Issue 96 Volume 96 by The Daily Eastern News

Eastern News

Thursday

“Tell th e t r u t h a n d d o n ’ t b e a fr a i d . ”

DECEMBER 1, 2011 V O LU M E 9 6 | N o. 1 6 1

EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CHARLESTON, ILL. D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M T WIT TER.COM/DENNE WS

Drunk Driving Prevention Month begins

Panthers win thriller in Overtime

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C AMPUS

Students speak out against lab damage Months of research, work lost for some By Nike Ogunbodede Campus Editor

Levi Gent is now unsure of how his life after Eastern will turn out since the chemistry department vandalism may hinder his chances of getting into a good graduate school. Gent, a senior chemistry major, is one of the many students affected by the recent vandalism that took place against the chemistry department. Gent, who is in his final year at Eastern, said he never expected to see a university department the target of an act of vandalism. Classes on the third and fourth floors of the Physical Sciences Building were held as normal on Monday

after damages were discovered before Thanksgiving break that may exceed $100,000, according to a university press release. Although Eastern has given its professors the ability to decide whether or not to have class, many decided to cancel them on Monday. “It’s probably the worst thing I could imagine happening to a department,” Gent said. Gent said he does not understand why someone would feel the need to destroy valuable research. Gent said he was supposed to work on Gopal Periyannan’s, a chemistry professor, biofuel research project, which has been halted until further notice. “That’s short changing me,” Gent said. “One of the big things they look at is undergraduate research and if I don’t have that—like I should—then

that could hurt my chances.” Kim Melohn, a senior biological sciences major, said she was not aware of the vandalism until she looked on the Eastern website on Sunday. Melohn is also chemistry minor. She said she did not think it was a big issue because the website said classes would continue. “When I walked to class on Monday, a classmate told me class was actually canceled,” she said. Melohn said she does not understand why someone would specifically target the chemistry department. “I think it’s completely disrespectful because there are a lot of people that depend on that equipment,” Melohn said. Savannah Kapper, a freshman chemistry major, said she enjoyed not having classes for a day. DAMAGE, page 5

University confirms chemistry lab damage exceeds $100,000 Staff Report

The damage to equipment in the chemistry labs has been reported to exceed $100,000, according to a university press release on Wednesday. The vandalism to the chemistry labs on the third and fourth floors of the Physical Sciences Building was discovered on Friday. Some chemistry samples and other materials from faculty and student research projects were ruined during the vandalism. The materials represent months, and in some cases years, of research

Caught off guard

work by faculty and students, the press release said. The university is in the process of filing an insurance claim for the damage. The process of inventorying and storing damaged equipment continues, and insurance claim adjusters are expected to be on campus to review the damages within a week. The University Police are still investigating the vandalism and are asking for anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866345-8488, text “crimeleads” to 274637, or call the EIU Police Department at 217-581-3212.

DOUDNA

‘Shape of Things’ debuts By Samantha McDaniel Activities Editor

DANNY DAMIANI | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Andi Peterson, a senior marketing major, is rushed by the crowd while she hands out NBA 2K12 for the Playstation 3 during half time at the Eastern men's basketball game against Maine in Lantz Arena Wednesday.

STUDENT SENATE

Board rate increased for Fall 2012 By Rachel Rodgers Administration Editor

The room and board rate for Fiscal Year 13 faces an increase of 3.25 percent compared to the 3.5 percent increase from FY 12 and the 6.5 percent increase from FY 11. Mark Hudson, the director of University Housing and Dining Services, presented the room and board rate update determined by six students serving on the bond revenue committee at the last Student Senate meeting of the se-

mester Wednesday. A resolution commemorating head football coach Bob Spoo’s 25 years of service to Eastern was also presented during the meeting as well as the election for Student Senate speaker. The room and board rate is decided by how expenses affect the income budget, which is about $25.48 million. The budget is determined by the assumption of 80 percent housing occupancy, Hudson said. According to the expense report, increased expenses totaled about $1.26

million, which made the room and board rate increase 4.97 percent. However, an offset revenue adjustment of $523,069 caused the rate increase to decline by 1.72 percent, making the rate increase 3.25 percent. The offset revenue adjustment consists of income funds from factors such as the Eastern application fee that prospective students pay and income from off-campus students who pay for a meal plan. Hudson said one aspect that assisted with a lower room and board rate increase was a decrease in payment to en-

ergy debt. The expense went from $820,673 during FY 12 to $171,647, which is a decrease of $649,026. “This decrease is seen because part of the debt on the energy plant is being paid by energy savings, which are not available until FY 13 so that is why there is a gap,” Hudson said. The room and board rate update will be presented at the Residence Hall Association meeting today at 5 p.m. in the Stevenson Hall lobby.

BOARD, page 5

Loving who you are and being yourself was the main theme in a performance by four cast members Wednesday. The theatre department performed “The Shape of Things,” a play to show how far someone is willing to go for love. The play tells the story of Adam, a shy and self-conscious student on a small college campus in the Midwest, and his transformation at the request of Evelyn, an intense artist. Throughout the play, Evelyn encourages Adam to change himself in order to test just how far she could transform him. She even suggested Adam gets a nose job, which he does. At one point in the play, Adam says, “You are dangerously close to owning me.” Adam’s relationship with Evelyn tests Adam’s connection with his other friends, Jenny and Phillip. Adam transforms at Evelyn’s request by changing his diet, working out and getting rid of a coat that he refused to be without until Evelyn convinced Adam to get rid of it. In the play Phillip said to Adam, “I just hope next time I pass you, I recognize you.” The play showed audience members just how far a man will go to keep the woman he loves, by even breaking his relationships with his friends. Molly Manhart, a senior theatre arts major, who played Evelyn, said she thought the play sent a message to be an individual. SHAPE, page 5

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D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

DRUNK DRIVING

EIU weather Drunk Driving Prevention Month begins Students can face Breaking down the numbers ... FRIDAY

strict consequences if under influence

Partly Cloudy High: 43° Low: 33°

For more weather visit castle.eiu.edu/weather.

CORREC TION In Wednesday's edition of The Daily Eastern News in the story "Students express thoughts on HIV, AIDS through art," Osiris Johnson said, "My grandfather died of AIDS, s it is my duty to share my experience with the disease ... " Also, Khiara Mills' poem was titled "Undetected." The News regrets the error.

Eastern News T

“Tell the t r u t h a n d d o n ’ t b e a f r a i d . ”

Contact If you have corrections or tips, please call:

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Editorial Board Editor in Chief.....................................................................................Alex McNamee DENeic@gmail.com Managing Editor.......................................................................... Shelley Holmgren DENmanaging@gmail.com News Editor....................................................................................Elizabeth Edwards DENnewsdesk@gmail.com Associate News Editor................................................................. Samantha Bilharz DENnewsdesk@gmail.com Opinions Editor........................................................................................Dave Balson DENopinions@gmail.com Online Editor.......................................................................................Chris O'Driscoll DENnews.com@gmail.com News Staff Activities Editor................................................................................... Sam McDaniel Administration Editor...................................................................... Rachel Rodgers Campus Editor............................................................................. Nike Ogunbodede City Editor..........................................................................................................Sara Hall Photo Editor..................................................................................................Kim Foster Sports Editor....................................................................................Dominic Renzetti Verge Editor........................................................................................ Seth Schroeder Assistant Photo Editor...................................................................... Karolina Strack Assistant Online Editor.......................................................................Marcus Smith Advertising Staff Advertising Manager.............................................................. AnnaMarie Sprague Promotions Manager...........................................................................Allison Twaits Ad Design Manager.........................................................................Shannon Ready Faculty Advisers Editorial Adviser................................................................................... Lola Burnham Photo Adviser.......................................................................................... Brian Poulter DENNews.com Adviser........................................................................Bryan Murley Publisher........................................................................................................ John Ryan Business Manager....................................................................................Betsy Jewell Press Supervisor......................................................................................Tom Roberts Production Staff Night Chief..................................................................................... Shelley Holmgren Lead Designer/Online Production............................................ Ashley Holstrom

OCK OUT N K

Kenny Napravnik, a senior communication studies major, said he lost his best friend, a fellow Eastern student, in 2010 in an alcohol-related car accident. “You never think that someone you are so close to can be gone within a second,” he said. “She had so much ahead of her and it’s sad that she’s not here because of drinking and driving. Unfortunately, it’s so common for students to drink and drive, because you think anywhere you would need to go is so close that there is no way anything bad can happen. All it takes is one quick mistake and your life changes.” Dec. 1 marks the beginning of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. December is one of the most notorious months for arrests, accidents and deaths involving alcohol or other drugs because of a heightened amount of parties, social gatherings and other holiday celebrations. On a daily basis, nearly 36 people are killed and another 700 are injured in drunk driving accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives. However, even if a person is not driving, he or she is still at risk. Corey Norton, the Substance

.08 36 337

Number of people killed on a daily basis by drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of DUI cases filed in Coles County in 2010.

$2,500

GRAPHIC BY SHELLEY HOLMGREN THE DAILY EASTERN NEWS

Abuse Education Coordinator at the Health Education Resource Center, said a law exists of which many people are not aware. “It's called ‘Allowing a drunk driver to drive,’” he said. According to the Illinois state law, knowingly permitting a driver under the influence to operate a vehicle has a risk of a Class A misdemeanor with possible imprisonment of up to one year and fines up to $2,500. “You can be arrested right along with your friend who is getting a DUI if you get pulled over,” Norton said. Jeremy Richey, an Illinois Criminal Defense, DUI and Traffic lawyer in Charleston, said in 2010, there were 337 DUI cases filed in Coles County. Richey said he advises those who are older than 21 to not

How much in fees you could end up paying for a DUI charge in Coles County.

drink at all if they are getting behind the wheel. “My advice is that if you are going to drive, don’t have anything at all to drink,” he said. “Most people have a horrible lack of really understanding the gauge of the .08 limit. People think they are OK and they’re not.” College students are especially at risk for alcohol-related crashes. 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including vehicle crashes, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Norton said he also advises people to not take their chances when it comes to alcohol and driving. “Just don’t do it,” Norton said. “Just over Halloween, we lost

four young lives. Be smart and make the right decision.” Because of the large amount of driving involved during the holiday season, some helpful tips have been provided by the NHTSA. If planning a holiday party, they suggest selecting a designated driver in the invitation. Also, offering non-alcoholic drinks and providing a designated driver or taxi can be highly effective in reducing risks. “You shouldn’t play the game,” Richey said. “If you are going to drive, have zero drinks. It needs to be that simple.” Brittany Floyd can be reached at 581-2812 or bfloyd2@eiu.edu.

State Supreme Court to consider abortion dispute By The Associated Press

The Illinois Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to consider a long-running dispute over whether the state must begin enforcing a law that requires parents to be notified before their children can obtain an abortion. The law dates back to 1995 but has never been enforced because of

various court actions. Both supporters and opponents of the law predicted the state's high court ultimately will side with them. Paul Linton, an attorney for the anti-abortion Thomas More Society, said federal courts have rejected challenges to the Illinois law, while the U.S. Supreme Court has held that states have a legitimate interest

"in protecting pregnant minors and the rights of their parents to provide guidance and counsel in this very sensitive area." But Lorie Chaiten, director of the Reproductive Rights Project for the Illinois branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, said she's confident the case will be sent back to lower courts for a complete review of "ev-

idence demonstrating that the reallife harms this law imposes cannot be justified." The law would require doctors to notify the guardians of a girl 17 or younger before she has an abortion. There are exceptions for emergencies and cases of sexual abuse, and girls could bypass the notification requirement by going to a judge.

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MOTHERS

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About The Daily Eastern News is produced by the students of Eastern Illinois University. It is published daily Monday through Friday, in Charleston, Ill., during fall and spring semesters and twice weekly during the summer term except during university vacations or examinations. One copy per day is free to students and faculty. Additional copies can be obtained for 50 cents each in the Student Publications Office in Buzzard Hall. The Daily Eastern News is a member of The Associated Press, which is entitled to exclusive use of all articles appearing in this publication. Comments / Tips Contact any of the above staff members if you believe your information is relevant. Corrections The Daily Eastern News is committed to accuracy in its coverage of the news. Any factual error the staff finds, or is made aware of by its readers, will be corrected as promptly as possible. Please report any factual error you find by e-mail, phone, campus mail or in person.

By Brittany Floyd Staff Reporter

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Partly Cloudy High: 46° Low: 29°

State of Illinois drunk driving laws blood alcohol concentration limit.

$2 Domestic Bottles $3Well Doubles $1 Shots

To book a function, call 217-348-7698!

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C ampus

News Editor Elizabeth Edwards 217 • 581 • 2812 DENnewsdesk@gmail.com

COUNCIL ON AC ADEMIC AFFAIRS

Subcommittees to begin learning goal process By Robyn Dexter Staff Reporter

The Council on Academic Affairs will meet to discuss course revisions and will then break into subcommittees to discuss learning goal objectives. The council will meet at 3 p.m. today instead of the usual 2 p.m. in Booth Library Room 4440. The agenda consists of revisions to three courses, two of which are journalism courses and the other is a senior seminar. The courses are JOU 3820 Publicity Methods, JOU 3920 Public Relations in Society and EIU 4158 Freedom of Expression. Like many other courses revised by the CAA, these three are adding technology-delivered sections to their availability. After the agenda has been discussed, the CAA will break into the learning goal subcommittees and decide how to proceed with their processes. “The subcommittees will meet as a large group to look at the wiki we are going to use for committee work and review the timetable,” said Rebecca Throneburg, a professor of communication disorders and sciences. She also said each committee will be following the timeline approved by the CAA on Nov. 10, and will begin focusing on goals for the Spring 2012 semester. According to the revised proposal approved in November, the subcommittee timeline for January and February 2012 consists of reviewing existing Eastern data and peer/model institution work, as well as summarizing the findings.

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

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Practice makes perfect

Meeting agenda • Revisions to three courses • Break into learning goal subcommittees • Focus on goals for Spring 2012 semester They will also seek to incorporate an “academic excellence” stand for the strategic planning process. The remainder of the Spring 2012 semester will be spent defining learning goal purposes, constructing a faculty practices survey, and reviewing results once the survey is implemented, according to the proposal. The CAA will also contact other college curriculum committees to review the faculty survey and encourage feedback from the subcommittee processes. “The subcommittees will meet biweekly in the spring, so on those weeks the regular (the) CAA meeting will begin at 3 p.m.,” Throneburg said. The spring CAA structure will begin when the classes resume in January. “On the other weeks, the subcommittees will not meet and the CAA meeting will begin at 2 p.m.,” Throneburg said. The CAA will also add an item to next week’s agenda, which is the revision of a studio art option for students working toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Robyn Dexter can be reached at 581- 2812 or redexter@eiu.edu.

NATALIE FEDDER | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Avery Allen, a freshman clinical laboratory science major, and Hannah Neal, a freshman mathematics major, practice the 18 proper steps to put on a condom on Wednesday in the Mattoon/Charleston Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. Union. Jennifer Cannon, the Sexual Health Education Coordinator, speaks to students about ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections at Rubber Lovers open sessions.

RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION

RHA to host clothing drive By Elizabeth Grubart Staff Reporter

The Residence Hall Association will host a holiday drive on Dec. 8. The drive will take place in all residence halls and will be collecting coats and toys for needy children up to age 13. The Residence Hall Association will meet at 5 p.m. today in Stevenson Hall.

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Members of the RHA will be bringing their purchased items to be placed in boxes that will eventually be given to Rachel Fisher, the interim director of the Student Community Service. The RHA President Andrew Lilek expressed his excitement for the upcoming events until the end of the semester. “I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished as an organi-

zation this semester,” Lilek said. “I know we will be just as successful in the spring.” The members of the Commissions Council will be deciding on new candidates for the Illinois Residence Hall Association by the end of the semester. Elizabeth Grubart can be reached at 581-2812 or eagrubart@eiu.edu.

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O pinions

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T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

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COLUMN

STAFF EDITORIAL

City should Oblivious and rude no way to go through life celebrate all holidays We at The Daily Eastern News are fans of the “Christmas in the Heart of Charleston” coming up this Saturday. It is a well organized free seasonal event that helps bring the Charleston community together. However, the nature of the event excludes members of our community who are not Christian or do not celebrate Christmas. While Christmas is not always celebrated religiously, it is still a religious holiday and putting such a focus on it during this event cuts off Charleston residents with other belief systems. This is not to say those who don’t celebrate Christmas are not welcomed. We are certain the city of Charleston would love to have as many people as possible come to the festival. But such a narrow focus might keep people with different practices away. This festival gives local musicians an audience and businesses on the square a chance to connect with new and old customers during a troubled economy. It gives residents a chance to experience a local holiday atmosphere that can be heartwarming. What “Christmas in the Heart of Charleston” does, it does so excellently. But it does not do these things for everyone. In Wednesday’s issue of The DEN, Diane Ratliff, Charleston’s tourism director, said the Charleston community is encouraged to take part. But many people are discouraged by an event billed as a Christian celebration, even if the religious connotations are implied. This has the effect of isolating some members of the community from an event that is supposed to bring us all together. It also misses an opportunity. The businesses involved would find more new customers. The Square is not faring this recession particularly well, so why not have as inclusive an event as possible? We also wonder why the city, as a governemntal body, walks the constitutional line of organizing what is essentially a religious event. Most importantly, though, the event invited the community to celerate while implictily denying that which makes this community so strong. Charleston is diverse, particularly when school is in session. We should be proud of our diversity, whether it’s racial, ethnic, religious or ideological. This should be celebrated and never looked over or ignored. But a festival that only represents one religion or viewpoint does just that. There is room to celebrate the season without excluding those around us. Why not make it a holiday celebration, and encourage people to celebrate as they see fit? It’s the responsible action to takeand in the true spirit of the holidays. We understand it is too late to change the focus this year, but we hope in the future to see a festival that can bring our entire community together regardless of their beliefs.

The DAILY EASTERN NEWS

“Tell the truth and don’t be afraid.”

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in Chief Alex McNamee

News Editor Elizabeth Edwards

Managing Editor Associate News Editor Shelley Holmgren Samantha Bilharz Online Editor Chris O’Driscoll

Opinions Editor Dave Balson

The daily editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News.

Tuesday night, Eastern students who packed the Grand Ballroom were fortunate enough to see Eva Kor, a Holocaust survivor and human rights activist, who spoke about what she learned while struggling to survive in the rat-infested, lice-ridden hellhole that was Auschwitz. She and her twin sister Miriam were subjected to studies done by war criminal Dr. Josef Mengele, who injected them with unknown substances in appalling conditions. Her story of how she coped with what was done to her and her family, all of whom were killed by the Nazis before she and her sister could say goodbye, was moving. She somehow found it within herself to forgive the bastards who tortured her. Her tale was downright inspiring. I was so moved by her speech that, if only for a moment, the cynical shell I live in splintered to pieces and fell on the ballroom floor. I felt that if only the human race would learn to live without prejudice and forgive each other for our crimes then the world would be a better place. And then I looked around. And the shell came back on. Directly to my right was a trio of friends

Doug T. Graham

who were too busy typing on their phones and laughing at one another to take in any bit of Kor’s message. A little later, a person, thinking Kor was done speaking, moved her backpack as if preparing to leave. Once Kor resumed talking, she turned to her friend, looked offended and muttered “oh my god, are you freaking serious right now?” and huffily collapsed in her seat. College students not paying attention and being rude is certainly nothing new, but that it was done at such a moving event really struck a nerve with me. I must stress that the grand majority of the audience was quiet and respectful to Kor and it was really only a handful of deviants among the hundreds of people there. I guess what got me so wound up about my

peers goofing off was that it reminded me that there are some people my own age who lack something very important—awareness. I get the sense that some people are completely oblivious to what they are doing and they simply need to be reminded that they are in public. This is the real world, there’s no computer screen to hide your rudeness from everyone around you. As long as you’re in public, someone will probably be watching what you are doing. I don’t think these people are a bunch of dumb bastards who won’t amount to anything—I just wish I could remind them in some way that they are in public and they need to be aware of their actions. I wish I could say to them the same thing my second-grade teacher said to me when I would fidget and be obnoxious during an assembly—Hey! Stop that! Pay attention!— without anyone getting weirded out. Save yourself the embarrassment of looking like a self-centered child and be aware of your actions in public. Doug T. Graham is a senior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or DENopinions@gmail.com.

FROM THE EASEL

DAVE BALSON | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

AROUND THE STATE

GOP Gov. wants girl to apologize for sharing her opinion By Addie CaDavid Daily Vidette Illinois State University

The small phrase that we often seek to hear after being wronged is being requested from Emma Sullivan, an 18-year-old high school senior at Shawnee Mission East. Sullivan was demanded by her principal to write a letter of apology to Gov. Sam Brownback after posting negative tweets two weeks ago. The tweet went out after Sullivan took part in a Youth in Government program in Topeka, Kansas. While sitting with her peers Sullivan typed: “Just made mean comment at gov. brownback and told him he sucked, in person #heblowsalot.” The comments were never actually made, but the effects were felt when part of Brownback’s office that monitors social media found the tweet and sent it to the school board. After being scolded, Sullivan was ordered to send the apology letter and even received some “talking points” from Principal Karl Krawitz. The story hit the media after Sullivan’s older sister shared it with local news sta-

tions. Since then, her Twitter followers have grown from the small 65 who received the tweet to over 12,000. Sullivan told the Associated Press that the tweet was based on her political disagreements with Brownback, specifically his veto on the Kansas Arts Commission’s entire budget, making Kansas the only state to eliminate the arts. Sullivan explained she refused to write the apology letter saying that it wouldn’t be sincere, which brings me to my main point. Why does the governor need an apology? For one, in this specific case shouldn’t the school be proud that their student is engaged in politics? At least she has an opinion. Sure, her word choice could have been better but I seriously doubt her 65 followers were deeply offended with the hash tag. Second, was this seriously worth the pursuit of Brownback’s team? Why do they care? The bottom line is that Sullivan was completely within her rights to tweet away about Brownback or even her principle if she wanted to. Third, and this is a larger issue, why would we want to hear an apology that isn’t

Letters to the editor can be submitted at any time on any topic to the Opinions Editor to be published in The Daily Eastern News. The DEN’s policy is to run all letters that are not libelous or potentially harmful. They must be less than 250 words.

sincere? An apology should serve as an accountability measure. It is taking responsibility for an issue. It owns up to a fault. A fake apology is just a slap in the face. Andy Levy was forced to apologize to Chris Brown for a tweet that informed Brown he had spelled “punching” wrong, which was a jab at his assault on his girlfriend Rihanna. The apology went on to say: “To Mr. Brown I apologize for referencing the fact that you beat the crap out of Rihanna. It was disrespectful of me to draw attention to the fact you put your girlfriend in the hospital.” It went on for several more minutes, only to reiterate the point that there are some things we shouldn’t have to apologize for. Once the apology has been made, we don’t actually feel better, just a little more insulted. So keep it short keep it simple and in the words of P.G. Wodehouse: “It is a good rule in life never to apologize. The right sorts of people do not want apologies, and the wrong sorts take a mean advantage of them.” To read more go to www.videtteonline.com

Letters to the editor can be brought in with identification to The DEN at 1811 Buzzard Hall. Letters may also be submitted electronically from the author’s EIU e-mail address to DENopinions@gmail.com.

NEWS

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DAMAGE, from page 1 However, she was disgruntled because of the lack of activity her classes will be able to do. “I know that we aren’t going to be able to do our labs so that’s one grade we don’t get,” Kapper said. Gent agrees and said his chemistry classes were already cramming to discuss the needed material and the vandalism took up time during his classes on Wednesday. “Then we had to spend 20 minutes in each class period talking about it so that just lost more time,” Levi said. “But that’s a personal peeve.” Kapper also said the lab work was an intricate part of why she became a chemistry major. “I love the labs. I love working with chemicals. I love the whole aspect of it,” Kapper said. Kapper said she does not think labs closing down will affect her final exams except for those students who have to physically do the work to understand it. Faculty and student research projects were also ruined during the vandalism, according to a Wednesday university press release. “It makes the teachers mad (and) it makes the students mad,” Kapper said. “I’m starting research next semester and if someone came in and tampered with my research I would be a little over the edge.” Gent said he hopes Eastern, which is working along with the chemistry department and the University Police Department, will prosecute the vandal(s) to the full extent of the law. “We’ll never know the full extent of the damage—beyond the physical sense,” Gent said. “Little things that a professor or student wrote down that they might not think of again.” The vandalism destroyed years’ worth of research that could take just as long to redo, Gent said. “Fullest prosecution is the only thing I could hope for,” Gent said. “This can set people back years––especially graduate students—there’s no positive way to spin it. No silver lining.” Although Eastern has not disclosed

how the vandal(s) got into the building, building service workers did re-key the doors to the vandalized labs and the main building entry on Monday. “I was told by one of my professors that apparently only two academic buildings have security cameras and I feel like that’s something that should have been changed before,” Gent said. Melohn said she is concerned about the repair or purchasing costs falling onto students. “I am fearful that my subsequent classes (will) increase lab fees to pay for some of the broken equipment,” Melohn said. According to the same university press release, Eastern will be having insurance claim adjusters coming to campus within a week. Melohn said she thinks Eastern should consider installing an up-to-date security system in order to not only protect the valuable equipment, but to also protect students. “To my knowledge nobody was in there, but if someone was in there—a janitor or another student studying— while this vandalism was taking place, then that student would have been at risk,” Melohn said. “Then it would be an even bigger tragedy.” Gent said chemistry is more than chemicals and molecules. “(Chemistry) explains how the world works, there’s rules to follow in chemistry and they’re the rules of the world,” Gent said. “Once you understand those rules you can start modifying things and adjusting the way they occur.” The vandalism did not only damage the equipment or labs, but it potentially changed lives, Gent said. “This is a fairly unprecedented event, I don’t know that there has been another institution where someone broke it and utterly destroyed one whole department,” Gent said. “I hate to compare it to something like murder, but it is a great loss.” Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581-2812 or ovogunbodede@eiu.edu.

SHAPE, from page 1 “I think you should really love yourself and be aware that you are your own person and others opinions shouldn’t change that,” Manhart said. The play shows the series of trials that Evelyn puts Adam through and shows his transformation from a shy student to a different person. Jayce Vickers, a senior theatre arts major, said throughout the play he kept thinking the character Evelyn was wrong in her actions and how she treated Adam. “I disagreed with everything that she says in the play,” Vickers said. “The whole show I’m just arguing with her in my head going ‘No, you’re wrong!’” Kristie Kastl, a freshman English major, said she also disagreed with Evelyn. “I was on Adam’s side the whole time, even at the beginning before we know Evelyn is playing them all,” Kastl said. “I still didn’t like her.” Jeff Tangeman, the director of “The Shape of Things,” said the play does use adult language and scenes. “It explores some adult things,” Tangeman said. “The thing that works for me is that it is all in the context of the play. None of it is for shock value.” Tangeman said he thought the performance went really well. “There were a few areas that the cast can work on,” Tangeman said. “But if experience holds true, I think they will get better and better.” Manhart said the audience was something the cast has to adjust to. “I didn’t expect as many laughs as we got,” Manhart said. “I will be able to ex-

pect that in the other shows.” Manhart said she is excited for the other shows. “I like working with the cast, we’ve become good friends,” Manhart said. “We just have great relationships.” Manhart said she enjoyed playing her character. “Evelyn is nothing like me, so it was fun diving in and playing this character,” Manhart said. “I get to be a different person every night.” The cast also includes: Vince Dill as Adam, Rachael Sapp as Jenny; and Jake Cole as Phillip. Manhart said the cast tried to make the play new. “We have to keep it fresh every night so the audience can connect with the characters,” Manhart said. “It’s very character centralized and the audience can relate to them.” “The Shape of Things” will also be shown today, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Black Box of the Doudna Fine Arts Center. Admission to the play is $5 for Eastern students, $10 for employees and people 62 and older, and $12 for general admission. Manhart said she cannot wait for the rest of the shows. “I’m just looking forward to sharing theatre with Eastern and our families,” Manhart said. Samantha McDaniel can be reached at 581-2812 or slmcdaniel@eiu.edu.

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

BOARD, from page 1

SHEA L A Z ANSKY | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Zach Samples, the Speaker of the Student Senate, shakes the hand of retiring head football coach Bob Spoo, as he presents him with a framed copy of the Student Senate resolution entitled “Coach Bob Spoo: A Lasting Legacy” during the Student Senate meeting on Wednesday. The resolution acknowledged the time and effort that Spoo has given to Eastern throughout his career.

Zach Samples, a sophomore history major, was reelected as student senate speaker. Samples ran unopposed for the position. The Student Senate unanimously approved a resolution that was presented to Spoo during the meeting. Spoo said during the last 50 years in football, 25 years at Eastern, he had the opportunity to interact with

great people including players and coaches. “My name spelled backwards is oops, which defines our last two seasons, but I am happy to say that I am proud of what we have accomplished here,” Spoo said. Kaci Abolt, the student vice president for student affairs, said she grew up watching Eastern football and wit-

nessed much of Spoo’s success as a coach. “(Spoo) is an outstanding member of the community and is definitely a face of EIU that we will miss, but will always remember,” Abolt said. Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-2812 or rjrodgers@eiu.edu.

C lassifieds Announcements “UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS!” AT SPENCE’S ON JACKSON. OPEN TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY 1-5PM. 345-1469 __________________________12/1

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Sublessors 2 bedroom apartment available January. $545/month/person. Brooklyn Heights. Corner of 4th and Polk. Call (217)249-5092 for details. __________________________12/2 Looking for roommate for Spring Semester at the Millennium Place. Spacious, fully furnished. $395/month plus 1/3 utilities. Will pay 1st months rent. 618-562-1252 __________________________12/9 1 Bedroom Apartment. 1 1/2 blocks from campus off 6th St, newer, trash + water included. Sublessor needed for January. Call for more details. 708-341-8530 _________________________12/12

For rent Renting NOW! 1,2,&3 bedrooms, Park Place, Royal Heights, Glenwood, Lynn Ro. Close to campus! www.tricountymg.com. 348-1479 _________________________11/30 NOW LEASING: 2012-2013. Several locations to choose from. Call 217-3453754 __________________________12/1 FALL 5,4,3,2 BEDROOM HOUSES, 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH APARTMENTS. $250/MONTH. 549-4074 __________________________12/1 LEASING NOW FOR AUGUST 2012. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOMS. GREAT LOCATIONS, REASONABLE RATES, AWESOME AMENITIES! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APARTMENT SHOWING. 3455022 CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB www.unique-properties.net __________________________12/1 LEASING NOW FOR AUGUST 2012 SOUTH CAMPUS SUITES, 2 BR / 2 BA APARTMENTS, 2 BR TOWNHOUSES & 1 BEDROOM FLATS. FREE TANNING, FITNESS AND LAUNDRY. AWESOME NEW LOCATION, CLOSE TO CAMPUS WITH RENTAL RATES YOU CAN AFFORD! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR SHOWING 345-5022 OR CHECK US OUT @ www.unique-properties.net __________________________12/1 AVAILABLE AUGUST 2012 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOUSES 1409 7TH ST, 1434 9TH ST. 1705 9TH ST. GREAT LOCATIONS. CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR SHOWING 345-5022 www.unique-properties.net __________________________12/1 1 & 2 bedroom apartments across from Buzzard/Doudna. eiuapts.com 217-345-2416 __________________________12/2 3 bedroom apartments. One block from campus on 4th Street. Rent starting $260/person. Call Ryan (217)722-4724. __________________________12/2

For rent For Rent Fall 2012. 4 BR, 2 bath house. 2 blocks from campus. W/D, dishwasher. Call or text 217-276-7003 __________________________12/2 Leasing for Fall. rcrrentals.com __________________________12/2 $175 PER STUDENT FOR A 3 BEDROOM FURNISHED APARTMENT. 10 MONTH LEASE, NO PETS. CALL 345-3664 __________________________12/2 3 Bedroom Townhouse nearly new construction/ Must See. 9th & Buchanan. Call 630-505-8374 24 hours. __________________________12/2 Available January 1st 2012. Courthouse Square Apartment. 2 bedroom (1 large, 1 small). Over a fun vintage/ retro shop. $400/month. Water included. 217-508-8795 __________________________12/2 Houses and Apartments 2,3,4,5,6, and 7 bedrooms. Call for details and appointments. (217)345-6967 __________________________12/2 Large 3-4 bedroom house for rent for Fall 2012. CA, W/D, $300/mo per person. Trash included. Call 217-549-5402 __________________________12/2 www.MelroseOnFourth.com Seeing is believing! Call today to schedule an appointment to see what everyone is talking about! 217-345-5515 __________________________12/9 www.BrooklynHeightsEIU.com You’ve been by 4th & Polk and have seen it... NOW it’s time to live here! 217-345-5515 __________________________12/9 Beautiful 2 BR fully furnished EXTRA LARGE apts available for 2012-13. W/D, Walk-in closets, large balcony, cable & wireless internet included, free tanning and fitness, hot tub & rec rooms! Use financial aid to pay rent! 217-3455515 www.MelroseOnFourth.com & www.BrooklynHeightsEIU.com __________________________12/9 ATTENTION TIRED OF LIVING BLOCKS OR EVEN MILES FROM CAMPUS WE HAVE HOUSES AND APARTMENTS 1/2 BLOCK FROM CAMPUS STARTING AT $225/ PERSON 345-5048 __________________________12/9 2 BR 1 Bath house for Rent $550/ month. 1409 13th St. Contact Zac 217-549-1922 __________________________12/9 Awesome location and affordable rent. 4 bedroom 2 bath fully furnished. Grant View Apartments. (217)345-3353 __________________________12/9 Very nice 2 bedroom house, close to campus. $640 per month 345-3232 __________________________12/9 August 2012. 1,3,4 BR apartment. 1812 9th; 1205/1207 Grant 3 BR Apartments. 348-0673/ 549-4011. www.sammyrentals.com _________________________12/12 FOR FALL 2012. VERY NICE 1,2,3,4,6,7,8 BEDROOM HOUSES, TOWNHOUSES AND APARTMENTS. ALL EXCELLENT LOCATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 217-493-7559 OR www.myeiuhome.com. _________________________12/12 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments. 3 blocks from campus. Furnished. One month free rent. Call 620-6989 or 620-0298. _________________________12/12 I have 3 and 4 bedroom houses available. Freshly remodeled, all appliances included. 11 month lease. Price range $275-$325 per bedroom. Very nice and clean. One block from Old Main. Trash included. Come see what makes our apartments better than the rest! Call Kevin 217-962-0790 pantherproperties.com _________________________12/12 NICE 2 BR APTS 2001 S 12th ST & 1305 18th ST Stove, Frig, microwave Trash pd. Ph 217-348-7746 www.CharlestonILApts.com _________________________12/12

D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1, 2011 N o. 161, V O LU M E 96

For rent

For rent 2BR APTS, 955 4th ST Stove, frig, microwave, dishwasher Garage. Water & Trash pd. Ph 217-348-7746 www.CharlestonILApts.com _________________________12/12 DELUXE 1 BR APTS 117 W Polk & A ST 1306 & 1308 Arthur Ave Stove, frig, microwave Dishwasher, washer/dryer Trash pd. Ph 217-348-7746 www.CharlestonILApts.com _________________________12/12 Available June ‘12: 4 BR 2 BA house recently remodeled. Great parking, plenty of space. Great Condition! Call Todd 840-6427. _________________________12/12 Apartments north side of Square. Available January 2012. $425 per month and $325 per month. Water/ trash included. 549-7714 _________________________12/12 2 BR on the square. Water/Trash included. No pets! $375/mo. Jeff Hudson, Broker 217-549-5985 _________________________12/12 Available June 2012. Nice 1 bedroom apartment off campus. Quiet area, newly updated, good parking. Pets allowed. 217-840-6427 _________________________12/12 VILLAGE RENTALS 2012-2013. 3 & 4 BR houses w/ washers & dryers. 1 & 2 BR apartments w/ water & trash pu included. Close to campus and pet friendly. Call 217-345-2516 for appt. _________________________12/12 Leasing Fall 2012. 5 & 6 Bedroom. Close to Lantz. Off Street Parking/ Washer/ Dryer Trash included. 217-259-7262. _________________________12/12 Female housemates. 1808 9th St. Private rooms. 217-549-3273 _________________________12/12 2 bedroom house, 1609 S. 12th, d/w, w/d, a/c, porch & patio, $345 each, 2012-13. 217-549-3273 _________________________12/12 6 bedroom 2 bath house, 1521 S. 2nd, w/d, a/c, $345 each, 2012-13. 217-549-3273 _________________________12/12 5 bedroom, 2 bath, w/d, d/w, patio, 1836 S. 11th $360 each. 217-549-3273 _________________________12/12

For rent

Call about our great deals and promotions. Find your home in Charleston at www.lincolnwoodpinetree.com _________________________12/12 Free Iphone with rental. Ask how at 217-345-6000. Great locations for 1,2,3,4 bedrooms _________________________12/12 *PREMIER HOUSING* view your future home at www.eiprops.com _________________________12/12 1 1/2 BLOCKS NORTH OF OLD MAIN ON 6th Street 3 bedroom house available August 2012. 217-348-8249 www.ppwrentals.com _________________________12/12 GREAT LOCATIONS- 1 and 3 bedroom apartments available August 2012. 217-348-8249 www.ppwrentals.com _________________________12/12 NEW 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS!! Available August 2012. 3 blocks from campus on Garfield Avenue. 217-348-8249 www.ppwrentals.com _________________________12/12 Starting Fall 2012. 3 and 4 bedroom houses. Large bedrooms. Off street parking. Central AC 10 month lease. (217)273-1395. _________________________12/12 7 BD 3 BATH 1023 WOODLAWN ALL INCLUSIVE! private back yard 217-3456210 www.eiprops.com _________________________12/12 Nice 3 bedroom house, 3 blocks from campus. W/D, dishwasher included, large backyard. 217-690-4976 _________________________12/12 6 bedroom house furnished for Fall 2012-2013. Basement plus washer/dryer. 1508 1st street. $310 each. Call Jan 345-8350 _________________________12/12 6 Bedroom house for Fall 2012. 2 Bath. Close to EIU. Air-conditioned, locally owned and managed. No pets. Call for appointment 345-7286 www.jwilliamsrentals.com _________________________12/12 Available now and for January: 1 and 2 person apartments. Very nice. Locally owned and managed. No pets. Call 345-7286 www.jwilliamsrentals.com _________________________12/12

Spring Semester Openings! Youngstown Apartments 217-3452363. 1 two bedroom townhouse, 1 three bedroom townhouse, 1 three bedroom garden apt. _________________________12/12 Fall 2012 very nice 5 bedroom house, close to campus, 5 sinks, 3 showers, 2 laundry areas. Need a group of 4 or 5 females. 1837 11th St. No pets please. Call 217-728-7426 _________________________12/12 Available Fall 2012. Newly Remodeled 4, 5 bedroom houses on 12t Street. Walk to campus. W/D, D/W, A/C. 217-549-9348 _________________________12/12 7 BR, 2 BA House near stadium. Washer/Dryer, dishwasher, includes mowing & trash. Large parking area. 217-345-6967. _________________________12/12 4 BR house near campus. Washer/Dryer, dishwasher, large front porch, basement. Includes mowing & trash. 217345-6967. _________________________12/12 7 BR House 1/2 Block from campus. 2 1/2 bath, 2 kitchens. Washer/Dryer. Includes mowing & trash. 217-345-6967. _________________________12/12 FALL ‘12-’13: 1,2, & 3 BR APTS. BUCHANAN STREET APTS. CHECK US OUT AT BUCHANANST.COM OR CALL 345-1266. __________________________1/16

Edited by Will Shortz 1

ACROSS

1 Visibly scared out of one’s wits 9 “You’re ___ trouble!” 14 Alternative to a home meal 15 “___ Fall in Love” (1961 hit by the Lettermen) 16 Got comfortable with 17 1957-91 king of Norway 18 Food-stamping org. 19 Opposite of flushed 21 Dundee denial 22 Classic 1921 play set partly in a factory 25 Atlanta-based cable channel 26 In ___ (undisturbed) 27 Helps for autobiographers

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ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A S S O C

G O T T A

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P E O S P P E X T A I A F T H A O R R E E O A U M P N A C H I L A I E N

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Phone: 217 • 581 • 2812 Fax: 217 • 581 • 2923 Online: dailyeasternnews.com/classifieds

Cubbies, e.g. Tibetan terrier Altoids alternative “Most certainly!” Stage direction 1984 film whose soundtrack had a #1 hit with the same title

Don’t just sit there advertise! 581-2816!

9 15

17 19 22

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DOWN

parts 2 Slightly 3 Italy’s ___ Islands 4 Certain M.D. 5 Senesce 6 Lay turf on 7 Self: Prefix 8 Result of a boom and bust, maybe 9 Lucky lottery player’s cry 10 Senator’s org. 11 Toy collectible of the late ’90s 12 Enamors 13 Cash in one’s chips 14 Glace, after thawing 20 Fed. bureau 23 Jazz fan, probably 24 The scarlet letter 25 Something of earth-shaking concern? 26 Part of a band’s performance

Available Jan 1st 1 BR apts. Water & Trash included, off street parking, $410/mo. BuchananSt.com or call 345-1266. __________________________1/17 NOW RENTING FOR 2012-2013. ONEFIVE BEDROOM HOUSES. CLOSE TO CAMPUS. CALL TOM AT 708-772-3711 OR VISIT WWW.HALLBERGRENTALS. COM __________________________1/17 4 bedroom house 1218 Division $260 each next to city park. 3 or 4 bedroom very nice 3 level townhouse Brittany Ridge $300/$260. 2 bedroom furnished Apt at 1111 2nd St $275 each including water/trash. (217)549-1957. __________________________1/31 Now renting Fall 2012 6 bedroom and 4 bedroom within walking distance from campus. Call 345-2467 ___________________________2/1 BRITTANY RIDGE TOWNHOUSES for 3-5 persons, unbeatable floor plan, 3 & 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, deck, central air, washer, dryer, dishwasher. Free trash and parking, low utility bills, local responsive landlord. Starting @ $200/ person. Available July 2012. Lease length negotiable. 217-246-3083 ___________________________2/3

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PUZZLE BY KURT MUELLER

Tiny possibility

Who wrote “It’s not that I’m afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens”

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“Life Itself: A Memoir” autobiographer, 2011

Start another tour

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Make by interlacing Additional, in ads Mysterious: Var. Fond du ___, Wis. Buffoon Major discount brokerage Trinity member Cold war inits. Copycat Plays for a fool

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Artery: Abbr.

New Test. book

The Sun Devils, for short

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Word with black, red or white

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes. com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

SPORTS

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1, 2011

N o. 161, V O LU M E 96

POLE VAULT, from page 8

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS

D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

THRILLER, from page 8 Granger made seven of eight shots from the foul stripe, showing why he is one of the best free throw shooters in the nation. Granger said he wants the ball in his hands late in the game, but he isn’t necessarily looking to take over. “I feel like any one of my teammates can make the same plays,” Granger said. “But in overtime, I want to be the one with the ball in my hands, I want to be the one who makes plays.” Maine was ice-cold in the extra period, shooting 25 percent. Even red-hot McLemore shot one of four in the extra period. McLemore finished the game with 26 points, six rebounds and shot five of 12 from the three-point line. Before Granger took over in over-

time, the Panther were led offensively and defensively by sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie. McKinnie had a career night in points, with 26, and rebounds, with 14. Joey Miller also had a career-high 19 points, while making 10 of 10 shots from the free throw line. McKinnie said the team put forth a great effort. “We did what we had to do to get a win on our home court,” McKinnie said. The win improves the Panthers record to 4-2 overall and Maine drops to 2-2. Eastern will continue its home stand as Stony Brook comes to Charleston on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7942 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu.

HUTSON, from page 8 FILE PHOTO | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Abigail Schmitz, a junior pole vaulter, clears the bar in February at the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships at Lantz Fieldhouse.

Then, in what would be her sophomore season, Schmitz would finish just 1 inch short of breaking the Eastern indoor record and would break the school’s outdoor record in the following spring. Schmitz would also go on to win both the indoor and outdoor OVC championships. Schmitz said her big improvement was a result of Ellis’ coaching. “It was pretty much all coaching,” she said. “(Ellis) pretty much reinvented my vault and changed everything I do, correctly though. It all kind of came together to improve my numbers.” Now, Ellis has big expectations for his pole vaulters.

“On the guys side, I think we have five pole vaulters that can make it to regionals,” he said. With the success Viken had last season, Ellis is now expecting even bigger things out of red-shirt senior Joe Noonan and junior Scott Mammoser. For both the men’s and women’s teams, Ellis said that the team’s biggest competition is going to be themselves. “(Schmitz’s) best competition is going to be (Riebold), same thing on the guys’ side,” Ellis said. “It’s going to be a competition between themselves.” In off-season practice runs, Riebold has jumped 13 feet and was close to 13

feet, 6 inches. Well above the school’s indoor record. The Panthers open the indoor season on Dec. 9 with the Early Bird at Lantz Fieldhouse. Schmitz says with the way she has been progressing, the Panthers are in for a good season full of broken records. “I think I can (break the school record), but I have Jade right behind me to take it down right after, so I think it will just be a big year of breaking records for the both of us.” Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.

It’s awfully exciting to hear Hutson talk about the Ohio Valley Conference as though he’s been coaching in it for as long as Spoo has. He seems to understand what it takes to beat the Murray States, Austin Peays and Jacksonville States over the conference. That is a great trait Hutson brings to the table. However, his plans to beat those teams are a concern because he wants to do it in a similar way Spoo did. While Spoo had a lot of success, the multiple offense and defense systems’ flaws caught up to him in the form of four wins in the last two years. If the program wasn’t successful the past two years with Spoo at the head of the system, why should we believe it would be with Hutson? That’s the looming question, and it’s a good one.

Athletic director Barbara Burke has talked a lot about how she wants to see the football program go in a different direction. It makes sense. After all, the program hasn’t been successful lately and Burke has a vision to restore it to prominence. So if Burke wants to clean the slate and start fresh, she’ll have to answer this question for all of us: Does she believe moving in a different direction means cutting ties with the system Spoo coached, or does she think it’s a winning system that just needs a pair of fresh eyes to fix it? This question will be a major determining factor in Burke’s final decision, but we have two candidates yet to meet. You never know, we might find our perfect fit in one of the next two. Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7942 or deneic@gmail.com.

@DEN_Sports tweet of the day: Panthers pull out thrilling victory 85-80.

S ports

Sports Editor Dominic Renzetti 217 • 581 • 2812 DENSportsdesk@gmail.com

T H E DA I LY E ASTE R N NEWS D A I LY E A S T E R N N E W S . C O M

T H U R S DAY, D E C E M B E R 1, 2011 N o. 1 6 1 , V O L U M E 9 6

MEN’S BASKETBALL

VIE WS

By Rob Mortell Staff Reporter

Hutson’s past doesn’t make him perfect fit

Panthers win thriller in OT Eastern’s men’s basketball team was up 10 points with 49 seconds left in the game and some fans were beginning to file out of Lantz Arena with the game seemingly under wraps, but the University of Maine had other ideas. The Black Bears went on a 15to-5 run, capitalized by a chain of events that left the Lantz Arena crowd in awe. Freshman guard Justin Edwards skied for an incredible putback dunk. Seconds later, he stole the inbound pass, threw a quick pass to senior guard Gerald McLemore, who then swished a three-point shot that silenced the once vibrant crowd. McLemore was not done there. Down by four with 14 seconds remaining, most are thinking this is a two-possession game. Not McLemore, as he drew contact from freshman guard Joey Miller, and drained the step-back three as he was fouled. He would then connect on the free throw, tying the game at 76. The Panthers had time to get up a last second shot in regulation, but senior guard Jeremy Granger was stripped on the shot, and Maine had forced an almost unbelievable overtime period. With the momentum all but lost, Panthers head coach Mike Miller made sure his team remained calm. Miller said the team did everything right in closing out the game, but Maine made some incredible plays. “Those were hard shots (Maine made),” Miller said. “We told our guys they are going to make some shots. I was just praying one of those balls would rim out.” Maine’s leading scorer, Edwards, was forced to sit out the extra period after picking up five fouls in regulation. With Edwards out and McLemore finally cooling down, it was time for Granger to put the Panthers on his back. Granger injured his shoulder with six minutes left in the first half and did not come back until the second half. Injury and all, he played every minute until the final whistle. In overtime, Granger scored all nine of Eastern’s points. He made just one field goal, an impressive driving lay-up, but showed off his touch from the free throw line.

THRILLER, page 7

Alex McNamee

DANNY DAMIANI | THE DAILY EASTERN NE WS

Sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie dunks the ball during Eastern’s game against Maine in Lantz Arena Wednesday. Maine was able to tie Eastern 76-76 in the final minute of the second half, but the Panthers were able to come back in overtime winning 85-80.

Raising the bar FEATURE

Pole vault team ready for big year By Dominic Renzetti Sports Editor

Eastern pole vault coach Kyle Ellis has set out to change the culture of Eastern pole vaulting. A 2009 graduate of Eastern, Ellis was a stand-out in his two-year career as a Panther. Ellis held the indoor record until last year, when one of his own, red-shirt sophomore Mick Viken, took it down. It was Ellis’s coaching ability that brought Viken to Eastern from Wisconsin-Madison, and he’s now pulled

in another recruit, red-shirt sophomore Jade Riebold, a nationally ranked transfer from the University of Georgia. Riebold came to Eastern after he saw the results Ellis had with junior Abbie Schmitz. “(Schmitz) improved like, two feet with him and that was really good, and that was one of the reasons I wanted to come here,” Riebold said. “Just basically, he’s a really good coach.” Schmitz came to the Panthers as a walk-on who had not seen much success at the high school level.

Schmitz held a personal record of just 9 feet. Not exactly college pole vaulting material. “Her PR in high school was only 9 feet, which wasn’t very good,” Ellis said. “That doesn’t even get you close to sectionals or state or anything like that.” Throughout her workouts, Ellis saw that Schmitz was a hard worker with a dedicated attitude. So when it came down to make the final decision, Ellis stuck up for Schmitz. “So, we were talking about it, it actually came down to her and a

high jump girl making the team, so (the head coach) almost didn’t let her be on the team to begin with,” Ellis said. “I kind of stuck up for her, I was like, ‘You know, I think she could be pretty decent, you might let her have a chance,’ so he ended up letting her be on the team, and her first year she improved two feet.” In her first season, Schmitz jumped 11 feet, finishing toward the bottom end of the Ohio Valley Conference. POLE VAULT, page 7

We’re halfway through campus visits for the four football head coach finalists, but there are still many questions to be answered and loose ends to be tied. Mark Hutson, currently the interim head coach at Tulane, was introduced to the public Tuesday as the second of four candidates for the job. At face value, Hutson appeared to be a cheery guy who has a leg up on the competition because of his Eastern football past. Hutson was an offensive coordinator at Eastern for four years, from 2003 to 2006. He finished his career at Eastern by stepping in as acting head coach for Bob Spoo, who was on a medical leave. Eastern made it to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs the year Hutson was head coach. That bit of his resume alone was enough to brighten up the Lantz Club Room Tuesday in Hutson’s public interview with the community. For a program that has won four games in the last two years, the thought of an appearance in the NCAA playoffs is like an unattainable dream. Hutson said it’s his goal to do it at Eastern, and the interview attendees like to hear that. However, fans and followers of the program should be weary of Hutson as a candidate. First of all, he has some loose ends he hasn’t tied elsewhere. My instant question for Hutson, who is for all intents and purposes the head coach at a Division-I Football Bowl Subdivision school (a division higher than the Championship Subdivision), was: Why take a step backward in the coaching ranks? Tulane might be a struggling program, but they compete in the premiere league of college football. I figured Hutson must be out of job at Tulane. He’s not. Hutson is aware he has to tie that loose end, but he doesn’t know how he’ll do it. He is a candidate for the job at Tulane, as he is at Eastern, and the interviews are taking place this week. Hutson acknowledged he will have to make an important life decision if he’s offered both positions. If I were in Hutson’s shoes, I’d take the Tulane job. He preached about how he wanted a place to call home. While he said Eastern could be that place, so too could Tulane –– I mean, he’s already living there. Hutson has been at Tulane since 2007, beginning his tenure as an assistant coach. Now he may have an opportunity to stay put and maybe solidify another few years there, so why would he want to pack up his family and move? While Hutson and his wife are empty nesters, I would imagine they would want to stay near their two sons (one of whom is a freshman football player at Ole Miss). “I’ve been in a rat race,” Hutson said of how much he’s bounced around in his career. “I want longevity.” Hutson can solve that problem by staying at Tulane. Who knows? Maybe he will pick Eastern over Tulane. Maybe he doesn’t like the Louisiana weather. There is, however, the possibility that Hutson isn’t offered the Tulane job, in which case we have to seriously start evaluating him as a possible choice. HUTSON, page 7