Volume 9 Issue 12

Wednesday, November 17 , 2010

Volume 9, Issue 12

www.eaglenews.org

Florida snow White fuzzies in subtropics 3,679 miles downstream

By Katie Egan Senior staff writer

FGCU student Charles Vaught traveled the length of the Missouri River in the summer.

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See NEWS on page 6

‘Give me an FG, give me a CU’ The cheerleading team has four guys on the squad and more spirit than ever.

See SPORTS on page 18

TOP: Seeds from the saltbush plant located throughout the FGCU campus.

BOTTOM: The fuzzballs floating through the air come from the saltbush, like this one located on the boardwalk to Whitaker Hall. EN photos/ Taryn Kerber

Be thankful, thoughtful

By Allison Gagliardi Editor-in-Chief

This Thanksgiving, take time to remember the increasing problem of hunger in Lee County

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See NEWS on page 9

Two acoustic voices merge Student duet A North Aurora started in Biscayne Hall

Gen. ed changes coming

he cooler weather brought along a change of scenery in the plants on campus, including little fuzzies that have a way of getting stuck in your hair and on your clothes.

The little fuzzies, or seeds, are coming from the saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia).

“It is typical of different plants to bloom at different times of the year. …

Saltbush comes in the fall and that is not uncommon,” said John Griffis, environmental biology of Southwest Florida professor.

“They (saltbush) remind me of dandelions.”

Griffis estimates that the saltbush will stay until the weather changes dramatically.

light changes are in the works for FGCU’s general education program.

These changes will ensure that each general education class addresses a number of academic skills the university believes will help students succeed not only in their respective major, but also later in life.

As a freshman, Jenn Espinosa did not see the point in general education classes, but now, looking back as a senior, she thinks the general education classes helped her make a smooth transition into her career classes as a hospitality major.

“They’re (general education classes) supposed to help us and guide us in the right direction,” Espinosa said. “They help us form study habits and give us a sense of responsibility.” please see GENERAL on page 4

Fall 2010: General Education courses with the highest enrollment numbers: 1. MAC-Math Calculus & Precalc (MAC 1105) 2. ENC-English Composition (ENC 1102) 3. HUM-Humanities (HUM 2510) “I would think that after the first windy day they (the seeds) would blow, wherever they were going, and would be gone until next year,” Griffis said.

According to Griffis, some plants are more successful if they work like the saltbush, spreading seeds.

“An organism like a plant that is distributing (seeds) is often a success by

catching onto something,” Griffis said. “Plants have interesting dispersal methods. This little fluff is one of them.”

Saltbush is typically found in coastal plains and wet areas — FGCU terrain. Plants can be seen all over campus, including the boardwalk to Whitaker Hall, outside of the Library and the Reed boardwalk.

General Education courses with highest percentage of withdrawals: 1. SYG-Sociology, General (SYG 2012) 2. AML-American Literature (AML 2010) 3. MAC-Math Calculus & Precalc (MAC 2311)

See A&E on page 11

Kissing Do’s and Don’ts Read an opinion about kissing that isn’t just lip service in the lastest edition of Kiss ‘n Tell.

See OPINION on page 16

Index News ....................... See page 3 A&L ......................... See page 10 Opinion ................. See page14 Sports .................... See page 18 Fun & Games ............ See page 17 Classifieds ............... See page 17

Gulf Coast Town Center restaurants all gassed up

By Allison Gagliardi Editor-in-Chief

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bout 7,200 restaurants and homes lost access to natural gas this past Thursday after an accident on Colonial Boulevard at State Road 82 in Fort Myers caused an explosion, leaving a road worker in critical condition with severe burns.

Many Lee and Collier counties restaurants closed when they lost gas service, including some at Gulf Coast Town Center — the heartbeat of entertainment and food for students.

“It was an inconvenience for

me when I wanted to go out to dinner Friday night,” said Taylor Roberts, a junior majoring in business marketing.

Roberts drove to the shopping center for dinner at Red Robin with her boyfriend, but it was closed.

“It forced me to cook at home,” Roberts said.

Red Robin was among the many restaurants that closed their doors Thursday. Moe’s, Aurelio’s Pizza, Amore Brick Oven Pizza, Firepit and Outback were locked up, too.

Bar Louie, Islamorada, Calistoga Bakery Café and Miller’s

Ale House served limited menus — often grilling burgers outside.

Austin Warne, a junior majoring in criminal justice, was serving tables at Islamorada in Bass Pro Shops when the restaurant lost gas.

“All of the other restaurants were closed, so I banked. We were slammed,” Warne said.

Islamorada kept its doors open the following day by grilling outside.

“We set up a canopy and took three grills from the store (Bass Pro Shops) and cooked from the grills for four days,” Warne said.

“The only thing that we had was a grill, so instead of fries we did Lays potato chips.”

Although he “banked” that night, Warne hopes it doesn’t happen again.

“It was very stressful. Things ran totally different and we had to work 10 times harder to accomplish the same goals as usual. We were running all over the place,” Warne said.

McDonald’s and Blu Sushi were the only digs that Eagle News reached that were open and serving full menus during the crisis. All the restaurants are now back in business.

Campus News

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Eagle News staff Editor-in-Chief Allison Gagliardi

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Griffin Hall Reed Hall Library Howard Hall McTarnighan Hall Wellness Center Central Energy Plant Broadcast Center Family Resource Center Campus Support Complex Academic III Whitaker Hall Information Booth Egan Observatory Arts Complex Alico Arena Student Union Margaret S. Sugden Welcome Center Athletic Building Kleist Health Ed Center Academic 5 Lee County FGCU Aquatics Center Sugden Hall Lutgert Hall Holmes Hall SoVi Dining- South Village Dining Facility South Central Energy Plant Academic 7 Campus Rec Sports Modular Grounds Maintenance North Lake Village Housing South Village Housing Complex North Modular Village South Modular Village Music Modular

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Johnny Yang

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Vehicular incident

Narcotic paraphernalia

Nov. 9, 2010, through Nov. 16, 2010 1) Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11:40 a.m.: A student called complaining that their Suncoast Schools Credit Union debit card was probably cloned while in a store at Gulf Coast Town Center. A total of $2,356.44 in fraudulent charges were used on the card. Most charges were in Florida, but at least one was in Arizona 2) Thursday, Nov. 11 at 10:22 p.m: An RA stated that a black Chevrolet parked between North Lake Village buildings Cypress and Mangrove was occupied by two individuals whom he believed were smoking marijuana

inside the vehicle.

3) Monday, Nov. 15 at 1:46 p.m.: A student came to UPD to report that he was assaulted while leaving Subway. He wanted to handle it through student affairs instead of pressing charges. Officers went to West Lake Village to get a statement from the suspect.

4) Monday, Nov. 15 at 8:14 p.m.: An FGCU student claimed to have witnessed bikes being stolen outside the Honors building. UPD found the bikes, but they were

Corrections and clarifications n Geno Auriemma is the women’s basketball coach at the University of Connecticut. In Volume 9 Issue 11, the article “Women’s hoops coach sets big-time goals� had an incorrect title.

“Take Oneâ€? Policy Members of the state university community may take one copy per issue. Additional copies may be purchased, when available, for 50¢/ea., by contacting Eagle News.

Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline.

Campus News

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New fitness center an exercise in meeting growth

By Samantha League News editor

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ver the summer, FGCU’s Fitness Center in North Lake Village received $160,000 from SG Senate to replace worn-out exercise equipment.

Now, Student Affairs and Campus Recreation are proposing a second recreation center to better serve FGCU students. “I 100 percent think we need it,� said Frank Acierno, a senior majoring in sports management. “I thought the gym was crowded when I was a freshman.�

FGCU’s current Fitness Center is approximately 9,000 square feet and is shared with Varsity Athletics. It has one group fitness room and a shared space for strength and conditioning. “It’s very crowded, especially around 5 to 7 p.m.,� said Erin FitzPatrick, a sophomore majoring in resort and hospitality management. “It’s kind of gross, too. Guys always take up the room looking at themselves in the mirrors, and more peo-

ple use the treadmills and ellipticals more than the bicycles.�

Acierno suggests a new facility should have taken priority over the new equipment. “Yeah, the new equipment is nice, but I think they could’ve put their resources toward something different,� he said. “You can’t work out sometimes because you’re literally touching other people when you work out.�

Now, SG is faced with another opportunity to improve FGCU’s Campus Recreation facilities. However, SG wouldn’t be providing the funds like last time — they would be asking the university to add an additional fee to FGCU students’ tuition that would help pay for the new center.

This new Eagle Recreation Center will be approximately 50,000 square feet and be located in South Village. Currently, Campus Rec wants to include indoor multipurpose courts, multiple group fitness rooms, larger and separate strength and cardio fitness areas and meeting rooms for sports clubs and intramural captains.

The Eagle Recreation Center would become a separate entity from FGCU’s Fitness Center. The Athletics department would take over the current Fitness Center.

FGCU needs $10 million to fund construction and the university is planning to contribute $2 million.

The rest of the money would come through a new recreation fee on student tuition.

FGCU already has three fees on tuition. Students currently pay $7.74 per credit hour for a health fee, $11.24 per credit hour for an A&S fee and $15.79 per credit hour for an athletic fee, bringing the total to $34.77 per credit hour.

The new recreation fee wouldn’t be just added to these funds — all amounts will change.

When FGCU received NCAA Division I accreditation, they also received the ability to increase the health fee by $2.84 per credit hour.

Originally, the Board of Trustees was going to increase the health fee to $1.56 anyway.

Along with the increase of $2.84 to the health fee, A&S fees will be decreased by $4.49. Then, the new rec

fee would be added at $4.49. The athletic fee would remain the same.

This rearrangement of funds would only increase fees per credit hour by $2.84, bringing the total to $37.61.

The health fee was chosen for the increase because the health fee increase is the only amount that can be bonded (matched in amount by a bank). Banks will look at the $2.84 and hopefully bond with it to help with construction costs.

The actual rec fee of $4.49 will become the operating budget for the facility.

SG still hasn’t decided on whether to ask the Board of Trustees for the fee. “If it doesn’t get approved, then it has to go back to drawing boards,� said Suzanne Ries of Campus Recreation operations.

Even if the fee gets approved, concrete planning for the facility won’t begin until the fee is implemented.

Although Michael Rollo, FGCU vice president of student affairs, has designed tentative blueprints, these blueprints are in the very early stag-

es and were based off facilities at Florida Atlantic University and the University of North Florida.

Consequently, the Eagle Recreation Center probably won’t be finished for another five years.

Although Fitz-Patrick is a bit wary of paying for a facility she won’t get the chance to use, she supports it. “I suppose I’m OK with it if it’s not too much of an increase,� she said. “I mean, someone has to pay to make it happen.�

Not only will the added facility alleviate congestion in our current gym, but it will give FGCU a new competitive edge for prospective students. All other Florida universities have a designated Athletics department facility and one for students and sports clubs. “FGCU students, if you want to give something to future generations, then this would be your opportunity to make a difference on this campus and to create something that is on every other campus in the U.S.,� Ries said. nTurn to page 14 to read an opinion about the possible Recreation Center

What we don’t have: n Meeting rooms n Storage n Smoothie bar or cafe n Indoor multipurpose courts

What FGCU has: n Fitness Center: 9,000 sq. ft n Strength and conditioning shared space n One group fitness room n Shared facility with varsity athletics

Results with a new Rec Center: n $10 million to fund construction n University contributes $2 million n50,000 square feet with recreation fields The above diagrams are just possibilites of amenities the Rec Center might include compared to what other schools have. These diagrams are in no way final or complete. Diagrams from Recreation Center presentation courtesy of Michael Rollo, vice president of Student Affairs

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Campus News

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Fraternity’s new members feted On Thursday, Nov. 18, Kappa Alpha Psi will be hosting two major events to celebrate its new members.

At 8 p.m., the fraternity will be holding a probate in the Student Plaza between the Wellness Center and Subway to introduce the new members to the community. “A probate is what the National Pan-Hellenic Council does. There will be information, chanting, strolling and stepping,� said Willis Harris, the Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi. Not only is the probate open to everyone, Kappa brothers from University of Miami and University of South Florida will also be present. “It’s like graduation — it’s a huge event,� Harris said.

The Pleasure Principle Party will follow the probate at 10 p.m. at Vapiano’s. Club attire dress is suggested.

For Greeks, the price to get in will be $2. Ladies will pay $3 before 11 p.m. and $5 after. Men will pay $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. All proceeds will go to Kappa Alpha Psi to help with new member costs.

The fraternity also hosted multiple events this week for their annual Nupe Week of the fall semester. According to Harris, Nupe Week is based on lady appreciation.

Free candy apples were given to the ladies on campus Monday, and a discussion of sex in the Bible was held Tuesday evening.

Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., a discussion about social networking and the negative effects it can have on your daily lives and career will be held in AB3.

Finally, on Sunday, everyone is invited to St. John First Missionary Baptist Church with the Kappa Alpha Psi brothers at 11 a.m. A bus will be provided for transportation.

Steve-O, comedian in the Jackass films, preformed his first stand-up at Captain Brien’s Off the Hook Comedy Club, Marco Island. EN photo/ Mike Ricci

Walk for suicide awareness Sat. Volunteers from Fort Myers will unite at Lakes Regional Park for the Community Awareness in Recognizing and Education on Suicide (C.A.R.E.S.) fourth annual Survivors Stepping Out 5k Walk.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, and volunteers are encouraged to bring two or more friends to participate in the walk that starts at 10 a.m.

C.A.R.E.S. is a suicide prevention organization. The theme for the walk is to “Bring Down the Wall� that prevents suicide awareness. Funds raised through the walk will directly benefit the program’s mission to educate and support members of the community on suicide prevention.

The walk itself is free, although volunteers can purchase a raffle brick for $6 and enter to win one of the following gifts: A three-day/two-night stay in a suite at GullWing Beach Resort; a $50 gift card to Giovanni Restaurant in Naples paired with wine and accessories; one-year Black Card Membership to Planet Fitness; $25 gift card to Starbucks and morning accessories; a family night out including a $25 movie gift card, $20 gift card to Five Guys, assorted family DVD movies/assorted game boards.

Also given away: “Rent� show and buffet dinner for two at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater; a $25 gift card to Bath & Body Works; assorted car essentials from Advance Auto Parts and six full-service car washes at Downtowner Car Wash South East.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.active.com/donate/bringdownthewall or at the walk. Volunteers do not have to be present to win.

FGCU students who participate will receive service-learning hours.

Those who cannot attend but would still like to make a donation can do so online. — Eagle News staff

Local band Common Ground, played on the Library Lawn on Nov. 10 as part of the Board of Eagle Entertainment Programmers’“Tunes at Noon� program .

EN photo/ Mike Ricci

General continued from page 1

Connor Fratus, a junior majoring in communications with a focus in public relations, agrees with Espinosa. “I can’t see myself using a lot of math or science when I go out into the real world but I can understand their (general education classes) merit,� Fratus said.

He would like to see the university rework the general education program and specifically gear it toward students’ majors. “I completed my general education requirements last semester and I don’t feel as prepared as I should because I spent so much time in general education,� Fratus said. “If I had more focus on my major, it would help me be more prepared and yield better results (in terms of grades).�

Fratus just might get his wish.

Last summer, Toll put togeth-

er a General Education Assessment Task Force, consisting of representatives from each of the academic colleges, the library staff, the Faculty Senate president, and Scott Karakas, the general education program director.

Since then, according to Karakas, the task force members have developed a plan for assessing student achievement for each of the four general education competencies — written communication, oral communication, quantitative reasoning and critical thinking — over the next five years.

The plan draws from a sample of students who are taking selected courses within the general education program. Those assessments have already begun this academic year.

Beginning next year, FGCU will be asking for student volunteers to help in their assessment by taking the national ETS Proficiency Profile, formerly known as the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress test (MAPP test). “Since all non-transfer students take general education courses during their first two years at FGCU, the program is

important for a number of reasons,� said Karakas. “It requires students to successfully complete courses in communication, mathematics, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences — five subject areas regarded as important academically by the state of Florida.�

The university’s accrediting agency, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, requires that each institution identifies college-level general education competencies and the extent to which graduates have attained them.

In 2005, the Faculty Senate General Education Council sponsored a series of university-wide conversations on general education at FGCU and identified the four competencies for our general education program listed previously.

To ensure that each general education course addresses the four competencies, the General Education Council also started the process of alerting general education faculty of the competencies and ways to assess student achievement for each of them.

For example, when a proposal for a new general education course comes forward, the General Education Council requires that it includes a discussion of how the course will address at least one of the general education competencies and how the faculty teaching the course will assess student achievement for that competency as part of the course content.

Although general education may still be around for a while, FGCU is doing its part to ensure the classes are achieving what they’re supposed to achieve. “In those courses, students are taught communication, quantitative, critical thinking and other skills that will help them to succeed in their academic majors, and hopefully also in later life,� Karakas said.

Campus News

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Anthropology club collects unwanted clothes in drive

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Perry Wilson, a junior majoring in communication, took this self portrait titled “The Sea & Me� as a personal assignment to express the motion of liquids in photography. Photo courtesy of Perry Wilson

Are you ready to clean out your closet to make room for your winter clothes?

Anthropology Cub encourages you to not throw any unwanted clothes away.

Today and Thursday, the club will be hosting its clothing swap that is held every semester. The event will take place in the Student Plaza from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.

Clothing donations will be sent to the Hope Hospice Thrift Store and monetary donations will be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Food donations will also be accepted. Food will be sent to Friends Together, an organization that promotes education and empowerment for those infected with HIV/AIDS, where food baskets will be made for kids. Food will also be sent to the Junior League, an organization for women who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism, where backpacks of food will be filled for kids. “We want to create a social event for students to come together and have fun,� said Morgan Nykiel, a senior majoring in criminal forensic science studies. Nykiel also serves as the Anthropology Club’s co-president.

The Anthropology Club is an academic-based club as well as an outreach group. Members aim to raise cultural awareness and try to promote sustainability and reuse.

These donation drives are especially aimed at promoting these two ideals.

The club meets at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays on the library lawn.

Film on Nazi propaganda will be shown on Nov. 30 The Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Human Rights Studies will be showing a Nazi propaganda film followed by discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov, 30 in the Sugden Welcome Center.

The group will show “The Nazi Lie: Propagation of Evil� followed by a discussion with filmmaker Bill Davis.

For more information, contact Professor Cox at jmcox@fgcu.edu — Eagle News staff

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Campus News

3,679 miles down the river Student takes summer-long kayak trip for the second time

By Chealsye Bowley Staff writer

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summer out in the wild, kayaking down the fourth-longest river in the world.

Charles Vaught, a senior majoring in resort and hospitality, kayaked 3,679 miles this summer with friend Tom Bailey, a graduate of Missouri School of Science and Technology.

The pair kayaked the Missouri River into the Mississippi River. It was Vaught’s second trip.

He kayaked the Mississippi River last summer and was aching to get back on the water. “Bailey asked if I wanted to go on the

trip, so I un-registered from my summer class the day it started,� Vaught said.

Vaught and Bailey spent a total of 147 days on the water. They started out in Three Forks, Mont., on May 28 and finished in Venice, La., on Oct. 22 — where they hit the 0 mile marker at the Gulf of Mexico.

After starting the trip, Vaught was informed that he was the youngest person to kayak the entire river.

The trip wasn’t just about adventure and breaking records. Vaught has founded an organization based on traveling and raising awareness and funds for nonprofit charities. “There is a human trafficking shelter that was built last March and I did it

TOP: Photo was taken at mile marker 1670.

BOTTOM: “I climbed (this) hill that was covered in sheets of quartz, each step contatining a crunching noise and a spectacle of glistening light around my boot,� Charles Vaught wrote in his blog.

RIGHT: Washburn, N.D. Photos courtesy of Charles Vaught

to raise money for them,� Vaught said.

Vaught raised $600 for the shelter and spread awareness on the issue of human trafficking in the states he traveled through.

To help combat annoying — but not harmful — animals such as mice and grasshoppers, Vaught picked up a furry, canine companion in Williston, N.D., that he named Bill. “Last year I took a picture of a woman’s deceased husband down the (Mississippi) river that always wanted to take the trip, but she always talked him out of it. So, that’s why I named him Bill,� Vaught said.

The pair kayak until they feel like pitching a tent. “It’s amazing all the

places you can pitch a tent,� Vaught wrote in his blog. “(We eat) Mac and cheese, Pop-tarts, instant mashed potatoes and stuffing,�

Vaught said. “I craved salad and ice cream throughout the trip.�

Vaught’s future adventure goals include kayaking the Yellowstone River in May, a five-month resort and hospitality internship in Vietnam, and a cycling trip to South America after he graduates.

To find out further information about Charles Vaught’s trips, see photos and read his travel journal, visit charitytravelers.com.

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Campus News

International students find FGCU a fit

By Megan Hoolihan Senior staff writer

F

GCU has long been devoted to developing, coordinating and promoting international education opportunities for students and professionals.

As International Education Week is celebrated around the globe, FGCU promotes embracing international education and the advancement of global perspectives.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education. It began in 2000 and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide.

IEW is an opportunity to promote international understanding and build support for international educational exchange by attracting students from abroad to study in the United States.

Rotsen Kho Yute is a Filipino student who is attending FGCU this year through the Global Undergraduate Program in East Asia and the Pacific. Kho Yute, who received a scholarship to study civil engineering in the U.S., says that many clubs at FGCU have made it easier to adjust to living here. “Joining clubs like the Rotaract, Associate Member American Society of Civil Engineers, and Florida Engineering Society is helpful because I am exposed to some international students who have already overcome the difficulty of adjusting here to life here in America,� Kho Yute said. “They really help me whenever I get confused.�

For Kho Yute, the most difficult adjustment to life in the U.S. is assuming the typical Ameri-

can diet. “I guess the national foods here are burgers, pizza and cookies. I’m not fond of eating those foods, and just last week I mentioned to my adviser in Washington, D.C., that I really miss Filipino food,� he said. “The food at The Perch and SoVi is good, but having the same menu every week is the worst!�

Kho Yute says that his dislike of American food is balanced by his obsession with American technology. “My favorite thing about living here is the cheap technology.

I am obsessed with gadgets,â€? he said. “In my country, an iPhone costs over $930 ‌ and it’s not an iPhone 4, it’s a 3GS. But here, it is closer to $700 ‌ very amazing. Everything technological here is so cheap, and that’s one thing here in America that I will miss when I return to my country in May.â€?

Despite the difficult adjustments, Kho Yute has already gained a great deal from the experience of studying abroad in the U.S. “I have learned to be independent, more technology-oriented (by dealing with grades posted online, online registration for classes, and virtual classes), and more involved with community service,� he said. “I know I have only been here for three months and still have a lot to discover and experience.�

Thavisack Litsana has also been studying abroad at FGCU since the beginning of the fall semester. Litsana, who is from Laos, says there are many cultural differences that he has not yet fully adjusted to. “The biggest cultural chal-

Thavisack Litsana, a junior majoring in business administration, outside of the shuttle loop. Photo courtesy of Thavisack Litsana

lenge is that people here are very individual and independent. My culture is very collective,� he said. “In addition, people here are very direct; if they feel that they do not like someone or disagree with your ideas, they will express their opposition directly.�

Litsana has also had to adjust to a new concept of time. “Punctuality is also a big change for me; people here are very on time, but in my country we have flexible hours,â€? he said. “If you have an appointment with your friend in Laos, it is OK for you to come 20 minutes late ‌

but here I can’t be late at all.�

The aspect of the U.S. that Litsana finds most compeling is political structure. “I like American politics; it seems to give its citizens a lot of freedom. And, I really like the idea that law here is very strictly and successfully enforceable. Any person who violates the law will endure hardship,� he said. “Before a country can develop, it is really important to have every citizen abide by its law.�

Litsana also says that FGCU surpassed his expectations when it comes to being culturally ac-

cepting. “I think FGCU has done enough to accept cultural diversity, and I am grateful,� he said. “FGCU has students and professors who come from different background and races, but as far as I have seen, all of them are very friendly and do not discriminate against one another.�

‘Don’t touch my junk’ as airport security tightens

By The Associated Press

A

irport security stops one airline pilot because he’s carrying a butter knife. Elsewhere, crews opt for pat-down searches because they fear low-level radiation from body scanners could be harmful. And in San Diego, one traveler is told he can’t fly at all when he likens an intrusive body search to sexual harassment.

As passengers have simmered over being forced to choose scans by full-body image detectors or rigorous pat-down inspections, some airline pilots are push-

ing back. Much of the criticism is directed at the Transportation Security Administration. “I would say that pilots are beyond fed up,� said Tom Walsh, a pilot and sometimes aviation security consultant. “The TSA is wasting valuable time and money searching the crew — who are not a threat.�

Even one of the nation’s most celebrated pilots, Capt. Chesley “Sully� Sullenberger, has detected the growing unease. “The fundamental reason is that airline pilots are already the last line of defense for anyone who poses a threat to the

airplane,� said the soft-spoken Sullenberger, who successfully ditched his US Airways plane in the Hudson River last year after it struck birds during takeoff. “We are — and would like to be considered — trusted partners in that important security mission.�

The scanners show a body’s contours on a computer stationed in a private room removed from the security checkpoints. A person’s face is never shown and the person’s identity is supposedly not known to the screener reviewing the images. Under TSA rules, those who decline must

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submit to pat-downs that include checks of the inside of travelers’ thighs and buttocks.

Top federal officials said Monday that the procedures are safe and necessary sacrifices to ward off terror attacks. “It’s all about security,�

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said. “It’s all about everybody recognizing their role.�

That’s not how John Tyner sees it.

The software engineer posted an Internet blog item over the weekend saying he had been ejected from the San Diego airport after being threatened with a fine and lawsuit for refusing a groin check after turning down a full-body scan.

He said he told one federal TSA worker, “If you touch my junk, I’m gonna have you arrested.� “I told the person that being molested should not be a condition of getting on a flight,� the 31-year-old said in a phone interview Monday.

Tyner, who was eventually told he could not fly at all because he refused both modes of search, captured the incident on his cell phone. “This is not considered a sexual assault,� a supervisor can be heard telling him. “It would be if you were not the government,� replies Tyner.

Many pilots say requiring them to go through security is ridiculous.

One 20-year airline pilot, Patrick Smith, recalled once being stopped and questioned

because he had a butter knife in a bag. “If a pilot like me is going to be up to no good, why would he need a butter knife?� he said. “I’m in control of the entire airplane!�

Walsh argued that it sends a disturbing message to passengers for them to see pilots being searched. “They must think, ‘This is the guy flying the plane. If you can’t trust the pilot who can you trust?’� he said.

Capt. John Prater, head of the Air Line Pilots Association, noted pilots are already subject to FBI background checks.

Prater said that based on discussions with TSA officials Monday he was hopeful the agency will soon approve a “crew pass� system that would allow flight attendants and pilots to undergo less stringent screenings.

Not all passengers share the level of ire of Tyner, whose individual protest quickly became a web sensation over the weekend.

Waiting to board a flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, Mark Spritzler said he, for one, accepted that scanners were a necessary inconvenience. “It makes me feel safer flying,� Spritzler, of Long Beach, said. “I don’t think they intrude on my privacy, the images are seen behind closed doors and unfortunately this is what has to be done to make things more secure.�

Campus News

888 &"(-&/&84 03( t/07&.#&3 t EAGLE NEWS 9

Thoughts of hunger hover around Thanksgiving

Michelle Gazvini, sophomore, busi-

Marcos Peet, freshman, undeclared

Lyndsy Robinson, senior, majoring in English and anthropology

For Thanksgiving, Michelle will be eating with her family and boyfriend’s family. She learned of the local hunger issue through her ceramics class and has donated food to a local organization in the past.

For Thanksgiving, Marcos’ family is frying two turkeys because his family is so big. He wasn’t aware of the local hunger issue, but knew of Publix food drives. “

For Thanksgiving, Lyndsy will be making food baskets for an organization through Anthropology Club.

She’s aware of the global hunger issue, learning about food deserts through her methods class.

ness major and art minor

By Samantha League News editor

F

or the Thanksgiving holiday, Marcos Peet is helping his family make two turkeys for dinner. “My family makes two turkeys because it’s so big,� said Peet, an undeclared freshman. “We also fry our turkeys to save time — it’s delicious and only takes 30 or 40 minutes.�

Many students will engage in a Thanksgiving feast as well. However, the food-insecure residents of Lee County may not get to experience the same opportunity.

During the past two years, the number of people seeking food from food banks, pantries and kitchens has more than doubled. The reported annual increase in poverty in Lee County was 73 percent higher than the national average, according to The News-Press.

On Nov. 11, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area was ranked second in foreclosures in the nation, moving up from the fourth rank in 2009.

Lee County also has an increasing unemployment rate, moving from 10.6 percent in 2008 to 13.2 percent in July 2010, according to The News-Press).

Peet was unaware of the local hunger issue, but he’s not the only one. “Just last year, I learned how significant the hunger is in Southwest Florida when my First-Year Humanities Seminar students partnered with Harry Chapin Food Bank for their service-learning projects,� said Jessica Rhea, the director of civic engagement and service-learning. “They presented staggering statistics about the number of families in need right here in our county.�

Approximately 112,000 peo-

ple live below the poverty line in Southwest Florida.

For a household of four to be considered at the poverty level in 2009, they had a monthly income of $1,838. A household of one is considered to be a poverty level with a monthly income of $903, according to the Hunger Study 2010.

Harry Chapin Food Bank’s mission is to “overcome hunger ‌ through education and by working with affiliated agencies in the procurement and distribution of food,â€? according to the Chapin bank website.

The food bank targets five counties: Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades. Its goal is to provide an annual increase of 20 percent in food distribution.

According to Fred Richards, the developmental director of Harry Chapin Food Bank, in 2007-08, they gave out 4.25 million pounds of food. This year, they’ve given out around 9.6 million pounds of food, which is valued at more than $15 million. “We’ve just grown as demands have grown: our operation expanded and correlated with the need for food,� Richards said.

However, the 9.6 million pounds of food only feeds more than 30,000 people every month.

In effort to serve more residents, Harry Chapin’s 2011 goal is to give out 11.2 million pounds of food next year. And they are always looking for assistance.

Volunteering is greatly appreciated at the Food Bank. In 2009-10, 1,738 volunteers collectively provided 28,122 hours of service.

Richards also says FGCU students can volunteer their expertise. “(We’re looking for) experts in social media — people that are good at Twitter and Facebook,�

Richards said. “We’re trying to ex-

pand with our limited time and resources.�

While Richards said that food drives are great, he noted that fundraising will go a lot further than shopping at the grocery store.

One pound of food will equate to a $1.60 average wholesale value.

However, the food bank distributes $6 worth of food for every $1 donated. “When I learned about HCFB and how they can turn a $1 donation into $6 worth of food, I approached Marta Hodson, the special events manager and volunteer coordinator at HCFB, about partnering with the agency for future service-learning projects,� Rhea said.

This semester, her Honors Foundations of Civic Engagement class has three projects focused on assisting HCFB. One is educating the public about food assistance programs, one is motivating the FGCU community to donate to the organization, and the other is en-

couraging FGCU students, faculty and staff to join the FGCU Cares Team for the upcoming Hunger Walk in January.

Other students are doing their part through other classes and organizations. “I heard of the (hunger issue) through the Food Desert Project for Anthropological Methods,� said Lyndsy Robinson, a senior majoring in English and anthropology. “Food deserts are geographic locations that have little food resources. They may have restaurants but no grocery stores, or maybe nothing at all.�

Robinson is continuing to help alleviate the hunger problem this Thanksgiving. “This Thanksgiving, I’ll be making food baskets to give to Friends Together, an organization for those infected with HIV and AIDS (through anthropology club),� she said.

HCFB will also be doing its part for Thanksgiving.

Jason Moore, junior, criminal justice

For Thanksgiving, Jason’s family is coming from Ohio for a big family dinner at his house, featuring honey baked ham. He’s never heard of the local hunger issue, but the Harry Chapin Food Bank sounded familiar to him.

“We try to get as many turkeys as possible, and our goal is to get out $40,000 worth of food to families in need,� Richards said. “We’re reaching out to the community and trying to garner as much support as possible to ensure people have Thanksgiving meals.�

To contact Harry Chapin Food Bank, call 239-334-7007 or visit www.harrychapinfoodbank.org.

To register for the third annual Hunger Walk or to read the Hunger Study 2010, visit that same food bank website.

For more information on the food baskets for Friends Together, visit Anthropology Club’s table Nov. 17 or 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Plaza. — Information was provided by the Harry Chapin Food Bank (harrychapinfoodbank.org), the Hunger Study 2010 (which can be found on Harry Chapin’s website), Naples Daily News and The News-Press.

Your Tunes

What are you listening to?

Destiny Moreland Social Work Sophomore 1. “Waiting for the End“ by Linkin Park 2. “Forever“ by Papa Roach 3. “What’s My Name“ by Rihanna 4. “Sniff“ by Slipknot 5. “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri

To me, music is ...

“Everything. When you don’t have a friend, you can listen to music.”

eaglenews.org

EN

featured video of the week

Arts & Lifestyle

With cooler weather comes new fashions

By Marbel Casanova Staff writer

D

uring the winter season, staying trendy and stylish while keeping warm and comfy could be a difficult task. There are lots of things you can do to keep warm during this time of year while looking fashionable. Here are some winter trends for 2010. You just have to look and get modish.

Women’s winter trends There are a variety of stylish tights and leggings that you can wear. There are tights of various colors and many design patterns.

You can wear tights, leggings or designer skinny jeans with cool or neutral color coats and your choice of wool cardigans or sweater dresses to make a gorgeous outfit — you’ll look extremely trendy.

This winter, some students would prefer to go with jeans, a sweater, flats and a nice scarf.

For junior communication major Veronica Arrieta, the ideal outfit this winter would be “a pair of dark-denim-skinny jeans, with an oversized bag, a loose-fitting long-sleeve sweater and a nice top with a unique scarf.”

You can add trendy accessories such as gloves, hats and scarves to your outfit. Not only are you going to need to stay warm this winter, you’ll also need to make a fashion statement.

Oversized red sweater from Express for $39.90

Men’s winter trends Let’s not forget about men.

Men can also match up cool jackets this winter with some loose or slim straight fit jeans. Men’s favorite light and casual winter styles are the go-with-everything navy, gray and blue plaid long-sleeve wool jackets, denim jean jackets, utility cargo jackets or just leather jackets.

Men can go very simple, but at the same time be really trendy. They can wear a cardigan under a leather or utility jacket with a plain scarf and their choice of sneakers or winter shoes. Don’t forget to put on a hat to look in style this winter season.

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To make a fashionable winter statement, tall or ankle-high boots would be perfect. You could wear boots with almost anything; long sweaters, coats, dresses, tights, leggings, skirts or jeans. You can’t go wrong wearing over-the-knee boots this winter.

Over-the-knee boots from Forever 21 for $36.80.

Top 5

Movies of the Weekend 1. “Megamind” $29.1 million

2. “Unstoppable” $22.7 million 3. ”Due Date” $15.4 million 4. “Skyline” $11.7 million

5. “Morning Glory” $9.2 million

These figures are courtesy of boxofficemojo.com.

This week on the Web: Senior communication major Jenny Tavery said, “I think girls should wear whatever makes them feel good during the winter.

For some girls that means wearing fashionable boots, but for me it means washing my old Converse so that I can wear closed-toed shoes that go with my outfits.”

Winter fashion doesn’t have to be boring to keep you warm. For some women, winter is one their favorite seasons of the year, and that means dressing up.

For junior Kristina Von Schonfeldt, sports management major, winter is her favorite season for sure.

“I think you really see people’s fashion sense during winter; especially here in Florida. Winter is more of a conservative time of year, which is a nice change from most of Florida’s clothing options because it gets so hot,” Von Schonfeldt said. “I absolutely love boots and coats. If it is not too cold out, I will wear tights, boots and a sweater; but the colder it gets, I prefer leggings to tights.”

A former U.S. president makes a cameo in the new “Hangover” film.

Sci-fi lovers, pay attention: “Cowboys & Aliens” is hitting the big screen this weekend.

For music, movies and TV EN reviews, log on to

eaglenews.org

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888 &"(-&/&8 03( tNOVEMBER 17, 2010 t EAGLE NEWS 11

A North Aurora

By Sofia Shepard Staff writer

I

n a room in Biscayne, AJ Newman and Dylan Rodrigues can usually be found, pen, paper, and guitars at hand, composing new music for their acoustic/alternative band, A North Aurora.

AJ Newman and Dylan Rodrigues perform as A North Aurora. EN photo/Sofia Shepard

The two freshmen met through a mutual friend, and when Newman learned that Rodrigues also played and previously recorded music, the two decided to get together.

Newman brings his influences from the local underground scene of Ithaca, N.Y., while Rodrigues brings those of alternative rock from his hometown of Winter Park near Orlando.

They have written six songs so far, with titles such as “Hey Monday,� “All Time Low�to Switchfoot.

With nothing but their two acoustic guitars and vocal chords, the duo create a raw coffee-shop sound. “(When writing songs) I usually sit in my room and mess with chords until something clicks,� Newman said. “Also, just listening to music can inspire me. I either write about stuff that means something to me, or just something that sounds catchy. I write music before lyrics, and Dylan is the opposite, so we balance each other.�

The two also balance each other in their ambitions with the band. Rodrigues, a mar-

keting major, is interested in the recording aspect of the music industry. “I want to be able to hand out our songs, and let people listen to us whenever they want,� Rodrigues said.

On the other hand, Newman is more into performing at shows and singing live, which ties in with his communication major.

So far, they have played at several venues, including Coconut Point, an Open-Mic Night at Everglades Hall at the beginning of the semester, and the P3 Club. They played again at an Open Mic Night last Tuesday at Everglades Hall, and they hope to play at the Starbucks on campus either this semester or next. “We get along well,� Rodrigues said. “So far, we’ve only had disputes over money and who gets a cut of the record sale, but our label handled that. No, we just want to get our stuff out there.�

Their band name actually came from North Aurora Street, where AJ used to live in Ithaca. Their influences include Blink 182, Roger Cline and the Peacemakers, Big 10-4, Rise Against, Senses Fail and Tool. “I like how well their music represents them,� said Karissa LaFortune, a freshman majoring in occupational therapy. “You can tell they really care about their music.�

For footage of their past performances and some recorded songs, check out their Facebook page, A North Aurora. They are also on Twitter and Myspace.

That time of year: What are you thankful for ?

By Victoria Massimo Staff writer

T

hanksgiving is not only a time to indulge in delicious turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie and other traditional foods, but it’s a time to offer thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation toward friends and family by celebrating with this harvest festival. With the holiday approaching, we ask: “What Are You Thankful For?� Here are four FGCU students who offer a glimpse at what Thanksgiving means to them:

“I’m thankful for my friends and the people that I meet every day. My family is incredibly important to me.

I am so grateful for all of them, and especially for my new niece. Above all, I am thankful for all of the blessings that God has given me: a warm bed, food, friends, my girlfriend, my family, and life.�

Victoria Sennebaum, Sophomore, Communication “I am thankful for the opportunities that I have received over the years, my good health, and for my Mom’s supporting wisdom and dedication to encourage me to grow during these unforgettable years as a college student.�

Lee Ferrante, Senior, Psychology

Stephanie Hall, Junior, Elementary Education “I am thankful that every day I have the privilege to wake up and be surrounded by friends and have the most amazing family who care unconditionally.�

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Dr. Bevins, Dr. Humphrey, Dr. Brothers “I am thankful to God for having a delicious meal every Thanksgiving and being able to share it with the people I love the most.�

Tonantzin Dominguez, Junior, Psychology

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By Kayla Stirzel Staff writer

With the cold weather coming, flip-flops won’t cut it for keeping your feet warm. Turn to a pair of ankle boots to finish off an outfit.

Ankle boots can be worn with just about anything that you have in your closet: skinny jeans, a mini-skirt with tights or a sweater dress.

There are two different styles of ankle boots and they each accent an outfit in a particular way. Ankle boots with a heel instantly dress up an outfit. They are for more of an evening-wear look. Ankle boots without a heel are a great comfortable daytime look. Walking to and from class or around work, flat ankle boots will keep you looking good and your feet feeling good.

Check out DSW for a wide variety of ankle boots in all different colors and materials.

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By Joe Giannone Staff writer

The war film has been a common movie genre ever since the dawn of film.

The first war film is “Birth of a Nation� made in 1915, which brought avid filmgoers into the world of war and actually showcased some fighting. During World War II, film reels would consist of wartime footage and news, to keep citizens up to date with what was going on during the Great War. Many filmmakers, including cameraman Albert K. Dawson, revolutionized film with their picturesque views of prisoners of war, covert operations and military training that were prominent in early war film cinema. This time around, these are the five films you must see in the War Genre 1. “Saving Private Ryan� “Saving Private Ryan� is Steven Spielberg’s most prestigious film, showcasing the best first 20 minutes of film in any movie of all time. Nothing has captured the destruction and catastrophe that was D-Day so perfectly when our American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. “Saving Private Ryan� captures that pain and agony in a gloriously bloody, yet emotional film that instigates emotion from the first scene. Tom Hanks plays Capt. John H. Miller perfectly, showing his true grit as an Academy Award-winning actor, and playing a character that is a far stretch from his previous roles in “Forrest Gump� and even “Philadelphia.� This movie will pull all the right strings; it’s truly an epic.

2. “Schindler’s List� “Schindler’s List� is another film by Steven Spielberg that explores the events during World War II. This film, though, explores the story of a man named Oskar Schindler who, at first, uses and abuses Jewish workers to make a profit during the Holocaust and WWII. But, as he gradually starts to see the inhumanity and destruction that the Nazis and WWII are really doing to the Jewish community, he creates a list that helps saves thousands of Jews’ lives by putting them to work in his factory. Spielberg has said that this film was an extra special one because it explores the hatred and sadness he has felt towards the entire Holocaust. It shows in this film, with its black and white scenes, and the never-flinching use of blood and violence. This movie is a must-see.

3. “Inglorious Basterds�

Quentin Tarantino is known for capturing unique stories of individuals who are far more intelligent than their real life counter-parts make

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them out to be, i.e., “Pulp Fiction� and “Death Proof.� Tarantino takes the insane and macabre, and makes an entertaining film, paying homage to old samurai films, cheesy kung-fu movies, and in “Inglorious Basterds’� case, wartime films. “Inglorious Basterds� is homage to old wartime cinema. Tarantino spent more than 10 years writing this movie, and it shows. The film pays homage to all the best war films, creating a great experience for the viewer, while keeping them on the edge of their seats. In Nazi-occupied France, the “basterds� are called in to exterminate the nasty Nazi’s, and the story just gets crazier from that point. This movie is unique in its style of story telling, and truly screams Tarantino originality.

4. “Full Metal Jacket�

Stanley Kubrick’s best film, “Full Metal Jacket,� is a plethora of sights, sounds, and guns. Begging with one of the best sequences in film, Kubrick puts his audience right in the center of Marine boot camp during the Vietnam War. The fear and anxiety going through these scared, yet hopeless “maggots� extends to the audience, not knowing what’s going to happen next. R. Lee Ermey plays the sergeant in charge of their battalion, and he is remarkable in his performance.

Scary, yet hilarious at the same time, Ermey is a prolific character in this amazing film. “Full Metal Jacket� is split into two parts: the first half is the boot camp part, and the second is the actual fighting in the war. Like the first half, the second sucks its audience into the urban areas of South Vietnam, showcasing the horror that is war.

5. “Apocalypse Now� “I’m still only in Saigon ... Every time I think I’m gonna wake up back in the jungle.� This is a truly iconic film, with memorable characters throughout. Marlon Brando’s Col. Walter E. Kurtz is a fascinating character study of a man who has gone mad at the hands of war. Dennis Hopper’s iconic photojournalist character follows around Kurtz, explaining the philosophical mumbo-jumbo that Kurtz is reciting, while bringing in a unique perspective of the TS Eliot poem “The Hollow Men.� This movie cannot be described in a simple paragraph. “Apocalypse Now� is more than a war movie. It discusses the humanity, and lack thereof, we all have in us. It explores the very question we ask ourselves every day: why? The fighting scenes compliment the epic style of storytelling this film utilizes, but this film is also as deep as any philosophical text or bible.

Opinion

GRE doesn’t make the grade for grad students

By Sara Gottwalles Opinion editor

W

hy would you test a fifthgrader on the sharing skills they learned in kindergarten before allowing them to enter middle school?

Requiring the GRE is along the same concept. I just took the $150 standardized Graduate Record Sara Exam last as part Gottwalles month of my admission process for the history graduate studies here at FGCU. The entire time I was taking the test I was plagued by two thoughts: “Man, if I flunk this I’m out 150 bucks, I have to take it again, and its going to be time-consuming,” and, “This is so stupid, I’m never going to use this in my field.”

I’m working at a museum right now doing tasks similar to what I would like to perform in my career. You know what: Never once have I been asked to find the radius of a WWII American Army helmet. So far I haven’t had to figure out how many miles per hour a cattle baron had to drive his herd if he had five hours to travel to Punta Rassa from Arcadia with 230 head, 20 of which were calves that often fell behind with their mother.

The verbal and analytical sections I completely understand. I will use verbal, comprehensive and analytical skills for the rest of my life. But as far as the quantitative section is concerned, I think it pretty irrelevant to most majors.

I’m sorry mathematics professors; I haven’t used algebra since I finished my gen ed courses. I’m going to be writing with either of my career fields, be it journalism or history. I’m going to have to analyze information, and use critical-thinking skills. Yet I don’t think that a standardized test is the answer to assessing what you learned while earning your bachelor degree.

Doesn’t earning the degree speak to anything? At this point money should have a little say as well. Understandably, we can’t just let any fool who can pay tuition into graduate school, but if we’ve earned our bachelor degree and have the desire to continue, doesn’t that say something?

The admission process should be based on the students’ personal statements, recommendation letters, GPA, and transcripts from the desired field of study.

My GRE scores were not what I hoped they would be. Thankfully, the history program also looks at the other information required during the admission process, and the program gives a little forgiveness to test bombers like me. (It is so frustrating to know you can perform better on a test than you did — especially when you feel the test was pointless.)

I hope that FGCU does eliminate the GRE requirement for grad school and just looks at the previously mentioned qualifications. If you are

going to grad school for history, criminal forensics, or philosophy, the GRE doesn’t prove that you learned anything during your bachelor coursework. All the test shows is that you can either retain what you learned years ago, or you did a fantastic job retaining what you studied your butt off to relearn right before walking into the testing room.

The proposed plan is to make students with a GPA under a 3.0 still take the GRE for admission.

Why bother? This person couldn’t cut it in their bachelor’s work, how are they going to handle the coursework of a graduate program? And what is their work ethic like? How much care do they put into their work?

Seriously, what professor wants to be teaching a “grad student” who couldn’t even pull a 3.0 during their undergrad coursework?

What I’m curious about is if the GRE is eradicated, how will scholarships and financial aid be awarded? In the past, assistance has always gone to those with good GRE scores.

This is what separated them from their peers and made it easier to award. If they can find a solution to this, I’m all in.

I believe based on recommendation letters and personal statements, faculty should be able to see which students are going to be the better investments. Let’s face it — that’s what it’s all about.

Who is going to be the better investment in the program?

Do programs want to say “we had 100 students graduate this semester! We wanted to build a huge program and we did. Too bad none of them are going to really amount to a hill of beans, but we got all 100 of them out!”

Or would programs rather say “we had five students graduate this semester and the quality of their work was top notch. We can’t wait to hear back about the successes of those students.” A university is a business. We don’t want to produce defective goods with the company name on it.

If this initiative passes, it will be a step in the right direction. Most graduate programs despise the GRE and sympathize with the students who have to take it.

I wish this would have came a semester sooner. I can think of lots of other things I would do with $150. As long as a fair and reliable system is worked out for financial-aid awarding, cutting the GRE would be every potential grad student’s dream.

Sara Gottwalles is a senior.

She is majoring in history with a minor in education and philosophy and holds a BA in communication. She likes to look into different philosophies of life and gives more credit to the unorthodox than “the norm.”

EAGLE NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD

Allison Gagliardi Editor-in-Chief editorinchief@eaglenews.org 10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers, Florida 33965

Sara Gottwalles Opinion Editor opinion@eaglenews.org www.eaglenews.org

Andrew Friedgen Assistant Opinion Editor opinion@eaglenews.org (239) 590-7945

Hope for proposed rec center to work out

By Mandie Rainwater Staff writer

D

oes FGCU need a new recreation center?

My first thought on the matter was no. There is already a fitness center, an aquatic center and even a waterfront — why another building? But I don’t live on campus and therefore I can admit my ignorance on the situation.

I first learned about the concept of the rec center from reading through Student Government’s minutes— something I do for fun, and I suggest you take a look, too.

Mandie On Sept. 21, Michael Rollo, vice of student affairs, Rainwater president requested that SG ask the Board of Trustees to establish a new fee to support the proposed rec center.

Now, if you are like me, your red flags and whistles are going off and all you can think is “Another fee? Really!” The answer is yes, but let me explain it so that even I can understand, which means VERY simple terms.

The student body at FGCU is growing at about 1,000 new students a year. The facilities in place now are overcrowding, including the fitness center at only 9,000 square feet. The fitness center will remain. If the rec center is approved, the old fitness center will be solely used as an athletic training facility, according to Rollo.

The plan for the recreation center is to construct a 50,000-square-foot multiuse building in South Village across from Biscayne Hall. This will allow easy use for students.

The building, which is still in the developmental planning stages according to Rollo, may contain a gymnasium, a few multipurpose rooms, a fitness cardio area, a fitness strength area, office suits for recreation staff, a lounge area that may include a juice bar, locker rooms and meeting rooms.

This is just the first phase. There would also be adjacent outdoor recreation fields that could host outdoor sports. The number of full time staff would not increase.

Rollo’s proposition to pay for the construction is to plan to see that the project makes as little financial impact on those of us who might use the facility as possible.

Currently we pay three fees with our tuition to cover certain things besides classes.

We have the health fee that allows all students to use the Wellness Center for basic health care needs. This nominal fee at the time Rollo and I spoke last week was $7.74 per credit hour. The A&S or Activity and Services fee that SG collects (to fund all of the RSOs, various conferences attended, and other bills they vote as worthy) was $11.24 per credit hour— one of the lowest in the state.

The third fee is Athletics, pretty selfexplanatory. It pays for the official school teams, Alico Arena, coaches, and things associated with the NCAA Division I programs.

It was $15.79 per credit hour.

These fees may only increase up to 5 percent a year after approval and may not be used to build buildings. Rollo’s proposal is to later

reduce A&S fees by $4.49 per credit hour. This reduction will then be recharged in the form a recreation fee.

The health fee would also increase by $2.84 per credit hour, allowed by the NCAA accreditation. This $2.84 will be the bondable amount, or amount that a bank will look at to determine whether to loan FGCU the money for construction, and the $4.49 will become the operating budget for the facility, or $1.4 million per year, with no increases.

Construction costs are estimated at $12 million. FGCU will contribute $2 million and the rest would be paid for current and future.

Rollo went to SG to ask that they request a fee charge be made on our behalf from the Board of Trustees. He compared the proposed fee to what paying a typical gym membership could be, and at $2.37 a week for a spring/fall full-time student taking 30 hours as compared to $8.95 a week for a gym membership to a chain facility close by, the savings speak for themselves.

SG is still undeclared about whether or not they will ask for the fee. They have done some research and may just be looking for student input on the project.

Here are some other facts about the project: The building construction could take two years to finish, but all students enrolled and paying the rec fee will be given alumni status and will be allowed to use the facility after they graduate.

Once the fee has been approved and construction plans are made, the project will be open for bids from companies. The building, in conjunction with the commitment of President Wilson Bradshaw, must be LEED certified. FGCU is the only major university without a facility such as the one Rollo is proposing in the state.

I don’t work out, even though the doctor says I should (I hope that my few extra pounds will be there to cushion my fall one rainy morning), but I know many of you do. While I may never use the facility, I wouldn’t take this away from anyone who would make good use of it.

The ability to get out of the rain in the summer months and still play a game of soccer, to practice or have a meeting as an intramural team, or to just go take a spin class with your friends is priceless in your efforts to combat the freshman 15 and let off post-exam anxiety.

All in all, I think this is a good idea. It doesn’t cost us a lot and — don’t tell Rollo — I think we may even be getting the better end of the bargain.

If you agree, why not find a SG representative and let them know you’re OK, leave a comment on the Eagle News website, or email Rollo at studentservices@fgcu.edu.

Mandie Rainwater is a sophomore. She is majoring in secondary education with a focus in social sciences. She is married with two children and is an active volunteer for C.A.R.E.S. Suicide Prevention. She is a contributing author to “UnspOILed: Writers speak for Florida’s Coast” and has been featured in the Southeast Online Review.

VIEWPOINT

Write to us! opinion@eaglenews.org EN Cartoon David Tiegen and Edward Droney

WWW.EAGLENEWS.ORG t/07&.#&3 t EAGLE NEWS 15 Opinion ALICO WEST PERSPECTIVES Miromar selfish to student education needs

By Chelsea Seeley Staff writer

Talc it up to further development

By Andrew Friedgen

Assistant opinion editor

A

mong a multitude of searing critiques that FGCU is not the “environmental” university that it claims to be, plans are being made to expand on a 40-acre plot of environmentally inert land given to the university in an agreement with the Alico land management company.

The tract of land, dubbed “Alico West,” Andrew may be used for of the Friedgen expansion housing and the university’s research development and academic sectors, although the complete plans have not been finalized. And unlike other land, none of it will be put aside for conservation because of the land’s harrowing environmental past.

The plot was once home to a mining plant and rock-crushing operation and therefore has a build-up of a material called “fine,” which is the product of crushed rocks. “Fine” is a talc that has piled up on the land about 30 feet thick, according to Dr. Joe Shepard vice president for administrative services and finance at FGCU. Most of us (I would hope) know that the university can only build on a set percentage of land, the rest of which must remain as preservation.

However, the specifics of that compromise aren’t as well known.

Out of the original 760 acres of land, 340 acres were set aside for building.

This set amount was detailed in the university’s 1994 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit and only applies to land on the university’s main site. For every expansion made, a permission process must be made to determine how much of that new land is set aside for environmental purposes, if any at all.

The 40 acres of land has no required conservation land, however,

in the agreement with Alico, the company is willing to restore as much of the land as possible to a condition that is much healthier than the mining wasteland it is now.

For many, it’s easy to succumb to the “everyone’s a critic” position and take the cynical stance against the university’s policy regarding the environment, claiming that expansion without the environment as the primary focus is contradictory to its proclaimed stance. It’s easy to pick out a few blemishes and make them into catastrophes.

And while yes, there are a few faults in the university’s environmental stance, I believe these are student-rooted: lack of commitment to recycling or disinterest in environmental clubs or societies on campus.

With one of the largest solar fields in the country, one of four Platinum LEED-certified buildings in the state (Academic Building 7, as of earlier this year), and increased window insulation designed to save electricity, I am just a tad skeptical that FGCU has lost its environmental focus.

Regardless, the university will be sure to show its true intent when considering expansion. With plans to build all future academic buildings to LEED standards, according to Leoadaly.com, it would be difficult to say that all environmental concerns have been thrown out the window, especially when new packages of land must be first assessed as to how much land is to be preserved before anything can even be built.

Andrew Friedgen is a freshman majoring in psychology. He has written dozens of short stories and is currently working on a novel. He feels that writing is an organic, dynamic beast that can be as much a teacher as a talent.

A

s a newer school, FGCU has expansion on the brain.

The larger the school, the better it is, right? Through the grapevine, it has been said that FGCU has purchased more land use for expansion purposes.

Alico West, which is adjacent to FGCU and located near the Gulf Coast Town Center, is causing a stir in the community. It seems like the construction to build on the land would be more of a hindrance than the aftereffects on Chelsea citizens’ lives. Still, their Seeley complaints don’t seem to be changing anything.

Although Joe Shepard, vice president for administrative services and finance, confirmed that no land was purchased, he also stated, “There is an agreement with Alico that should they be successful with some modifications to their comprehensive plan in terms of moving the land from Density Reduction/Groundwater Recharge (DRGR) to the University Community envelope, they would be willing to give FGCU 40 acres of land.”

Regardless, there is going to be an expansion project in the near future — whether the Miromar community embraces it or not.

FGCU needs to do what is in its best interest and, whether the community knows it or not, it could be in their best interest, too.

Many people in the Miromar community may be upset over the perception that the Alico West project would box them in. Yet they don’t seem to understand the positive that would also come of it.

Further development will bring a larger amount of attention to the area, and would aid in the economic growth and strength of this community. By expanding the university, more attention is drawn to not only the Gulf Coast Town Center, but also to Miromar Outlets.

People are complaining without weighing the issues and trying to see

Staff writer

S

ometimes, when I’m watching a television show or a movie, the leading male rips off his shirt to unveil a chiseled torso.

Other times I’m walking through the magazine section in a store and pass six different magazines with some macho-male model under the headline “Burn Belly Fat!” and my stomach feels bigger.

Vanity and body im-

age is a plague in today’s Collin How often do we Llewellyn society. find ourselves comparing

EN Cartoon Duane Mattingly

Chelsea Seeley is a freshman majoring in elementary education. Her goal is to eventually receive her master’s in special education. Chelsea has been writing for public audiences for more than four years. She loves how writing can be a true expression of your personality.

You’re so vain, you probably think this article is about you

By Collin Llewellyn

VIEWPOINT

both the pros and cons of each side — and this just doesn’t make sense to me.

If people are so concerned about the environment of Fort Myers, they should find solace in our commitment to green expansion.

In order to keep true to our going green practices, FGCU would rather build up than out in order to preserve the land we currently have. We will still hold true to our environmentally friendly mission when developing new land.

It isn’t as if there will be two separate sets of standards. That simply would not make sense, and would be hypocritical.

It appears that expansion of the university has also caused a ruckus over what shall be built in order to fulfill the needs of our students on campus.

According to Shepard, “Our plans would be to use those 40 acres for research development, academics, continuing education, etc., although we have not completely determined how we would ultimately use the land. We would not put any sports facilities or student housing on that land.”

Let’s hope that we keep our focus on the education of students. We are the reason FGCU is here in the first place.

Despite disagreements this expansion has caused in the community, it is really not as big as it is made out to be.

The community just needs to see what plans are in store and what is actually going to happen before they get their panties in a bunch.

If people in the community can’t handle it, there is always the option of moving. FGCU has bigger things to worry about than the complaints of outsiders who don’t realize that their selfish view of not wanting to be boxed in by the university isn’t necessarily the only one most important to the education of students.

They build a golf course, and we build a library. You tuition-paying students be the judges of what is more important.

our image to celebrities, athletes, or even those around us who look like they haven’t consumed a carb in over a year?

What we often overlook is all of the work that went into making them look so “perfect”.

When an actor has a scene where he has to take the shirt off, there is strict diet and cleansing preparation that occurs before hand. These actors will undergo special workouts to make muscles pop, dehydration so they don’t retain water and risk bloating, and no carbohydrates or sugars.

Obviously, people can have that chiseled look without all of these factors leading up to a shoot. But you have to keep in mind, these models/actors/whoever have professional trainers, nutritionists and dietitians crafting diets and work out plans to give them that image. Not to mention celebrities have higher salaries for supplements and additional assistance.

We forget that these people have two jobs — acting and staying in top shape, which is what they get paid millions to do.

To top it all off, we mix reality with fic-

tion. If these actors scarf down burgers, shakes, fries, and pizza in their scenes, we think, “Well if they look like that and eat that way, certainly I can, too!”

But this is all assuming that their images are making you self-conscious of your own. I’ll admit, my readers, I have always struggled with a little bit of a body image issue. We constantly get images thrown in our face, and told that’s what we’re supposed to look like, or that’s what’s sexy.

That’s what other beautiful people desire.

What happened to just being yourself and living within your own limits?

Why can’t we work out enough to sustain a healthy lifestyle instead of two-hour gym sessions trying to inflate our arms and abs?

We can. You can.

Just because the handsome lead in the movies gets the beautiful girl and happens to look like Hercules, doesn’t mean you can’t by just being you.

Sometimes you’re going to be sitting on the couch watching a movie, eating frozen pizza, when suddenly the lead nabs a girl and he just happens to looks like Gerard Butler in “300.”

Suddenly, that pizza doesn’t taste so good, and you go change into gym shorts and an extra-large shirt because you feel like you’re popping out of your normal clothes. But trust me, no leading lady wants a Jersey Shore, checking himself out in the mirror every second, vain leading man.

It’s more important to act like a leading man than to look like one. Believe me, opening the car door for her and telling her she is beautiful will go a lot further than a six-pack, and not to mention, will be a lot less maintenance.

Collin Llewellyn is a junior. He is majoring in English. He is an RA in North Lake Village. Collin is passionate about living life fully and not wasting opportunities, especially chances to learn.

Opinion

WWW.EAGLENEWS.ORG t/07&.#&3 t EAGLE NEWS 16

Pucker up and kiss your faux pas goodbye

By Sara Gottwalles Opinion editor

S

o you’re on a first date and it’s wrapping up. You’re getting ready to go your separate ways — I know, but just go with it. They lean in and you know what’s coming.

You prep yourself to perform your A-game and lean in, too.

Your lips meet, and immediately you access the play. Were the fireworks there? Or did it rain on your parade?

People are turned on by different things. There is no magical kissing techniques book guarded by centaurs and sprites. In fact, as you go from relationship to relationship, do not be surprised to find that your kissing style actually changes. Whether you realize it or not, you will conform to your partner. That’s right guys — just one more way we have plotted to change you.

Below is a list of do’s and don’ts to help you with your technique. I surfed the web and collected information from several sources so you don’t have a pathetic “What is the best way to kiss your mate?” website pop up in your Google search memory. Some ideas also came from public polls, and for the most part, everyone agreed on the same pointers.

Keep your lips moistened. No one likes the feeling of smooching sandpaper. If your lips are chapped, drench them in chapstick and heal them up — or at least get them soft. (Guys, keep your moustaches trimmed to the top of your lip — the same sandpaper law applies.)

Close your eyes. No one should experience “making-out-with-dead-fish-syndrome.” Plus if it’s still early on in the relationship, it can be a little creepy.

Tilt your head. Try to follow the other person’s lead and see which way they are going. It can be awkward to both angle to the same side, but it’s even more awkward to smash noses or head butt.

Go slowly. Take time to get into it and let any passion heat up. Most people don’t like to be attacked, so don’t pounce. Allow it to heat up naturally.

Read body language! Unless you’re a complete relationship noob, you’re going to pay attention to the other person’s cues and pick up on what they like and dislike. If the other person is pulling back, don’t put your hand on the back of their head or lean with them. (I had this happen once and I had to sneeze — not a sexy memory.) If you’ve got it, they will let you know. Kissing is one of our most innate acts; body language will tell you know if you lack the instinctive skills.

Once you know you have the green light and are doing well, explore and develop your own style.

Remember to pay attention to the other person’s signals, but try out different things. Suck on their bottom lip a little, perhaps give a VERY light nibble, or try different techniques with your tongue.

NOTE: this does not mean under ANY circumstances that you should spread saliva anywhere else around their mouth except on their lips.

This brings me to a very important point: saliva is the enemy of intimate kissing. There are so many things that can go wrong. This is why your lips need to be moist, but not soaked. You all know what I’m talking about— the spit ogres. The people who when you pull back from a kiss, cause you to have the ultra sexy strand of spittle going between the two of you.

How about the person who gets saliva all over the areas above and below your lips — and its

Smooch A Observe the closed eyes, tilted heads, and bottom lip nibble — with a lip ring. Giggity!

Photo courtesy of Kristine Bates

sticky to boot! So, if you’re polite and you just let it dry rather than wiping it off in front of them, when you do squeegee it off your face, you find that it has actually dried to a crust — gross! I’d like to think that this is just a myth and that there is no way anyone with this lack of make-out know-how exists, but there are droolers out there, folks.

These people will not pick up on your signals that you want to pull away until you are seemingly out to sea. These people will drool all over you, sloppily suck on your lips — and even think that your chin needs to be kissed and tongued. When someone starts giving you the worst facial of your life with their tongue, manners and politeness need to go out the window. You now have the right to pour your beverage on their head, push them into a pool, fountain, or body of water, give them a swirly, or soak them with a garden hose. If they ask why, you raise a brow and repeat your action of choice.

Though it seems dumb to mention, I’m sure we’ve all done it — don’t forget to breathe! Sometimes we get caught up in the moment, or we turn our heads in an uncomfortable angle, but the kiss is so darn good we don’t want to straighten out so we can breathe. Don’t do this. While it may be funny the first time you pull away panting, if you do this on a regular basis, your partner is going to worry that you have a heart condition or that they smell.

Smooch B Sweet, gentle, following body language, going with the flow.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Seeley

Smooch C Yeah ... no. Let us count the ways this is just ... no.

Guys and girls polled really think it’s important to know that the goal of a kiss is not to eat the other person’s face. Interesting observation: Guys are more concerned with the actual technique of the kiss. During the poll, men were more likely to mention bottom lip control, less tongue, a gentle tug on the lower lip and calming down to go with the flow. Women were more concerned with the passion in a kiss, hand placement, light hair pulling and neck and shoulder kisses.

It looks like to get a 10 out of 10 you need: to go with the flow, pay attention to the other person’s signals, close your eyes, tilt your head, moisten your lips, use less tongue, give a flirtatious tug on the bottom lip, keep saliva level at a bare minimum, no chin or nose sucking, no nose smashing, pass soft intermediate kisses, share a gentle caress on the neck, face, or back of the head, and for Pete sake try to get in tune with your partner and move in unison.

That’s not too much to remember during a make-out moment, is it?

Smooch D Hand placement. Hawt!

Disclaimer

The sole purpose of this column is to share the opinions and advice of its writers. This content is in no way representative of or influenced by the conduct and values of Florida Gulf Coast University. Any concerns or feedback should be sent to the opinion editor, Sara Gottwalles at opinion@ eaglenews.org.

It is our belief that as adults, students deserve a public forum in which to educate themselves and discuss sexual and relationship topics. We deny the title of “sexperts.” However, we will seek the latest research and facts from those who are. We are open to receiving and answering any and all appropriate e-mails and questions for potential publication.

Smooch E Ah, the painful piranha “kiss.”

‘I was passed the oven mitts’

By Mandie Rainwater

A first experience in preparing Thanksgiving dinner

Staff writer

I

n 2004 my mother tapped me to cook the family Thanksgiving meal for the first time. I was so nervous that I started planning in July. I had big oven mitts to fit and I wasn’t about to let her down.

My mother started cooking the big meal for her family back in 1975. She was the youngest of four children, a new mother and looking for something to set herself apart from the rest of the family. Legend had it that it was the worst meal ever. The turkey was baked with the giblet bag still inside, the stuffing only filled the trash can, and the cranberry relish was made with pickle relish and dried cranberries. Not my mother’s finest hour. She knew what a failure her first attempt had been and vowed not to botch the one meal her entire family sat down together for ever again.

My father came into her life about a year later and I was born in December 1977. She was relieved of cooking duties that year due to her engorged state, which made it difficult to reach the stove or race around panicked as so many chefs do in November in the small kitchen of the house they lived in. My brother was in the oven in 1978 and she was once again excused, allowed to partake of the fare without the work.

Those few years really allowed her to develop her home cooking skills, with a finicky family of her own to keep fed, she had no choice in the matter.

She enchanted both sides of the gene pool with her comeback meal in 1980 and was christened the Thanksgiving chef from then on. All major aspects of the meal were at her discretion; she doled out sidedish assignments, delegated desserts to the panting pastry coinsures, and bestowed beverage shopping

lists on the singles. It was like watching the maestro of a fine metropolitan orchestra during rehearsals, runthroughs and then the main event. She was so wired and tired she rarely ate herself, instead basking in the experiences the guests had.

In 2004, she simply told me in June that she was retiring, and being the eldest it was now my job. At first I accepted the task with pride, then fear, then complete and utter terror set in. History repeats itself, I uttered for the five months leading up to the meal. I had to get the largest bird, the most succulent ham, and the mac and cheese had to be baked just so. I hand-rolled pie crusts and lovingly filled them with pureed pumpkin, I julienned the onions for the stuffing and then diced potatoes for boiling and mashing. The day came and my refrigerator was packed with the raw ingredients that I hoped I could beat and transform into something that might resemble eatable food.

My father called me early that morning because he knew I would be up preparing the turkey. My muse was in the hospital. Nothing major, he said, she just didn’t feel right. One of her many ailments had flared up that required immediate medical attention. I sunk into my dining room chair. She took the phone and said she expected ambrosia salad brought to her by 4; they wouldn’t let her eat before that.

At 1 p.m. my father and brother arrived — a far cry from the 30 people onslaughts mom had feed, and started the annual gluttony fest. We ate until gravy dripped from our orifices. Combat wounds that would digest away. After the meal I packed a box to the brim; sliced turkey, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, carrots, ham, cranberry sauce, stuffing, apple pie, pumpkin pie, and ambrosia salad. Way more than what

she would eat, I knew, but I took it anyway.

There she lay in the uncomfortable hospital bed that we had come to know her in so well as of late. She was drawing a picture. Her face lit up when I walked in and she said she knew it was me, she could smell the feast from the moment the elevator shaft started its assent to her floor. I sat the box down and pulled the rolling table closer so that I could set out plates and cutlery; the food went in the bay window sill. I had just put out the last dish when I heard her press the buzzer to the nurses’ station. “Food’s here — come and eat.” There was no argument; she would have won anyway. I saw nurse after nurse stuff themselves into the room. Good thing I knew my mother and brought enough.

She called me later and said a whole gaggle of people had followed their noses to her room, some employees while others were patients with no family. They raved about the meal, she said, not indicating if she had anything more than the ambrosia salad, and left it at that. The baton had been passed. Mom passed away in June the next year, never to sit at my Thanksgiving table, but she’s here every year. I am thankful for what I have and more so for what I’ve have lost.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Mandie Rainwater is a sophomore. She is majoring in secondary education with a focus in social sciences.

She is married with two children and is an active volunteer for C.A.R.E.S. Suicide Prevention. She is a contributing author to “UnspOILed: Writers speak for Florida’s Coast” and has been featured in the Southeast Online Review.

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Sports

Cheerleaders extend beyond stereotypes

By Zach Gibbons Staff writer

F

or FGCU’s cheerleaders, their job is more than just cheering at games and entertaining the crowd. That is only part of the picture.

FGCU cheerleading strives to provide support to our athletics programs and to be a voice in our community by participating in exhibitions outside campus.

Community support provides a forum to show outsiders the spirit and pride FGCU has.

“It’s probably one of the most vital things that we do — being a part of the community is definitely one of our number one goals,” said Kristen Buckley, a fourthyear cheerleader and senior.

“We want to make sure that people know that we are here, to support our athletics, and support everybody around. One of our main things is developing a fan base, and by reaching out, more people will come to games,” Buckley said.

The FGCU cheerleading team recently staged an exhibition called the FCC Competition at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers and they will be participating in more, including the Top Gun Showcase this Saturday.

“It was great (the FCC Competition),” Buckley said. “There were a lot of high schools, and even some cheerleaders from the church were there. We sat, watched and gave our support. Then at the end we showed off our skills. We tried to do a little bit of recruiting to get our name out

there.”

In an interesting dynamic, FGCU has more male cheerleaders on the squad than ever, four of them.

Ryan Lukosavich is proud to be one.

“I actually feel pretty proud of it,” Lukosavich said. “We have more males this year than ever, and it’s going to just keep growing from there. At larger universities they have usually the same amount of men and women, and that’s what we’re looking forward to at FGCU.” Both the men and women are drawn to cheerleading for its active, physical nature.

“The physical aspects that we put into it, the time, and the effort, is definitely difficult,” Buckley said. “I know a lot of guys that try to do it and probably couldn’t handle one of our practices.”

Lukosavich compares the athleticism required in cheerleading to the more glorified “manly” sports.

“I’ve had more injuries in cheerleading than in football, soccer or any other sport,” Lukosavich said.

“I consider it as something that requires a lot of skill. I’m not sure if I consider it a full-out sport because unless we’re competing, then I’m not sure how it can be an all out sport.”

Whether you consider FGCU cheerleading a sport or not, know that it is a vital part of the athletics program here at FGCU. The cheerleaders are fully committed to the community, and without them, it would be harder for our athletics programs to gain the support that they need.

Men and women are drawn to cheerleading for its active, physical nature. EN photo/Alycia Silber

Go-to guy Banks proves he’s healthy despite loss

Anthony Banks scored 16 points and brought down six rebounds in a loss vs. Indiana. EN stock photo

Gator Lanes

FGCU rebounds after Indiana trip

By Jon Galamay Staff writer

T $2 for shoes $2 for games

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Starting at

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Gator Lanes 7050 Crystal Drive eb Fort Myers, FL 33919 Come to Gator Lanes and receive discounts

he FGCU men’s basketball team lost its season opener last Friday against Indiana University at the prestigious Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. But the Eagles found things to build on for the rest of the season, and showed that Tuesday night with an 89-78 win over Southeast Missouri in their home opener.

That win came after Indiana’s Christian Watford, who had 24 points, and 14 team 3-pointers led the Hoosiers to an 88-60 win over FGCU. Indiana shot 50 percent from behind the arc, making it easy for them to get the double-digit win.

Protecting the three-point line and grabbing rebounds will be keys for the season.

“There’s plenty to work on. It’s early in the year,” FGCU coach Dave Balza said. “The biggest thing is rebounding. We got outrebounded heavily.”

FGCU got beat on the boards 40 to 31. Although Indiana is a prestigious Big 10 school with a highly decorated history, FGCU was able to hang in for a while until six unanswered points by Watford put the game away.

Anthony Banks scored 16 points and brought down 6 rebounds to lead the Eagles.

Banks proved that he was healthy from off-season foot surgery, showing he can be the lowpost player the still-developing Eagles need.

Banks wasn’t satisfied with the Eagles’ performance in the opener.

“Toward the second half we didn’t defend as well as we did in the first half. We need to be able to take better shots, move the ball, and take better looks. I know there were a couple times when I had three guys covering me and I still tried to shoot the ball.”

Even with the loss, the team still

seems to be in high spirits.

The loss exposed the weaknesses that need to be improved on, but the team understands that it was only the first game, hence the successful rebound Tuesday at home.

With all the new teammates, it should take some time to find the chemistry that will let the team flow.

“Indiana has a great program and had a great shooting night, but in the first half we stuck with them,” Banks said. “That shows a lot about our team, and especially with the new guys in our team doing good.”

Look out for these breakout new players: Marlon Rivera, Chase Fieler and Tim Snyder.

They should be large contributors to a hopefully successful season. “I was happy with their effort level,” Balza said. “We need to execute a lot of things better, but it’s not that atypical at this time of the year that we need to work on a couple things. So if they keep working hard, and execute plays we should be in a good position.”

Sports

WWW.EAGLENEWS.ORG t /07&.#&3 t EAGLE NEWS 19

Recruits could revive volleyball success

By Andrew Binninger Staff writer

T

he FGCU volleyball team is hopeful that a strong incoming recruiting class will help offset a rough 2010 season that saw the Eagles finish 7-19 (3-7 A-Sun).

At the beginning of the season, FGCU was picked to finish second in the A-Sun and was one of two schools to have multiple players on the All-Conference Team in Jelena Simic and Holly Youngquist.

The season got off to a decent start as the girls won two of their first four games, however, they struggled down the stretch.

Coach Dave Nichols has turned his attention to next year.

“Recruiting has gone very well,” Nichols said. “We have four early signings and we have signed very talented players.

We’re going to land another top quality player. We are also going to find answers for the things that we struggled with this season. We feel that the team did not have enough hitters this season,

FGCU volleyball players close in on the ball in a conference game. EN stock photo

and we feel that we need to address that.”

Even though the off-season is starting, training for next sea-

son will begin soon enough.

“The team will start training in January, but a handful of players can start practicing for next

Swimming & diving prepares for Georgia Tech Invitational

This is the first year that the Eagles will compete at the Georgia Tech Invitational. EN stock photo

By Jenny Rodgers Staff writer

T

his weekend, the two-time defending CCSA champion FGCU Swimming and Diving team will have a chance to prove themselves against high-profile competition at the Georgia Tech Invitational on Friday through Sunday.

This will be the first year that the Eagles will compete, as they usually take part in the Miami of Ohio Invitational.

The Georgia Tech meet is packed with competition from big-name schools such as Michigan State, UF, FSU, Miami, Clemson, Georgia Tech, GardnerWebb and the Air Force Academy, among others.

Both junior captain Teri Lytle and coach Neal Studd agree that aside from the conference championship, the Georgia Tech meet will be the most vital meet of the season.

“It’s part of what we train for all season,” Lytle said. “It’s a chance for us to see how fast we can go, and see how all of our hard work is paying off.”

Studd looks to see how his team stacks up against the best.

“It’s the end of a training cycle for us,” Studd said. “It’s important because we get the opportunity to race against some big-name schools, and show them where we stand.”

Swimming and diving still has another year until they are post-season eligible, but that didn’t stop Studd from joking, “I’m a little nervous that with all the big-name school competing that it might turn into a little NCAA preview.”

Preparing for the meet, the Eagles have been religiously training to go beyond their fullest potential.

Two-a-day practices and individual performance evaluations are factors that the Eagles are hoping will allow them to soar above the renowned competitors.

“We break the girls up into focus meetings, so we can individually see what we need to work on for each one,” Studd said.

Outside of the pool, the girls have been working on building not only their strength as swimmers, but also their strength in unity as a team.

“We’re definitely very competitive, and we’re close as a team so we’re really good at supporting each other,” Lytle said. “We’ve been working on a lot of team bonding activities, like team dinners and doing community service together.”

At the Georgia Tech Invitational, the swimmers will compete all day with the hopes of being able to compete in the finals that night.

However, according to Studd, “If they don’t come out to perform in the morning as a team, we won’t be able to swim as individuals at night.”

One worry that Studd has — as well as many of his swimmers — is the absence of the former conference swimmer of the year, Vicky Cadge, who will not be competing due to a sprained ankle.

Despite the big loss of Cadge, Studd is optimistic.

He says that the girls are looking good in practice and that they all appear to be getting stronger as a whole in preparation for the critical test this weekend.

season toward the end of the semester,” Nichols said.

Before they can start training, many of the Eagles must heal from lingering injuries, which hampered the team throughout the season.

“Holly Youngquist played with a bad shoulder and a torn meniscus this season and Brittany Muse needs surgery on her knee,” Nichols said. “My plan is to rest everybody who needs to rest and we will train everyone when they are ready for it.”

Nichols is not allowed to comment on the current status of early signings, but he hopes to land at least four of his recruits at this point.

There will be another signing day in April at which time, according to Nichols, “We will know about the rest of our class.”

Nichols also has a few opponents already lined up for next season.

“The University of California will be coming out here for the FGCU Tournament, and we

will also be going to Penn State University for a tournament,” Nichols said. “We also plan on traveling to the University of Miami-Ohio for a game. We are still trying to play tough teams, but not as tough as the teams we played this year.”

Maintaining a consistent pattern of play and having everyone healthy will be keys for next year.

“We have to find our rhythm sooner,” Nichols said. “Many times this year we had a player who was either sick or injured, and I had so many different lineups this year.

“We hope to have consistency.”

Among the girls who are returning next season are Youngquist, who led the team this season with a team-high 389 digs; and Camil Dominquez, who concluded her rookie season with 887 assists.

Sports

ENSPORTS weekly recap Women’s tennis

/07&.#&3 t 888 &"(-&/&84 03(

Women grow in win vs. Big East foe

By Daryl Scopino Contributing writer

I Senior Iris Rendon defeated an SEC foe from Mississippi State to win the backcdraw of the Lakewood Ranch Clay Court Classic. The tournament was hosted by ESPN’s Dick Vitale.

Men’s golf

Won the Stetson Invitational for the second straight year. Senior Dan Mazziotta led the Eagles to their second tournament win of the year, earning medalist honors.

Volleyball

Junior Holly Youngquist earned A-Sun all-conference second-team honors and freshman Camil Dominguez notched an A-Sun all-freshman team selection.

Men’s soccer

t was a great win and a great atmosphere for the girls basketball team in their home opener against Seton Hall.

Prior to the start of the game during player introductions, FGCU students who attended were given copies of Eagle News to act as if they were reading it, giving the vibe that they were too busy to pay any attention to the Seton Hall starting line-up.

The Pirates outsized the Lady Eagles this game, but that did not stop FGCU from taking the 64-57 victory.

The game started off slow with many turnovers and missed opportunities on both sides of the ball.

To be exact, there were 36 total turnovers in the first half.

The first jump shot that went in for either team wasn’t made until 7:30 remaining in the first half, as the half ended with Seton Hall leading 24-19.

The second half was a totally different game.

The Eagles came out of halftime shooting 3-pointers left and right to get back into the game.

It was a close game all the way to the end, when FGCU’s Courtney Chihil made a game-changing 3-pointer while getting fouled to give the Eagles the lead.

In the last few minutes of the game, the FGCu victory was secured by outstanding foul shooting from Shavonne Butler, a senior, Shannon Murphy, also a senior, and Kelsey Jacobson, a junior.

Chihill, a guard, realizes her team has to get used to playing bigger teams, as the Eagles rely more on penetration from the guards and outside shooting. “Guarding someone taller usually happens,� Chihill said. “It’s pretty much all about toughness.

I’m 5-8, and I normally play in the post so I’m used to it.�

Murphy, who had all of her 12 points in the second half and went 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, be-

Shannon Murphy dribbles against a Seton Hall player during Friday night’s win. EN photo/Alycia Silber

lieves that maintaining composure was crucial against Seton Hall, a big name, Big East school. “We came into the game knowing there would be a lot of screens, so communication was big, and the free throws at the end were huge,�

Murphy said. “We play a lot of big name schools and we just treat them like any other team. Big name or not, it’s an opponent.�

Coach Karl Smesko knows that his team will need to continue to play an up-tempo style, minimize mistakes and gang rebound to combat bigger opponents. “It was a little sloppy in the first half, but both teams competed hard,� Smesko said. “We definitely competed tonight on the boards and we tried to get out and run with it as much as we could.�

Young players such as Kiara

forward to their next game against Troy on Sunday, Nov. 21 at Alico Arena.

EN www.eaglenews.org ONLINE UPDATES n Check out www.eaglenews.org to get game updates right after it happens.

Highly ranked ice hockey eyes first national title

By Karly Gordon Contributing writer

T

he FGCU hockey team has been creating quite a stir in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).

By the looks of how they’ve been dominating their competition, the No. 2-ranked team in the Southeast region believes they’re on a one-way road to The ACHA National Cham-

pionship in San Jose, Calif.

Captain Mike Lendino has awaited this success for the five years he’s been on the team. “We finally have a team that has a chance to win this school their first national championship,� Lendino said. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and right now we don’t have any weak links.�

The team’s current record is 18-1 with their most recent win coming against Boston College (6-3).

Ranked No. 20 in final regular season Soccer America top 25 poll

Men’s basketball Beat Southeast Missouri 89-78 Tuesday night in home opener. Reed Baker finished with game-high 28 points.

Bombden, a redshirt freshman; and Sarah Hansen, also a redshirt freshman, contributed minutes and will be counted upon to step up and add depth through a long season. “They didn’t see a lot of action but when they got in there they contributed,� Smesko said. “I think they’ll progress from this and be excited to be a part of it.�

Seton Hall head coach Anne Donovan, who previously coached in the WNBA and also led the U.S. national women’s basketball team, is impressed with the quick ascent of the FGCU program. “The FGCU girls basketball program has done a great job and we were aware of their ability to shoot and play defense,� Donovan said.

The Lady Eagles are looking

Defenseman Ryan Elliott stick-handles the puck in a game. EN Stock photo

The only game they lost was when they were missing Lendino due to an injury. They’ve maintained a consistent mindset throughout. “To have a successful team, everyone has to have the same thing in common,� Lendino said. “What we all have in common is that we want to win a national championship.�

The Eagles consist of 13 new players, including six from Canada.

Mike Sisera and Ryan McAleese are both native Canadians.

Sisera chose playing at FGCU over playing in Canada, the most prominent ground for hockey talent. “I could be going to school in Canada, but I’m here at FGCU to play for our great team,� Sisera said.

Northern hockey teams notice FGCU’s strong defense and intense offense, so they are able to recruit outside of Florida. “We’ve found players outside of the state,� McAleese said. “It’s good to have northern players with a natural background in the sport.�

Ice hockey has been up and coming in Florida for the past 10 years, and FGCU is one of the sources for this growing talent.

More and more great hockey players are coming out of the South, including two Floridians who were just drafted into the NHL this past year.

FGCU practices on and off the ice in preparation for the National Championship, which begins March 15, 2011. “One of my favorite parts of playing hockey is the camaraderie with my teammates,� Florida-born Nathan Altman said. “We all have each other’s back and we’re pretty tight-knit. One of the key components of having a successful team is being able to work well together and having this camaraderie.�

The Eagles expect to compete for a national championship, but are respectful of the competition. “There are a few good teams out west, so whenever we get to Nationals, it’s definitely going to be huge competition, and definitely not a cake walk,�

McAleese said.

In the meantime, FGCU is hosting the Gulf Coast Clash at Germain Arena on Jan. 14-16, where they will be up against club teams such as Boston College, Michigan State and University of Colorado.

If they dominate the competition, they will send out a huge message to the rest of the country. T They encourage as much support as possible to help lead them to FGCU’s first National Championship.