia, bingo and water pong. One activity gave students the chance to “walk the walk,” giving participants the opportunity to see what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a person who has been sexually assaulted. By participating in the events, students were able to score free food and prizes such as T-shirts. “I think it’s a good event because I’ve had personal friends affected by sexual

7 SEXUALLY

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIORS

assault and it’s a great way for friends to become aware or get help,” said Jennifer Groce, freshman technical theater major. “I’ve never played a game like water pong before, I’m trying to get a T-shirt so I can represent here on campus, and plus, they are cute.” Rock Against Rape taps into some of the serious issues being faced on campus and provides students a lighter way of learning prevention methods. “Most people tend to not talk about this issue. Rape or sexual assault are rarely in conversations over the dinner table or you don’t hear people in the coffee stand discussing it,” Eastlick said. “It’s a serious topic and this is our way of presenting it as a fun way to learn more.” One in two sexually active young people will get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by the age of 25. Most will not know it, according to Get Yourself Tested (GYT). The event on Monday night raised awareness of the dangers of not getting tested and highlighted the fact that both men and women can be victims of rape. According to GYT, there are often no symptoms with STIs, so you can’t assume that you don’t have one just because you don’t see any physical side effects. “It is so easy to go and get tested,” said Sydnee Hurst, senior interdisciplinary studies major and GYT club member. According to GYT.org, when women go in to get a pelvic exam or a pap test, they aren’t always tested for Chlamydia or other STIs. So it is important for women to talk to their health care providers to make sure that they are being tested for STIs. “All you have to do is pee in a cup,” said Kristan Miller, GYT club member. “It really only takes two seconds.” If gone untreated, certain STIs could eventually cause infertility in both men and women. According to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Chlamyd-

NICOLE JARVIS/ OBSERVER

PHOTO CAPTION TITLE Handmade shirts painted by students for the Clothesline Project were on display at one of the Rock Against Rape booths in the SURC Ballroom. The event gave Central clubs

ia and Gonorrhea can both cause swelling and pain of the sexual organs, but the side effects often fail to manifest. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, also known as the “silent infections,” are the two most common STIs. Three out of four people don’t have symptoms, so they fail to get tested. According to thinkSTDfree.com, both of these STIs are easily curable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t contract them again. By using a condom, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be prevented. However, it is important to understand that STIs can still be contracted from oral and anal sex, even if ejaculation doesn’t occur.

According to the DOH, there were 110 cases of Chlamydia and six cases of Gonorrhea reported in Kittitas County in 2009. Sixty to 73 percent of young adults that are diagnosed with an STI will be reinfected with the same STI within a year, according to www.thinkSTDfree.com. GYT stressed that now is the time to be proactive about getting to know what kind of birth control and STI prevention methods are out there. Be sure to call your health care provider and get tested. Be part of the solution. Don’t unwittingly pass on the silent infection.

Stay informed. Keep up-to-date on birth control, condoms and STDs.

Get to know the relationship between your brain and your body.

Communication between partners. Talk about STD and pregnancy prevention.

Be conscious of mind-altering substances. Drugs and alcohol weaken your resolve.

Stay healthy and happy. Pay attention to your mind, heart and body.

Expand your notion of what sex is. There are ways to experience sexualities other than sex.

Source: ETR Associates

Learn the difference between “yes” and “no.” Communicate clearly.

NEWS

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Protestors gather at Planned Parenthood difference in age between the two groups. “I don’t see a problem with abortion, Staff Reporter but I’m also not religious,” said Ian WilLast Tuesday, a small group of old- liams, freshman electrical engineering er citizens quietly gathered outside of major. Planned Parenthood and held signs. They Planned Parenthood provides many were protesting the abortion services pro- other services, mainly to low-income peovided by the organization and every Tues- ple in the area, which include screening for day through Lent, cancer, HIV testthey came out with ing, sport physicals, their signs and pregnancy testing, lawn chairs. Across fertility counseling from the protestand contraception. ers was a group “I’m for of supporters who women’s right to were also older. choose. I think they “They are not [Planned Parentfans of the service hood] do a wonthat we provide,” derful service,” said Jen Ham, said sophomore community coorSam Pinsky. dinator, regardOther students ing the protestors agreed with Pingathered outside sky’s assessment. her workplace. “I think they’re “We haven’t really great because you responded. That’s can get Plan-B just not our role.” in case,” said Felisa Instead, Ham Sanchez, freshman and her staff foeducation major. cused on providing There were NICOLE JARVIS/ OBSERVER care for the many others on campus clients they serve in that had a differthe area. ent opinion about “We stay out of their way,” Ham said. abortion but had a more contemporary “It’s unfortunate because we feel like and conflicted view on the issue. women should get health care without be“It’s a tough situation because on the ing intimidated.” one hand I don’t believe in it but what Responses on campus were varied, but if it’s the right choice for someone,” most were in favor of Planned Parent- said Anna Buxton, sophomore visual art hood. The positive response may be the teaching major. “I still feel adoption is a BY NINA KANARSKAYA

NICOLE JARVIS/ OBSERVER

FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS A group of Central students take a stand outside of Planned Parenthood to protest abortion.

better option, but if a baby is born and is put in foster care they could be stuck in a horrible situation. It’s a sticky situation.” Others had definite ideas about the issue. “I guess it’s a personal choice to protest, but I’m not for the idea of taking a life,” said Michael Betancourth, freshman business major. “I’m not for the idea of abortion.” However, whatever their opinion was, most students on campus agreed the protestors were well within their first amendment rights to protest without inciting violence. “Like someone said, I may disagree

with what you say, but I’ll fight to the death for your right to say it,” Pinsky said. “If they want to protest, it’s fine with me.” Williams supported their right to protest. “I wouldn’t be brave enough to protest but I always feel thankful for people who stand up for their beliefs,” Buxton said. Even though students did not participate in the protests outside Planned Parenthood, they had strong, sure, conflicted or positive opinions. “It’s hard for people to think about it because it’s a really sticky situation and they would rather not think about it,” Buxton said.

Future funding unknown for Planned Parenthood

Roughly 15,000 Washington recipients at risk to lose sexual health care services BY SHONTARA ANDERSON

Staff Reporter

Planned Parenthood is an option where people can go to receive education, contraceptives for safe sex and other helpful reproductive health care services. Extremists are trying to take these services away, challenging the organization’s federal funding. While the government is trying to figure out its budget for next year, they can still take Planned Parenthood’s funding away. This will greatly impact all Planned Parenthoods, including the one in Ellensburg. “This will be a devastating effect on people getting the health care they need,” said Jen Ham, community organizer for Planned Parenthood. The Planned Parenthood in Ellensburg serves patients all the way from Moses Lake to Wenatchee. If the funding for Planned Parenthood is cut it could be detrimental to women’s health, Ham said. Services that many Central students use such as free birth control, yearly exams and a cervical cancer screening will be cut if the government decides to take away the funding for Planned Parenthood, Ham said. Many believe the battle over the budget is over abortion, Ham said. But it’s no surprise the Ellensburg Planned Parenthood does not offer abortions. The branch here in Ellensburg sees about 2,000 patients a year and 45,000 total since 1989. “This isn’t just an attack on the right to access basic health care,” Ham said.

This isn’t about abortion but about cancer screenings.” According to the Washington state Senate’s budget, they are proposing to cut family funding by $4.5 million over the next two years. If the budget is passed, 15,000 people in our state will lose access to the Take Charge program. Many Central students and community members rely on Take Charge to afford health care and avoid unintended pregnancies Ham said. “I’m upset [about the budget proposal] because a lot of people can’t afford to go to other doctors,” said senior Jordan Stueckle. She feels that Planned Parenthood is a great place, especially when you don’t have the income to go anywhere else. A lot of students would rather go there than to the Health Center on campus. “I signed a petition that is going to try and help Planned Parenthood keep their funds,” Stueckle said. The Washington Sate Senate proposed cuts would generate over an estimated $18 million in new state cost as a result of unintended pregnancies. If the budget passes, those cuts would take effect immediately, according to the Washington State Senate. “All of this makes me feel frustrated,” said Anna Bressi, senior English major. “I know a lot of girls that don’t use their parents’ insurance for birth control.” Many other girls don’t feel comfortable using the Health Center, so they prefer to use Planned Parenthood. “What are girls gonna do,” Bressi said. “Stop using contraceptives?”

JACKIE JOHANSON/ OBSERVER

NEWS

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Legalize weed? 1,200 Central students say “yes” BY PETER OʼCAIN

News Senior Reporter

Three Mary Jane minded Central students met outside the SURC on April 20 just before 4:20 p.m. to rally and solicit signatures for Initiative 1149, which aims to end criminal penalties for adults in possession of marijuana. The spirit of the unofficial holiday must have been burning elsewhere as the three were underwhelmed by the turnout. “The plan was to do a march. I understand why attendance is low. These kids have a career to look after,” said Brian Grimmer, senior history and sociology major. “But we have their signatures and that’s what counts.” Grimmer said they collected 1,200 signatures on campus and around 100 off campus. Initiative 1149, also known as the Marijuana Reform Act, would eliminate penalties for growing, possessing, transporting, selling or using marijuana. Grimmer, along with David Owens, senior music major, and Michael Ibarra, senior Spanish major, were representing sensiblewashington.org. They had been collecting signatures since 10:30 a.m. on the SURC patio until they were asked by a SURC employee to move to the sidewalk after Grimmer checked out a bullhorn. The bullhorn stayed turned off and instead, the three took turns calling out to passing students to sign the petition. Owens also played tunes on his ukulele. “I like to call it a blue-kulele because I play the blues on it,” Owens said. Students had to be registered voters to sign the petition. But if they weren’t registered, Owens had voter registration forms available for them to fill out. Grimmer, Owens and Ibarra believe that many

who don’t sign the petition don’t because of fear, not because they disagreed with the Marijuana Reform Act. “Some people are afraid that if they one day run for a government job that it’ll come back to hurt them,” Grimmer said. But many others weren’t afraid. “Just because if they do legalize it, it will be better for the U.S. to keep the money here, instead of just going out to other countries,” said Jose Guzman, freshman law and justice major who signed the petition. Grimmer broke his L4 vertebrae in a motorcycle accident just outside of Tucson, Ariz. in the late 1980s and uses marijuana to medicate. “I’ve been addicted to Vicodin and Valium and I’m afraid of going back,” Grimmer said. “The whole aspect of saying cannabis is not medicine is ridiculous.” Owens believes the issue is also about principle. “I should have the opportunity to put what I want in my body. I’m lookin’ for liberty. I’m lookin’ for freedom,” Owens said. “We should be able to get high if we’re not hurting anyone.” Grimmer, who is known by many around campus as “Marijuana Man” and bears a striking resemblance to “The Dude,” is upset with the way Central handles marijuana use. “If they’re going to enforce cannabis prohibition on campus then they should have that same attitude with alcohol,” Grimmer said. Grimmer said that since he came to Central in the fall, he’s seen three students busted for marijuana possession and subsequently lose their financial aid. According to the Higher Education Act of

Jack of all trades Multi-talented open mic musician performs

going from there. He was in a band in high school with Star Anna called No Continuous Standing. Currently, he is a As Liam McCoy starts a gentle, al- member of the band Heavy Metal Mulmost romantic riff on his guitar, he starts let. McCoy has played in Seattle a few singing his first song of the night. Soon times, but tones down the metal for folkit becomes evident that not all is what it rock at the open mic events. seems, as the song’s lyrics turn into a fight “It’s hard to get people to like metal in to survive. “Zombie Girlfriend” is one of Ellensburg,” McCoy said. many songs that McCoy has written and McCoy originally volunteered to set performed at Open up the sound for the Mic events at the open mic events, but SURC pit and UnAt least it’s not crack. now he signs up to heard Voices: Fair whenever At least it’s not coke. At perform Trade Coffee Open he can. He is curleast it’s not he-ro-in. rently helping to orMic Night, an event Well, at least I got a job ganize an acoustic hosted by the Civic Engagement Cenmusic festival night and a couple of friends. ter at D&M Coffee called “Get Folked,” downtown. “HEROIN” tentatively schedHis actual girlLyrics by Liam McCoy uled at Raw Space friend (read: nonfor mid-August. He zombie), Julia Humis trying to recruit phrey, is sitting in as much talent as he the crowd and sings along during his next can, and if it works out, he hopes to get a song, a fan favorite among the open mic larger event later. veteran crowd. “Heroin” has a catchy He writes all his own songs, but when chorus, “At least it’s not crack. At least it’s he does covers they’re straightforward, not coke. At least it’s not he-ro-in. Well, at according to McCoy. He writes a lot of least I got a job and a couple of friends,” his songs while working. He works as a McCoy said he likes playing “Heroin” be- lift manager (lifty) at Snoqualmie over cause the audience can sing along to the the winter. He plays his guitar and writes catchy chorus. songs on slow days. McCoy has always liked music. From McCoy has held many jobs over the listening to playing music like Metallica, years, working as a lifty for the last five Led Zeppelin and Nirvana, he just kept winters at Snoqualmie, as well as cookBY JEREMY VIMISLIK

Staff Reporter

“

KATHARINE LOTZE/ OBSERVER

NEED THE VOTES A student signs Initiative 1149, the Marijuana Reform Act outside the Japanese Garden on April 20.

1965, eligibility for financial aid becomes suspended if a student is convicted for the sale of or possession of drugs while receiving federal student aid. Students

may regain eligibility if they pass two unannounced drug tests. There are no alcohol related amendments in the Higher Education Act.

ing while in high school and working as Every day, there were merchants that a deckhand on a cruise ship for three would come by and sell convenience store years after graduating high school. He goods to patrons. One day, a merchant also works construction jobs off and on offered McCoy and his buddy alcohol (which is illegal, when the money is as Srinagar is ungood. Now, Mcder Muslim law). Coy is a line cook They agreed and at Wing Central’s the merchant Roadhouse. It rowed off. He works around his soon returned schedule, so it fits. with two odd It’s fast-paced, and bottles of beer he likes that. that “looked like Slow work they’d been kept “kinda sucks. You at the bottom of have to find somethe lake,” McCoy thing stupid to said. “They were do,” McCoy said. pretty gross.” McCoy is also He and his well travelled, havbuddy only had ing visited Canaabout half of da, India, Mexico them and threw and Thailand. His them away. favorite place was McCoy is curSrinagar in Kashrently studying mir, India. When Spanish, Enghe got off the PETE LOS/ OBSERVER lish and math plane he noticed a and is thinking machine gun nest pointed toward HEAVY METAL Eager to slay the audi- about majoring in Chemistry. Along him. There were ence with heavy metal lyrics and vocals, with music, he ensoldiers every- Liam McCoy, vocalist of the local Ellensjoys reading, hikwhere, tanks roll- burg band Heavy Metal Mullet, awaits the ing, fishing, snowing by bombed out start of the show with Random Orbitz at the Tool Box Jam in Ellensburg, 2008. boarding and rock houses. climbing, but re“It was real - a cently got a mountain bike, so he wants totally different world,” McCoy said. He got elevation sickness after leav- to get into that more to utilize the trails ing the beaches of Thailand to hike and around Ellensburg. If you want to experience McCoy’s playing cricket with village people in the Himalayas in a matter of days. The city is charisma and music, check out the next dotted with lakes, so he stayed on a house- open mic event. Chances are, he’ll be there. boat while he was there.

NEWS

THE OBSERVER •APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

ASCWU-BOD V.P. of Equity and Community Affairs primary election

Primary elections to be held today, students can vote online, in SURC PROFILES BY NICHOLE WILLIAMSON

Staff Reporter

Andrew Ried-Munro Andrew Ried-Munro, junior history major is from Lakewood and was a member of JROTC during high school. As a member of the Adventure Crew, he went on two humanitarian missions, one to Africa at age 14 and one to Peru when he was 16. Andrew is the Vice President of the Access Belong Learning Education (A.B.L.E) and a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. “I feel there needs to be more community service on campus,” Andrew said.

Conrado Cavazos Conrado Cavazos, sophmore sociology/psychology double major grew up in Seattle and came to Central with a GED. He spends his time with his 2-year-old son Cameron. Conrado works on campus as an SA in the computer labs, and Cameron is an active member of Extraordinary Men Pursuing Intellectual Readiness through Education (E.M.P.I.R.E). He is running for VP for Equity and Community affairs to get more students being involved. “College is more than just drinking, and partying, and smoking,” Conrado said.

Joseph Nelson Joseph Nelson, senior biology major is from Lyle and is an active member of the Yakima Nation. He’s the President of the Native American Student Association and is part of the Pre-Med club. Last quarter he headed a fundraiser for the Native American Student Association for those affected by the fire in White Swan, he raised money and collected eight garbage bags filled with clothes. Joseph has also been a part of the Equity Service Council for three years. “We want to see more dedication to the position and that’s what I want to bring,” Joseph said.

KJ Stilling KJ Stilling, junior public health education/pre-nursing double major grew up on Camano Island and is the youngest of five boys. As a Marine Corps veteran he served two tours of duty in Iraq. KJ is the vice president of the student veterans of Central club S.V.O.C, a senator of the Pre-Med club and an active member in the Health Club. He wants to make the vice president’s position more accessible to all students and encourages them to approach when they see him on and around campus. “It’s not about me being in a position, it’s about a position that’s serving students,” KJ said.

OPINION THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

In what can only be explained as a dumb mistake, the paper ran a fake magazine cover with a story

About a ing a feel-good proﬁle story on them. Getweek ago, ting images of past covers shouldn’t be a I was reinproblem. troduced to To me, it goes to show how this reporta video by it-now, correct-it-later culture in the news the Onion industry is degrading actual research and called “Some reporting. You can thank Twitter for this. Bullshit HapSomeone at the Times probably went pening Someonto Google, snagged some images from where.” It the image search and slapped it in the paserves as a By Anthony James per without authenticating the source. parody of Editor-in-Chief As for the story itself, it seems pretty otherwise meaningless. The New York Times runs meaningless all kinds of these “who cares” stories. But stories taking up airtime on the 24-hour at least they could get it correct the ﬁrst news networks. time. Apparently, meaningless (and inaccuIt wasn’t that long ago when The New rate) stories also York Times was take up space in embroiled in the print. Jayson Blair scanTo me, it goes to On Saturday, dal. Blair, who show how this report-itThe New York was hired fresh Times ran a corout of journalism now, correct-it-later culrection after atschool without ture in the news industributing a fake completing his try is degrading actual cover of the teen degree (and lyresearch and reporting. magazine Tiger ing to the Times You can thank Twitter Beat. The cover, about it), was for this. which was done found to have by the Onion, fabricated dozhad a picture of ens of stories. President Obama He used the wire with a caption that read: “Barack: ‘I sing services for some of his information. He in the shower.’” simply made up other things. The story was a historical look at TiThe Times wrote an 8,000 word scathger Beat and how it’s remained an un- ing article about itself, calling the incident changed, family-friendly publication for “a profound betrayal of trust and a low almost 50 years. point in the 152-year history of the newsThe Times should be better than this. paper.” As one of the most respected newspapers Sure, running a fake magazine cover in the world, the Times should have been without checking probably isn’t on the able to snag a few cover images from the same level as Blair. But it’s equally as stupublisher of Tiger Beat. Hell, they’re do- pid.

“

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The perfect film for 420, Earth Day

Read the article to find out what you may or may not be missing

With Earth care about the environment. Day events Simply recommending a film starring and 420 celShore, especially “Bio-Dome,” can incite ebrations as much dread and anxiety as being forced happening to watch one episode of “Jersey Shore” or relatively close listen to Fran Drescher sing “Beautiful together every Dreamer.” But hey, some people are into April, there is that kind of stuff. only one mov“Bio-Dome,” released in 1996, was ie that comes allegedly so bad that it was first pick for to mind that By Pete Los worst film by some stuffy, mainstream critm a s t e r f u l l y All-around great guy ics who couldn’t follow the humor. Uncaptures the esfortunately, poor critiques persuaded the sence of both masses the film was a waste of their time, cultural holidays and traditions: “Bio- even if they were stoned. In the U.S., the Dome.” film grossed about $1.5 million less than What’s even better is that every day is it cost to produce, which was only $15 Earth Day, which million. To top can be learned in it off, Shore won the film, and 420 a Razzie Award “Bio-Dome,” reis whenever, which for Worst Actor leased in 1996, was alis not technically at the 1996 Goldlearned as much en Raspberry legedly so bad that it Awards. as it is observed by was first pick for worst Stephen Baldmain characters film by some stuffy, win’s role and Bud “Squirrel” mainstream critics who association with Macintosh (Pauly couldn’t follow the huShore in “BioShore) and Doyle Dome” may quite Johnson, (Stephen mor. possibly be the Baldwin), but it sole reason why he sets an enjoyable has forever been premise. On Earth Day, after mistaking the in the spotlight-cast shadow of his oldest Bio-dome structure for a modern mall, in brother and greatest actor in the world, search of a bathroom, the two accidental- Alec Baldwin. But then again, few actors ly get sealed into a yearlong, isolated habi- have the talent to upstage Alec Baldwin. tat experiment along with the scientists. However, that’s not to say that Stephen Needless to say, they inevitably destroy Baldwin isn’t still pretty awesome in his the environmental project with their im- own Jesus praisin’ way. Whether you’re into environmentalmature, stoner ways despite efforts by the scientists to civilize them. They eventually ism or 420ing, “Bio-Dome” may be a bit come to their senses, as others lose their nonsensical and ridiculous, but it was the own, in an effort to redeem themselves 90s. Plus it has a very important and inand reverse the damages they’ve done to spiring message to deliver: Every day is prove to their girlfriends that they truly Earth Day.

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Keep it secret, keep it safe

I’m just keeping my personal info safe. Right? as sick of I thought so, until I heard about what hearing happened last week to Playstation owners. a b o u t In case you’ve been wondering why protecting you can’t log in to the Internet from your my personal Playstation 3, let me fill you in. information Sometime between April 17 and as everyone 19, Sony’s network was hacked and the else, but the personal information of 77 million users events of was compromised. this week By Weston Morrow Phone numbers, addresses, even credit have caused Asst. News Editor card information of millions of users may me to stop be in the hands of the unknown hacker(s). and think. That means that if you’re one of those We ’ve 77 million users, some of your most vital all gotten the lectures, the warnings, the personal information is at risk. caution messages: Don’t give out your When word of the breach first got personal information. out, many speculated that it was the work As we’ve of the guerilla migrated into the activist group digital world, the Anonymous. I like to think I’m warnings have These rumors gradually moved have been largely pretty aware of whom I from physical theft dispelled however, give my personal info to, to identity theft. after Anonymous but until now, I didn’t Don’t throw issued a statement give it much thought away your bank saying they weren’t when I gave my info to statements. Don’t involved. leave anything If you’re at Google, Microsoft or open on your all familiar with Central. computer. Anonymous, you I like to think know that they not I’m pretty aware only admit to their of whom I give my personal info to, but attacks, they announce them across the until now, I didn’t give it much thought Internet. when I gave my info to Google, Microsoft This isn’t the first time a company has or Central. failed to protect users’ information and We all preach the importance of it won’t be the last. This isn’t an excuse keeping our own information safe, but to roll over and let others have their way we often forget to think of the companies with your personal info, though. holding our passwords, credit card Be careful who gets your personal numbers and social security info. info. Even the biggest companies have Surely these massive corporations are vulnerabilities.

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Did The New York Times really do that?

cwuobserveropinion@gmail.com

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SCENE Scene Editor

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Nicole Swapp cwuobserverscene@gmail.com

Lem Cannonier creates his own beats BY ASHTON CERMAK

Staff Reporter

When Central graduate Lem Cannonier first came to Central, he had no idea what he wanted to major in. “I was in communication,” Cannonier said. “It just didn’t work out too well.” Now he is an executive producer for BLK Grenade Records in Ellensburg. Cannonier has been making music for over five years now and started his own website where everyone can hear it. “Instead of putting it on a random website, I just made my own and put a direct link to it,” he said. Cannonier is musically influenced by reggae and rap artists like Sizzla and RZA of Wu-Tang Clan. “RZA is really out there,” Cannonier said. “I’d watch his stuff and kinda just be like ‘let me just do whatever I want’ without trying to follow a certain pattern that everyone is doing.” Raised by parents of Jamaican descent, he grew up around reggae, his father played bass in a reggae band. Cannonier would hear the bass being played all the time. “I always had a rhythm in my head, I was always tapping on things,” Cannonier said. “My mom finally told me to put it to good use and stop making noise on tables.” BLK Grenade Records is looking for artists that are dedicated and want to make music. “I do this every single day, I wouldn’t want someone to get on the band wagon and work one day every two months,” Cannonier said. “A lot of people come to me and say ‘I know how to rap’ or ‘or I know how to sing’, but they never get back to me.” Cannonier is also a coordinator for the Bridges Project on campus. The Bridges Project is a mentoring program that sends college students to high schools to mentor kids in to doing better and getting into college. The Bridges Project provides kids with a drive to go to college. “Instead of hearing it from their teachers or parents, they hear from a college student who is just like them,” he said. The focus is being there for kids who have questions about college. Mentors in the Bridges Project give the kids someone to look up to, someone to mimic and someone they want to be like. “We also throw camps in the summer” Cannonier said. “For three weeks we will go up north and talk to kids in Brewster, Bridgeport, Oroville, Tonasket and tell them about college and let them know that we are just like them. It is very rewarding.” After two years at Highline Community College, Cannonier came here. After deciding that he wanted to pursue something other than communication, Professor Michael Ogden turned him on to the film and video studies program. “In film, you can be yourself, you can be creative,” Cannonier said. “I want to become a music video director, that’d be cool to get into the music scene.” He decided, with the help of his friend Chester Castro,

to put all his music online and make videos to it, wanting the end product to like an instrumental with scene. “You see the feeling I felt while making it, I always wanted to pursue that,” he said. You can check out all of Cannonier’s

ASHTON CERMAK/OBSERVER

Two Central students take their musical talent to the next level work at www.blkgrenaderecords.com or follow BLK Grenade Records on Facebook. CAITLIN CROMPE/ OBSERVER

BY CHANELLE FOURNIER

Staff Reporter

During freshman year, many students ﬁnd themselves spending most of their time in the SURC, eating cereal, studying and

killing time. Music education and performance major Austen Stone is not one of these students. “Some people call the SURC pit their study home,” Stone said. “I call a practice room in the music building with a piano my home.” Stone, who plays upright and electric bass, is originally from Auburn. He first got interested in music when he took a music survey class in sixth grade. Falling to the temptation of home economics, he took a brief but memorable break from music. “I was really excited to go to home economics class, as every kid is in middle school. Like, ‘Oh, I want to cook,” Stone said. “But I get there, and I am like, ‘I have to sew? This sucks.’ So I was like, ‘I’m going to go play orchestra.” On the lam from the trap of textiles, Stone continued with orchestra throughout his high school career. In his junior year he was accepted into the Tacoma Youth Symphony. “It’s not like the kids in high school orchestra who are there to get a fine arts credit, it’s kids that really want to be there to make music,” Stone said. It’s the sense of community that made Stone really commit to music. Before he got into music, Stone played baseball for 14 years and planned on playing professionally. “People call team sports, like organized baseball and football, the great builders of teamwork, and that’s like one of the only places you can find it,” he said. “I learned more about teamwork and companionship and cooperation from orchestra than I ever did from any team sport.” Stone has brought this sense of solidarity and community with him to Central, where he said there is a tight nit circle within the music department. “He’s a pretty good player. He’s got a pretty solid work ethic,” said Martin Pittis, junior music education major. During high school, he participated in the talent show, “Auburn Idol,” and blew away the crowd, said Auburn High School math teacher Erik Gunderson. “For 10 minutes, he absolutely captivated the audience,” Gunderson said. “You could hear a pin drop in the audience. I was so proud of him.” Stone volunteered in Gunderson’s classroom, inspiring students to work toward their goals. He was so impressed with his work and attitude that he named his son, Austen, after him. At the moment, Stone was considering dropping his performance specialization to focus on education. He plans on getting his Master’s degree in performance, then a PhD in conducting. Until he decides, Stone continues to work on his craft, and is getting more into local performance, such as Jazz Night at Grant’s Pizza. He also enjoys getting other people as enthusiastic about music as he is. “Inspiring music in youth is a beautiful thing,” Stone said. “Not that I am much older.”

Austen Stone finds his gift in orchestra

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THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

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THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

GETTING INTO THE CWU RODEO DAZE BY GIANCARLO GONZALEZ

Senior Reporter

KATHARINE LOTZE/OBSERVER

SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY A horse waits for its turn in the Ellensburg Rodeo arena at the Northwest Collegiate Rodeo Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance.

The tractor smoothed the wind swept grounds while the broncs bred to buck waited to run. The metal gates slammed open and they ran together, snorting, whinnying and galloping around the arena in a circle. The cowboys let them do a few turns and then herded them back inside, repeating this process several times. Their owners do this so the horses are familiar with the arena for the next day’s events. The rodeo world is like a family. Everyone knows and respects each other and competes like crazy to win. Individuals work hard at their event and also for the team. The Central Rodeo Club has competing and non-competing members. Megan Truax, freshman exercise science major, does barrel racing and breakaway roping events. She got involved when she was young. “I got my ﬁrst horse when I was 3,” Truax said. “He was a big ol’ show horse, a quarter horse named Fizz.” Carl Bissonette, junior secondary math education major, rides his reddish brown horse, “Dude”, around the arena. “He’s breeding stock Paint, he’s a paint that ain’t’,” Bissonette said. Bissonette’s events are saddle bronc, team roping and steer wrestling. The history of rodeo lies in practical, daily care of farm animals. “Calf roping is a form of doctoring cattle,” Bissonette said. He plans on going pro and competing in the National Finals in Las Vegas one day. College rodeo is a great way to see the future stars in this sport. Events are divided by gender and by type. Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding are “roughstock” events and steer wrestling, team roping, calf roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat

tying are “timed” events. The adrenaline to Todd on Saturday to remember him rush is the draw for both cowboys and and for a lot of people who remember cowgirls. Mackenzie Williams, senior law Todd it’s an important part of the rodeo,” and justice major, competes in breakaway. McGowan said. “His family is going to be “We all love it, it’s a lifestyle at this age,” here Saturday so this is all very important Williams said. “It’s the best high you can for them as well.” get.” Bryant Sawada, senior biology major, Central’s Rodeo Club put on two rodeos who comes from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, during Easter weekend. With the help of was around horses as a kid but never had local businesses and volunteers, the club a chance to rodeo growing up. His family hosts their rodeo in one of the top 10 rodeo is coming from Hawaii to see him wrestle venues in the U.S. “Ellensburg is Rodeo a steer. country,” Williams said. “I just visualize it [to prepare myself] The first was and make sure I the Northwest remember the key Regional Rodeo things I have to We all love it, it’s a and the second was do,” Sawada said. lifestyle at this age. It’s the Todd Anderson The Northwest the best high you can Memorial Rodeo. Regional Rodeo It takes its name went well for the get. from the former Central cowboys Rodeo Club and cowgirls. -MACKENZIE president who was Bailey Minor, WILLIAMS killed in a tragic junior public house fire accident health/pre nursing Senior law and justice in 2003. An annual major, took the major silent auction is breakaway roping held during the event while rodeo to raise funds Jordan Crossley, for a scholarship named in Anderson’s senior elementary education major, honor. The Todd D. Anderson Memorial took third. Breakaway roping is a timed Scholarship is available to Central students event in which the cowgirl ropes the calf who attend full time, are active members around the neck. Minor’s 2.9 seconds and of the CWU Rodeo Club, demonstrate Crossley’s 3.4 seconds are sizzling. For the leadership, help out in the community and Wildcat cowboys, Joey Bergevin, senior maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. pre-veterinarian major and president of Shannon McGowan, junior biology Central’s Rodeo Club, shared the top major, runs the auction during the three spot in tie down roping by doing it in 9.0 day event. “We have a goose hunt trip, seconds. It’s also a timed event in which a guided fly fishing trip on the Yakima the cowboy must rope the calf and securely River, we have wine baskets, ropes, original tie any three of the calf ’s legs and after it’s artwork, caps, purses, home décor stuff and tied, the cowboy must wait six seconds to even a saddle,” McGowan said. make sure the tie is secure. It’s a plethora of gifts donated by The Ellensburg Rodeo Fairgrounds businesses to help out. “We’ll have a tribute erupts with cheers and whistles for great

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scores and bold moves. Watching the roughstock events is exciting and viewers can see the skill and will power of each contestant. The arena announcer, Bob Garrett, called out names and described the action for the connoisseurs and newbies. When the Anderson tribute begins, the rodeo takes on a spiritual dimension. It becomes clear that the cowboy, the cowgirl and the rodeo are a way of life. Jon Guddat, from the Daily Record, covers the rodeo scene in Ellensburg. In a written statement, Guddat said the thing that hooked me on rodeo is the fact that it’s a pure sport, but these guys and ladies will give you the shirt off their back, help you at anytime and are extremely appreciative and forever grateful for what they earn. Cowboys and cowgirls went at it full throttle in their events on Saturday. The ﬁnal, or “short go,” was held on Sunday with just the top 10 in each event. The Rodeo dance held at the Rodeo Bowl on Saturday night was a chance for cowboys and cowgirls to blow off some steam. Beer glasses were full as the sound of bowling balls hitting pins echoed inside the bowling alley. On the dance ﬂoor, pink and blue lights covered a cowboy and cowgirl dancing and grinding to Tone Loc’s “Wild Thing.” Loud laughter, brash talk and back slaps abound as the night rolls on. Crossley bowls and smiles at her results. Her immediate and extended families have all been involved in rodeo, competing at the highest levels. “My mom taught elementary school and did rodeo in the summers,” Crossley said. On the last day, Central’s cowboys and cowgirls were looking forward to the next rodeo. The results weren’t quite what they wanted but they maintained level headed. “I hope everyone had fun and learned a little bit about the sport,” Bergevin said.

WAITING FOR THE SHOW A pair of steers stare through the fence as they wait their turn at the Northwest Collegiate Rodeo Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance.

GIANCARLO GONZALEZ/OBSERVER

KATHARINE LOTZE/OBSERVER

WORKIN’ IT Two cowboys getting ready for steer wrestling and team roping on Saturday.

YOUR SADDLE’S WAITING A cowboy’s bareback bronco gear rests on a fence before the Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance section of the Northwest Collegiate Rodeo.

GIANCARLO GONZALEZ/OBSERVER

ROPE ‘EM UP Two boys, Austin Gordon and Trevor Gibson, teaching the girls from FUEL how to lasso.

KATHARINE LOTZE/OBSERVER

GIANCARLO GONZALEZ/OBSERVER KATHARINE LOTZE/OBSERVER

GIDDY UP Bryant Sawada of Central prepares to wrestle a steer during the Tough Enough to Wear Pink performance.

HANGING OUT Conner Ackley, Miranda Frank and Kattie Hoffman waiting to wrap up the Todd Anderson Memorial Rodeo.

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12 THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

The cake is still a lie - “Portal 2” re- The ‘Burg pays it forward view - this article contains spoilers Tune Out Cancer radio-a-thon raised money “Oh. It’s you. It’s been a long time. I’ve been really busy being dead. You know. After you murdered me. Look, we both said things you’re going to regret. But we could put those aside. For BY BRYAN EATON science. You mon- Staff Reporter ster,” says GLaDOS immediately after being rebooted in the opening section of Portal 2. GLaDOS (played by Ellen McLain) and Chell (Alesia Glidewell) are back for another adventure that requires you to “think with portals.” This time, though, everything has gone off the rails. Chell wakes up an undefined number of years (the official timeline says 200 years, but the game blatantly contradicts that, so who knows) by a personality core with a British accent named Wheatley (Stephen Merchant). Wheatley has woken Chell up after the reactors in the hibernation chambers have begun to fail and wants to make a break for it before the other cores know what’s happened. They wake up GLaDOS on accident instead. GLaDOS immediately starts repairing the facility and putting Chell through tests again, insulting her all the while (“Look at you flying through the air! Like an eagle, piloting a blimp!” and “The birth parents you are trying to reach do not love you! Please hang up!” stand out). Eventually, Wheatley busts Chell out short after repairs have been completed and they decide to knock out GLaDOS for their own survival (and maybe some revenge). After crawling through the facility destroying her defensives they replace

GLaDOS’s personality with Wheatley and shoving her into a potato battery. This ends up being a worse idea, as GLaDOS reveals he was one of the personality spheres adhered to him, but was designed to make her stupid. This pisses Wheatley off and he knocks GLaDOS and Chell into the condemned depths of the facility from the 1940s and 70s. GLaDOS explains why this was a really bad idea. “He’s not a regular moron,” GLaDOS said as they fall down the shaft. “He’s the result of the greatest minds in the world to create the dumbest moron who ever lived and you just left him in charge of the facility. (slow clap)” As rivals Chell and GLaDOS climb their way back up the abandoned Aperture Science facilities of old. They learn the history of the company from recordings (GLaDOS style, no less) from the company founder Cave Johnson (J.K. Simmons) and the mysterious Caroline (Ellen McLain), who GLaDOS seems to know very well. These sequences are epitomized by Johnson’s GLaDOS-esque rants. “Science isn’t about why, it’s about why not. You ask: Why is so much of our science dangerous? I say: Why not marry safe science if you love it so much. In fact, why not invent a special safety door that won’t hit you in the butt on the way out, because you are ﬁred,” Johnson said in one of his rants. “Portal 2” also has a co-operative campaign mode that features two robots, Pbody and ATLAS, who must co-operate to solve GLaDOS’s puzzles. Ultimately, though, “Portal 2’s” gameplay hasn’t changed from the original game, but it’s kept the same meme-worthy dialogue and wonderful story. If you haven’t picked up “Portal 2” yet, get on it. Just remember the Companion Cube will never threaten to stab you . We’re done here.

Manastash Literary Mag.

Magazine gives students a chance to have their art and writing published and get their big break BY KELSEE DODSON - CARTER

Senior Reporter

Writing is part of our everyday life. Whether it be an essay for a class or a journal for your thoughts, writing is always there. It is something that connects us not only to our own minds, but also with the rest of the world. The Manastash Literary Magazine on campus allows students to submit their work for a chance to get it published. The ﬁrst issue of the Manastash Literary Magazine was published in 1990 and ever since then, the magazine has been published yearly. Before the magazine was created, Assistant Associate Professor of English Joe Powell went to the dean for his support. The dean agreed to come up

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with $500 to create the magazine. Today the magazine is funded by student and activities. Powell said that they had to put everything together themselves. Back then, the magazine was pieced, stapled and photo copied together. Now, the magazine is created electronically, and has improved quite a bit. “Almost every year it improves,” Powell said. “Not just in the design but in the writing as well.” Powell believes that it is important for students to share their writing publicly. He said it encourages them to keep going with their writing. Within this magazine are poems, short stories, critical essays and creative nonﬁction works. Sometimes students publish their artwork that will be included in the

S C O O p

APRIL 28

KITTFAM ROUND UP SURC BALLROOM 8:30 A.M. FREE

KARAOKE NIGHT SURC PIT 7 P.M. FREE

BY CHANELLE FOURNIER

Staff Reporter

The idea of being diagnosed with cancer is unimaginable for many students; it is something they may have to worry about in a hypothetical future, but it doesn’t carry real weight or worry. 88.1 The Burg brought the reality of cancer to students and offered a chance to pay forward last Friday and Saturday during their 24 hour radio-a-thon, Tune Out Cancer. “This is not just about awareness because the problem is already known,” said KCWU Promotions and Marketing Coordinator Erica Spalti in a statement. “I lost a dear friend to cancer and I know others who also had lost love ones to this horrible disease. It’s time to bring the fight to cancer; it’s time to give back.” Spalti and KCWU Music Director Laura Walp helmed the project. This was the first time both them and The Burg took on a project like this, Walp said. The fundraiser was an idea first brought up during The Burg’s fall retreat, according to Walp. The event was inspired by Seattle-based KISS 106.1 FM’s cancer fundraiser. “We sort of took their radio-a-thon idea and turned it into just a 24 hour radio-a-thon,” Walp said. “We sort of put our own spin on it because we are covering eight different cancers.” The fundraiser consisted of eight three-hour radio blocks that were each devoted to a type of cancer. Each show offered information including symptoms and treatments, and allowed callers to share their cancer stories. In between, the normal radio schedule was put off in favor of sticking to their indie-rock and top 40 sound. Throughout the planning process and the event, The ‘Burg worked in partnermagazine and on the cover. Some may be surprised to know that creating the magazine is actually part of a course in the English Department, ENG 485, a two credit class, helps create the magazine. Students collect the works that are submitted and edit them to perfection using editorial skills learned in class. Each student submits their own creation and design of the magazine, and their submissions are voted on by the staff and faculty in the English department. Only one design is chosen as the final product. “It’s important to learn the fundamentals of how a magazine is put together. From the editorial decisions to getting it put together,” said English Instructor Lee Honeycutt. According to Honeycutt, this magazine is a student driven publication. In his class he takes a hands off approach and becomes more of a guide for the students. “I’m proud to be a part of this,” Honeycutt said. English Department Secretary Terri Stevens said that there are so many people that write and that want to get their work

MAY 1

MUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE MUSIC CONCERT HALL 6:30 P.M. FREE

MAY 2

ship with the American Cancer Society to make sure that event made a real impact on the fight against cancer. “This is the first time Central has contacted us to work with them,” said Wendee Bodnar, American Cancer Society Community Relationship Manager. “We were really excited to work with them.” According to Bodnar, money raised will go to the local community. Programs include transportation, gas cards and free lodging for those who have to commute for treatment, support groups and a camp for children with cancer. “Having can- The ‘Burg cer is hard but we raised $744 don’t want treat- for the ment to be,” BodAmerican nar said. After the radio- Cancer Socia-thon, a celebra- ety, through tion was hosted online doat Raw Space, which included nations, performances by tabling and Ben N., Verlee the auction. for Ransom, Red Their goal of Means Go and DJ KP. An auction $3,000 was was also held with not met. donations from local businesses added to the final total. “We didn’t meet our goal but any amount we could raise for the American Cancer Society is helpful,” Walp said. The event garnered a lot of support from the community and students, according to Walp. Though many listeners were out of town for the Easter holiday, many people called in to the station and messaged the DJs to show their appreciation. “I’m really happy with how it turned out,” Walp said.

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published and this is a way to do so. “The skills you learn in this class are good to have in the marketplace,” Stevens said.

MAY 3

ART, SOCIOLOGY AND MONDAY MOVIE THE DIGITAL REVOLUMADNESS TION: “PERSONAL “THE GREEN HORNET” REFLECTIONS?” SURC THEATRE 4 P.M. 7 & 9:30 P.M. DEAN HALL LOBBY STUDENTS FREE | $3 FREE

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THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Downtown has some new eats - JJ’s on Main BY LOREN BAYLES

Staff Reporter

Last Friday night and again on Saturday, JJ’s On Main held a soft opening for friends and family introducing a new, bold, fresh taste to historic downtown Ellensburg. Located on Main Street between Pizza Rita and the Iron Horse Brewery, JJ’s offers a menu that is distinct from those of its neighbors and other downtown establishments. “There is a huge niche we can fill in Ellensburg,” Owner Chef Jennifer Vertrees said. The menu, created and perfected by Vertrees, consists of dishes such as lamb, steak, salmon, a highly original macaroni and cheese, vegetarian lasagna and an array of creative appetizers. Vertrees uses the freshest ingredients available to her. She gets her beef from the Double R Ranch in Oroville, uses only free-range chickens for the “Free Range Grilled Chicken” and gets her organic potatoes and other fresh produce from the Irish Eyes Garden Seed here in Kittitas County. For this reason, Vertrees said the menu is likely to change periodically as the freshest ingredients go in and out of season. Vertrees also expects to have a full

brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays, which will be introduced within the next couple weeks. “We are always going to be evolving,” she said. Vertrees also makes a wide variety of seafood plates. She proudly recommends the mussels, which are already becoming a favorite. Taylor Wilson, senior technology education major, dined at JJ’s on Saturday night and had the “Spicy Seafood Potpie.” The potpie is a seafood medly consisting of “mussels, scallops, shrimp and salmon in a roasted tomato sauce with garlic, bell peppers and crushed red pepper.” Wilson said, “the mussels were delicious. They’re steamed in Blue Moon.” Wilson sat at the bar where he enjoyed what he described as “a warm atmosphere with friendly service.” Vertrees moved with her family from Wenatchee to Ellensburg 14 years ago and has lived here on and off ever since. She graduated from Central in 2003 with a degree in elementary education and health. She also worked at the local restaurant and bakery, Sweet Memories, which eventually evolved into the Dakota Café. Her experience working for Kelly Cook, owner chef at the Dakota Café, inspired her to pursue a career in the culinary arts. She describes Cook as a “big

JESSICA MASSART/OBSERVER

NEW DINING A restaurant called JJ’s on Main showcases itself into the many food places Ellensburg offers, not open yet to the public but will be soon.

mentor” and says Cook was “pretty important to my culinary career.” The work she did for Cook prepared her for the stresses of opening her own place. “I’d done a soft opening at Dakota,” she said. Of course a soft opening is limited to friends and family so Vertrees admits “they’re all bias” but as her father Bill pointed out, even family “offer some criticism.” Vertrees graduated from the South Seattle CC culinary program in 08. While attending the two-year program she worked for numerous restaurants and catering companies including the Pink Door at Pikes Place LOREN BAYLES/OBSERVER and the Herban Feast Catering Company. ON THE INSIDE (LEFT) A wall at JJ’s with many ‘J’s’ to give it a new vibe. (RIGHT) A table for two Three years later

she returned to Ellensburg and started her own catering company, operating under the same name as her new restaurant. Her mother Sue, the name of the company was an old nickname of Jennifer’s that apparently stuck. Vertrees said that as the company grew it became more practical to have a restaurant as a kind of base of operations. “I’ve had a small [catering] business… for the last two years,” Vertrees said. Now the catering company and the restaurant “will be one and the same.” Vertrees received over 600 resumes and only hired eight applicants, three in the kitchen and five in the front. “I hired everyone myself ” she said and so far she’s been extremely happy with her choices. “They’re going to grow and be phenomenal,” she said. JJ’s On Main opened for business yesterday, and there will be a grand opening to follow in the coming weeks. Vertrees is sure people will be drawn to the “overall activity and the comfortable environment” and of course to the delicious food.

with a new set-up at JJ’s on Main.

Students got their sing on at open Unheard Voices a Call to Action Benefit concert raises money for Japan mic night last week in the SURC BY MONIQUE PARKER

Staff Reporter

As the seats in the SURC pit fill, performers rush to get a spot on the sign-up sheet of acts for the night. Show goers come in packs with snacks in hand, ready for the night’s festivities. For many, last Thursday’s open mic night was their first time on stage. Isiah Lewis, freshman philosophy major, said it was his first time ever performing on stage. Lewis, also known as Izzy Lew, rapped two original pieces. “I felt out of place or like I had to set an example,” Lewis said, speaking about the lack of rappers at the event. Open mic night performers do not all have to be Central students. Ryan McDow, a traveling musician from Bremerton made open mic night a stop on his state-wide tour. McDow, a performer for four years sings a genre of music called anitfolk. “I would like them to think about the lyrics and see where other people come from,” McDow said. There was an eclectic group of students gathered in the pit for open mic night. The event grabbed the attention of students walking through the SURC,

some even stopping to watch the rest of the show. “There are a lot of different genres of talent exploding out,” said Nikita Tarver, a visitor from Seattle. There were wide varieties of performers at open mic night, everything from comedians and rappers to spoken word artists and singers. There is always something different to see at open mic nights. Phil Horton, senior public relations major and student programmer for student life and activities, recalls a girl that performed animal sounds. There was a very laid back vibe at the event. Attendees seemed excited to see the regular performers and curious to see what the new students would bring. They were a very polite crowd. They clapped, cheered and supported every act as they went on and off stage. “It’s not really so much a talent show as much as a chance to give students a chance to show their talents,” Horton said. Open mic night is a great chance for wannabe performers to find their voice on stage. They are held once or twice a quarter in the SURC pit. The event is free. For more information, contact student life and activites.

BY ALYSSA HOARD

Staff Reporter

No one could have predicted or prepared enough for the devastating event that took place in northeast Japan last month. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that shook the country is still creating a major need for help. Central students thinking globally, began acting locally. The Civic Engagement Center (CEC) along with the Kappa Delta sorority allowed students to put efforts toward Unheard Voices a Call to Action, a benefit concert and silent auction, last night at Raw Space. Jenna Fernandez, junior inter-disciplinary studies major, said the event is primarily for students to learn more and hear stories from students to see how they have impacted students and families at Central. “It has had a big impact on the world,” Fernandez said. “The Civic Engagement Center wants to be involved in local activities and work for a global cause.” The benefit featured local bands Dave Rawlinson Band, Rusted Soul, Smile By Default, Scott Shelton Band, Blue Like Jazz, and Mike Champoux. All proceeds

from the benefit went to Japanese disaster assistance through Direct Relief International. Chase Thomas, junior, public relations major and member of Smile By Defult, said he was “looking forward to performing, not just that but also be proactive in my community as it is a great cause, and I can make a change because everyone that shows up a gives a few bucks will be able to make a difference.” According to Direct Relief ’s website, they have established a collaboration with the Japanese American Citizens League, a U.S. based organization with deep ties in the Japanese community. They’ve granted over a million dollars to local community groups and provided not only emergency efforts but relief services for the elderly and disabled throughout Japan. According to the organization’s website, they’ve measured a death toll of almost 13,500 with almost 15,000 unaccounted for, 140,000 people displaced and many injured by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear threat. The benefit was just one way for Central and the community to reach out to those in need. The event raised awareness and highlighted how the community pulls together to improve our world.

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

SCENE

OPR’s Spring Symposium

Students got to play in the sun last week

BY MAECY ENGER

Staff Reporter

Outdoor Pursuits and Rental’s (OPR) Spring Symposium kicked off last Thursday by recognizing all outdoor action sports in the seventh annual spring symposium. Eddie Roberts, junior tourism major and OPR’s event programmer, said the event has a little bit of every action sport including longboarding, wakeboarding and rafting. “It really depends on what you’re into,” Roberts said. “There’s really something for everyone here.” Some of the vendors opening the event included Leavenworth Mountain Sports, Let’s Go Tubing rentals, Respectmyregion.com, Northwestriders.com and The Lounge. To gain attention of students who didn’t know about the event, a black Toyota and a Mastercraft wakeboard boat sat in the middle of the patio. Others were drawn by the live music by Mike Chapeaux and Red Means Go, both groups are students from Central who performed on a stage set up near the SURC. Brian Adams, senior percussion performance major, said that he accompanied his girlfriend so they could watch some of her friends who were in the band. He is also a rock climber, so many of his friends were already at the event. Josh Rabold, freshman undecided, said it was the BBQ tacos made by the Central

Dining Services that led him to the event. He was actually unaware it was going on but thought the live music was really cool to have. Many of the students came for the longboarding race that took place at 4 p.m. Thomas Bloom, junior information technology and administrative management major, said he is a longboarder competing in the event for the third time. “The course is really flat and really sick at the same time,” Bloom said. Hearing about the event and coming with her boyfriend, Hayley Gorton, freshman undecided, said she really likes longboarding, although she is a volleyball player herself. The anticipated longboard race took place along the stretch of pavement near the SURC. Monster energy drinks were handed out at the event. Several students from the wakeboard team, Wake Central, also came to see what the event was all about. The spring Symposium helped promote one of the group’s larger fundraisers, a movie premier of “Sick City,” as well as a video of the Central team, “Over the River and through the Pond,” was held in the theater after the main outdoor event. Ending in the evening, the event attracted a lot of students. Ali Alamri, international student management administration major, came to see everything the event had to offer, it was his first time attending. “I think it [was] exciting,” Alamri said.

JESSICA MASSART/OBSERVER

HAVING FUN (ABOVE) Two students enjoy the sun and fun in tubes. (LEFT) Students got to jam out to some tunes at the event. (RIGHT) Hayley Gorton, freshman undeclared major, checks out the longboarding table.

SPORTS Matt Carstens Sports Editor

cwuobserverssports@gmail.com

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Whitney out as women’s basketball coach

BY MATT CARSTENS

Sports Editor

After a 14-year coaching career at his alma mater, Jeff Whitney will not be returning as the head basketball coach to Central Washington University. The 200-game winner was told he will not be brought back after his team failed to qualify for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament. “I’m still scratching my head because I was never really given any other reason other than the fact that we didn’t make the playoffs,” Whitney said. “I just wasn’t given a whole lot of information to tell you the truth. And that’s disappointing after all the time I’ve spent there at Central.” Central has been the bottom feeder of the GNAC for women’s basketball the last several years, but Whitney thought with his track record that he would be given more time to rebuild the program. “The other thing is too I tied the all time career win list with 200 wins,” Whitney said. “There’s only one other coach that’s done that and she’s got a building named after her, she didn’t get fired.” Director of Athletics Jack Bishop said he appreciated Whitney’s contributions to the program but felt there was a lack of improvement over too long a period. “The last four years it just seemed like we’d been hitting a point where it didn’t seem like we were getting any better,” Bishop said. “Jeff did a wonderful job for us while he was here.” Bishop cited a few issues he was growing concerned about including attendance and the style of play. “We need to not only make a change in the coach, but a change philosophically,” Bishop said. “We need to put a boost into women’s basketball and it’s very hard to do that without making a coaching change.” Whitney’s resume includes nine straight winning seasons from 1999-00 to 2007-08 and three NCAA Division-II tournament appearances. When it comes to the losing culture the last few years Whitney cited

JOEY LEBEAU/OBSERVER

UTTER FRUSTRATION Former women’s head basketball coach Jeff Whitney (left) and current interim head coach Stacy Clinesmith (right) look on with frustration in a game last season. Whitney was fired after not qualifying for the GNAC tournament.

lack of funding as the main cause. “I’d had some success,” Whitney said. “But you have to fund the team in order to have success. Men’s football and men’s basketball are funded and they’re expected to win.” Jack Bishop told the Yakima HeraldRepublic, “I’m not saying we should beat the Western Washingtons, Seattle Pacifics and Alaska Anchorages every time, but I think we should at least keep pace with

the Saint Martin’s and Western Oregons.” When Whitney read that, he was not pleased. “To me that’s saying you didn’t expect much out of the program,” Whitney said. “If I had known that four or five years ago I would have left because I was trying to win championships and obviously that wasn’t the direction they were trying to go.” Bishop clarified his statement to the

Observer on Tuesday. “I said in the past I could understand why we didn’t compete, if we wanted to take [Whitney’s] take on that you don’t have enough money to compete with those [teams],” Bishop said. “But we should have enough money in the future. We want to compete with everyone. We want to be champions. I made this change to have a better women’s basketball program.”

Wildcat softball sweeps their way to GNAC lead BY GIANCARLO GONZALEZ

Senior Reporter

The Wildcat softball team continued their recent domination of Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponents as they steam-rolled into Burnaby, British Columbia for a two-game set against Simon Fraser. The results were more of the same as they put a beat down on the Clan 15-6 in the first game, then held on 8-6 for the sweep in the nightcap. Senior pitcher Lauren Hadenfeld continued her hot streak, winning her ninth straight game while striking out seven and allowing only four earned runs. In the second game, junior pitcher Lindy Baxter got her first win of the season and freshman pitcher Maria Gau earned her first save. “It was good beating Simon Fraser as a team,” Gau said. “I know that as a freshman I have room to improve.” The Wildcat offense pummeled the Clan into submission by racking up 23 total runs on 24 hits, including five home runs. Offensive standouts in both games were senior infielder Kelsey Haupert, senior shortstop Samantha Petrich, senior outfielder Keilani Cruz, sophomore infielder Carrina Wagner, junior infielder Liz Jusko, junior infielder Molly Coppinger and junior outfielder Bre Thomas. Head coach Mallory Holtman was pleased with the team effort. “Right now

TJ FOSTER/OBSEVER

CLEANING UP Senior Keilani Cruz heads to second base after connecting on a ball in the five-run fifth inning of Central’s game one win against MSU Billings.

we’re hitting on all cylinders,” Holtman said. “Offense, defense, everything is clicking.” The Wildcats then headed down to Bellingham where they swept 21st ranked Western Washington 6-0 and 9-4. Haupert belted her 12th homer of the season, a three-run shot, to break open the first game. “We were all keyed up for this series

with Western, so it was good to come away with the sweep,” Haupert said. Petrich, Coppinger and Haupert drove in runs in the first game as junior outfielder Jennifer Schwartz joined in the hit parade by going 2-for-3 with a run scored. The story was Hadenfeld as she limited the Vikings to a couple of hits in tossing a complete game shutout. Hadenfeld again mastered her opponents as she used

the Viking’s aggressiveness against them, striking them out seven times. “Our defense really came through in the Western series,” Hadenfeld said . The second game saw a short lived seesaw battle as the Wildcat big guns dropped the hammer on the Vikings. Petrich cranked out a couple of home runs and was joined by Haupert and sophomore catcher Elena Carter. The Wildcats tied the school record for most home runs in a season with 50 and their Ruthian exploits are sure to continue with 12 games left to play. Western Washington had beaten Central earlier in the year so payback was on the Wildcat minds. “We’re coming together at the perfect time defensively and the sweep of Western was important because it gave us full ownership of the lead in the GNAC,” Gau said. In the process of crushing their opponents, the Wildcats extended their record with their 15th win in a row. Their two game set with Simon Fraser at Gary & Bobbi Frederick Field was suspended due to rain. The post season is in sight, but no one’s getting ahead of themselves. “We’re picking each other up,” said junior infielder Natasha Wood. “The rest of our season is in our hands and we want to focus on our games and not on other team’s results and whether they won or lost.”

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

SPORTS

Baseball drops three against Saint Martin’s

BY RANDY RA JKOVICH

Staff Reporter

Central hosted the Saint Martin’s Saints in a four-game series last weekend, winning only one of four games. Junior pitcher Brandon Rohde started game one on Friday and had a dominate performance on the mound. Rohde pitched seven innings allowing only one run and striking out nine batters. “Most of my pitches went well,” Rohde said. “I was able to hit the corners and really be affective.” Despite a solid outing by Rohde, the Wildcats were unable to come away with a win. An RBI double by junior third baseman Derrick Webb scored senior second baseman Kelly Gau putting the Wildcats on the board in the first inning, giving the team a 1-0 lead that they held until the sixth inning. Rohde kept the Saints scoreless until the sixth inning, when the Wildcats committed two errors that produced runs for the Saints giving them a 2-1 lead. More errors in the field cost the Wildcats three more runs, furthering the Saint’s lead to four runs. The Wildcats had opportunities to produce runs late in the game but were unable to capitalize. Central had the bases loaded in the eighth and ninth innings, but managed to bring in only one more run when Gau was hit by a pitch that scored junior second baseman Brandon Wang. Despite tough pitching from Rohde, the Wildcats made too many costly errors and couldn’t produce enough runs, losing the first game 5-2. Friday’s second game of the double header wasn’t much better than the first. The Wildcats continued to make errors in the field and struggled to manufacture much-needed runs. Central got on the board first in the second inning with a home run from freshman outfielder Ethan Sterkel. Sterkel’s home run was only his second career college hit. After giving up the home run, Saint Martin’s starting junior pitcher Thomas DeBoer settled down and took control of the game. DeBoer contained the Wildcat’s offense, pitching a complete seven inning game and only allowing two runs. The Wildcats had a rough fourth inning, allowing seven runs. Head coach Desi Storey pulled starting pitcher junior Ryan Hastings after only three innings of work. Two other relief pitchers were used to get out of the fourth inning, but the damage was already done. The Saints won the second game with a final score of 11-2, completing the two-game sweep Friday. The Wildcats’ offense came alive in game three of the four-game series. Central’s bats produced 10 hits and manufactured 11 runs. With sufficient run production from the Wildcat offense, senior starting pitcher Jake Millbauer was able to go deep into the game and pick up his second win of the season. Millbauer went 7 1/3 innings, striking out four and holding the Saints to only three earned runs. The Wildcats exploded in the seventh inning scoring six runs on only two hits to improve to a comfortable 11-4 lead. The two hits came off the bats of Gau and senior outfeilder Nate Wallen, both had RBI singles.

The Saints rallied in the late innings, adding four runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but the Wildcats were able to hang on to a 11-8 victory. The last game of the four game series was a close battle until the final out of the game. The Saints went up early in the game with a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Central tied the game in the third inning on a RBI single from Sterkel that scored Gau. The 1-1 tie lasted until the sixth inning when the Saints scored two runs to take a 3-1 lead. The Wildcats had a chance to tie the game up in the final inning, but Central’s offense failed to capitalize. The bases were loaded with no outs, but Central managed to produce only one run on a bases loaded hit by a pitch that forced in a run. “We have to make an adjustment, we aren’t getting things done offensively,” Storey said. “We need to be better at the plate.” The final score of game four was 3-2. After winning only one of the four games in the series, Central’s record now stands at 11-27 and 4-20 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). Central will travel to Tacoma on Wednesday for their final scheduled non-league game of the season against the University of Puget Sound. The Wildcats will then return home for the season’s last home series against GNAC leader Western Oregon for a two day series, to be played Saturday and Sunday.

JEFF BAYLEY/OBSERVER

PICK UP TWO ABOVE: Junior southpaw Brandon Rohde delivers a pitch in last weekend’s series against Saint Martin’s. BELOW Wildcat hitter swings for the fences against Saint Martin’s. Central picked up two wins in the weekend series.

SPORTS

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Wildcat rugby picks up win against UCLA

JESSICA MASSART/OBSERVER

THE SCRUM IS ENGAGED Seniors Chris Harriage and Kellen Gordon and freshman Hayden Spevacek get ready for a scrum in a game against St. Mary’s University. BY SKYLAR ST. Y VES

Staff Reporter

COURTESY OF CWURUGBY.COM

Scenes from the Rodeo

GIANCARLO GONZALEZ/OBSERVER

RODEO COUNTRY ABOVE: Two Walla Walla Community College cowboys lasso a steer in the team roping event. TOP RIGHT: Central Washington’s Carl Bissonette (center) waits for his turn in the team roping event. BOTTOM RIGHT: Central Washington’s Mackenzie Williams (left) and Megan Truax (right) prepare themselves for their indivdual breakaway roping event.

Central Washington defeated University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) 55-29 in impressive fashion Friday night. With the win, the Wildcats move to a 4-2 record in the Pacific Conference. UCLA put points on the board first, following an early Central turnover near midfield. However, it was all Central after that. The Wildcats responded with a quick try by Central fullback Beau Nichols at the five minute mark. Central’s Kellen Gordon and Sam Harb kept the momentum going with two tries within the next ten minutes. Central scored on each of the conversions and took a 19-5 lead. The Bruins cut the lead to nine after a quality possession, but that’s as close as they would get. Central added to its lead just before

half with two more tries by winger Tim Stanfill and hooker Pat Farrell. The Wildcats took a 31-10 lead into halftime. The second half saw even more scoring from Central. Farrell, Harb and Stanfill each added their second tries of the match in the second half. Chris Harriage also scored a try as CWU took a dominating lead into the last ten minutes. UCLA added three tries late, but it was a moot point. The Wildcats cruised to victory in their last road match of the year. Having control of the match, Central was able to allot minutes for nine first year players. The Wildcats close out their season Saturday at 1 p.m. against San Diego State The match will be played on the rugby pitch next to Tomlinson Stadium. Following the match, CWU rugby will host an alumni banquet and awards ceremony in Sue Lombard Room.

SPORTS

THE OBSERVER • APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2011

Track stars twinkle bright at Twilight meet BY DANNY SCHMIDT

Staff Reporter

The Central Washington track and field team made their presence known at the Twilight meet in Bellingham on Saturday, taking home 12 events on the men’s and women’s side. Junior jumper Sakae Kamagata finished first in two events. Kamagata won the men’s long jump with a jump of 6.63 meters. The junior also won the men’s triple jump with a final of 13.73 meters. Kamagata was one of three multievent winners from Central on the day. The men’s high jump was dominated by the Wildcats, as the top six finishers reside in Ellensburg. Sophomore jumper Brennan Boyes led the way in the event with a jump of 1.95 meters. “I was happy to win it but I didn’t do my best,” Boyes said. “I didn’t do what I wanted to this weekend height-wise. I would’ve rather it been with a higher mark.” Junior thrower Tommy Sheriff, sophomore jumper Lewis Meyers, redshirt freshman Ethan Meikle, sophomore sprinter Scott Morrison and sophomore hurdler/decathlon Andrew Venema finished behind Boyes respectively. Boyes is more excited about his team’s success in the event than his personal victory.

“That’s really the most exciting part,” Boyes said. “It’s proving that the hard work that we’re putting in is showing a positive output.” Junior decathlon/sprinter Colin Alexander, sophomore distance runner Zach Armstrong, sophomore sprinter Kyle Fremd and Morrison all combined to capture the 4x400-meter race. Morrison also won the 4x100-meter race with sophomore hurdler Darnell Harris, junior sprinter jumper James Cho and sophomore sprinter Matt Seel. Morrison won his third event in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.05. The three events won by Morrison capped a brilliant day. Morrison also came in a close second place in the 100-meter dash. “Everybody ran well,” Morrison said. “Nobody really had a bad race. I came out and gave it my best and it turned out to be a good day for me. It’s been our nicest [weather] meet of the year so far, so you want to take advantage of that.” The men’s 3000-meter run belonged to junior distance runner Manuel Santos, with a time of 8:57.79. Freshman Nathan Power took home the 800-meter run with a time of 1:57.30. Armstrong won the 200-meter run in 23.74. On the women’s side, Central did not disappoint, winning three events. Senior thrower Jordan Stueckle won

the women’s hammer throw with a distance of 47.01 meters. “I was pretty excited because after a couple meets of not doing so well, I’m kind of back on my game and back where I want to go,” Stueckle said. “I still have a lot more to go” Stueckle was also part of a trio of Wildcats who finished in the top three of the women’s shot put. Senior thrower Shaina Afoa led the way with a distance of 13.14 meters, with senior thrower Torrie Self finishing second in the event and Stueckle coming in a close third. “We’re back on that track of winning

1-2-3,” Stueckle said. “I feel all of us are going to do very well, and throwingwise we’re going to dominate.” Central also won the 4x800-meter relay. Sophomore distance runner Ashley Rice, freshman sprinter Emelia Sodders, junior distance runner Adriana Mendoza and freshman distance runner Connie Morgan all combined to edge out Whatcom Tesseract and Western Washington University. Central will try to build on their successful year at their next meet, the Peuller Invitational. The meet is in Cheney on Friday starting at 10 a.m.

KATHARINE LOTZE/OBSERVER

NEEDS CUTLINE ABOVE: Sophomore Brennan Boyes clears the bar in the men’s high jump. Boyes is one of nine CWU athletes qualified for GNAC in the event. RIGHT: Junior Manuel Santos “cheeses” for the camera at the start of the “Big Cheese” 200 meter event at Saturday’s WWU Not-So-Twilight Meet on April 23, 2011.

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