Winter 2013 Issue 3

The OBSERVER Two-Time ACP Pacemaker Award Finalist

cwuobserver.com

by the students & for the students of CWU

Vol. 93 No. 3, Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

N I T O O H S

Y T E F A S R G FO

to A look in

CWU’s

y & how gun polic

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CWUObserver

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JAMIE WINTER & VICKY VALDOVINOS/OBSERVER

The Royal Treatment 7

Wildcats look to break EVEN 13

Senior nutrition major interns in fashion program at Disney World.

Central hosts Northwest Nazarene Saturday night in a GNAC battle.

InsIDE News........2 Opinion....6 Scene........7 Sports......12

2 The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

EDITORS

REPORTERS

Editor-in-Chief

News

Danny Schmidt Santos Herrera News Editor

Jayna Smith

Assistant News Editor

Chanét Stevenson Scene Editor

Jeanette Genson

Assistant Scene Editor

Evan Thompson

Tyler Belan Joe Coluccio Mac Clark Chloe Hildeman Samantha Monterrey Evan Pappas Rowena Ranan Justine Sisson Matthew Thompson Mikaila Wilkerson

Scene

Online Editor

Braden DenHerder Harmony CipollinaDreven Andrew Evans Elizabeth Glavish Henry Van Leishout Margaux Massey Hailey Nelsen Lauren Nolton Chloe Ramberg Cody Spencer Charlene Wilson

Landan Garcia

Sports

Sports Editor

Derek Shuck

Assistant Sports Editor

Seth Lonborg Photo Editor

Michael Harrison

Assistant Photo Editor

Chloe West Copy Desk Chief

STAFF Cynthia Mitchell Faculty Adviser mitchelc@cwu.edu Kristin Gaskill Business & Ad Manager 509-963-1026 Office Assistant Jessie Fisher Ad Designer Paul Riggins

Francisco Arceo Jaryd Cline Clare Cox Chace Davy Scott Herman Thomas Lorenz Sarah Ruiz Quin Walker

Copy Desk

Alexis Thomas Tiffany McLeod Julia Martinez Jamie Terrile Madison McCausland Zach Smith Andrew Nelson

Photographers Courtney Button Kasey Dahl Nina Kanarskaya Zach Olney Kasey Peterson Joie Sullivan Laura Walp Sean Wanigasekara Jamie Winter

Online

Meaghan Kalisch Lacey Kinsella Connie Morgan Max Bayern

Graphic Design Vicky Valdovinos

Advertising Sales Mikel Hanson—W. Ellensburg Jessica Libey—E. Ellensburg Kevin Andrews—S. Ellensburg

Editorial policy: The Observer is a public forum for student expression, in which student

editors make policy and content decisions. The mission of the Observer is two-fold: to serve Central Washington University as a newspaper and to provide training for students who are seeking a career in journalism. The Observer seeks to provide complete, accurate, dependable information to the campus and community; to provide a public forum for the free debate of issues, ideas and problems facing the community at large, and to be the best source for information, education and entertainment news. As a training program, the Observer is the practical application of the theories and principles of journalism. It teaches students to analyze and communicate information that is vital to the decision making of the community at large. It provides a forum for students to learn the ethics, values, and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career. If you have questions call (509) 963-1073 or e-mail us at cwuobserver@gmail.com

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§ A cleaning lady reported that she was locked in the foyer and was unable to get her keys out of the front door. She was requesting assistance. § A person reported walking to the library to return some books, and the door was unlocked. The person realized the library was closed and no one was there. § A person reported a semi-truck hit something as it went over the bridge, puncturing the fuel tank and spilling at least 50 gallons of fuel or more. § A person reported someone stole their Oxycotin. § A person reported an ongoing problem with the school bus running stop signs. The person was concerned for the welfare of the children. § A man requested traffic control assistance while he moved sheep across Kittitas Highway. § A person reported a chestnut horse in a pasture on the North side of the freeway. It appeared to be

thin and underfed. § A person reported a man struck his dog with a closed fist. The man was seen walking West toward Main Street. § A person reported a deceased fawn was in their neighbor’s yard.

The neighbors were on vacation and wanted to know what to do with the animal. § A person reported their neighbors cat looking at their cat through the window in the middle of the night. They said it is causing a disturbance. § A man reported finding his bike that was stolen. It was on a bike rack but had someone else’s bike lock on it. § A person reported hearing two gun shots, but couldn’t see anyone. They said this has been an ongoing problem. § A man reported that someone had tried to run him over at the crosswalk in a white Toyota Tacoma.

NEWS

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013 3

Editor//Santos Herrera

cwuobservernews@gmail.com

Locked and loaded Chief of campus police says county is prepared

Staff Reporter

In the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting, there is one subject on many minds in this country: gun violence.

“Anytime you have a school shooting it’s a very emotional event and it becomes very scary,” said Mike Luvera, chief of Campus Police. “But statistically speaking, we’re at a pretty safe place being on campus.”

As a national conversation is being conducted in Washington, D.C., students may wonder what preventative measures Central is taking to keep the campus safe.

“We’re as ready as we know how to be,” President James Gaudino said. “We do the best job that we can to prepare for that sort of situation.”

Except for the Washington State Patrol, all other law enforcement agencies in the county share a dispatch center and would respond to an active shooter situation in the local area.

A mutual agreement has been made with other departments to supply all available units to a report of a shooting either on campus or in the community, Luvera said.

“We’re going to have a strong response from across the county,” Luvera said. “So at that point it depends on how many people are there with firearms, what the location is, so as to figure out exactly what the response should be to stop the bloodshed.”

“

Several times a year, the old Samuelson Union Building is the setting for active shooter training for state and local police agencies, he said.

The campus police have two instructors who train officers in shooter scenarios.

“Based on our training, you can bring a group of officers together from different agencies and they all go in together and work as a team,” Luvera said. “That shows that our concepts, ideas, working relationship, and end goal is all the same.”

Students have a different response procedure which is outlined in the instructional video “Shots Fired.”

The video is shown to freshmen during orientation and again at the request of -MIKE LUVERA different school Chief of Campus Police departments. “ S h o t s Fired” advises students to use the “five outs” in the event of a gunman on campus.

If an escape route is available, students should get out quickly and safely, but if that is not possible, students must hide in a room. In this room students must be able to keep out the shooter, call for help, and spread out if there is more than one student in the room.

The five outs are not applicable to every scenario, and students must put themselves into a survival mind-set to ensure their own safety, Luvera said.

“You may have to take out a shooter,”

We’re going to have a strong response from across the county.

Luvera said. “Being unarmed yourself, it may come down to you having to do something to save your life.”

The 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy was a catalyst for introducing new

technology to quicken the response to any danger on campus.

Students and faculty will receive phone calls, text messages and emails with information regarding any situation deemed harmful.

“One of the lessons learned from Virginia Tech was our ability to communicate with faculty, staff and students,” Gaudino said.

Due to a state law, Central maintains a strict no guns on campus policy regardless of whether the student or faculty member has the proper documentation to carry a concealed weapon.

Some students feel this is an infringement of their rights, whereas the state cites it as necessary to ensure a safer environment.

“That’s always been a tension between law enforcement and students,” said Matt Manweller, local state legislator and CWU political science professor. “I understand both sides, so I’m sympathetic to both.”

Students living on campus may check in their firearms to the campus police lockup and those firearms can be checked out at any time.

PHOTOGRAPHER JAMIE WINTER/OBSERVER

BY MATT THOMPSON

School Shootings in the U.S. Since Feb. 27, 2012

Total:13 Total Wounded: 20 Total Deaths: 41 Total Deaths by Suicide: 3 Sourced from various outlets

“

State categorizes flu as widespread

BY JOE COLUCCIO

Staff Reporter

Washington is one of 47 states, along with Georgia, New York and Texas, who have classified their flu activity as “widespread,” according to the Washington State Department of Health.

“Influenza is preventable and should be taken seriously,” said Rhonda Holden, chief nursing officer of Kittitas Valley Community Hospital, in a press release.

“We are taking preventative measures in order to protect our patients, visitors, and employees from influenza.”

People who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms are urged to visit their primary health care providers, who can better serve patients.

The “flu is a serious illness that can be fatal, and several Washington residents have died from influenza this season,” Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a press release. “Taking simple steps to prevent the flu can help people avoid this miserable and potentially dangerous illness. We urge people who haven’t been vaccinated to do it now.”

Between Oct. 1, 2012, and Jan. 5, 2013, there have been 3,170 confirmed influenza-related hospitalizations in the United States, with seniors (65 years and over) comprising more than 86 percent of those cases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual vaccination against seasonal influenza is

Graphic by Vicky Valdovinos

recommended for people at high risk.

This includes seniors, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma.

“I’ve noticed that there are a lot of people in class who are sick; they cough and don’t cover their mouths,” Wayo Yzaguirre, a senior accounting and finance major, said. “I’ve got an exam on Tuesday and I’m sick, so it’s hard to deal with both.”

The national influenza outbreak has Ellensburg citizens concerned.

The emergency room at KVCH has had 120 patients come in experiencing flu-

like symptoms. The laboratory at KVCH reported 22 cases of influenza in Ellensburg since Dec. 1, 2012.

“We’re a little busier,” said Dr. Jack Horsley, medical director for the Student Health and Counseling Clinic. “We have students coming in making sure they don’t have the flu because they don’t want to miss a week of school.”

The flu can come on quickly, with symptoms which may include coughing, muscle and body aches, sore throat, fever and chills.

In most cases, people who contract the flu recover within two weeks, but further

complications, such as pneumonia, can develop as a result of the flu. For some, complications can result in hospitalization or even death.

“The best thing you can do is get immunized every year,” said Amy Diaz, communications director at KVCH. “The best way to protect yourself is hand-washing, and the best way to protect other people is to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and to stay home when you’re sick.”

Flu vaccines are available for all age groups at Safeway, Bi-Mart, Fred Meyer and Rite Aid. Prescriptions from a doctor will be required for children 10 and younger.

“If you have had the symptoms for more than two days, there is not much we can do for you,” Horsley said. “Just stay home and keep up with your fluids, and use Tylenol or Advil to control your fever.”

Flu Facts

United States Widespread flu: 47 states Confirmed cases in U.S.: 3,170 Kittitas County Patients with flu symptoms: 120 Reported flu cases: 22 Sources: CDC/KVCH

4

NEWS

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

Picture college drinking at Central Staff Reporter

The Wellness Center will combine photography and qualitative research to share drinking as seen through the perspective of students. “Photo Voice” will break the common stereotype that college students just drink, party and make poor choices.

“Photo Voice” will be on display Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Wellington Event Center in Barto Hall. The exhibit will have interactive commentary, and one-day only opportunity. The Wellness Center invites students to share thoughts and comments on a live feed which will be displayed on a projector. Both campus residents and community members are encouraged to attend.

Last year, the Wellness Center gave away air fresheners on posters stating “2/3 of Central Washington University students drink less than once a month or not at all,” revealing the drinking culture of Central students.

The facts seemed unrealistic to many students, and some were left curious as to where the information even came from.

The answer rests among pictures to be showcased at a photography art exhibit Thursday.

“For the most part, a lot of times students can enjoy alcohol in the same way adults do,” said Pearson, assistant professor of public health education.

According to Pearson, the stereotype is that students make poor decisions around alcohol.

Central students are able to “enjoy their time and [not] put themselves or others at risk,” Pearson said.

Pearson played a key role in the research behind the Photo Voice exhibit.

The project is funded by the Social Norms Institute, which sought out student input regarding social norms surrounding alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse.

In 2011, the Wellness Center conducted student outreach in search of willing participants for the project. About 10 students attended weekly meetings throughout the

year and committed their time to discuss findings along the way.

Students were given a camera and asked to snap photos of what alcohol represented in their lives. The students then shared their photos with the group. The best photos were voted on and mounted for display at the Wellington Event Center in Barto Hall.

The photos tell a new story about alcohol: that Central students do drink and party, but many are able to do so without making high-risk decisions.

Laura Osborn, public health major and peer health educator at the Wellness Center, said the exhibit is not meant to lecture students about their drinking habits, but instead it should show students that alcohol shouldn’t play a big role in their lives.

Last spring, a group of students used “Photo Voice” to create a research report for SOURCE, which demonstrated how social science and qualitative research are combined to conduct studies on community health issues. Upon completion of their research project, these students were able to see the reasoning behind the photography aspect of Photo Voice. The photos serve to voice the perceptions which students have about drinking.

PHOTO VOICE

Graphics by Seth Lonborg and Vicky Valdovinos

BY SAMANTHA MONTERREY

Photos courtesy of CWU Wellness Center

Where: Wellington Event Center (Barto Hall) When: Thursday Jan. 24 Time: 4 - 7 p.m.

Sponsored by: CWU Wellness Center

w

Central reduces computer lab help

BY CHLOE HILDEMAN

Staff Reporter

Central Washington University previously had 24 lab assistants on campus.

Now that number is down to four.

“There just isn’t a use for one in each lab anymore,” Carmen Rahm, assistant vice president for information technology, said.

Under the new lab system, the campus is divided into four zones. Each zone has one lab assistant who is expected to monitor every lab in his or her zone.

There were a number of factors that went into the decision to change from one assistant per zone instead of one per lab, Rahm said.

“Back in 1996, there were two main reasons for lab assistants,” Rahm said.

“One is that most students back then didn’t know how to run a computer. The second reason was theft, which has ceased to be an issue.”

With the computer age in full throttle and more security precautions put into place, the original reasons for having assistants in the labs are obsolete and outdated, he said.

Another reason for the switch to the zone system is that some people felt the system was being abused.

SETH LONBORG/OBSERVER

TECH SAVVY The number of lab assistants has decreased by 20 throughout campus since students have become more tech savvy.

“When I first came here eight years ago, I would hear ‘You should work as a lab assistant, you can just get paid to do homework,’” Rahm said. “We also had a lot of instances where the assistants

weren’t properly trained.”

The funding for hiring lab assistants comes from the technology fee that every student pays. The money from the tech fee is managed by a council of students, who

decide how it will be spent.

When there was an assistant in each lab, more than half of the total money from the fee was used to pay for lab assistants. Many people felt it was a waste.

“We asked the students and they said they would rather have other things,” Rahm said.

With the zone system, the amount spent on assistants has decreased by nearly 80 percent.

The money which previously went to paying lab assistants is now primarily used to pay for printing expenses and purchasing the latest technology, Rahm said.

Some of the spare funding also went into the development of the widely requested CWU Mobile app, which launched last January.

There has been little feedback regarding the change. Rahm said any negative comments he has received have all been from professors who prefer to have additional help in the classroom. The lab assistants themselves don’t seem worried about the increased responsibility.

“I’ve been here through all the transitions, so it really wasn’t that difficult,” said Sara Melton, senior public relations major and lab assistant.

“You just get used to the work, and it’s really not that hard.”

NEWS

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013 5

Scott Hansberry, senior, mechanical engineering tech.

Jerrica Black, junior, biology

Money talks

Better budgeting on a student income

BY ROWENA RANAN

Staff Reporter

“I pay off my line of credit, buy food, and I usually order some stuff from the internet. I’m going to buy some snowboarding boots.”

Garrett Townsend, junior mechanical engineering tech.

“I put it in my bank account and I save it for something I might really need. It gets really hard to try not to spend it on things I really want, but I have to do it. This last check I got more and I was really compelled to get things I don’t really need. But instead, I bought groceries. I did buy a new pair of sneakers, but it’s because my old pair of running shoes were really worn out.”

Vandara Tay, senior, communications and political science

“I tend to save it if I need money for later – say if I run out of food on my meal plan – just emergency-type things, and gas if I go home.”

“I use my financial aid to pay rent far in advance, to pay my other bills like cell phone, then the rest of the money to save.”

Graphic by Vicky Valdovinos

Students pursuing higher education can always practice better spending habits even with their modest income.

Apart from tuition and fees, books, supplies, and room and board, other expenses amounted to about $2,928 during the 2011-2012 academic year at Central, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

The definition of CHASE THIEL Management Professor other expenses is “the amount of money (estimated by the financial aid office) needed by a student to cover expenses such as laundry, transportation, and entertainment,” the NCES said.

Attending college may be creating debt for most students, but it is a fair argument that it is a justifiable investment.

Students must make conscious efforts to avoid accumulating debt outside of academic endeavors.

While the coined term ‘struggling students’ is most appropriate, it is not altogether unavoidable.

Ways to save are at every student’s disposal.

According to Chase Theil, Central management professor, individuals must have a plan and a budget.

“You need to set boundaries and rules for yourself,” Thiel said.

In order to make these rules, one must identify which transactions are much more important than others.

Thiel explains that purchases should be split into two different groups: nondiscretionary purchases (which include food, housing, taxes and anything else unavoidable) and discretionary purchases (which are more luxurious wants and should be limited and carefully decided upon.)

According to Thiel, once the distinctions are made, make sure the necessities are taken care of before anything else.

Tip$ from Thiel • • •

Limit visits to stores Make a list and stick to it Decrease use of plastic (debit/credit)

6

OPINION

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

Editor-in-Chief//Danny Schmidt

cwuobserveropinion@gmail.com

Ever heard of Skype, Manti?

A McModest Truth will be impossible to find about hoax Proposal M As an English major, my life is one of constant fear. If it’s not at the frightening lack of jobs post-graduation, it’s of the inevitable party question: “So what do you plan to do with that?”

If you don’t answer “teacher,” guests will already be memorizing your name to save them a nametag glance at the nearest hardware store.

But alas! A solution could be

BY LANDAN GARCIA on the horizon!

Copy Desk Chief McDonald’s has recently become the biggest book distributor in the U.K.— via Happy Meals. The restaurant giant has partnered with publisher Dorling Kindersley and bookseller WH Smith to distribute more than 15 million books to children over the next two years, according to its website.

This prompts a serious inquiry: Could this change take place in the United States? Could it work? Would these Happy Meals still be happy?

Books are credited with a child’s level of future success, and McDonald’s is constantly on a quest to improve its image.

First it was healthier salads, then apple slices, and now books. The new attitude is basically, this: If you’re going to buy anything, buy it here – we’ll wrap it for you and put a nice logo on it.

One could argue this change forces books down the throats of children who shouldn’t have anything else shoved down their throats. But what if this had a positive, unexpected effect? If McDonald’s creates more intelligent consumers, will those people continue to eat there?

I can imagine it now: CEO Don Thompson sitting alone in his black chair, laughing maniacally at the scene—millions of customers reaching their greasy, salty hands skyward in a grand reprisal, toppling the restaurant chain once and for all. Meanwhile, he makes his getaway on an executive yacht to an unmarked island.

Or maybe an inspired child, who read his first book at McDonald’s, will shape the chain’s environmental consciousness.

To many, the idea of McDonald’s existing as a positive social force is kind of like a stuffed animal bin for lost children—except the children are all regular customers. I would remind naysayers that Ronald McDonald Houses are pretty awesome.

There is no telling what the outcome will be if this catches on, but I can tell you this: In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, paperbacks are back in the U.K., baby. They may be dusted with fry salt, but the stories and pictures are there.

This means we, fellow English majors, may once again get paid to shovel drivel down the mouths of consumers from behind a desk rather than a restaurant counter.

Would you like verbs with that?

anti Te’o and the Fighting Irish received a healthy amount of scrutiny following their calamity of a performance in the 2013 BCS National Championship.

After the press conferences finally concluded and the players were dismissed from team activities, they thought the intense examination, criticism and doubts wouldn’t resume until the next time the

BY EVAN THOMPSON Fighting Irish Sports Editor took the field.

But nine days later, one Fighting Irish player received more attention than they could have ever imagined.

The bizarre story involving the Notre Dame star and his non-existent girlfriend is, at this point, still very much up for debate and probably will be for quite some time until the man behind the scam, Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, came out and revealed his side of the twisted story.

Believe me when I say this: I have as much doubt as the next guy in Manti Te’o’s story in regards to the recent falseidentity hoax that came to the nation’s attention Wednesday, which is now simply being referred to as, “The Hoax.”

I mean, doesn’t it seem odd to you that after almost two years of being in a relationship, Te’o and the person he

thought was his girlfriend had never once met in person?

On Jan. 16, Deadspin.com revealed that the story of Te’o’s girlfriend dying from leukemia last September, which captured the entire nation and swung support in favor of the Fighting Irish, never actually happened.

And as it turns out, “Lennay Kekua,” Te’o’s alleged girlfriend, whom he maintained regular contact with for two years, wasn’t even a woman at all. Rather, Tuiasosopo had created Kekua as part of a revenge plot against a former high school classmate by using photos of a woman he had repeatedly stalked online.

And according to others who have spoken out, Te’o wasn’t the only one to be fooled by Tuiasopsopo’s scam.

But the means of Tuiasosopo’s deception over Te’o is what has the nation buzzing. A wide range of theories have been presented, but to me it seems like there were obvious indicators that Kekua wasn’t real.

For instance, Te’o’s relationship with Kekua began on the one website where even Joe Nobody could start a conversation with a famous athlete: Twitter.

There’s red flag No. 1.

But despite even his own doubts, Te’o said he began to develop feelings for Kekua over the next two years, and their relationship quickly evolved to being more than just “friends.” Te’o later admitted that he and Kekua hadn’t ever met in person. Their relationship was solely through phone and online messaging.

The “couple” planned to meet several times, but family problems and other is-

sues prevented them from ever going through with it.

There’s red flag No. 2.

But whether you believe Te’o was the victim of an elaborate fabrication that fooled the entire nation, or that, rather, he took part in a scheme directed toward drawing hype for Notre Dame’s football program, you still have to feel bad for the guy.

Right?

Well, the general consensus has always been that poor decisions usually lead to poor outcomes. To say that Te’o was wrong in conducting a relationship with a woman he had never met in person would be a huge understatement.

But while Te’o’s decision to conduct such wasn’t the best, the outcome of the situation wasn’t just “poor,” it was possibly the worst chain of events that could have happened to him.

Te’o used the adversity from his grandmother and girlfriend’s death in the same day to spark a fire underneath the Fighting Irish, which eventually led them to the national championship and Te’o finishing second in the Heisman voting.

But what had risen to become one of the biggest storylines in college football this season has now become a world of doubt directed toward Te’o.

His draft stock will likely be reconsidered and his integrity will be questioned.

Simple precautions or efforts could have been made to prevent this from ever happening for Manti.

After all, who doesn’t have the time for a Skype date?

Inaugural flaw

Some seem more interested in Beyonce’s performance, rather than Obama’s historic day Following the custom of having a big-name star sing the national anthem at the inauguration, Beyonce belted out her rendition on Monday.

Once again, credit for snagging another term was snatched from President Barack Obama. Much of the news coverage surrounding the inauguration

BY JAYNA Smith has been cenAssistant News Editor tered on whether or not Beyonce actually sung the national anthem, or if she was lip syncing it.

Historically, at a high-profile event such as the inauguration, artists are known to lip sync just to prevent any mistakes. Call me biased, but we all know Beyonce has a beautiful voice. As of right now, the Marine Band has conflicting

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stories as to whether or not she actually sang the song live.

Why does it matter whether she actually performed the song live or not? She has performed numerous shows—pregnant and in heels. Her professionalism shouldn’t be the issue on the chopping block.

As a nation, people should be more focused on the larger piece of history.

President Obama, the first AfricanAmerican president, was re-elected for his second term.

During 2008, an issue arose about whether or not he was properly sworn in, which pretty much stole the initial glory of his historical accomplishment.

According to the Los Angeles Times, ratings for the inauguration fell by 61

percent in comparison to 2009’s inauguration. The decrease is common for most presidents the second time around.

When George W. Bush was sworn in his second time, his ratings fell by 46 percent, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Such a decrease in viewership speaks volumes when MSNBC reported that Obama’s inauguration was expected to cost a record-breaking $150 million.

For such a high-priced ticket, you would think there would be a greater value on what actually went on at the event, and not on one minor aspect of it.

Most likely, President Obama and Beyonce have both been attacked enough to not allow pointless speculation to steal the glory of performing at, and being the subject of, the presidential inauguration.

Dear Readers, The Observer welcomes brief letters of 300 words or less from readers on current issues. Please include your full name and university affiliation: year and major, degree and year graduated, or staff position and department. To be printed in the following week’s issue, please e-mail your letters to cwuobserveropinion@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Sunday. The Observer reserves the right to reject or edit for style and length. All letters become property of The Observer. Anonymous letters will not be considered.

SCENE

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

Editor//Chanet Stevenson

cwuobserverscene@gmail.com

Finding the magic

CWU student interns at Disney World

BY CHARLENE WILSON

Staff Reporter

Central Washington University student Connie Wood is making her dreams come true.

Wood, senior nutrition major, lives in Orlando, Fla. working as an intern for the Disney Company. A lifelong fan of Disney, Wood learned about the Disney internships program from flyers around campus and in the Student Union and Recreational Center (SURC).

“The application process takes a few weeks,” Wood said.

To work as an intern, a student must be enrolled full time and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Once the main applications are sorted through and applicants are chosen, the next stage is a web-based interview, followed by a phone interview.

Out of these finalists, only 8 percent are selected to live in the happiest place on earth for one quarter.

Wood remembers when she received her congratulations email.

“I was so overwhelmed with shock and excitement that I screamed and dropped my phone to hug my friend right next to me,” Wood said.

After flying to Orlando and living with three other interns in Disney housing, Wood is still in the training part of the program.

“I’ve been going to training, then to Downtown Disney in the evening,” Wood said.

Disney interns get free admission to parks and rides, as well as other discounts and perks in the parks’ food establishments and merchandise shops.

University of Washington senior Lindsay Baumann attended the program in Florida last year.

“Depending on what your specific interest or major was, we would work right next to Disney’s employees and learn under their teachings,” Baumann said.

“Working with the other fashion majors, we learned what goes into all the pajamas we wore when we were young.”

Interns must adhere to strict appearance regulations, which include no bright nail polish or facial piercings.

Wood said she has even taken princess lessons from Aurora, the princess in “Sleeping Beauty.”

According to StaticBrain. com, The Walt Disney Company currently employs 133,000 people in 40 countries, and all of its employees must remain up to company standards on visual presentation.

Wood said the company goes to great lengths to keep the magic alive for everyone.

The internship is available for students of all majors or fields of studies. For more information about the Disney internship, visit: www.disneycareers.com.

DISNEY FACT!

The Tree of Life, found in the Animal Kingdom of Disney World, is 14 stories tall and has over 300 animal carvings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA.COM

Interns also receive a behind-the-scenes view of Disney World, including tours of the park and meetand-greets with characters.

Interns have the opportunity to play games with Alice, dance with Pluto and learn inside facts about the park.

Wood said she has seen how many of the classic and modern movies were produced, as well as daily operations of rides and the amount of work which characters go through before they are allowed into the park.

In a world where interns join Mickey Mouse for a pancake breakfast or share a cup of hot chocolate with Aladdin, it’s hard to imagine Wood ever wanting to come back to Ellensburg.

“It’s been warm, so any time we have free time we’re outside doing something,” Wood said.

Although she loves being able to wear shorts yearround, Wood does miss the snow and hiking in the Ellensburg area. She will be returning at the end of the quarter.

“Hearing about the program has opened up a lot of doors for me for possible employment with them in the future,” Wood said, although she does not plan on returning to Florida once she completes her internship.

After returning home, Baumann said she has applied much of what she learned to her schoolwork as she prepares to graduate in the spring.

“Living in Florida, on the opposite coast, and learning so much with my best friends was the greatest part of the internship,” Baumann said.

“Everyone always says to do something you love, and I was fortunate to start my career with such a prestigious and successful company.”

7

8

SCENE

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

Residence halls on the hire Campus housing on the early look-out for student employees

BY BRADEN DENHERDER

Staff Reporter

Every year, Central Washington University Housing and New Student Programs hires around 76 residents.

Student housing has seen a great influx of student participation in the residence halls, and Ian Miller, associate director of Student Life, is pleased with student involvement this year.

“We continue to see a high student involvement with our Residence Hall Leadership Counsel, which forms our larger Residence Hall Association,” Miller said.

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Wellington Event Center, close to 100 oncampus residents and some faculty gather for the weekly RHA meeting.

Because retention is important to Student Housing, Jenna Hyatt, director of University Housing and New Student Programs, is excited about how many students have continued to live on campus and work in the residence halls.

“Our retention is great,” Hyatt said.

“We are right on for what we normally expect.”

One way Student Housing works to keep residence halls and apartments up to student standards is through a variety of surveys.

“These are a direct connection to us for feedback about housing, our staff and their experience,” Hyatt said.

This quarter, Housing is continuing the process of acquiring students to fill these positions.

“For hiring for Fall, we are right on target,” Hyatt said. “This is exactly when we always do it so folks can make plans about deciding where they are living next year.”

Student Housing holds resident assistants to high standards and expects them to be a valuable resource and example to the residents they oversee.

“Candidates are evaluated on their application, resume, the individual interviews and the group interviews as well as the references they give us,” Miller said.

In addition to new or returning resident assistants for next year, University Housing is also looking for orientation

leaders for this coming year.

“We’re seeking really highly exciting, interested ambassadors for the University to be orientation leaders,” Hyatt said.

The application for orientation leaders can be found on the University Housing website.

One new opportunity for interested students this year is the online application.

This can be found on the Student Housing website.

Students can go to the Central Housing webpage to find a link for the application Other than the online application, Student Housing is not expecting any new changes with the Resident Assistant application this coming year.

To apply for a Resident Assistant or Orientation Leader position, visit: https://www.cwu.edu/housing/

Jan. 24

Feb. 1

LEADERSHIP 101 SURC 137 4 P.M.

MOTOWN DANCE PARTY SURC 137 6 P.M.

Jan. 24

Jan. 31

PHOTOVOICE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT WELLINGTON EVENT CENTER 4 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Jan. 27

WINTER WEDDING & EVENT EXPO SURC BALLROOM 11 A.M. - 3 P.M. $3 PER PERSON $5 PER COUPLE

OPEN MIC NIGHT SURC PIT 7 P.M.

Jan. 29

LION ROCK VISITING WRITER SURC THEATRE 7:30 P.M.

Jan. 30

MAJORS FAIR SURC BALLROOM 12 P.M. - 3 P.M.

Jan. 30

SUITCASE FILLED WITH NAILS SURC THEATRE 3 P.M.

Carnival of career options

BY HENRY VAN LEISHOUT

Staff Reporter

Students seeking clarification or information about any major, minor or specialization should make their way over to the 11th annual Majors Fair.

The Majors Fair will be held in the SURC Ballroom on Jan. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. “[It’s] not just for undeclared majors,” said Kristina Paquette, secretary supervisor of the Career Center, despite the fact that there are 2,933 undeclared students this quarter alone.

Career Services has invited chairs, deans, faculty and advisors to come and share their knowledge and information with the students of Central Washington University to help with the stressful and confusing decision about which major is right for them.

This year in particular is a special one. The Career Center has invited local high school seniors to attend the majors fair for the first time ever. It will be the Career Center’s first attempt to help future Central students before they enroll.

There is a workshop scheduled for these young hopefuls which will teach them how to choose the perfect major.

Anyone who wants to attend the workshop can, however.

“Majors Fair was a turning point for me,” said Lizz Stewart, a sophomore double majoring in primate behavior ecology and anthropology.

When she was still in high school, Stewart thought she wanted to be a biologist. She later visited Central’s Chimposium and knew exactly what she wanted to do.

Stewart attended the fair last year because she wanted more information on her already chosen major. She was able to find out all the information she needed to decide on her second major.

Stewart brought a group of undeclared friends with her. None of her friends left the fair having made a decision, but they all left with a good idea of what direction they might want to go in and what kinds of classes seemed interesting to them.

“The Majors Fair will get you where you need to be,” Stewart said. “Even if you have no idea what you want to do.”

Students may not experience the epiphany Stewart did, but they might be able to find out about some classes which can point them in the right direction.

Information on job opportunities, field school and graduate school, as well as majors, minors, and specializations are just a few of the many resources students can access at the Majors Fair.

Some of the tables at the fair will have brochures, four-year plans, business cards and other helpful giveaways for students.

“Majors Fair is an opportunity for [the faculty and advisors] to be a part of helping the students find direction and stay connected to Central,” Paquette said.

The majors Fair will be closing shortly after 3 p.m.

SCENE

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

9

Central students G.I.V.E. internationally New club travels to small Nicaraguan community to build homes, schools

BY Hailey Nelson

Staff Reporter

The small Nicaraguan communities of Little Corn Island, Jiquillillo, and Chinandega now have new schools and storage facilities. They also have children with the ability to read, write and speak English—all thanks to the efforts of Central Washington University students.

Created in spring of 2012, Central’s Growth International Volunteer Excursions (GIVE) club is in partnership with the Seattle GIVE organization.

“Seattle GIVE builds secondary schools out of recycled materials, which provide means for education.

The majority of the schools created are built out of plastic soda bottles that are filled with sand,” said Andrew Mason, junior biology major and a member of GIVE who has helped with the efforts in Nicaragua.

The nonprofit organization is run by volunteers with a desire to help Third world countries.

“We focus on community development in Ellensburg, as well as recruiting volunteers to help in Nicaragua,” said Kevin Sprague, senior business major and Central GIVE club president.

Beginning with only six members last spring, the club has grown to 35 members and has formed other GIVE clubs at UCLA, UC Santa Barbra, University of Central Florida, Gonzaga, and Arizona State University.

The goal of Central’s GIVE club is to raise enough funds to send students to Nicaragua and Africa this summer.

To raise funds, the club will be hosting bake sales, restaurant “takeovers,” speed dating, and “humans vs. zombies” fundraisers.

To help offset travel costs for the members, GIVE is sponsored by the Grove Apartments, and recieves donations from the Palace Café and Starbucks. The club is also working in partnership with Rotaract, a Central community service club on campus.

“We are not only trying to build international communities, but local communities as well,” said Christopher Nenniger, junior environemental geology major.

Every two weeks, from May through Aug. 30, GIVE members in the United States travel to the small communities of Little Corn Island, Jiquilillio, and

PHOTOs courtesy of Kevin sprague

GIVING (Above) The GIVE club has been traveling to Nicaragua since last spring to help build schools and tutor kids.

(Below) Left: Club members pose for a photo during one of their trips. Right: GIVE club members assess a building site.

Chinandega. During their stay, members help build schools, supply buildings, and teach students to read and write in English.

“In Little Corn Island… one little boy looked up at me and said, ‘I didn’t know I could read,” said Liz Keck, sophomore business major and vice president of CWU GIVE. The communities in which GIVE travel to lack fresh running water, are built upon garbage dumpsites, have little or no electricity and residents wear little to no clothing.

“Volunteers were advised to not drink the water, but we would see the kids run over and drink the water,” Mason said.

Houses in the various communities have walls created out of scrap metal, roofs made of straw or tarps, and no flooring or foundation.

“A lady in her mid-40s had the life aspiration in this community to one day collect enough bricks to build a

new house for her family to live in,” Sprague said.

During the first week of the excursion, the volunteers lived in the community of Jaquilillio, where they filled two-liter plastic soda bottles with sand, which were then used to create the walls of the secondary school and a septic system.

“In Jaquilillio, during the first week we built a septic system so they could have fresh water and a working toilet,” Keck said.

For the second week of the excursion, GIVE members traveled to Little Corn Island, where they taught the local children how to speak English while building a storeroom to be used to store and sell school supplies.

“The students on Little Corn Island were on student holiday break while we were down there, but once they found out the volunteers were there to teach them, they came flooding in to learn,” Sprague said.

During their two-week stay in Nicaragua, GIVE volunteers not only learned to how to build schools out of recycled materials, but also to appreciate the things first-world countries take for granted.

“The people in Jaquilillio were happy with just having the clothes on their back and clean fresh water,” Nenniger said. “They were twice as happy as I was with the stuff I have in the United States. I don’t think anyone that volunteered on the trips was happier than the people who lived in those communities.”

This year’s goal for the Central GIVE club is to return to Nicaragua and travel to Tanzania. GIVE looks for members who want to better the local and international communities. For those interested in joining or helping GIVE reach their goal, meetings are held every Wednesday in SURC 140 from 4 to 5 p.m.

SCENE

10 The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013

Graduate student to conduct elegy for civil rights leader Tribute jazz concert in memory of Charles Mingus coming to CWU Staff Reporter

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that I heard years ago makes a lot more to playing in a chamber ensemble setsense.” ting with the “It’s a really jazz quartet. great experi“It’s one ence,” Doyle those I am really looking forward to of said. “It is rethings that hearing our guest artists. They are you don’t ally cool music and a chalget going to be amazing and I can’t normally lenge musically. to do – it’s I am excited called third wait to play with them. to be with the stream,” -DANIEL HIGGINS jazz quartet on Towey said. stage.”

T h i r d Music education, clarinet performance Daniel Higstream is a gins, dual mamixture of jor in music jazz, wind education and clarinet performance, ensemble and orchestral ideas coming will be the only bass clarinet player on together to form one piece. stage during the concert.

The jazz quartet will perform a free “I am really looking forward to concert at Prosody Events on Jan. 23 at hearing our guest artists,” Higgens 7 p.m. Several jazz ensemble students said. “They are going to be amazing from Central will be opening for the and I can’t wait to play with them.” quartet before they play. The quartet Michael Towey, also a percussion will also hold several clinics on the day performance major, is looking forward of the concert.

“

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musician’s role in the civil rights movement, which he said has long been forgotten.

Music – alongside Dr. King and oth“It has been a mind-expanding exer civil rights activists – has been a part perience,” Snavely said. “I am excited of the fight which helped to shape the and a little overwhelmed.” meaning of freedom in America.

A talented jazz quartet, formed of In the 1960s, Charles Mingus was a three Central alumni and one Central talented musician, and outspoken hufaculty member, will be performing the man rights activist. Mingus played on elegy. bandstands and often spoke or played The quartet features Gary Hobbs music to display his feeling towards opon drums, Saul Cline playing tenor pressed people in saxophone, America.

Revel Lubag on This is why the piano and graduate student Mingus himself was a Johm Hamar on Dean Snavely will The CWU very outspoken activist, not bass. conduct an elegy Wind Ensemble just for civil rights, but for will accompany concert tonight for Mingus around the quartet. everything. the Martin Luther D e L a n e -DEAN SNAVELY King Jr. holiday.

Doyle, a percusThe piece he’s consionist with the Graduate Student ducting was comwind ensemble, posed by Timothy has been pracBroege, who arranged five of Mingus’s ticing percussion since fifth grade. He most well-known pieces. Snavely spewill be playing xylophone, timbales cifically picked this 30-minute piece (Latin drums) and cowbells alongside because Mingus expresses his feelings the jazz quartet. toward the oppressed.

This isn’t Doyle’s first Charles Min“Mingus himself was a very outspogus tribute concert. ken activist, not just for civil rights, but “It was a really weird experience for everything,” Snavely said. because I had never heard that type of Putting on this concert inspired music before,” Doyle said. “Now that Snavely to research more into the jazz we are playing his music, everything

BY LAUREN NOLTON

“No Sun, No Shadow”

and the elegy for Charles Mingus will be: TONIGHT 7 p.m.

Jerilyn S. McIntyre Music Building

Presentation will open with a video and short lecture on Mingus and the jazz musician’s role during the civil rights movement.

SCENE

The Observer • Jan. 24 - 30, 2013 11

The History of Hebeler Hall A look into the building’s past life “It was a cutting-edge program with a very strong mission,” Central Washington University archivist Stephen Hebeler Hall, formerly College ElHussman said. “The faculty worked ementary School, is an important artiquite well together. They were efficient fact which links today’s campus to the and well-prepared.” past.

Hebeler was the core of the faculty For anyone group’s excelwho has ever had lence.

Striving a class in Hebeler to improve the It is one of my favorite standard of stuHall, it is obvious the building teaching, she buildings on campus because dent was constructed recruited highly to serve the needs qualified teachof the way it has held up. of children. The ers who were fully hallway is lined committed to stu-ROBERT TOSCH with miniature dent success.

Director of Operations and Maintenance lockers, water “The faculty fountains and was totally comdoors. mitted and very These are remnants of the buildinvolved,” Hussman said. “They wanting’s past life as a “lab school,” which ed their students to be successful.” gave student teachers the opportunity It was logical for Ellensburg parto observe elementary school students ents to send their children to College while studying alongside college inElementary School, but the renowned structors. academic program also attracted the Although Central’s academic focus attention of parents from around the has expanded since the lab school’s esregion. tablishment, the strong faculty group The program quickly became a Central has today is an extension of fixture in the evolution of education. the tradition of excellence started in Because of its effectiveness and comthis building. mitment to student success, the school Amanda Hebeler, after whom the earned recognition from numerous rebuilding was named in 1963, was the gional and national publications. innovative leader who sparked the creHebeler continued to influence eduation of the lab school. cators and students until she stepped Hebeler arrived in Ellensburg by down from her position as director of train in 1924 as the newly hired suCollege Elementary School in 1956, pervisor of Washington State Normal after having served the institution for School’s off-campus student teaching 27 years. program.

In 1963, the building was named afFive years later, Hebeler became the ter Hebeler in honor of her lifetime of director of College Elementary School, achievement and dedication. In 1969, teaching classes there in addition to the 45 years after she first arrived in Elcourses she taught lensburg, Hebeler at the college. died of a stroke.

Throughout College Elthe 1930s, Hebelementary School er was an integral at Hebeler Hall part of the planfunctioned until ning for a new 1982, when budelementary school get cuts forced the -STEPHEN HUSSMAN building. school to close.

Her efforts The buildCWU Archivist paid off in 1938 ing was quickly when the buildconverted into a ing known today as Hebeler Hall was college learning facility. Today, many constructed. college classes are held in rooms once At the time of its completion, Coloccupied by young children and their lege Elementary School represented student instructors. the future of student teaching.

Maintaining the physical structure

BY CODY SPENCER

Staff Reporter

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You could write a book on Hebeler. I’m surprised nobody has done that yet. yet.

“

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SETH LONBORG/OBSERVER

TIMELESS The historic Hebeler Hall stands on the corner of 10th and D street.

of Hebeler Hall is a continual process, but so far no major repairs have been necessary.

“It is one of my favorite buildings on campus because of the way it has held up,” said Robert Tosch, director of plant operations and maintenance.

Although Hebeler Hall’s peak of influence has passed, the building will

stand at the corner of 10th and D street for many years to come.

Its primary purpose has changed since 1938, but the goal remains: to produce educated, professional citizens.

“You could write a book on Hebeler,” Hussman said. “I’m surprised nobody has done that.”

Hebeler Hall Historical Facts: Built in 1938 Named after Amanda Hebeler Was an elementary school until 1982

SPORTS

12 The Observer • Jan. 24 - Jan. 30, 2013

Editor//Evan Thompson

cwuobserversports@gmail.com

THE OBSERVERʼS “GAME OF THE WEEK” PREDICTION: CWU 89, NNU 75

PREVIEW

NNU makes first crusade to Central Pg. 13

Rivalry Week: CWU vs. WWU

Wildcats fall short of upset bid

Track and Field: Idaho Collegiate

The Wildcats enter their matchup with No. 5 Western Washington with momentum on their side.

Central battled with No. 6 Seattle Pacific until a late rally allowed the Falcons to pull ahead.

Wildcats return home from Moscow with experience and several first-place finishers.

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

PAGE 14

ZACH OLNEY/OBSERVER

SPORTS

13 The Observer • Jan. 24 - Jan. 30, 2013

SATURDAYʼS GAME

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Great Northwest Athletic Conference

Central Washington

Central Washington (6-7, 1-4) vs.

Northwest Nazarene (9-7, 3-5) Nicholson Pavilion, Ellensburg Tip-off @ 7:30 p.m.

Live Stream: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/cwu.portal#

GNAC STAT LEADERS Central Washington Steals: No. 1 (143, 8.9 Avg/G) Free Throw Pct: No.1 (322-426, .756 Pct) Turnover Margin: No. 1 (CWU-204, Opp-268, +4.00) Scoring: No. 1 - - Mark McLaughlin (374 pts, 23.4 Avg/G) Steals: No. 2 - - Mark McLaughlin (29, 1.8 Avg/G)

#32 JR Mark McLaughlin

6’6 | Guard While McLaughlin still ranks in the top-10 in scoring in the Division II, he has quietly snuck up the GNAC leaderboards in steals. McLaughlin ranks second behind Western Oregon’s Devon Alexander with 29 steals and averages roughly two per game.

#25 JR Kevin Davis 6’9 | Center/Forward Having returned from an injury sustained last season, Davis’ tall frame will provide the Wildcats with much-needed size inside. He already made an impact altering shots this past weekend while also converting 4-6 of his field goals and hitting all of his free throws.

Wildcats fifth in GNAC, Northwest Nazarene up next Wildcats will reach halfway mark in GNAC this Saturday with every single game remaining being crucial toward postseason seedings

BY QUIN WALKER

Staff Reporter

T

he Wildcats will pass the halfway mark in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play next week against Northwest Nazarene on Saturday night in Nicholson Pavilion.

The Wildcats (10-6, 4-4 GNAC) fell to No. 6 Seattle Pacific University 80-71 last week and are currently fifth in the conference standings. After CWU plays NNU (9-7, 3-5 in GNAC) on Saturday, the Wildcats will take on the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves (11-4, 4-3 GNAC) on Jan. 31.

Nazarene enters Saturday’s matchup having lost four out of their last five. Junior guard Mark McLaughlin still leads the GNAC in scoring and has converted 54 percent of his shots from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line. Always a critical factor in games, McLaughlin will look to settle in to his scoring groove through his free throws.

“I have been trying to get to the line more, it’s easier to get yourself going rather than jump shots,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin hasn’t been the only one stepping up his game during the final stretch of the season.

Senior Jordan Coby has been providing very important minutes as of late. Coby averages 11 points per game while Senior Brandon Magee recorded his third double-double of the season in the Wildcats 80-71 loss to No. 6 Seattle Pacific last week, racking up 10 points and 10 rebounds.

This will be the first meeting between the Crusaders and the Wildcats this season. The player to watch for NNU is senior guard Kenny Jones.

Jones, a former UCLA Bruin is coming into the game averaging 15.9 points per game and is the Crusaders’ leading scorer in 10 of 16 games this season. Jones has 45 points over the past three games staying true to his average. Head coach Greg Sparling noted Jones’ and the Crusaders defense.

“They have a lot of new guys,” Sparling said.

“Kenny Jones has been playing very well for them. Hawkins does not turn the ball over very much. They mix it up defensively and keep you off tilt.”

The Wildcats will look to improve on their rebounding verus NNU, after recovering 15 offensive rebounds against SPU but only scoring six points.

Because of this Sparling’s main focus in practice is rebounding.

“In the games we have lost, rebounding has been a huge issue,” McLaughlin said. “They’re really scrappy and well coached, real competitive. Coach has been talking about playing a full 40 minutes, it’s easy to get up for the big games but when you are playing a team at the bottom of the standings it’s no different, you have to play every game the same.”

After the Wildcats play NNU, they will make the trek to face the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves on Jan. 31. The Seawolves are currently in fourth place in the GNAC standings and lost to ZACH OLNEY/OBSERVER the Wildcats during their last matchup 81-72.

Junior guard Kyle Fossman scored 24 points DOUBLE-TROUBLE Senior Brandon Magee recordand collected five rebounds on 7-13 shooting and ed his third double-double of the season vs. No. 6 SPU. 6-6 from the free throw line.

“We will throw some things at him, but right need to play our game.”

Two wins this week can propel them into now our focus is on Nazarene,” Sparling said. fourth place and knocking on the door for third.

“We will watch the tape, he is a good player, a winner.”

McLaughlin knows where the Wildcats can effectively slow Fosssman’s scoring and how tough it could be to come away with a win.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION WITH A “We have to find him when he crosses half TWEET AND A HASHTAG court,” McLaughlin said. “He is a good shooter, #CWUMBBALL he hit a couple threes against us last time. We just need to be better defending pick and rolls, it’s always tough to win up in Alaska but we just

SPORTS

The Observer • Jan. 24 - Jan. 30, 2013 14

Preview

Central ready for rivalry

BY CLAIRE COX

Staff reporter

SETH LONBORG/OBSERVER

FLYING HIGH Junior Jessica VanDyke (22) lays up the ball. VanDyke leads the GNAC in three-point field goals made with 41 on the season and averages 2.7 per game.

The Central Washington University Women’s basketball team will return home to compete with two nationally ranked teams this week, taking on archrival Western Washington University tonight at 7 p.m., followed by Simon Fraser University on Saturday at 5:15 p.m.

The Wildcats swept the Alaskan teams in the GNAC this past weekend, beating Fairbanks 69-49 and then cleaning up in Anchorage 74-64.

Junior Leslie Stillar contributed 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the University of Alaska Anchorage game on Saturday night. Stillar, who made her second-consecutive start for the Wildcats Saturday night, is averaging 9.1 points per game.

Another standout player this past weekend was freshman Jasmine Parker, who scored a total of 14 game points, adding nine rebounds to the Wildcats’ win over the Seawolves.

The Vikings, however, will be the real test for the Wildcats.

“Western Washington’s team is really big,” said head coach Shawn Nelson, “So we are really going to have to focus on being tough and winning the battle of rebounding and just sticking to what has made us successful the past couple games.”

The Vikings were ranked No.8 in last

week’s USA Today Sports/ESPN NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll. They now hold a record of 13-2 overall and top the GNAC standings at 7-0, following their seventh consecutive victory.

Senior Viking Corinn Waltrip is the 2012-2013 GNAC pre-season all-conference pick, scoring a game- and careerhigh of 24 points against the Montana State University Yellowjackets this past weekend.

The Simon Fraser University Clan holds a record of 13-2 as well, with a GNAC record of 6-1 after their win Saturday night against the Seattle Pacific University Falcons. Clan senior Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, 2010-2011 and 20112012 GNAC First Team All Star, was the evening’s top scorer with 20 points.

“We have really high expectations and I believe our players are really starting to get higher expectations too,” Nelson said.

“That’s what you want when you’re trying to build a program. We are just taking it one game at a time and the Western Washington game is all we are really focused on right now.”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION WITH A TWEET AND A HASHTAG #CWUWBBALL

Do you want your message to reach CWU students staff & faculty members?

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NEWSWATCH If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in Broadcast Journalism, please talk to Professor Robert Fordan about how you can get involved in NewsWatch.

COM 442 Student-led news team dedicated to sharing stories that impact Kittitas County.

SPORTS

The Observer • Jan. 24 - Jan. 30, 2013 15

Recap

Wildcats rally but fall to No.6 Falcons

BY JARYD CLINE

Staff Reporter

The deep three-pointer off the hands of Jordan Coby hit nothing but net, sending the crowd into a frenzy and tying the score at 66 against Seattle Pacific University, the No. 6 ranked team in the nation.

Junior guard Mark McLaughlin led Central with 18 points and senior guard Brandon Magee finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, giving Magee his third double-double of the season. But the Wildcats effort wasn’t quite enough, as Seattle

“

We tried to let our athletic ability take over and tried to get some easy looks.

“

-MARK MCLAUGHLIN Junior guard

Pacific held on to win 80-71 on Saturday.

The Wildcats (10-6 overall, 4-4 GNAC) dropped to fifth place in the GNAC as SPU (13-2 overall 6-1 GNAC) now sits a half game behind Western Washington University in the standings.

The Wildcats played strong in the first half, leading by as much as three before heading into the locker room trailing by two, 34-32.

At halftime, the Falcons held a 12-0 advantage in second-chance points, despite having the same amount of offensive rebounds as the Wildcats.

The Wildcats opened the second half slowly as SPU increased its lead to eight within the first 90 seconds. Sparling credited Seattle Pacific’s offense.

“We played poor at the beginning of the second half,” head coach Greg Sparling

ZACH OLNEY/OBSERVER

SCHOOLED Senior Derrick Davis (44) takes an open look against No. 6 Seattle Pacific University. Davis finished with eight points.

said. “ I think we let [SPU player and former WSU player] Patrick Simon score eight straight against us.”

SPU increased its lead to 10 before Central was forced to call a timeout and regroup.

Over the next four minutes, Central converted on eight free throws and guard Jordan Coby hit the deep three-pointer to tie the game up with three minutes left to

play.

But the Wildcats went scoreless from the field in the last four minutes and SPU converted on its free throws to seal the game.

SPU out-rebounded the Wildcats 42-38 and scored 36 points in the paint.

“We tried to let our athletic ability take over and tried to get some easy looks,” Magee said.

The Wildcats face Northwest Nazarene

University next Saturday at Nicholson Pavilion. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION WITH A TWEET AND A HASHTAG #CWUMBBALL

Recap

Women’s basketball on the rise after sweeping in Alaska

BY THOMAS LORANZ

Staff Reporter

After winning two games in Alaska, Central Washington University women’s basketball team improved its record to 8-7 overall, 3-4 GNAC. The Wildcats began in Fairbanks against the University of Alaska. Junior Jessica VanDyke led the charge with 21 points. Junior Daisy Burke, sophomore Courtney Johnson and freshman Jasmine Parker also had double-figure games, which helped the Wildcats defeat the Nanooks 69-49.

The Wildcats came out slow, trailing 15-8 in the first eight minutes of the game. The Wildcats quickly bounced back with a 16-6 run, and at halftime the score was 27-26 with Central in the lead.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw both teams trade the lead back and forth. Burke, Johnson, Parker and VanDyke helped the Wildcats pull through in the end with a 16-1 run in the final minutes of the game.

Parker finished with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and five steals. Parker’s five steals were the most amount by a Wildcat since 2008.

On Saturday, the Wildcats traveled to play the

University of Alaska Anchorage. Junior Leslie Stillar’s season-high 22 points helped the Wildcats defeat the Seawolves, 74-64.

The Wildcats came out strong with a controlling lead of 24-13 in the first 10 minutes of the half. They reached a 17-point advantage with four minutes left in the half before the Seawolves answered with an 8-0 run to enter halftime.

The Seawolves’ momentum continued in the second half with a 20-6 run, pushing them in front of the Wildcats. Central kept its cool and returned with 14 unanswered point of its own. The Seawolves got within two points of the lead, but Stillar went 6-6 in the final minutes, which ultimately gave the Wildcats the win.

The Wildcats were the first team since 2005 to sweep both of their games in Alaska.

The Wildcats return home to the Pavilion where they play rivals Western on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m., followed by Simon Fraser on Jan. 26 at 5:15 p.m.

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SETH LONBORG/OBSERVER

OPEN HOOP Junior Daisy Burke (14) drives to the lane in the Wildcats victory over Northwest earlier in the season.

SPORTS

The Observer • Jan. 24 - Jan. 30, 2013 16

CENTRAL WASHINGTON WINTER SPORTS STANDINGS/SCHEDULE MENʼS BASKETBALL

RECENT GAME: L 80-71 vs. Seattle Pacific

Recap

Senior Brandon Magee had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds in Saturdayʼs loss to No. 6 Seattle Pacific.

Wildcats keep their cool in Moscow

SARAH RUIZ//OBSERVER

LEAP OF FAITH Junior Jamie Larsen pole vaults at the UW Indoor Preview last week.

BY PANCHO ARCEO

Staff Reporter

The Central Washington University track team competed at the Idaho Collegiate Meet last Saturday, hosted in Moscow, Idaho, where four Wildcats finished the meet as champions.

Freshman Jayna Inderbitzen took first in the women’s 400-meter dash with a time of 1:00.98. Since the last event, Inderbitzen is now sitting in 8th place in the GNAC 400-meter-dash standings.

Senior Kelsey Kreft also took a first place spot in the women’s 5000 meter race with a time of 18:43:70.

As for field event competitors, junior Lewis Meyers competed in the men’s high jump and placed first with a mark of 6’ 4.75 meters. Meyers’ high jump measured to 1.95 meters and is currently sitting in first place in the men’s high jump stand-

ings.

Junior Becki Duhamel also placed in first for the women’s weight throw with a launch of 16.45 meters. Duhamel is also sitting in first place in the GNAC standings along with her teammate Kelsey Kreft.

The women’s 4x400-meter relay team took control in Idaho and received first place with a time of 3:32:98.

The Wildcats will be at it again this Friday and Saturday in Seattle at the UW Invitational at 1 p.m.

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OPR offers skiing under the moon

BY SCOTT HERMAN

Staff Reporter

At a time of year when most of the population would prefer to remain inside, content to be warm and bored, Central’s Outdoor Pursuits and Recreation is busy finding ways to get people outside to find better forms of entertainment.

This last weekend the OPR hosted a cross-country skiing expedition in the Methow Valley. Led by OPR’s Trevor Bergstrom, junior mechanical engineering major, and graduate assistant Tom Potter, the group left Friday afternoon and spent two days taking in the sights and experiencing the snowy terrain in central Washington. Potter was pleased to report that the trip appeared to be a success.

“It was a beautiful blue bird day, and relatively warm out,” Potter said. “Everyone had a great time, and those that haven’t had a lot of experience developed the skills they needed.”

Bergstrom also doubles as the shop manager at the OPR and has been cross-country skiing since his parents first put him on skis when he was 8 years old.

Bergstrom also noted that the OPR’s win-

ter events are suited for anyone who wants to get off their couch and partake in the fun.

“We gear things more towards beginners,” Bergstrom said. “If anybody’s never done something like this, and they want to show up, we’ll cater to them and their skill level.”

The group of 11 people went up to the Methow Valley, located about two hours north of Wenatchee. It’s one of the biggest cross-country skiing trail networks in North America. The trail itself offers a pleasant experience for skiers of all abilities, Bergstrom said.

The trip covered about 16-20 kilometers, at a clip of about three to four hours of skiing each day. At night the group was able to sleep in a cabin that was built along the trail.

To add to the weekend’s fun, Bergstrom and several others made the trip in style, sporting multi-colored spandex on the trail.

Because of the full moon that was out this weekend, the group was able to partake in some well-lit night skiing. Bergstrom said that although visibility is obviously limited at night, there are still some amazing views to take in after the sun goes down.

“It’s just beautiful out, with the moon reflecting on the snow,” Bergstrom said.

STANDINGS #3 Western Washington #6 Seattle Pacific Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Anchorage Central Washington Western Oregon Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings Saint Martinʼs Simon Fraser

CONFERENCE

OVERALL

7-0 6-1 5-2 4-3 4-4 3-4 3-5 2-5 2-5 0-7

16-0 13-2 10-5 11-4 10-6 8-7 9-7 9-9 6-9 5-10

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 1/26 Northwest Nazarene @ Nicholson Pavilion | 7:30 P.M. 1/31 Alaska Anchorage @ Wells Fargo Sports Complex | 7 P.M.

WOMENʼS BASKETBALL RECENT GAME: W 74-64 vs. Alaska Anchorage

Junior guard Leslie Stillar had season-highs of 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in Saturdayʼs win at Alaska Anchorage.

STANDINGS #5 Western Washington #7 Simon Fraser Northwest Nazarene MSU Billings Seattle Pacific Saint Martinʼs Central Washington Alaska Anchorage Western Oregon Alaska Fairbanks

CONFERENCE

OVERALL

7-0 6-1 5-2 5-3 4-4 3-4 3-4 2-5 1-6 0-7

13-2 13-2 13-2 11-5 10-6 10-7 8-7 8-7 6-11 2-13

NEXT ON THE SCHEDULE: 1/24 #5 Western Washington @ Nicholson Pavilion | 7 P.M. 1/26 #7 Simon Fraser @ Nicholson Pavilion |5:15 P.M.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD RECENT MEET: Idaho Collegiate

Freshman Jayna Inderbitzen won the womenʼs 400-meter dash with a time of 1:00.98, leading a trio of Wildcats among the top six in the event

SCHEDULE UW Invitational Vandal Indoor Vandal Collegiate UW Open GNAC Indoor Track & Field Championships D-II Last Chance Qualifier NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships

LOCATION

DATE

Seattle, WA Moscow, ID Moscow, ID Seattle, WA Nampa, ID Seattle, WA Birmingham, AL

Jan. 25-26 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 10 Feb. 15-16 Feb. 23 March. 8-9

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