2007 03 20

Page 1

Online DailyTitan

www.dailytitan.com

Since 1960 Volume 84, Issue 25

HARMONY IN CONFLICT

Iraq Veterans on Campus

Student life from the perspective THE HUB, p. 4 of war veterans

Harmony advocates action to end OPINION, p. 5 war in Iraq

Daily Titan

Event to Honor Titan Alumni

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

Police Dueling Their Way to New Jersey Ensure Safety

University Police equipped to act in the event of a terrorist attack

Vision and Visionaries gala to recognize CSUF’s charitable donors

By Caitlin clift

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

By CINDY CAFFERTY

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

The Alumni Association of Cal State Fullerton will pay homage to its own on April 28 at the annual Vision and Visionaries event, hosted this year at the Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort. For the 13th year the Office of Stewardship and Events, the Alumni Association and President Milton Gordon will take pride in honoring a select group of distinguished alumni, an honorary alumni and a corporate foundation honoree for their outstanding contributions to the community as well as the university. The event originally began as a luncheon in 1994 and has evolved into a black tie gala. The evening begins with a champagne reception followed by a gourmet dinner and performances by the university’s Theatre and Dance Department. “It’s about honoring success. It’s about highlighting and saluting achievements of distinguished alumni,” said Senior Communications Officer Paula Selleck. “1994 was the beginning [of Vision and Visionaries] and as it grew we wanted a grander event.” The 2007 alumni honorees include: Lucetta Dunn, Daniel P. Hann, Roger Kotch, Steven G. Mihaylo and Albert Wong. Allen L Boerner, CEO and chairman of Granite Investment Group, will be awarded as an honorary alumnus for his substantial and continuing involvement with the University Wide Scholarship Program. This year’s corporate foundation honoree, the Archstone Foundation was selected for its dedication and funding to the elderly community. “We have an excellent gerontology program and center here,” said President Gordon in a phone interview. “The Archstone Foundation addresses issues of fall prevention, elderly abuse and neglect, as well as end-of-life issues. We are delighted to have them as an honoree.” Making it on the list is no easy task; selecting the final candidates is an even greater challenge. “As you know [CSUF] has eight colleges,” explained Gordon. “Colleges will frequently recommend their own alumni. There is a committee that receives these and reviews them along with their own recommendations … the committee then brings all this to me after they’ve sifted through them.” “I pretty much approve at that point,” continued Gordon. “But sometimes we’ll have to narrow down the list even further. Frequently it’s a hard choice … it’s always a tough group to select. It’s really tough to reduce that list down to five or six honorees. We have so many excep SEE VISION - PAGE 3

Tuesday March 20, 2007

By CARLOS DELGADO/Daily Titan Staff Photographer TWO OF A KIND - Jake Jennings and Rachel Liebing-Allen are going to represent Cal State Fullerton in the 2007 National Collegiate Mens and Womens Fencing Championship March 22-25 in Madison, New Jersey. Jennings and Liebing-Allen will be two out of 144 fencers in the competition.

Diet Based on Portion Control Women’s Center hosts lecture focusing on eating in moderation By SARAH GAMMILL

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

The human body cannot survive without food and with the hectic classes and activities Cal State Fullerton has to offer, unconscious eating can become an issue. In a lecture hosted by the Women’s Center, Rebekah Smart, associate professor of counseling at CSUF

presented a new approach to stop unconscious eating entitled, “Eating and Mindfulness: How to Enjoy and Celebrate Food Without Binging On It.” As part of Women’s History Month, the lecture began with a warning that was not intended to inform individuals about eating disorders, but rather give them a new approach to eating. “Many people get roped into an idea that food is the enemy, or it’s your best friend, so there’s a love hate relationship with it,” Smart said. The different meanings of food to individuals, ethnicities and families were discussed.

“I know in my family, certainly I grew up in a fairly traditional Italian family where food is the center of what brings the family together,” said Sue Passalacqua, associate director of the center. “Food has always been very important in our family.” Smart explained how food can be a sensory experience or a connector or social bond between people. The messages that society receives on how and what to eat, were also discussed by Smart. “We’re never given messages on limiting ourselves,” said Anita Avila, a women’s study major. “No one tells you, ‘hey there’s a serving size.’” As part of her lecture, Smart also

discussed the media’s influence on eating habits. There are 15 kinds of chocolate ice cream to have, and there’s always more and more so there’s a big message out there to eat now, Smart said. The need for women to stay slim in relation to unconscious eating was also discussed. “I work for Weight Watchers, so there’s a lot of women that have or show this fear of eating, there’s a fear of food,” Avila said. SEE EATING - PAGE 2

Self Defense for Women Only By MICHELLE ASCENCIO

Daily Titan Staff Writer news@dailytitan.com

Cal State Fullerton’s University Police Department will be hosting three consecutive Rape Aggression Defense classes, also known as R.A.D., beginning Saturday March 24 from 8 a.m. until noon, for women only. Each of the three class sessions is four hours on Saturday mornings. Iris Cortes-Valle, Crime Prevention Corporal and R.A.D./RadKids Instructor for the CSUF University Police, said that 99 percent of predators look for victims who appear vulnerable. She also said that 98 percent of predators turn out to be an acquaintance, or even a friend. “[Predators] want an easy target,” Cortes-Valle said. “We will show you what the red flags are so you can catch it before it’s too late.” Susan Leavy, campus crime prevention educator at the Women’s

By REBECCA HARTNESS/Daily Titan Staff Photographer HIGH KICK - Catherine Dietrich works to master her skills in self defense during a class at Cal State Fullerton.

Center, wrote in an e-mail interview that most women do not know what to do when attacked. “One of the reasons an aggressor is successful in a sexual assault

is that the ‘victim’ is very surprised and temporarily immobilized by the attack,” Leavy said. “The RAD classes encourage women to think about what they would do in those

Tomorrow Sports

RIDING STRONG IN POST-SEASON

EQUESTRIAN TEAM After the season, some riders continue their paths to Nationals.

instances, giving them a repertoire of responses for protection.” R.A.D. is a program taught nationally and is available not only locally at CSUF, but also at UC Irvine, Biola University and Chapman University. The first class will focus on the warning signs and what women can do to avoid being caught in a situation that can be dangerous; this includes making sure a vehicle is running properly with enough gas and good tires. “Students are in an age group that tends to be out late at night, and you should know that your vehicle is your responsibility,” Cortes-Valle said. “Don’t get stuck on a freeway or someplace unfamiliar because of something that could’ve been taken care of earlier.” The second class will show students physical techniques such as SEE DEFENSE - PAGE 3

weather For the record MARCH 7: We misstated Arlee Irions job title. She is an Intelligence Analyst. MARCH 12: In the “Not the Green Army Men From Your Youth,” the article suggested Mike Gregory is the owner of “The Adventurer’s Guild.” He is an employee. MARCH 19: Photos in the John Carlos story were courtesy of Arleene Parsons.

TODAY

In addition to its role in ensuring student safety, university police has an active role in protecting students in the event of a disaster or terrorism related event. Quentin Frazier, emergency management coordinator for the University Police, said after Sep. 11, law enforcement agencies were given the lead role in dealing with terrorism through their responsibilities to prevent, deter and detect possible attacks. University police work with fire, police and emergency management agencies at the local, state and federal level, Frazier said. He also said the homeland security organization in Orange County is the most collaborative in the U.S. and the Cal State Fullerton University Police has an active role in this process. CSUF Information Systems and Decision Sciences Professor and Homeland Security Expert, Rahul Bhaskar said collaboration is key for police departments to be successful in homeland security efforts. “No police department on its own can take care of something which will happen at that large level. The main thing is communication and collaboration at those times. And that cannot happen at the last moment,” Bhaskar said. Lt. Will Glen with the CSUF University Police helps with the collaboration process between the local and federal level as the terrorism liaison officer for the university. “That plugs this organization in with the intelligence apparatus at the local level, the county, the state and the federal in terms of information that might be moving up and down the food chain relative to threats in this region, in this county, in this part of the county, or even on this campus, if possible,” Frazier said. The University Police is the lead in emergency response, whether emergencies are terrorism related or are related to incidents such as a chemical spill or an earthquake. Part of the department’s role includes planning, training and making sure the department has the right equipment, Frazier said. The University Police is also involved in training exercises and emergency management exercises. Frazier said CSUF is one of the few public universities at the state and national level that has been recognized by the Urban Area Security Initiative, a homeland security grant program. The Urban Area Security Initiative grant is awarded to areas considered to be the most at risk and have the most documented threats and a critical infrastructure that if impacted, would be detrimental to the surrounding population. The university has received over $200,000 in grants that has been used to purchase equipment to en SEE SAFETY - PAGE 3

TOMorrow Cloudy High: 66 Low: 52

Partly Cloudy High: 68 Low: 50


2

March 20, 2007

Page two

IN OTHER NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Iraqi Government is Asking for Hussein’s Former Deputy

BAGHDAD (AP) - The Iraqi government asked U.S. authorities for custody of Saddam Hussein’s former deputy to hang him at dawn Tuesday, the fourth anniversary of the start of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Taha Yassin Ramadan, who was Saddam’s vice president when the regime was ousted, would be the fourth man executed in the killings of 148 Shiites following a 1982 assassination attempt against the former leader in the city of Dujail. The executions have outraged Iraqi Sunnis and caused concern among international human rights groups, which have appealed for Ramadan’s life.

YouTube Picks of the Day Title: Caught Singing

Duration: 2:56 How we found it: Searched for “caught singing” items Summary: The opening notes to Gnarls Barkley blasts in the distance as a shaky camera zooms in through a doorknob hole to reveal a pudgy teen singing in his messy room. His hand motions and two stepping are frightful enough … then an over-sized stuffed animal enters the picture. Rico Suave then spanks the plush toy and engages in a series of pelvic thrusting motions as he enters the chorus part of the song—“I think you’re crazzzy!”—Somehow funny coming from him. A jig ensues shortly after, whereupon the teen begins slapping the side of his face in what appears to be a dance move only he knows. He concludes the performance with spastic movements that leaves one fearful he might be having a seizure. The video ends with the teen’s revelation that he has been filmed, causing him to become enraged as he attempts to shield the camera from humiliating him further, but the damage has already been done. --Yvonne Villarreal

NATIONAL NEWS Customs Enforcement Service Found with Outdated Databases WASHINGTON (AP) - Due partly to a shortage of federal agents and poor record-keeping, aliens under court order to be removed from the country often face unconstitutionally long detentions, an inspector general has found. A report to be released Tuesday by the Homeland Security Department inspector general found that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement service is hobbled by outdated databases and inadequate staffing in trying to deal with alien removals. “Cases are not prioritized to ensure that aliens who are dangerous or whose departure is in the national interest are removed,” Inspector General Richard Skinner wrote in the report, “or that their release within the United States is adequately supervised.”

STATE NEWS Rape Suspect Commits Suicide After Being DNA Linked To Case SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (AP) - A man believed to be responsible for the 1991 rape and strangling of a 14-year-old girl killed himself in prison hours after investigators told him DNA evidence linked him to the unsolved case, authorities said Monday. Derick Moncada, 35, was serving time at Kern Valley State Prison for threatening his girlfriend, beating a former girlfriend and leading police on a chase when Alameda County sheriff’s deputies went to question him last week about Jessica McHenry’s killing. The girl’s burned body was found naked from the waist down in a ditch along a rural road in Livermore, about 40 miles east of San Francisco. She was last seen alive walking home from Granada High School earlier in the day. Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Scott Dudek said the March 12 interview began cordially, but quickly changed when investigators asked Moncada if he knew Jessica.

For the Record It is the policy of the Daily Titan to correct any inaccurate information printed in the publication as soon as the error is discovered. Any incorrect information printed on the front page will result in a correction printed on the front page. Any incorrect information printed on any other page will be corrected on page 2. Errors on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page. Corrections also will be noted on the online version of the Daily Titan. Please contact managing editor Joe Simmons at (714) 278-5693 or at maneditor@dailytitan.com with issues about this policy or to report any errors.

Daily Titan Editorial Executive Editor Managing Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Photo Editor Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Introspect Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor News Page Designer News Page Designer Multimedia Editor Web Master Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 News Line (714) 278-4415

Adam Levy Joe Simmons Jackie Kimmel Maggie Hauser Robert Moran Marina Zarate Karl Thunman Laurens Ong Jickie Torres Katy French Julianna Crisalli James Thompson Joey English Valerie Rodriguez Peter Stassov Ian Hamilton Grant Paulis Tom Clanin Editorial Fax (714) 278-4473 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

Advertising Director of Advertising Asst. Director of Advertising Ad Production Manager Production Designer Classified Manager National Sales Promotions Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Entertainment Manager Web Master Distribution Business Manager/Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 Advertising (714) 278-4411

Emily Alford Beth Stirnaman Keith Hansen Frances Casareno Brenton Haerr Jackie Kimmel Rose Anne De Ramos Kathleen Cisneros Stephanie Birditt Kevin Frederickson Sarah Oak Dan Beam Santana Ramos Robert Sage Advertising Fax (714) 278-2702 E-mail: ads@dailytitan.com

The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSUF System. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free. Copyright ©2006 Daily Titan

00:55/03:44

Duration: 4:38 How we found it: Featured on 20/20 Summary: A glasses-wearing youngster appears on-screen introducing viewers to his cousin Jason. In the confines of his room, sits the teen rocking back and forth in his desk chair as he sings—off-key—Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” Unsatisfied with the noise level, he raises the volume before grabbing a Febreze bottle, which he then replaces with an aerosol spray can—making for a more realistic microphone. The can comes in handy as Jason sprays mist into the air adding a visual effect to his performance … but that is not enough for this rocker. He soon stands up and releases more dance moves—mostly swaying motions—all the while keeping his eyes glued to his computer screen. It is unclear what exactly he finds so intriguing on the screen that he is unable to pry his eyes away—porn, a Green Day video? Nonetheless, the singing continues. Before checking his socks (for lint?) the teen opens the door only to discover his cousin filming him. The material was good enough to be featured on ABC’s “20/20”—poor Jason is forever tarnished by his inability to sing or dance. --Yvonne Villarreal SEND US YOUR FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEOS; SEND TO NEWS@DAILYTITAN.COM

Eating: mindfulness From Page 1

The lecture then focused on learning a lifelong process of appreciating and enjoying food. Smart went on to give an example of “eating mindfully.” A sample of individually wrapped Dove chocolates was passed around for all to take. “All we really have is the present moment, and that’s the philosophy that mindfulness is based on,” Smart said. “The idea around it is to pay attention and observe in the present moment.” Smart told the audience to slowly

take a deep breath, and close their eyes in a meditative state. The audience was then instructed to open their eyes, unwrap the chocolate and allow it to slowly melt in their mouths. “There is a way to try and take a few minutes before a meal, and take a few breaths so that you’re not eating in a state of tension and franticness,” Smart said. Afterward the audience said they enjoyed the chocolate more, and felt fuller than they normally would. “Mindfulness is a way to change your state of mind, and it takes practice.” Smart said.

FREEWAY CLOSURES ALL WEEK

Northbound I-5 closed from 91-/ I-5 connector to Artesia Use: Westbound 91 to Northbound 605, north to I-5 Southbound I-5 closed from Artesia Boulevard to Beach Boulevard Use: Artesia Boulevard exit, south Knott Avenue to east 91, east to southbound I-5 Westbound 91 to northbound I-5 Connector Use: westbound 91 to northbound 605, north to I-5 Northbound I-5 Orangethorpe Avenue on-ramp. Use: Orangethorpe Avenue west,

north on Dale, west on Artesia, north on Firestone, to Valley View northbound I-5 on ramp. Northbound I-5 Beach Boulevard on-ramp Use: Auto Center Drive, north on Western Avenue, west to Artesia Avenue, north on Firestone, to northbound I-5 Valley View on-ramp. Southbound I-5 Artesia Boulevard on-ramp. Use: Travel east on Artesia Boulevard to Beach Boulevard. Take Beach Boulevard south to the southbound I-5 on-ramp. Limited lanes on northbound I-5 from Brookhurst westbound 91/northbound I-5 connector. Use: Alternate open lanes.

Title: caught on tape TitleMy ofcousin Todays Video 2 singing

00:55/03:44

STRANGER THAN

FICTION

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) SkyWest Airlines apologized to a passenger who said he wasn’t allowed to use the restroom during a one-hour flight and ended up urinating in an air-sickness bag. James Whipple said he had two “really big beers” at the Boise, Idaho airport. While on a flight to Salt Lake City on March 7 he wanted to use the cabin restroom. The captain had declared it off-limits during the short flight because a light wasn’t working. Whipple said he had used the cabin restroom before the plane departed but had to go again and finally reached for the airsickness bag. “It was like I had no choice,” Whipple told The Salt Lake Tribune, which posted the story on its Web site Friday. SkyWest decided to go ahead with the flight and get the light fixed in Salt Lake City, rather than delaying it or canceling it for repairs. “For such a short flight, we really felt we were trying to inconvenience the least number of passengers possible by operating that flight,” Suite-Mangum said.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - It turns out there are no such things as unicorns and even if there were, they wouldn’t drive trucks. On Tuesday, a Billings prosecutor had told a district judge that Phillip C. Holliday Jr., 42, claimed a unicorn was driving when his truck crashed into a light pole earlier this month. It was said to be a misunderstanding. Apparently, Holliday told police an unnamed woman was driving when his truck hit the pole not a unicorn. “Mr. Holliday has other serious problems, but this is not one of them,” County Attorney Dennis Paxinos said of the unicorn alibi. The mixup occurred when a deputy prosecutor misunderstood an e-mail from a colleague who used the phrase “unicorn defense,” thinking it was an actual statement from Holliday. “Unicorn defense” is a slang term used when a defendant blames some mythical person for a crime, he said. Holliday has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of criminal endangerment and drunken driving.


March 20, 2007

NEWS

DEFENSE: THREE CLASSES From Page 1

how to punch and kick, and also inform students of high-impact areas of the body that will stop the predator in his or her tracks. In the third and final class, police officers will wear padded suits and students will have the opportunity to practice their techniques in three aggressive attack scenarios. Cortes-Valle said that the goal is not to teach women how to fight, but how to avoid dangerous situations altogether. And should students find themselves in danger, this series of classes will show them what they need to do. “We just want you to get out of there as quickly as possible,” CortesValle said. Stacy Hamilton, child and adolescent development major, said that these classes can definitely be helpful to female students on campus.

“I think these classes are really important,” Hamilton said. “At night when you’re walking to your car, you never know who can creep up behind you in the parking lot, or even in a stairwell.” Classes will be held in the Kinesiology and Health Sciences building in the Fencing room and costs $15 for the workbook. Reservations to attend the class will be on a first come, first serve basis and is limited to 20 women per class. If students attend all three class sessions, they will receive a certification. Leavy said that she thinks all women can take away much more than only how to physically defend themselves. “All women can benefit from gaining empowerment and self-confidence that comes from this series of classes,” Leavy said. “And the best part is beating up the guy in the big red suit!”

By REBECCA HARTNESS/Daily Titan Staff Photographer BACK OFF - Tiffany Kasinger practices a stance of blocking during a defense class.

SAFETY: DISASTER RELIEF From Page 1 sure campus safety and to train officers. Public agencies are required to train their designated emergency responders to a national standard, Glen said. University Police has also partnered with the Terrorism Working Group, which is made up of representatives from the police, fire and health department agencies.

In forming the group, the goal was organizing a planned response to terrorism prevention for the county. Part of the organization process includes ensuring that all groups use the same equipment, so in the case of an incident, all officers are able to interchange equipment and clothing. Under the program, officers also receive the same training, Glen said.

Faculty Workload Excessive By yvonne villarreal and Shaelan bowers Daily Titan Staff Writers

There is an elephant in the room at Cal State Fullerton, and it isn’t the campus’ plump mascot, Tuffy. As the final stage in labor negotiations between the California Faculty Association and the California State University system comes to an end, one key issue remains unresolved: faculty workload. Faculty members of the bargaining unit ask that they “not be required to teach an excessive number of contact hours, assume an excessive student load or be assigned an unreasonable workload or schedule,” terms the faculty and administration agreed to in their previous contract. G. Nanjundappa, president of the CFA, said these demands were not followed. Workload concerns were set aside until the salary compensation issues were resolved. “If we agree to a salary settlement, we would have to go back and agree about all articles in the contract, including workload,” Nanjundappa said. While some students groan about the “intense” 15-page research papers and endless chapters of “Madame Bovary” they are required to read while working part-time or full-time jobs, Nanjundappa said faculty are working a “24/7” job that often goes unrecognized. “People say we don’t put in enough time, but some of us do the job seven days a week because we take our work home,” Nanjundappa said. “My colleagues are carrying more and more in terms of students taught in class and in terms of teaching-related activities.” CSUF has nearly 36,000 students, the largest enrollment of all the 23 CSU campuses.

VISION: FIVE PATRONS ACKNOWLEDGED From Page 1 tional alumni.” This year’s awards illustrate alumni commitment to the business community as well as a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Although the Vision and Visionaries event generally honors diverse disciplines - previous recipients have ranged from a NASA space walker to an international opera singer - 2007 honorees seem to bring the business elite to the forefront. Gordon describes Lucetta “Lucy” Dunn, a 1976 political science graduate and the only female honoree this year as “ just a dynamo.” “Well you gotta know her,” said Gordon. “She literally revolutionized the OC Business Council in the short time she’s been here.” Dunn, president and CEO of Orange County Business Council, will share the alumni stage with two CEOs, a CFO and a scientist - all illustrious in their fields - some known outside of their fields. Roger Kotch, a 1981 graduate

3

with degrees in business administration/ accounting, is the Chief Financial Officer of In N Out Burgers Corporation. In N Out was recently voted as best burger place by CSUF students. Albert Wong who graduated in 1975 with a B.S. in engineering went on to become a scientist, entrepreneur and strong CSUF supporter. Daniel P. Hann, another graduate of the College of Business and Economics, 1977, serves as president and CEO of Biomet, Inc. In addition to running Biomet, Hann is a member of the NASDAQ Listing and Hearing Review Council of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The final alumni honoree’s name, Steven G. Mihaylo, precedes him. Mihaylo who graduated from the College of Business and Economics in 1969 went on to found Inter-Tel, Inc and is, according to Gordon, the largest booster in the history of the university. Mihaylo’s name will be the one to grace a new hall on campus. “We are not the only institution

to receive from Mihaylo,” said Anil Puri, dean of the College of Business and Economics in a phone interview. “Steven has a history of philanthropy in California and Arizona.” President Gordon looks forward to the annual Vision and Visionaries award as do the Alumni Association and Public Affairs Department -- just to name a few. “It’s one of the best programs we created because we honor our own,” Gordon said. “Every year we say [to the Alumni Association] ‘can you get up to the list that we had the year before? And every year they do … we have exceptional alumni.” Carlos Leija, Executive Director of Alumni Relations could not be reached at the time of publication for comment. The Vision and Visionaries award ceremony is a black tie affair open to awardees, guests and fellow alumni according to the CSUF Vision and Visionaries Web site. Tickets can be purchased through the Office of Stewardship and events at (714) 278-3480.

By PETER SPASSOv/Daily Titan Graphic Designer

“We understand that they are very busy people, but that’s very common in higher education in general across universities around the country,” said Paul Browning, a CSU spokesman. Approximately 1,900 full- and part-time faculty members teach classes for CSUF’s hefty population. “I have taken classes … where it was 250 people in a giant auditorium, which was disappointing. One, because there you are a number and two, because half the time you had a student teacher teaching the class,” said Bryan Salgado, a CSUF Spanish major. Vice President of Academic Affairs Ephraim Smith said class sizes diminish as students begin taking classes required for their major. “When students are freshman or sophomores, generally the classes are much larger because they are taking general ed,” Smith said. “When they move into their major classes, class sizes tend to get smaller.” At CSUF, the student-faculty ratio for part-time faculty was 28-to1 in the fall of 2006; the studentfaculty ratio for permanent faculty was 17.5-to-1. In comparison, the average UCLA student-faculty ratio stands at 18-to-1. Local schools like private Chapman University boast small class sizes as an incentive for incoming students. The allure of Chapman is the small classrooms and the in-

timate student-teacher relationship, with a 14-to-1 student-faculty ratio, according to the Chapman University Web Site. “I have to say my best experience with class sizes had to be at Chapman,” Salgado said. “Each class was at most 20 to 30 people, and I had some classes that were as low as 15. I [had] teachers who would know me by name throughout campus … I have found this [very] little at Fullerton.” Faculty struggle to connect with their students because of large class sizes, Nanjundappa said. “When a class is a reasonable size, faculty get to know the students well and interact with them in such a way that we can help them with education, mentoring and counseling,” Nanjundappa said. Still, some professors say they make every effort possible to encourage students to seek their help, but often students don’t take advantage of the in-person time set aside to assist them. “I’m not sure if students would utilize office hours,” said Nancy Snow, a communications professor. “I hold a lot of office hours virtually and encourage students to contact me via e-mail, which many do. A good teacher would always like to offer more personal attention.” In addition an immense number of students faculty are teaching each

semester, CSUF faculty must adapt to different levels of student preparation, accommodate students’ different learning styles, understand how to operate new classroom technologies and allot adequate time for scholarly and creative ideas for classroom learning. “Preparation and keeping up with research takes time. It’s a demanding position,” Smith said. Faculty are also evaluated by their service to the university and community, activities that take up their time. With the plethora of students filling up the maximum room capacity of a given classroom, some professors lessen what is required of students to accommodate what they can realistically handle. “With more students, I am less likely to require substantial written work or to assign readings that need to be discussed as a class,” said Professor of American Studies Glenn Mitoma. “In the moment it’s nice to not to have a lot of class work,” said Marie Garcia, 22, a business major. “But then there is the downfall of ‘Am I prepared to make it in the real world?” Another factor associated with faculty workload is grading assignments. Students are eager to receive grades for exams and papers shortly after they are turned in, an unrealistic desire given the amount of students faculty teach. “I make a concerned effort to provide as much detailed commentary as possible, but obviously the more I have to grade the more time it will take to work through them all,” Mitoma said While workload issues continue, the CFA and administration talks are currently in a 10-day “blackout” period—where both parties review a report issued by a neutral party. If a salary agreement cannot be reached, the CSU may implement its last best offer. If unsatisfied, faculty can legally engage other tactics to get what they want, including a strike.


5

opinion Titan Editorial - March 20, 2003

Titan Editorial

Providing insight, analysis and perspective since 1960

“It Continues” On this day four years ideological roulette. ago, the Daily Titan opinion Times have changed. page was a sea of white space, People have changed. Even with an island dedicated to the media, save for our nonan editorial. partisan peers at FOX news, The vivid piece decried have changed. And we won’t the invasion of Iraq and the even get started on the gas potential bloodshed it would prices. cause; it opAnyone posed a think Bush cause most would be Americans We wonder what re-elected were sup- could have been had if he ran portive of, again? Us or at the the national sentiment neither. very least, shifted a cautious eye Whereas complacent towards the invasion of yesteryear’s with at the residual Iraqi soil ... time. 9/11 rage Fast-forfanned the ward four flames of years. 3,200 the misdead US soldiers. 54,000 guided patriotism that led dead Iraqi civilians. our troops into Iraq, today’s Anyone still supportive or public opinion spectrum complacent? reflects a far more cynical, So here we are in 2007, embittered and confused poring over weathered Titan populace that is tired of the editorials with welled eyes tumult, just wanting our and more than a subtle hint boys to come home safely. of regret. We wonder what It’s gone on way too long. could have been had the Let’s cut our losses and national sentiment shifted get out, preferably before a cautious eye towards the another four years pass and invasion of Iraqi soil like the the 2011 Daily Titan staff Daily Titan staffers did way has to write yet another ediback when. No one knew torial decrying the mounthow high the stakes were in ing losses of life in the Iraqi this international game of desert.

March 20, 2007

Harmony in Conflict BY Harmony Trevino Eliminating the Passive Activist This past weekend I had the chance to partake in the Los Angeles peace march to protest the United States entering its 5th year of Iraq occupation. Thousands of people flooded the streets, pleading for peace, protesting the war and demanding the government bring American soldiers back home. It was a sight to see: there were women dressed in tutus, images of dead soldiers and Iraqis posted on signs. I’ve never met so many interesting, enlightened people in my life. I’ve never met so many crazy people either. As I marched with musicians and unions, coalitions and children, I found that everyone had a common goal: peace. Well, obviously. Whether it was by withdrawing troops from the midst of a civil war, spreading socialism or teaching religious tolerance, everyone had a different means of getting to that light at the end of the tunnel. The solidarity was evident from an aerial view but up close, each individual holding signs that bore clever slogans expressing their beliefs and emotions, the crowd seemed to dissolve. Some groups talked of peace and love, shouting that war is not the answer, while others made their anger known, denouncing President Bush. I’ve always been one for optimism and hope, but with so many people and different ideas on how peace should be obtained, one must wonder if it could ever be achieved at all. As the march ended and the rally began, people slowly began

to leave. They had sung their song. It was disheartening to see people leave. But they had done what they had come for: Take part in a rally- whine and complain- and go home to their comfortable lives. What was so uplifting was to see those who sweat and bled for their cause. A few thousand remained to listen to activists from various groups take the podium and advocate for human rights. Even though the groups had different ideas about how to obtain peace, they had conviction and gave all of their hearts to their cause. They had passion. Some say that if you can’t do something right, don’t do anything at all. Many people who joined in this march probably felt very proud of themselves for merely showing up. But it shouldn’t stop at showing up. Passive activism isn’t going to work anymore. Donating money is OK, but donating time is even better. And just donating a Saturday to yell displeasures isn’t what I’m talking about. One woman wore a shirt that read, “Stop the bitching, and start a revolution.” She had a point. We talk the talk but do we walk the walk? Many don’t. Just imagine, even with our different ideas, most of us have a common goal of peace. My way may be different from your way, but it’s time to take action– no matter what your cause is, because if the goal is peace, your means to get there can’t be that bad.

Email Harmony at opinion@dailytitan.com


4

March 20, 2007

The Hub

Party Hardy, Geek Style Across the nation, comic conventions offer news and celebrations to fans By John Kroncke

Daily Titan Staff Writer maneditor@dailytitan.com

It is easy to think of comic book fans as geeks, but they sure can throw one hell of a party. The New York Comic Con kicked off its second year with a three-day convention featuring some of the biggest names in the comic and movie industries and a plethora of events and giveaways for attendees. Companies such as DC and Marvel held five panels each to talk about new products as well as new movies. In particular, Marvel’s discussions of “The Dark Tower,� a collaborative effort with Stephen King, were a big hit. King, the author of “The Dark Tower� novels, was also on hand to help promote the new comic series. However, King was not the only celebrity at the Javits Center. This year’s convention drew some big names from different areas of the entertainment industry. Titan of the comic book industry Stan Lee, former head of Marvel and creator of some of the most popular superheroes of all time such as Spiderman and the X-Men, was invited as a guest of honor to sign autographs and help promote his new company, POW! Entertainment Inc. “I was blown away,� said Greg Topalian, the convention’s director and group vice president in charge of launch pad for reed exhibitions, the company that handles the convention, in a phone interview. Lee “doesn’t do the con stuff as much as he used to.� Lee and his new company have already begun work on new projects with NBC Universal SCI FI, Para-

mount Pictures and Starz Home Entertainment. A number of other comic artists were also invited, including Brian K. Vaughn, co-creator of the Ex Machina series, who was recently named “Writer of the year� by Wizard magazine. Movie industry professionals also came out to talk up their newest projects, sign autographs and mingle with fans Legendary horror-flick director Wes Craven made an appearance to hype his new film, “The Hills Have Eyes 2.� Craven is best known for his work on the “Nightmare on Elm Street� films as well as the “Scream� trilogy. Eli Roth also stopped by to talk up “Hostel: Part II.� The sequel to 2005’s bloody nightmare is due out later this summer. Fans were also treated with convention exclusive releases, free giveaways and raffles, including a drawing for a free statue of Batman in a flight pose from D.C., valued at $195. After only one year, New York’s convention had to double the size of their convention area, taking up prime exhibiting real estate in New York’s Javits Center in anticipation of the large crowds. Last year, it drew around 30,000 fans and this year looks to have improved on that number. “The final numbers aren’t in yet but we had around 40,000 people this year,� said Greg Topalian, the convention’s director and group vice president in charge of launch pad for Reed Exhibitions, the company that handles the convention, in a phone interview. Next year’s convention looks to be bigger still. Topalian said there are already plans to increase the size of the convention area once again, adding two new entrance points to help prevent the logjam of people trying to clamber inside.

With such an enormous crowd, registration problems naturally occur. But Topalian said changes were made that alleviated a lot of hassle. “We solved some problems in our second year,� Topalian said. “We kept a close eye on how many tickets we sold each day and what the building’s capacity was.� One of the major changes made was to send convention identification badges out in the mail so the thousands in attendance would not have to stand in line for hours on end. Of course, it is always better to have too many attendees than not enough, and there was a time when that was a concern. Last year, there was no guarantee that New York’s convention would get the kind of media attention that other conventions do when it first started out so companies took a “wait-and-see� approach, Topalian said. This year, however, companies were more than ready to make their big announcements in New York, recognizing the convention’s success. “We hope to build off of that,� Topalian said. However, since all of us were in school when the Feb. 23 shindig went down, we have to miss out right? Wrong. Southern California plays host to more comic and anime conventions than you can count. This summer, San Diego will be overrun with comic book geeks July 26-29 as it puts on its own Comic-Con. Last year, over 123,000 attendees showed up and all signs point to an equally big crowd this year. “[We are] the biggest pop-culture and comics convention in the country,� said David Glanzer, Director of Marketing and Relations for ComicCon International. Along with some of the same events featured in New York, San

9OU COULD TELL THEM ON A LIBRARY CARD

/R YOU COULD TELL THEM ON

4ITAN9EARBOOK COM INSTEAD 3IGN UP ,OG IN 'ET #ONNECTED

Diego’s con also has an Artist’s Alley where lesser-known comic artists can exhibit their work and hopefully garner some attention. The Artist’s Alley is also a great place for aspiring artists to come and talk to professionals about what it takes to get published. “It’s a good experience, it gives you a good idea of the industry,� said aspiring artist Miriam Wadey, 21, in an e-mail interview. “They gave me some really helpful information on how to make my portfolio more presentable ... Some of the lesser-known artists have more time to spend oneon-one with their fans, and have more chances to have in-depth discussions.� However, with so many fans in attendance, the sooner you register the better. “I would start now,� Glazner said. “Online registration opened in January.� Not far from Fullerton, Long Beach will host the largest Japanese animation convention in the country. Anime Expo, beginning this year on June 29, brings together the biggest companies in American anime including ADV, TOKYOPOP, Viz Media and Geneon. The expo also attracts stars in the Japanese and Korean music industries as well. The expo features an Artist’s Alley as well, where Wadey was able to exhibit and sell some of her work. “I thought it was a really good experience,� Wadey said. “I think it’s worthwhile if you go into it looking to have a good time or for a learning experience, since you can never tell how well your sales will go over in this sort of thing.� Like Comic-Con though, registration must done early to guarantee a spot. Last year’s expo brought in over 40,000 fans and, if the event’s growth trend continues, this year will be even bigger.

Use Costume Jewelry to Spice it Up By Laura Selmek

The Independent Collegian University of Toledo

(U-WIRE) TOLEDO, Ohio Springtime is all about fun and flirty. What better way to have fun with an outfit but to play with accessories? “As a little girl, dressing up as a princess was so much fun,� said Julie Robinson, a University of Toledo education major. “Princess dresses go best with fun jewelry, and that fun jewelry was hard to give up.� Even though we’re grown up, there are still many ways costume jewelry can make us feel like princesses. There are many varieties to choose from, and the possibilities are virtually limitless. Jewelry this season might consist of a tiara as a headband, a necklace and a bracelet made out of fake diamonds or emeralds. “In the older movies, many of the apparently very expensive pieces of jewelry worn by the stars were nothing more than costume jewelry,� said Kathy Webber, a Toledo student. Perhaps the best part about costume jewelry is that the pieces are usually inexpensive, so the look doesn’t have to be perfect. “People like to say that perceptions are everything,� Robinson said. “Some folks, such as myself, don’t have enough money to spend on real jewelry, so instead they buy costume jewelry so that it can appear as if they really can afford real jewelry.� Costume jewelry is found anywhere – from costume shops to department stores – but that’s not the only look this spring. Chunky, bright bangles accessorize with everything. Chunky necklaces in natural woods are still in this season. Brighter colors play an active part in bring-

ing this look from fall to spring. Solid colors and a simple outfit, white or metallic sandals and big, chunky bangles are great ways to accessorize. Match colors and materials such as gold and patent leather to keep a strong-but-playful look. Patent leather was another common theme from childhood, commonly found in shoes. This spring, normally tame accessories, such as wide belts and pumps, take on shine with patent. Black patent, typically in either a wide belt or clutch bag, is the easiest to wear. Bright patent pieces add plenty of pop, the hottest colors being orange, blue and red, and should be paired with something equally strong, such as graphic black-and-white outfits. “For once, comfortable footwear is also stylish,� Webber said. Chunky shoes and platform sandals are still the rage this season, too, but they shouldn’t take attention away from an outfit. Be careful when pairing them with a ’50s-inspired dress or the outfit could look like it came straight from a rummage sale, not the fashionably trendy shop. Another note about shoes: Make sure the casual-dress vibe of shorts isn’t ruined with a shoe that’s too dainty or dressy – a chunky platform, ballerina flat or simple thong sandal works better than a stiletto. Although many chiropractors and doctors may protest, the handbags this season are available in big and bigger. As always, keep a balance between an outfit and the accessories. Fashion accessories this spring are the same as the outfit trends: feminine and flirty. The most important thing to remember is to just have fun, and don’t let the accessories overpower the statement the outfit is trying to make.


6 FENCING: CREAM OF THE CROP (From Page 8)

said Jennings who sees his trip across the U.S. as a fantastic travel adventure. Victory will be determined through elimination in a series of 15-touch bouts. Through direct elimination, first, second, third and fourth place winners will be determined for each division. For the institution’s place in the championships, points will be determined based on the participant’s performance. For each single match victory, a point will be awarded. Liebing-Allen, from Spanish Fork, Ut., started her fencing at age 12, as an alternative to ballroom dancing. She looks forward to completing her senior year, and advancing to her M.A. in family therapy afterwards. She hopes to use her fencing skill to coach children someday. Jennings, a native Californian from Boulder Creek, started fencing at age 14 out of a personal love for sword fighting. He joined the CSUF fencing team this academic year and is praised for being a competitive person who enjoys the sport. “The best thing about Jake is that when he fences, he gives 100 percent,” said Mike Hinojos, Head Coach of the CSUF Fencing team. Liebing-Allen placed second in the women’s sabre division at the

SPORTS NCAA West Regionals, losing only once to regional champion Eva Jellison of Stanford University. “Rachel has a clean technique and a lot of experience,” Hinojos said. Hinojos is proud of his team’s achievement. This is his first year as head coach, after his 14-year run as an assistant fencing coach. He feels the combination of Liebing-Allen, an athlete he inherited from former CSUF Head Coach Heizaburo Okawa, and the new addition of Jennings makes up a greater whole of the pride he feels in seeing the CSUF fencing team represented at the NCAA championships. “It’s great to have a foot in his work and benefit from it and continue it,” Hinojos said of Okawa. Hinojos has been teaching since 1982. Both finalists have expressed great pride in the CSUF fencing team and present the sport of fencing as fun. Leibing-Allen looks for more people to join the team next season. “We are looking for anybody to come join our team. There is no previous experience needed, you get priority registration, free travel and free use of equipment,” said LeibingAllen. Jennings sees the CSUF fencing team “a pretty fun sport” and invites fellow Titans to watch them practice before they go and travel to New Jersey, Monday-Thursday, room 202 in the Kinesiology building.

March 20, 2007

By CARLOS DELGADO/Daily Titan Staff Photographer PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT – Cal State Fullerton’s Rachel Liebing-Allen [right] gets to work in preparation for the NCAA fencing championships.

Wrestler Finishes Sixth in Would Be Billionaire Lefty to Minor League NCAA Championships Camp Among Recent Cuts by Dodgers CSUF Athletics Media Relations

Cal State Fullerton sophomore heavyweight Wade Sauer settled for sixth place after losing his final two bouts Saturday at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Palace of Auburn Hills outside Detroit. Sauer lost to nemesis Ty Watterson of Oregon State for the fifth time in five tries this season, 4-0, in the consolation semifinals and then lost to No. 3-seeded Ryan Gritter of Central Michigan, 9-6, in the match for fifth place. Sauer’s finish is the highest by a Titan since T. J. Hill placed fourth at 125 pounds in 2000. Sauer’s All-

American status is the first by a Titan since Babak Nejadmaghaddam earned that honor at 197 pounds in 2001. Sauer is only the 12th Titan Div. I wrestling All-American. He went 5-3 at nationals to finish the year 30-15. The Titans finished 31st in the team standings, fourth best among a closely bunched Pac-10 group. UC Davis tied for 22nd place with one wrestler alive in the championship finals. Oregon State was 26th, Cal Poly was 27th, the Titans were 31st and Stanford was 32nd. In the second half were Arizona State in 34th place, Cal State Bakersfield in 44th and Boise State in 54th.

Associated Press

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who made more headlines for his rocks than his lobs during training camp this spring was reassigned to the team’s minor league camp Monday. Matt White, a 29-year-old lefthander, discovered a valuable rock quarry behind a house he bought from an aunt three years ago in western Massachusetts. But while everyone else wanted to talk about his possible fortune, White wanted to stay focused on baseball. The attention the quarry received wasn’t to blame for his reassignment,

he said. Talk of the rock fortune was strange for a week, “but it settled down and I was able to do my job on the mound and that’s what they are looking at,” White said. “I don’t even want to talk about rocks right now, but it wasn’t a distraction to my pitching.” The reliever allowed one earned run and two hits in 7 1-3 innings. He said he will be sent to Triple-A Las Vegas, where he is likely to be a situational left-hander. “Just go down and get your work in, keep your focus on what you have been doing since you have been up here,”’ White said the team told him. “I will continue to work on my

sidearm pitches and go down and get some innings to get ready to be called up.” The Dodgers signed White as a free agent on Dec. 20. He has spent less than a year in the major leagues since his professional career began in 1998, and White entered camp competing for a job in a deep pitching staff. The bullpen already includes Takashi Saito, Jonathan Broxton, Joe Beimel, Chad Billingsley and Elmer Dessens, and White also would have been competing with the losers in the fifth-starter competition that includes Hong-Chih Kuo, Brett Tomko and Mark Hendrickson. Still, he said he never once

thought about being reassigned. His one thought was on making the big club. “I know there is a lot of numbers in here, I am not naive to that, and I understand it is what it is,” White said. “But it’s always a bad feeling to get sent to minor league camp.” In other Dodgers transactions Monday, pitchers D.J. Houlton and Eric Stults and outfielder Delwyn Young were optioned, and pitcher Jon Meloan, infielder Tony Abreu and outfielder Choo Freeman were reassigned. Abreu ended his spring training with a mild bone bruise on his left shoulder, sustained sliding into second base headfirst during a game.

Hockey Player Simon Won’t Face Criminal Charges After Hit The unwritten codes in pro sports often tiptoe between what is accepted Associated Press New York Islander Chris Simon, suspended a league-record 25 games for a vicious on-ice hit, will not face criminal charges. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said her office considered “the willingness of the potential victim to support a criminal prosecution” and other factors in reaching its decision. The NHL suspended Simon for his two-handed stick attack to the face of the New York Rangers’ Ryan Hollweg during a March 8 game at the Nassau Coliseum. Hollweg, who needed a few

stitches on the chin but was not seriously hurt, met with prosecutors from Rice’s office last week but told reporters afterward that he didn’t think Simon should be arrested. “I think a lot of it was based on the interview they had with me and how I felt about the situation,” Hollweg said Monday before the Rangers faced Pittsburgh. “It’s my opinion and that’s how I wanted to deal with it. There’s certain things you can’t do on the ice. There’s a line that’s drawn and people can cross that line, but in my case, I didn’t want to press charges.” NHL players have been prosecuted for previous on-ice incidents. The Vancouver Canucks’ Todd Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to causing bodily harm and missed 20 games for a blindside punch that left Colorado forward Steve Moore with broken bones in his neck on March 11,

Bonds to Enjoy Break

001011version (document)// <input>

version5800<<document.5680933=48 8349750(c_in):_99081_[default]

The Line

846745807785933

cin<input>3745673_cout

o126490=MM_reloadPage: }}

Favorite

at New Jersey Cleveland Dallas at Detroit at Memphis at Chicago at Utah at Houston at Phoenix Washington

NBA Point Spreads 3 7 7 1/2 9 1/2 0 8 7 10 13 2

2004. And the Rangers’ Marty McSorley was convicted of assault with a weapon for slashing Vancouver’s Donald Brashear in the head with his stick in February 2000. Bertuzzi missed 20 games, and McSorley was given an 18-month conditional discharge. Simon must sit out the rest of the regular season and the postseason, if the club advances. If the Islanders were to play fewer than 10 playoff games, the suspension will carry over to next season. The ban is the longest in terms of games missed in NHL history, and it’s Simon’s sixth suspension. Simon’s agent was not immediately available to comment. “It’s over now and done with and time to move forward. No one is hurt and we can all move on,” Hollweg said.

Underdog

Associated Press

Denver at Charlotte at New York Philadelphia New Orl/OKC LA Clippers Golden State Indiana Minnesota at Portland

7

Barry Bonds went home for a three-day spring break in the middle of spring training. Bonds will return from his excused absence on Tuesday, the day after the San Francisco Giants’ only scheduled day off of the spring. Nearly all of the players who did not make the trip to Tucson on Saturday were given the day off. With the entire team off on Monday, manager Bruce Bochy gave the slugger Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals off as well. Bonds has been in good form at the plate this spring, hitting four home runs in his past seven games. Overall, Bonds is hitting .348 with four homers and nine RBIs in 23 spring training at-bats. Bonds enters the 2007 season with 734 career home runs, needing 22 to break Hank Aaron’s career mark of 755.


8

March 20, 2007

SPORTS Fantasy Fix

BY James Thompson

Hoops and Diamonds in Rough We have to give props where in each of those games. props are due, so I’m giving props With the absence of Wally Szcto Kobe Bryant for ending last zerbiak due to an ankle injury week in true MVP fashion. and the horrendous play of Paul Bryant went for 65 points last Pierce, Boston’s Delonte West Friday against Portland shooting can be a decent pick up. In his last 59 percent and going 8 for 12 four games he’s averaging over 15 from trey land. points a game and a steal. Then two Baseball days later, Keep an eye he went and on these guys: That is 115 points dropped 50 Cleveland in two games. That’s on the TimPitcher Adam berwolves. Miller is vying bananas. That’s fantasy That is 115 for the 5th spot production. points in two in the club’s rogames. That’s tation and he’s bananas. making a good That’s fantasy case for himself production. during the preBryant atseason, allowtributes his recent scoring output ing no runs and striking out 12 in to the return of Lame-ar Odom 13 innings. and Luke Walton, who both open Jeffrey Karstens, Yankees’ the floor for Bryant. pitching prospect could take the That leads me to the all impor- 5th spot in the club’s rotation if tant fantasy waiver wire. Pavano isn’t healthy by season Luke Walton is back from his start. sprained ankle injury and will reSo far Karstens has three wins, sume his starting role. In his first pitched nine innings and has given game back from the injury he up no runs to go along with his scored 13 points, nabbed seven nine strikeouts. boards and dropped six assists. Chicago Cubs’ top prospect, So if your fantasy squad is in Felix Pie has been lights out this need of a solid contributor, look spring with 32 hits, 15 runs scored to Luke. and 15 RBI. I was wrong in thinking Odom Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun looks would be out for the remainder of to be a factor sooner than later. the season, so if anyone in your Despite being sent down to minor league made the same mistake I league camp, the third base top did and dropped him from their prospect hit five home runs and roster, nab him quickly. drove in 13 runs in the spring. “Lame”-ar hasn’t been so lame as of late. In his past two games he’s James Thompson’s columns appear every Tuesday. shot over 50 percent, scored 15 sports@dailytitan.com and 16 and grabbed nine boards

By CARLOS DELGADO/Daily Titan Staff Photographer COMPLETELY FOCUSED – Cal State Fullerton’s Jake Jennings [right] practices with a teammate as he gets ready to go to the NCAA fencing championships. “The best thing about Jake is that when he fences, he gives 100 percent,” Cal State Fullerton fencing Head Coach Mike Hinojos said.

Fencers Qualify to Compete With the Best BY ORION TIPPENS

Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

Two members of the Cal State Fullerton Fencing team qualified as finalists in the 2007 National Collegiate Men’s and Women’s Fencing championships. CSUF fencing team players, Rachel Liebing-Allen, 22, a sociology major, and Jake Jennings, 19, a

business major, will be among 144 competitors at Drew University in Madison, N.J., March 22-25, to determine the best college fencers in the nation. The NCAA fencing competition will be divided into categories with 24 contestants each. Six champions will be determined in each category for their chosen fencing weapon (epee, sabre and foil) in separate men and wom-

en categories. For Liebing-Allen, this will be her third time competing in the NCAA national finals during her senior year. She will compete for the women’s sabre championship. “I feel like it’s a win-win situation for me and I wanted someone on our team from our school to qualify,” said Liebing-Allen who is considering her senior semester as her final year in college fencing.

Jake Jennings, a freshman and first time finalist, will compete for the men’s epee championship. He was undefeated in his category in the NCAA West Regional Fencing Championships at UC San Diego. “I was feeling a little apprehensive and nervous because it’s the top 25 of all colleges, but it should be fun,” SEE FENCING - PAGE 6


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.