September 19, 2014 by Indiana Statesman

Friday September 19, 2014 Indiana State University www.indianastatesman.com Volume 122 Issue 13

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

After finding a note in University hall, police evacuate the building and patrol the area for any suspicious behavior (Photo by Ayden Jent).

Yik Yak attack:

Normal Hall:

Social media post causes campus-wide pandemonium KRISTI ASHBY News Editor Indiana State University students, faculty and staff were on high alert on campus because of a threat made by an anonymous person on social media site, Yik Yak, that there would be a shooting Thursday. Called the “bullying app“ by Boston.com in May, Yik Yak is an anonymous social media app. It has been used by some people to make shooting and bombing threats at high schools in the U.S. The following information was released at 1:46 a.m. by Indiana State University communications through an email alert: At approximately 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, an ISU student reported that while on the ISU blog of the “Yik Yak” social media app on her cell phone, she saw an anonymous message that read “I wonder if this school shooting is going to go as planned tomorrow.” The reporting student replied, “That’s not funny man. I should report this!” Within 90 seconds the post was taken down. It is quite possible this information may be a hoax. There has been no corroborating information received to support this.

However, it is the procedure of the ISU Police Department to share any information where there may be a threat to the campus community. All local law enforcement agencies have been advised of this information. Particularly on Thursday, Sept. 18, please report any suspicious activity to the ISU Police Department at 812-237-5555 or call 911. Students were encouraged to keep on the lookout on campus and to remember active shooter protocols. Many students did not believe this social media post and thought it was a hoax. One such student was Racheal Cervantes, a junior speech language pathology major. “All I know was that it was on Yik Yak,” Cervantes said. “I think it’s a hoax but there was always a possibility though. Since Yik Yak is anonymous, people feel like they can put on there whatever they want. This is really immature of that person. People are afraid and ISU is on lockdown because of this. I would be in shock if something had happened.” “An active shooter is a person who appears to be actively engaged in killing or

attempting to kill people in a populated area, typically employing the use of firearms,” the ISU public safety website states. Public Safety gives three actions to take if an active shooter would come onto campus. Their suggestions are to run, hide, or fight. Using any of these actions does depend on the situation the person is in. People are to run if a safe getaway is available to them, hide if they cannot run away, and fight only as a last resort. For more information about what to do in such emergency situations, contact Tammy Hurst, ISU Police Administrative Assistant, at 812-237-7829 or Tammy.Hurst@indstate. edu. No information has come in stating whether the Yik Yak post is a hoax or an active plan gone wrong. University Police advise that a note was found in a University Hall men’s restroom at approximately 12:40 p.m. saying. “Start shooting at 1:15 be ready. Jihad.” It is still possible that this is a hoax but proper precautions should be taken. Additional police officers will be in the area of University Hall and campus. YIK YAK ATTACK CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Remodeling due to be done by 2015 PAGE 3

Overwhelmed?: Why developing time management skills in college is important PAGE 4

Pizza and Politics:

Students come together to discuss politics over some pizza PAGE 6

Sports: Sycamore sports teams have busy weekend ahead PAGE 9

NEWS

News Editor, Kristi Ashby StatesmanNews@isustudentmedia.com Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 2

Nature preserve receiving much-needed upkeep Randy Ricci Reporter Indiana State University and the Vigo County Park and Recreation Department have partnered up in the upkeep of the Wabashiki Trail. They have reached a 3-year agreement which calls for Indiana State University to pay $25,000 a year for upkeep and maintenance of the trail. The Wabashiki trail often needs maintenance for general upkeep and can sometimes get washed away by the river. The trail is 12 feet wide, over 10 miles long, has a soft surface and is part of a 2,600-acre section of land called the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife area. Many students at ISU use the trail for various reasons. One of the reasons that students use the trail is for cross-country practice. yik yak attack continued from page 1

Report any suspicious activity to 812237-5555 or 911. This note was released to the public at 1:17 p.m. by Indiana State University communications through email alerts. ISU PD was sent to patrol University Hall and kept watch for suspicious activity in the hallways. Jacquelyn Smith, a sergeant and bike patrol officer for ISU, checked the halls of the first floor of the Bayh College of Education. Smith could not release any information about the events happening on campus due to the shooter threat but did say, “We are currently taking in new leads.” There were reports of students and faculty hiding in locked rooms with lights out in University Hall as if the building was on lockdown. ISU was not locked down but some buildings were closed for a short time by building management. Many teachers cancelled classes for the day because of the shooter threat. Some teachers had class but dismissed early because students didn’t feel

John McNichols is the head coach for the men’s cross-country team and supports the agreement that ISU and Vigo County have made. “Runners have been using the trail since the mid-90s,” McNichols said. “It didn’t become a formal practice spot ‘til about 2007. I am glad we meet an agreement, because the budget for the county park department has been hammered down by the frugality of the state. I certainly hope it becomes a longterm thing, but hopefully there is an upturn in the park budget.” Logan Hambrock, a sophomore studying criminal justice and a crosscountry runner, is very familiar with the trail. “The Wabashiki trail is over 10 miles of soft surface nature trails which spans through the Wabashiki Nature Preserve,”

Hambrock said. “It is maintained by the parks department and serves as a primary training ground for the cross country teams.” Cross-country runners are not the only students who use the trail; many science classes use the trail and the river for many projects and research. Students have used the Wabashiki Nature Preserve to collect data from soil and trees, map invasive species and check water quality for an Environment 110 class. With many ISU students utilizing the trail, it is only fair that we help with the upkeep and maintenance also. Before the trail existed it belonged to farmers and was mainly used as farmland, but the county purchased the land for a levee, and it is now also a nature preservation.

Amber Slaughterbeck is a natural resource programmer for the Vigo County Park and Recreation Department and spoke about the agreement between the school and the department. “We’re all super excited to work with the school,” Slaughterbeck said. “We definitely need help maintaining the trail for public use.” The trails are used and enjoyed by plenty of people whether they go to ISU or just live in the local area. As of now there is no plan to keep up the agreement between Indiana State University and the Parks and Recreation Department. The upkeep of the trail is important for some Sycamore students, but also for the nature surrounding the trail and many people hope it will be around for a long time of use and enjoyment.

comfortable being in class. Josh Pendleton, a senior public relations major, found out about 8:15 a.m. during his first class. “I wanted to leave,” Pendleton said. “[But] I couldn’t … I had three classes cancel throughout the day because of the threat. Some people do not seem to be taking this seriously, but they should. I did go to the extravaganza at the library but didn’t stay long because I feel if there was going to be something to happen; it would be where there are larger numbers of people gathered. I felt like it would be a center of attention for someone that wants to hurt a lot of people.” Indiana State Police officers are currently working to find out more information concerning this threat on the Indiana State University campus. Some staff were not informed of the events happening on campus, including the note found with a time for the shooting. Diane Edwardson, a worker at the Jazzman’s Cafe, located in the atrium at University Hall, was never informed of the events until two students decided to tell her.

“I saw officers patrolling the building before and after the note were found but I was not told what was going on,” Edwardson said. “Students had to inform me of the newest threat.” Joseph Newport, the chief of police, has stationed officers throughout campus in case an emergency would happen. “I can’t say it’s a hoax,” Newport said. “It is likely that it is but not being prepared and not sharing this information is inappropriate. We notified Vigo County Police, West Terre Haute Police, Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana State Police, Vigo County Sheriff ’s Department and the FBI. Terre Haute PD and Indiana State police officers helped patrol the outskirts of campus for the day [Thursday], while ISU PD patrolled campus buildings and the center of campus.” Indiana State University Public Safety Department is currently handling all investigations related to the threat. Dave Taylor, ISU media relations director, has no plans to release a public announcement about the threat on campus.

A ‘Yak’ was posted late Wednesday night alerting people of a possible shooting that was supposed to take place on ISU campus Thursday (Photo by Kristi Ashby).

www.indianastatesman.com

Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 3

Normal Hall renovations will retain rich history MAKYLA THOMPSON Reporter The historical building Normal Hall, that was once an old library, is getting remodeled and should be ready by 2015. While walking around campus students might notice all of the construction going on. Besides the remodeling of Mills Hall, there is construction being done to Normal Hall. Normal Hall is the building between Stalker Hall and the performing arts buildings. Normal Hall was built in 1910 and was used as a library until 1972. Since then it has been empty, used for storage. No classes ever took place there, but starting next year that will all change. Bryan Duncan, the director of capital planning and improvement, is an important person in this project. “The building is historically significant; it’s on the national

Construction has begun on the renovation of Normal Hall. The project is expected to completed by July of 2015 (Photo by Ayden Jent).

registry of historic places,” said Duncan. “So we’ve been preserving the building since that time with new roofs and new windows, hoping that someday we can do a renovation of the building.” The Weddle Construction

Company is doing all the remodeling for this building. The Weddle Construction Company started the Normal Hall renovations in May of 2014. They are remodeling everything from the floors to the furniture, and all the construction that is

taking place. The total cost for this Project is $16 million. One of the main features in the building that they are restoring is an old opalescent art glass dome. The dome is an important piece of art in the building because it pays tribute to some of the greatest philosophers and educators including six who are from Indiana. If students walk by Normal Hall they will see that some of the building is demolished. “The original 1910 building had an addition to it in the 1950s, and we tore down that addition,” said Duncan. “So not only are they fixing it up, we are technically getting a whole new building.” The renovations are causing excitement across campus. When it is finished, it will house the Center for Student Success and University College, which will provide tutoring and advising services for the students

on campus. “This is a very exciting project for our campus, not only to allow many important academic services for students to be located in one facility, but also because Normal Hall is the only remaining building we have that was built for what was known in 1910 at Indiana Normal School,” said Diann McKee, the Vice President for Business Affairs, Finance, and University Treasurer. “It has a rich historical past that is being incorporated into the renovation.” “It will give additional classroom space,” said Arvanna Edwards, an administrative assistant in the Math and Computer Science Department. “It’s close to the Welcome Center, and also to the current library.” The building is supposed to be done by July 2015. That will give Indiana State plenty of time to get things ready and in place for the new incoming freshman.

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OPINION

Opinions Editor, Kylie Adkins StatesmanOpinions@isustudentmedia.com Editor-in-Chief, Alex Modesitt StatesmanEditor@isustudentmedia.com

FEELING OVERWHELMED? Developing time management skills crucial to college skills

According to an annual survey of incoming freshmen nationwide by the Cooperative Institutional Research Program, or CIRP, based at the University of California-Los Angeles, the percentage of incoming first-year college students who Columnist said they frequently felt overwhelmed during their senior year of high school increased from 28.5 percent in 2011 to 30.4 percent in 2012. I, however, found an interesting oxymoron that exists in the college world. Time management often comes into conflict with students’ schedules when they try to do too many things outside of the classroom. Such activities would include hanging out with friends, intramural sports, going to club meetings and working. This proves to be a problem when outside activities start to become more important than classroom activities. Time management is on everybody’s mind. Thankfully, the school provides tons of support for students to grab ahold of that can help us spend our time wisely. Setting up dates and appointments with various mentors and coaches can be done online. Many of the outreach services here have unique information and networks that could benefit a student infinitely. The first step to obtaining this help

Mason Moton

is as easy as pressing a button. The people and programs set in place for student support are there to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Learning how to find the help you need can be very enjoyable when you take into consideration the different personality qualities we all possess, but one thing stays the same in academic counselors — the mission to help you succeed in the best way possible. A graduate student gave a helpful tool, which I implement to this day; she called it “self-analysis.” This process requires you to first examine what areas you are struggling with, figure out how you learn best and in what ways you have overcome similar struggles in the past and make the proper decisions to do what is best for you. She told me how she was struggling in one of her science classes due to the hour long lectures she would have to listen to day in and day out. She realized after analyzing herself and her situation that she did best in classes that require a lot of reading as opposed to listening to someone speak for a long period of time. Subsequently, she made the executive decision to spend her time reading her science book instead of listening to the class lectures and she improved her grades and passed her class. Try and reflect on your learning capabilities and synchronize them

with your study habits she told me. Ever since then I have been using selfanalysis as a guide through school. This tool can be used to help you manage your time, do better in a class or manage any overwhelming feelings you may have. It is versatile enough for you to implement it how you want. Organization is more important than any other quality to have as a college student. If one does not have good organization skills, then stress, confusion and disorientation are all feelings one can expect to be well acquainted with. Luckily, if one does have poor organization, a good analysis of self could definitely help. An agenda or day planner will not only make a great impact on your organization skills, but it will also give you a better understanding of how you spend your time, help you detail what areas of your day you can improve and deliver steady results for a given schedule. It is not easy to organize yourself. All you need is a set block of time to do so, after you determine where you need to start. As you can see, organizing yourself leads to general life improvement. After you organize your schedule, you can organize your books, materials, priorities and even your friends. The sky is the limit after you organize what is in front of you. Using self-analysis and organization will without a doubt ease any tension that has arisen from the plethora of college events and requirements that any level college student will encounter.

Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 4

Anonymous app can be used to instill fear A new app being used on campus called Yik Yak, while awesome, is causing quite a problem for students who don’t want to live in fear of being shot. While the anonymity of Yik Yak is what has made it popular, it has also opened the floodgates for every inappropriate, racist or just insensitive thought. Reading many of the Yaks, it would appear that most students Opinions are just trying to hook up or shout out to hot girls, but Wednesday Editor night things took a negative turn. Somebody posted a Yak about a possible shooting on ISU’s campus Thursday. News stations as far away as Indianapolis reported the story, and as a result the campus was empty most of Thursday. Students staying home and classes being cancelled may at first seem to be overreacting, but who can really blame them with this country’s history of school shootings. This whole scare would probably not have been posted if not for the anonymity of Yik Yak. We all know how being anonymous on the Internet changes people. People become mean and nasty when they get the chance to hide their identity. So while Yik Yak is a cool, fun way to connect with people locally, it can do some real harm. I’ve seen people being told to join the Ku Klux Klan, and half the posts seem to be racist. While it may be fun to say whatever you want, you should always be careful of what you post. If this threat was a joke, it was not funny and the poster — if found — can and will be arrested. Show some tact and respect.

Kylie Adkins

Opinions Policy The opinions page of the Indiana Statesman offers an opportunity for the Indiana State University community to express its views. The opinions, individual and collective, expressed in the Statesman and the student staff ’s selection or arrangement of

content do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the university, its Board of Trustees, administration, faculty or student body. The Statesman editorial board writes staff editorials and makes final decisions about news content. This newspaper serves

as a public forum for the ISU community. Make your opinion heard by submitting letters to the editor at statesmanopinions@isustudentmedia.com. Letters must be fewer than 500 words and include year in school, major and phone number for verification.

Letters from non-student members of the campus community must also be verifiable. Letters will be published with the author’s name. The Statesman editorial board reserves the right to edit letters for length, libel, clarity and vulgarity.

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Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 5

Fitting the crime: The ethics of capital punishment When we were growing up, our parents always told us to be wary of strangers. They would tell us how dangerous being around strangers was and our parents would often keep an eye on us when we were outside playing, maybe even hold our hand in the grocery store so didn’t get “stolen.” But Columnist we often, when we are kids, we don’t quite understand why. As adults we read the news and we understand. There is always a story where a serial killer claimed a dozen lives or a rapist unreasonably claims that the victim asked for it. What do we do with the worst offenders? We kill them. Criminals who violate capital offenses are sometimes sent to death row. According to the Death Penalty Information Center,

Zachery Davis

many offenses — including murder, rape and kidnapping — are considered capital crimes. We put them in a small room surrounded by medical equipment, insert needles into them and then kill them with lethal injection. Why can we kill some people but punish others for the same exact offense? We say that we want to save the narwhals or protect the rainforest and save all the life there, but are people really that expendable? A hole quickly forms in our logic when we get an attitude that allows us to be exempt from our own rules. There is always going to be an argument where there are “special cases” where taking a life is okay. Still, who are we to decide who gets to live while others don’t deserve the privilege? We don’t have any such right and we shouldn’t claim we do. After all, our forefathers wrote the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights to guarantee what people have a

natural right to, and life is one of them. Of course our legal system isn’t exactly the best. O.J. Simpson taught us that. Just as it is possible for criminals to be set free back on the street, it is just as likely we will kill an innocent victim. Many papers including the Huffington Post have reported that at least four out of every 100 inmates executed every year are innocent. Often we don’t realize someone is innocent until after they are poisoned to death by lethal injection. What can we say now? Oops. There is no way to amend such a gruesome act to someone who is innocent. Death is permanent. Not only is the death penalty morally and logically wrong, it is a financial problem. The Atlantic reports California spends about $308 million for every one execution — over $180 million more every year than cases consisting of life without parole. The costs keep going up by hundreds of millions every year, and this money

comes from you, the taxpayer. Do we really think we can keep up with this trend, both mentally and financially? After all, we are calling these murderers we slaughter “monsters,” but we are justified in our actions, that because they did something amoral first that we are allowed to do the same. I suppose this could stem from my childhood. When my sisters and I fought my mother would always say to us, “I don’t care who started it, I am ending it. Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Violators of the law should still be punished, but there are better ways to do so. They can be given roles in society where they work at soup kitchens, clean public areas, or anything else where they can help without hurting someone. And they will always have a police officer right there in case something goes wrong. This saves on the cost of the death penalty as well as opens jobs for law enforcement. This seems like a win-win to me.

Campus eye: ISU students respond to Thursday’s shooting threats “Well, I wasn’t nervous about it, because normally when shootings happen there is not a warning. But as soon as I got the email about the note in University Hall I kind of freaked out a little bit, because all my classes are in the music building, which is right by University Hall. So, that made me nervous, but nothing’s happened.”

“I mean, it scared me to an extent. To another extent I think it was a hoax because the shooting would’ve already happened.” Quinnah Stowe – psychology, freshman

“I don’t really think it’s a concern. I feel like it’s not a very valid threat, just because it was a social media thing and people are really stupid on Yik Yak. So, I like that they’re taking precautions, but I think everyone on campus is freaking out a little more than they should.” Justin Early – finance, sophomore

Morgan Hurson – music business, junior

“Well, for me, I just continued my day like it was a normal day, if something were to happen, it would happen, but I know that I would be protected by the faculty and staff that’s around me at the time.” Daniel Delgado music education, sophomore

“I feel like somebody’s playing like it’s a game. I take it seriously, but I don’t take it too seriously. I still went to my classes; I didn’t let it stop me from anything like that. But I feel like whoever’s playing needs to stop — it’s not cute and it’s not fair.” Keyaira Smith – pre-med, junior

“That stuff happens so often nowadays, it just disappointing that people still see it everyday, so they don’t treat it as an actual thing. It’s only going to be as big of a deal as people make it. If something were to happen, of course, it would escalate quickly, but I think it’s only going to be as dangerous and as controversial as people make it on campus.” Blake Kirkham – music education, sophomore

FEATURES

Features Editor, Andrew Christman StatesmanFeatures1@isustudemtmedia.com Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 6

‘Pizza and politics’ ponders political problems Mariah Lee Reporter Pizza and Politics was a free event that was held at Federal Hall on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. and presented by the American Democracy Project. Pizza and Politics is exactly what it sounds like: it’s people discussing politics and eating pizza. The event was held that day because it coincided with Constitution Day. Many students already knew about this event, because many of those in attendance were pre-law or political science majors. Many students attended because it was a class requirement, some came for the conversation and some just came for the pizza. Lea Zoll, senior political science major, said, “It’s always helpful to see other people’s ideas on situations because politics is a conglomerate of other people’s ideas.”

The evening started with smallgroup discussions and debates on the constitution that then lend to big-group discussions. The debate topics included: How has the internet affected our freedom of speech, is having “in God we trust” on our money constitutional and does the government have too much control over the media and the press? The evening closed with a speech about the Constitution and a look into the Hobby Lobby case that happened over the summer. Many people believe that this event was very successful because it got students thinking about the Constitution. Jerald Worthington, a senior political science major, said, “It’s definitely a success, because it got people thinking and arguing about what we [are] entitled to in our Constitution.” Pizza and Politics gave students a lot to think about regarding the Constitution.

Students at Indiana State gather in Federal Hall on Constitution Day to discuss different facets of politics while enjoying fresh slices of pizza (Photo by Larry Garland).

Most students at Pizza and Politics could agree that even if you didn’t know a lot about politics, you could still have a very thought-provoking time. Kelli Buchanan, a sophomore nursing

major, said, “It was very insightful. I went to just check it out and listen to what they had to say. I don’t know a whole lot about politics, so it was very interesting to hear everything.”

Sycamore filmmaker finds a fund-raiser for his film Adler Ingalsbe Reporter Cody Mattox, a senior communication major, is planning on launching a fundraiser to kick start his film project. This fundraiser will be using Indiegogo, the largest global crowdfunding platform on the Internet, which is basically an online fundraiser where regular people donate money. “I’m wanting to go into the film industry, and because I’m starting out with my own projects, I’m using Indiegogo,” Mattox said. Mattox is hoping to raise about $2,000 when he and his creative team launch their Indiegogo fundraiser in a few weeks. “We’re just shooting for enough to cover equipment and props. Maybe costuming.” “This [film project] is for Comm 466, I

believe. It’s an independent study course. You take the skills that you’ve attained in a field and you use them for this project.” Mattox said. “The professor I’m working with, Darlene Hantzis, she knows I want to go into film and she’s very, very helpful in forwarding my career.” Mattox said. “She’s been very supportive since I’ve started.” Mattox will be directing the film, playing the leading role and has also been writing the script with the help of his producers, Kelly McClelland, Kat Bussone and John Wakim. “I am the writer. I am the director, and I guess I am the lead. We’ll see how that goes.” Mattox said. While Mattox is playing the lead, it leaves several other roles to be filled. He plans on having open casting calls for several more roles later in the semester.

Mattox has always wanted to be an actor, and as he was growing up, he realized that he wanted to write and direct as well. He wasn’t sure how he could combine the skills until he discovered film, and now he knows that film is his dream job. “My heart has been set on film since forever. I wouldn’t change my mind for anything.” The film itself is a remake of the popular comic, Batman. “The film is a fan film on my particular take of a new Batman series. I’ve had my idea on what would make a good series. It’s an homage to the old days of batman. Kind of like a ‘film noir’ feel. Kind of like ‘Sin City,’ just not as weird.” Mattox said. “Currently, I’m writing a script that should be done by midterms. The actual filming process shouldn’t start until mid-

October. Hopefully, it shouldn’t take more than two or three weeks to shoot. Then editing.” Mattox is unsure of whether he will hold a campus premier of the film or just post it on YouTube, but he hopes to be finished with the film by November. “[A screening is] possible. I’m still trying to figure out everything. The main priority is to get it done for my professor, for my class.” Mattox said. “If it’s possible to get a screening on campus, I will.” Mattox does, however, have a goal for this particular project. “My biggest goal is that I do it right. That I do a good adaptation to a character that I’ve idolized since I was a kid. That I can actually stay true to my vision as a writer and director. That I don’t compromise. That I don’t only stay true to the character but to myself as well.”

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Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 7

Students step up for Sycamore Sessions Genese Zatkoff Reporter When was the last time you’d been to a talent show? Last Tuesday, Sycamore Sessions was hosted in Dede 1. It started at approximately 9 p.m., and was a packed house. This event was a must-see. Students from all over the university could audition for what is called Sycamore Sessions, basically a talent show. Prizes were awarded to first-, second-, and third-place groups. There was a wide range of talents displayed, such as singing, dancing and step dancing. Tryouts have been going on for the past few weeks. Freshman business and administrator major Todd Gardner was one of the many in the show. “I’m on the Precision step team and I started dancing my freshman year of high school. When I found out about this, I thought it would be really cool to try out.” One of the first things I noticed at this specific event was the crowd interaction.

Students were screaming and going crazy for whoever was up on the stage. The performers would rap and get the crowd involved with the lyrics. This was such a highly-anticipated event that after five minutes of letting students in, it reached maximum capacity. This means a lot of students looking forward to this event were told to wait in the hallway until more space became available. One of the many students waiting outside was Freshman Lele Millijan, a psychology major. “I initially came with all my friends, but they got in, so I’ve been looking through the window, watching. I had no idea it was going to be this full.” No one had anticipated that the event would be so successful. A bigger event space might be needed next time. Millijan also added, “I came because I needed a study break. I thought this would be the perfect relaxer.” Other students weren’t as happy with the outcome. Sophomore accounting

Students showcase their talented sides at Sycamore Sessions (Statesman file photo).

major Jada Matthews was waiting by the door; waiting for her chance to go in. “I didn’t think it was fair that even though students were leaving we still weren’t allowed to enter. I didn’t plan on

staying long, but I felt like I was missing out on something.” Whether it was a positive or negative view, Sycamore Sessions had students talking.

SPORTS

Sports Editor, Rob Lafary StatesmanSports@isustudentmedia.com Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 8

Owens finds home with Sycamores Rob Lafary Sports Editor For the last three years, Gary Owens has searched for his rightful spot in the collegiate football ranks. Three states and three schools later, the wide receiver is now at home and finding success as an Indiana State Sycamore. Owens’ journey first began inside the Mecca of high school football, Dallas, Texas. As one of the city’s best prospects, the southern native recorded over 1,400 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his final two seasons combined at West Mesquite High School, earning him alldistrict honors. For Owens, the time spent on the high school gridiron is a memory he holds dear to his heart to this day. “It is always a pleasure to play football

in Texas,” Owens said in an interview on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium. “The people of the state really embrace the game and it’s a family thing. Football is in our culture.” But the glitz and glamour of the Friday night lights was soon replaced with the trials and tribulations of the college football life upon graduation. With major Division I-A aspirations, Owens signed on to play at the University of Tulsa but circumstances inside the classroom in Oklahoma sent the freshman back to Texas for his sophomore year. A trip to Trinity Valley Community College resulted in 280 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2012 but the injury bug sent the wide receiver in a downward spiral and once again searching for a new home. “I went from Tulsa to a junior college

because of grades and academics,” Owens said. “I didn’t do so well at the junior college level. A lot of people got kicked off the team and things like that so I ended up here at Indiana State after I broke my ankle in the spring.” Arriving in Terre Haute last season, Owens was medically redshirted after appearing in just two games, but the now junior has since been cleared. He has proven to be a legitimate cog in the grand scheme of Indiana State’s offense that has helped lead the Sycamores to a successful 2-1 start. With at least nine games remaining this season and a senior year still ahead, the opportunity looms for the wide receiver to become someone very special inside the program. Head coach Mike Sanford is one of those who believe that kind of potential

Gary Owens defends the ball during the game against Tennessee Tech Sept. 6 (Photo courtesy of ISU Communications and Marketing).

is there. “Gary has had a tremendous spring, summer, training and so far a tremendous fall,” Sanford said of Owens. “He is an extremely hard worker, he is committed to this team and has become a leader for this receiving corps. He cares deeply and he has a lot of ability. I’m excited about him and I think he’s just beginning to scratch the surface.” And scratching the surface he has and in an exciting way. After the offense sputtered along in week one against Indiana, Owens has helped lead the offensive group surge in the team’s last two wins, racking up 319 yards and a score on 15 catches, including 100 yards or more against Tennessee Tech and Ball State. His 199 against Tech in week two ranks him third in school history for most receiving yards in a single game. But what appears extraordinary to the average football fan is just a mere afterthought in the eyes of Owens. “I’m just really doing what any of our receivers our capable of doing,” Owens said. “It’s really whoever the quarterback chooses and whatever play coach calls. Anybody can do what I’ve done … I’ve done nothing special. Six catches one game, seven the next game and anybody can do that. I’m just playing my role on the team.” Given his caliber and early successes, the sky is the limit for Gary Owens and only time will tell just how sweet of a home Indiana State will be to the Sycamores’ newest weapon. However, know that the young man and his team are never truly satisfied. According to Owens, Terre Haute has yet to see the best from the ISU crew. “Honestly I don’t feel excited yet … I’m in this for the long run,” Owens stated. “I’m in this to try and win championships, I’m in this to make the playoffs. This is only two games. I understand we won one game last year but this is a new year. Two games isn’t our goal. People around the city may be excited but we’ve got more important goals to go after than just winning two games.”

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Friday, September 19, 2014 • Page 9

Busy weekend ahead for Sycamore athletes Tyler Sanders Reporter Going into this weekend, Sycamore fall athletes have a total of eight sporting events scheduled.

Volleyball The Sycamore volleyball team has a lot of traveling to do this weekend. To start things off, they will be traveling to Missouri State for a MVC conference game at 8 p.m. on Friday. The following day, the Sycamores will head to Kansas to take on MVC foe travel Wichita State at 8 p.m. Sycamore volleyball enters with an impressive record of 8-3. Missouri State has a record of 6-5. Wichita State has a record of 6-4.

Cross-Country Men and women’s cross country team will be traveling to West Lafayette to compete in the Indiana Intercollegiate race on Friday beginning at 3:30 p.m. This race will have teams from all across Indiana. Teams include Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame, IUPUI, Southern Indiana, Rose-Hulman and DePauw. John Mascari looks to repeat as the winner of the race. He is preparing for the NCAA Division I National championship meet in November.

Women’s Soccer The Lady Sycamore soccer team will be playing against Western Kentucky at Memorial Stadium on Friday night. The game is set to start at 7 p.m. The soccer team will also travel to Indianapolis to take on the IUPUI Jaguars at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Sycamores are 2-4-2 heading into this weekend’s matchups.

Softball The fall softball season has begun. The Sycamore softball team will be competing in a doubleheader against Lakeland College on Sunday. The first game is to start at 3 p.m. The softball team enters this game with a record of 2-0.

Women’s Golf The women’s golf team is going to Hickory Ridge Golf Course in southern Illinois on Saturday to compete in the Southern Illinois Saluki Shootout. This tournament is a two-day event and the ladies will play a total of 36 holes, 18 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. This is their second tournament of the season. (Photos courtesy of ISU Communications and Marketing).

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Students learn at library extravaganza

Left: Freshman communication major Marissa Schmitter fills out her ticket for a drawing after receiving enough stamps at the Library Extravaganza on Thursday. Above: Loren Chapman, assistant registrar for the Office of Registration and Records tells Grant Blauvett, a freshman physics major, what her department offers students. Below: Students file into the library to receive library information (Photos by Gary Macadaeg).