Daily Kent Stater by The Kent Stater

SEX WEEK

DO VAMPIRES TURN YOU ON?

Get it on all week long | Only on KentWired.com and TV2

Go to KentWired.com to see definitions of fetishes that you may have never heard of.

DAILY KENT STATER

Friday, February 18, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: AM Showers, HI 53, LO 28

LATEST UPDATES AT KENTWIRED.COM

Kent State introduces new way of saving University matches local scholarships for incoming freshmen Christine Morgan

cmorga20@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

PHOTOS BY SAM VERBULECZ | DAILY KENT STATER

The teens of Rydell High show off their moves at the school dance to “Shakin’” at the High School Hop in Kent State’s production of Grease on Wednesday. The choreography for this production originated in Europe and was then adapted for use in this show.

'GREASE' IS THE WORD Brooke Bower

bbower2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The set designers were busily painting a 1950s scene, the actors were stretching in preparation and the lighting crew was looking for battery chargers before the “Grease” rehearsal on Tuesday night. They have been preparing since November and now they are ready to open the curtains for “Grease” Friday at 8 p.m. in E. Turner Stump Theatre. “Grease” runs Feb. 18-27. Michael McIntosh , guest director and Kent State alumnus, wants to shed a new light on the classic love story. “It’s really exciting and a fun rock ‘n’ roll concert,” McIntosh said. “It’s a reboot of the show since it’s bigger, louder and raunchier.” McIntosh has performed in “Grease” and directed the show many times. Connie Hecker, assistant set designer and theatre studies graduate student, said it has been interesting working with a university budget and trying to maintain McIntosh’s professional standards. “He’s directed it before, and he has a really unique take on the whole experi-

ence,” said Melissa Cotton, senior theatre studies major, who plays Sandy. “Instead of trying to sell it like a musical or a play ,he’s trying to sell it as a rock concert. We’re all having a lot of fun letting out our inner rock star.” Cotton said there is a misconception that Sandy is “a goody-goody and changes herself for a guy.” She added that Sandy is hardcore, and everyone can relate to having an inner personality they’re trying to let out. Jason Leupold, senior theatre studies major, said it has been an interesting process trying to find his character, Danny. “When he is with his fellow T-Birds he is a legend, the coolest guy around town, but when he is around Sandy his more sensitive side comes out,” Leupold said. “It’s been interesting to get the two sides and play each up.” The cast and crew have been putting in six nights a week of rehearsals after returning from winter break. Before the break, they rehearsed a few times to learn the music and were expected to learn their lines over the break.

‘GREASE’ INFORMATION: ■ Feb.

18, 19 and 22-26 will be at 8 p.m. and Feb. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. in the E. Turner Stump Theatre.

■ Tickets

are $8 for students, $12 for seniors and $16 for adults.

“Look at me, I’m Sandra Dee, lousy with virginity,” sings Miriam HenkelMoellmann’s Rizzo as she mocks the show’s leading lady. The morally loose Rizzo looks down on Sandy’s conservative upbringing and inability to break rules.

KENTWIRED.COM Check out video and soundslide on KentWired.com.

See GREASE, Page 2

WANT TO MODEL? THERE’S A CLASS FOR THAT.

Alumna plans generous donation to School of Art Kasey Fahey

kfahey@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

TURN TO PAGE 4 FOR THE FULL STORY. ANTHONY VENCE DAILY KENT STATER

Shana Lewis, junior fashion merchandising major, rehearses for the Little Black Dress Show at Rockwell Hall on Wednesday. The Little Black Dress Show is February 23, at 7 p.m. at the Rockwell Hall Auditorium.

Kent State alumna Karen NovotnyTischer has established a trust to donate her assets, investments and art collection to the university upon her death. “I have some specific gifts in my will,” Novotny-Tischer said. “In the trust, when everyone is gone, the remains of our estate go to Kent.” The donation will be in honor of her parents, Elmer and Virginia Novotny. Elmer Novotny was the director of the School of Art for many years. Novotny-Tischer graduated in 1964 with a bachelor ’s degree in chemistry and a minor in math. One year later, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. “I think I had a good education in art from being around it and traveling,” Novotny-Tischer said. “There was always too much competition in the art field, so I went the other direction.” Her father was an artist, and her mother was good at history, so she liked a combination of the two. “I sort of had to be into art,” Novotny-Tischer said. “I was surrounded by the entire staff of the School of Art, so I was immersed in art, and now I’m a collector.” There is a scholarship in honor of her parents, said Shawn Gordon, the director for advancement for the College of

the Arts. The Elmer L. and Virginia G. Novotny Scholarship Fund does not have specific guidelines for recipients. “It’s for any student who needs help to study art, any form,” Novotny-Tischer said. “I thought about putting restrictions on it, but I don’t think it’s fair.” For spring break, Gordon is headed to Santa Fe, N.M., to visit Novotny-Tischer. Novotny-Tischer did not enter the art field directly out of college. She worked for IBM and then started her own consulting business. She lived in Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., before settling in Santa Fe. “I’ve been to Santa Fe a lot, like New York City it’s jam packed full of art,” Novotny-Tischer said. “There’s a high culture index here, music theatre, opera, museums galore and wall-towall galleries.” She is studying photography at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshop. She said she is mostly attracted to architectural subjects. She was inspired by her father because he gave her one of his cameras when she was 13. “If anyone at Kent is interested in taking a class, we could put them up in the house to deter some of the cost,” Novotny-Tischer said. “There are a lot of classes with professional photographers. It is a very intense program. Sleep is not required.” See DONATION, Page 2

A new scholarship is available to incoming freshmen to help ease the financial burden of paying for a college education. The Scholarship Matching Program is an opportunity for incoming freshmen who are awarded local scholarships to double their reward up to $1,000. Kent State plans to match local funds with institutional money. “Though we do not know the outlook for higher education until the state budget is submitted next month, we are taking all efforts to minimize the financial burden on students,” President Lester Lefton said in a press release. “This new Scholarship Match Program is one way Kent State is being proactive in anticipation of lower state funding.” David Garcia, associate vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, said he worked with Mark Evans, director of Student Financial Aid, to develop this program. “Due to my concern of the reduction of state and federal aid and the potential of increased cost, I spent a lot of time thinking of how to assist students with limited university dollars,” Garcia said.

See SCHOLARSHIP, Page 2

New policy for academic forgiveness approved by Faculty Senate Caitlin Restelli

crestell@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

Undergraduate students dismissed from the university for poor grades may no longer have to wait three years to return. At the Faculty Senate meeting Monday, a new academic forgiveness policy passed unanimously with 37 of the 45 senators present. “The new policy will focus not just on maturity but students’ readiness as well,” said I. Richmond Nettey, chair of the associate and assistant deans committee. “We believe student readiness is a better predictor of academic success than only maturity, which is difficult to define.” The current academic forgiveness policy gives former Kent State students with poor academic standing a chance to return to classes after a prolonged absence. The policy requires students to leave the university for three years and veterans for two. Students must have completed 15 credit hours and, upon returning, must demonstrate they can keep a 2.0 GPA or higher to enact the policy. If the policy is enacted, it effectively forgives all grades below a 2.0 GPA previously earned by the student. The new policy will require students and veterans to exit the university for only one year. They must have completed 12 credit hours instead of 15 but still must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

See POLICY, Page 2

Page 2 | Friday, February 18, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

WEEKEND EVENTS FRIday Poster Sale When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Second floor Student Center n

Impact Movement Bible study When: 2 to 4 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 304 n

n Kent State Film Society meeting When: 5 to 8 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 316

KSU Anime Society meeting When: 5 to 10 p.m. Where: Math and Science Building Room 228 n

“Due Date”

DAILY KENT STATER When: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: Kiva SATURDAY n KSU Ballroom Club meeting When: 2 to 4 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 310AB

The Identity Project Bible study

When: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Where: Bowman Hall Room 204 “Due Date” When: 8 to 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: Kiva

n Late

Night Entertainment When: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Where: Rathskeller

SUNDAY n Late

240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 NewSroom 330-672-2584

h2o Worship Gathering When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Where: Bowman Hall Room 137

Managing editor Kelly Byer kbyer@kent.edu

n Women’s

News

SPORTS

Assigning editors

Sports editor

lcoutre@kent.edu

cerbache@kent.edu Assistant sports editor

Liberation Collective meeting When: 7 to 10 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 311

Editor Regina Garcia Cano rgarcia1@kent.edu Managing editor Josh Johnston jjohns64@kent.edu

Lydia Coutré

Emily Inverso

einverso@kent.edu

Kelly Petryszyn

Lance Lysowski

Taylor Rogers

OPINION

kpetrysz@kent.edu

Have an event you want to see here? Send it to lcoutre@kent.edu by Thursday the week before.

trogers@kent.edu

Nicole Stempak

nstempak@kent.edu

K e n t W i r e d . co m

Jessica White

jwhite83@kent.edu

Go to KentWired.com to see the interactive entertainment calendar. The calendar covers entertainment events on campus and in the city of Kent. From Page 1

GREASE ‘Grease’ is the word “I started preparing for ‘Grease’ by doing a lot of research on the fashion and the music we listen to,” Cotton said. “I wanted to see what it was like to be a teenager then.” Hecker said her preparation process started last semester with research on the time period. “We had the designs all made in November,” said set designer Raynette H. Smith from behind a desk covered in a variety of art supplies. “We had a little building done before Christmas break, and we’ve been going full blast since we’ve been back.” Smith and Hecker joked with each other about the hours they’ve spent working on the set of “Grease.” Hecker said she’s been putting in six to seven days a week in the scene shop. “We hope that every single backdrop adds to the show or else it is a waste of our time,” Hecker said while painting a large sign. “It isn’t just stuff to look at that’s pretty. It has a use and a purpose to help

From Page 1

SCHOLARSHIP Kent State introduces new way of saving Greg Jarvie, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, said the program would help finance education for students who meet the criteria. “We felt as an institution that this is something we could do in regard to helping students who are in need,” Jarvie said. “As long as they meet the criteria and are able to secure what we consider a local scholarship, we will match it.” Garcia said the scholarship would be available Fall 2011. “I wish we could do it for all students now, but we are limited in resources,” Garcia said. “So it’s going to be limited to new

From Page 1

POLICY New policy for academic forgiveness approved by Faculty Senate It is “much more in line with the definition of full-time undergraduate full (course) load,” said Nettey, associate dean of the College of Technology. Students who receive anything below a 2.0 GPA after receiving 12 credits can apply for the forgiveness policy. Debbie Barber, executive director for degree planning, said the grades will remain on the transcripts, but will not affect students’ GPAs when they return to complete their degree. The new policy also allows students to take classes at other institutions during the 12-month period they are dismissed. “We thought, well, if they need to prove to us while they’re out for that year that they really have improved their skills, what better way to go to some place like a community college,” Barber said. “And maybe work on math or work on writing or something that could have been the downfall.” B a r b e r s a i d t h e c u r re n t p o l i c y states that students who have already obtained a degree are not eligible for

further the show.” McIntosh said the set will feature large moving pieces such as a set of bleachers and a burger bar. Along with the ‘50s props, the show is using 250 costumes and a rented package of rock ‘n’ roll flashing lights. He said they have a guest choreographer from New York, Felicity Stiverson. Jonathan Swoboda, an assistant professor and featured keyboard artist for Mannheim Steamroller, is the music director for the eight-piece band. “I started talking to the department about the show two years ago,” McIntosh said. “It has been a long process, but now we have a first-class team working on this.” Cotton said playing Sandy is going to be a memorable experience. “It’s a really fun way to end my time here at Kent,” she said. ‘It’s been a fun experience working with a large cast and a guest director. I’ve been trying to embrace it while it lasts. I’m going into a career where I probably won’t get a role like this for a long time, so I’m trying to treasure it.”

From Page 1

DONATION Alumna plans generous donation to School of Art Her father Elmer was a painter. He worked with oils, watercolor, acrylic, pencil and pen and ink. “He painted all of the Kent State presidents’ portraits that are on the second floor of the library,” Gordon said. Elmer died 12 years ago, and Novotny-Tischer has created a website to commemorate him. She has more than 500 pieces of his work on slides she is uploading onto the site, but they are old and each need color corrected. Elmer starting working at Kent State

in 1937, and he continued to for about 40 years. He began as a graduate assistant then moved to an instructor, then a professor, eventually leading him to the director of the School of Art. “My mother wouldn’t marry him unless he got a real job,” NovotnyTischer said. Elmer built the school from just a handful of instructors to with a number of departments. “It took me until I moved to Santa Fe to want to donate the trust,” Novotny-Tischer said, adding she’s not quite ready to part with her father’s work. “It’s not coming yet; I hope to live another 22 years first.”

Christine Morgan is the student affairs reporter.

the forgiveness policy. This directly affects students who want to earn a four-year degree but have already received a two-year degree. The new policy, however, allows students to apply for forgiveness of upper-level courses they’ve attempted. The credits acquired in their two-year degree will not be affected, Barber said. The policy will now move to the Board of Trustees, who will vote March 9. If it passes, the policy will be implemented into the university catalog starting in Fall 2011. The catalog “is the constitution for students and what the university does with regards to academic matters,” Nettey said. The associate and assistant deans committee’s next task is to create an automated notification system to “make sure everyone who is eligible for this policy is aware of it so they can choose to apply for academic forgiveness or not,” Nettey said. At the next committee meeting March 8, Nettey said they would create a task force that will work with the University Registrar on the automated notification system for implementation of the policy. “It’s 100 percent beneficial to the students, and that’s what it was intended to be anyways,” Barber said. Caitlin Restelli is the student politics reporter.

Allison Smith asmith75@kent.edu Copy desk chief

Jennifer Shore

jshore2@kent.edu

llysowsk@kent.edu Opinion editor

Rabab Al-Sharif ralshari@kent.edu

Visuals Photo editor

Rachel Kilroy

rkilroy@kent.edu Assistant photo editor

Hannah Potes

hpotes@kent.edu

Kentwired editor

Design director

fyonkof@kent.edu

sromba@kent.edu

Features

Kate Penrod

Frank Yonkof

Features/A.L.L. editor

Laura Lofgren

llofgren@kent.edu Assistant Features/ A.L.L. editor

Stefanie Romba

A.L.L. design editor kpenrod1@kent.edu Lead page designer

Sara Scanes

sscanes@kent.edu

Nicole Aikens

naikens@kent.edu

AdvertIsing 330-672-2586 Sales Manager Rachel Polchek 330-672-0888

Michelle Bair

330-672-2697 Account executive

Korie Culleiton

330-672-2697 Account executive

Bethany English

330-672-2590 Account executive

Katie Kuczek

Account executive

Nicole Lade

330-672-2585 Broadcast and magazine representative

Paul Gimmel

330-672-2585 Online representative

Kevin Collins 330-672-3251

330-672-2590

Student media 330-672-2586

Brooke Bower is the performing arts reporter.

freshmen with high need.” Garcia said he hopes it will motivate students to apply for local scholarships. “Students need to understand that this next year is going to be very difficult in terms of increased cost and reduction of state and federal aid,” Garcia said. “Now is the time to prepare for this shortfall, to do some work and research scholarships that are out there to apply for.” Garcia said this program will be closely monitored, and if successful, it may be expanded. “This is to ease the burden of the cost of going to college here at Kent State,” Garcia said. “If we see that it has a strong positive impact, then perhaps we will expand it to current or out-of-state students.”

City editor

Account executive

Kasey Fahey is the College of the Arts reporter.

Cody Erbacher

Manager

Classifieds ad manager

Lori Cantor

Kelly Pickerel

Tami Bongiorni

Carl Schierhorn

Chris Sharron

Susan Kirkman Zake

330-672-0887, lcantor@ kent.edu Advertising manager

330-672-0883, kpickere@ kent.edu Stater adviser

330-672-6306, tbongior@ kent.edu Production manager

330-672-8286, cschierh@ kent.edu Newsroom Adviser

330-672-0886, csharron@ kent.edu Business officer

330-329-5852, szake@kent.edu

Norma Young

330-672-0884, njyoung1@ kent.edu

PHILIP BOTTA | DAILY KENT STATER

Jerry Wong plays the piano as Jung-Min Amy Lee of the Cleveland Orchestra plays the violin during their rehearsal in Wong’s office. Wong and Lee will preform in the Kent Keyboard Series in the Ludwig Recital Hall inside the Music and Speech Center on Sunday.

Keyboard Series to feature Cleveland Orchestra violinist The ninth annual Kent Keyboard Series’ third performance will feature Jerry Wong, associate professor of piano, playing with guest violinist Jung-Min Amy Lee of the Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday. This series will run through the end of this semester. “This year’s series focuses on collaboration,” Wong said. “What’s unique about this concert is that it features one composer, not multiple composers, who only wrote three sonatas for the violin and piano.” Wong and Lee, the associate concertmaster of the orchestra, are playing three sonatas composed by Johannes Brahms for the piano and violin. Wong said the sonatas are favorites of his, and it is exciting to be able to play all three

in one concert. Lee was unavailable for comment. “Each (sonata) is remarkable for its tightness of structure and beauty of expression,” Wong said. He said he first encountered Lee’s remarkable talent at Kent/Blossom Music, and he is thrilled to be working with her. They will perform at 5 p.m. Sunday in Ludwig Recital Hall in the Music and Speech Center. Tickets are $10 for adults. Tickets for students, faculty and staff tickets are free. “It will just be the two of us on the stage the whole time,” Wong said. “It’s true collaboration.” — Brooke Bower, performing arts reporter

‘Diaspora’ event to take place in Oscar Ritchie Saturday Advocates of Culture and Knowledge will host an event titled “Diaspora” from 6 to 8:30 p.m Saturday at Oscar Ritchie Hall Room 250. The evening will focus on the African diaspora, people of African descent living somewhere other than Africa. Artistic talent will be showcased, including live music, along with a

keynote speaker. “What it will be is just a celebration of our culture here,” said Jamila Okantah, the group’s education and research chair. “So we’re going to have poetry, we’re going to have African dance (and) we’re going to have African food dishes.” — Ryan Collins, ethnic affairs reporter

CORRECTIONS The Daily Kent Stater recognizes the responsibility to correct errors that occur in the newspaper. When errors occur in the newspaper, corrections will appear in this space as promptly as possible.

Planterium explores galaxy this weekend

“The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence” will offer viewers a free tour of the night sky. The Kent State event takes place in the Planetarium in Smith Hall Room 108. Brett Ellman, associate physics professor ,will host the three showings at 8 p.m. Feb. 18, 19 and 25. The show begins as a tour of the Ohio night sky, Ellman said, so viewers can see the constellations, planets and stars. Their tour continues through the universe, looking for life and learning about the recent searches for extraterrestrial life and what was found across the galaxy. “It’s no longer science fiction,” Ellman said. “We can seriously look for other life.” He said the audience will also learn about scientists’ attempts to communicate with whomever may be listening. “It’s a perennial interest,” Ellman said. “People love talking about little green men from Mars. Technology has developed as well making the search a possibility, not just science fiction.” — Samantha Pietra, College of Arts and Sciences reporter

OPINION

Daily Kent Stater

The Opinion Page is an outlet for our community’s varied opinions. Submit letters to: Letters to the Editor Daily Kent Stater 240 Franklin Hall/KSU Kent, Ohio 44242 ■ stater@kent.edu Subject: Letters to the Editor ■ Fax: 330-672-5064 ■ Be sure to include your phone number. ■

Friday, February 18, 2011 | Page 3

ABOUT THE OPINION PAGE The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and may be edited for mechanics, Associated Press style and length without notice. Letters should not exceed 350 words, and guest columns should not exceed 550 words.

DKS EDITORIAL BOARD Regina Garcia Cano Editor Josh Johnston Managing editor Rabab Al-Sharif Opinion editor

Laura Lofgren Features/A.L.L. editor Lydia Coutré Assigning editor Hannah Potes Assistant photo editor

our

SUMMARY: Kent State introduced a new scholarship program in which the institution will match any incoming Ohio resident freshman scholarships up to $1,000, and we approve of this cost-reducing measure.

VIEW

Thanks for lending a hand, Kent State

ent State introduced a new scholarship program to recognize the potential to reduce federal and state financial aid for 2011 and 2012. The program, called the Kent State Scholarship Match Program, will match any outside scholarships that any incoming freshman receives up to $1,000. Kent State realized it has the ability to reduce the amount of money obtained from the federal government through financial aid such as Pell Grants, which is the primary federal college financial aid program. According to washingtonpost.com, President Barack Obama’s proposed budget for 2012 would maintain a maximum award of $5,500

for more than 9 million students. According to figures from braintrack.com, 28 percent of students at the Kent campus received an average of $2,850 from the federal Pell Grant. Other federal grants were issued to 23 percent of students, averaging $1,361 per student. It’s important the university acknowledges its responsibility to assist students in funding education. With the Ohio state budget decision looming and President Lester Lefton lobbying for tuition cap removal, an increase in tuition seems to be on the horizon. In 2009, Kent State graduates accumulated an average of $26,700 of debt and 75 percent of students left the school in the red. If the university is

reaching out to help reduce this amount, however small, it should be appreciated. The program creates incentive for incoming students to look for scholarships from outside sources. The 2010 and 2011 academic year, the estimated tuition for Ohio residents attending the university was $9,030, only a few thousand dollars short of the price of a 2011 Kia Rio. Incoming Ohio freshmen who find $1,000 in outside scholarships will automatically cut their tuition by $2,000, and that is something for which we should thank Kent State. The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left.

NATE BEELER’S VIEW

FAMOUS QUOTE “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty six times, I’ve been trusted to take the gamewinning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” —Michael Jordan

DID YOU KNOW? On this day in 1885, Mark Twain publishes his famous — and famously controversial — novel “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” — History.com

Food for thought, politically speaking When I say “Republican” or “Democrat,” what thoughts fill your head? What about “Socialist” or “Communist”? These are only symbols, but the words are placeholders for all the intermingling notions that each person assigns. The central way we learn is by associating one thing with another, so symbolism is a natural way to piece together things, especially abstract thoughts like political parties or religions. However, the problem arises when the person doesn’t have a clear symbol of that concept. If I ask you what you know about a random country, let’s say Paraguay, what pops in your brain? Do you know where it is located on a map? Do you know what their economy or weather is like? The more you know about a subject, the better-defined symbol you possess. We often try to simplify complex ideas like philosophies into poorly defined symbols, which reflect mistruths. If you don’t have a general understanding of modern philosophy, sociology or economics, how could you really have a good understanding of what any of the political parties really embody? Yet people are quick to wear their team’s colors without ever really forming a comprehensive idea of what it is they even represent. Every new concept starts out as a simple

Rob Young Guest Columnist symbol, but it is up to you to add to it and develop it. The better you understand something, the more power you have over it. When symbols are not true or misinterpreted, it gives the power to the people who are distorting the facts. Political parties are able to sidestep their actual constituents’ needs because of their misconstrued symbols. Lack of education or false education allows corruption to exist on every level of organizational structure. We have it in government, sports and even church. The only way to empower yourself and your community is to get out there and educate yourself politically. If everyone better defines their overall understanding, politicians will have no shroud of ignorance in which to hide, and the power will truly be in the hands of the people. I know most people don’t like politics, but nobody said making the future a better place was going to be easy. Get out there, and pick up a book. Rob Young is a junior philosophy major.

Who the hell is Arcade Fire? The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night’s brought forth the wrath of Justin Bieber and Eminem fans alike. Furious that their beloved singers lost this year’s Best New Artist and Best Album awards, to the mysterious singer Esperanza Spalding and band Arcade Fire, respectively, they stormed the Internet in a rage. All-caps tweets and viciously hacked Wikipedia pages relayed outrage and utter disbelief that the likes of virtually unknown artists had won such prestigious awards over the mainstream music favorites. Critics were surprised to see that the indie rock group Arcade Fire, who sold a little over 480,000 copies of its newest album “The Suburbs,” had any sway over Eminem’s whopping 5.7 million sold copies of “The Recovery.” Fans bemoaned the losses and demanded that these artists show themselves to the world in a more obvious manner than, well, their Grammywinning music. Howard Stern’s reaction to the Record of the Year nominees began with, “Honestly, does anyone know these songs?” As delightful as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Drake are, they give the appearance of being one-note, flash-in-the-pan artists with limited aesthetic range. The rhetoric sprawled across social media sites by their fans proves that the obsession with mainstream

Thisanjali Gangoda music stems from a self-centered need to validate the normalcy of an individual’s interests. Tweets like “WHO THE HELL IS ARCADE FIRE?” denote that yes, I am like everyone else and frown upon different forms of artistry and expression. It marginalizes the possibility of underground, independent music having a one-up on the repetitive, gutless corporate music-making machines. With how far-reaching the Internet’s influence is on global culture and music, there is no reason for self-proclaimed “music lovers” to be so uptight, close-minded and bewildered when independent artists are celebrated for their talents. It’s about time intelligent, creative music takes precedent over bubbly, nonsensical pop disasters. The winners of this year’s Grammys prove that voters are more interested in music that is thoughtful and progressive, music that

has soul and purpose. Rather than being Internet deviants set on harassing artist online and disparaging their work out of spite, individuals should explore different genres and broaden their scope of “good music.” This isn’t to say that because an artist has won a Grammy you are to submit to their following and become an adoring fan. However, the works of Arcade Fire and Esperanza Spalding are as diverse and beautiful as the human population and should be embraced. It’s easy to quickly judge and mock the unknown, especially when you feel that your artists of choice have been slighted. Instead of wasting time proving musical ignorance and arrogance on the Internet, why not explore the unfamiliar and form opinions of it afterward? Spaulding is the first jazz artist to have every won in the category of Best New Artist, and Arcade Fire is at the forefront of the indie rock phenomena. “Never heard of it” isn’t an adequate argument for why Arcade Fire and Esperanza Spaulding shouldn’t have won a Grammy. Try again next year when Justin Bieber turns 7 years old or something. Thisanjali Gangoda is a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Middle-class families are missing out on millions of dollars in tax relief for one of the most important investments they make: a college education for their children. Ohio college students and their families can receive up to an extra $2,500 this year by claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). Only 35 percent of qualified families applied for the tax credit last filing year. Ohioans missed out on an estimated

$700 million by not filing, but it’s not too late to claim this tax credit. As college costs continue to rise, this extra money can provide additional support to Ohio families struggling to pay for college and empower Ohio students with the resources needed to out-compete and out-educate the world. For more information, visit my website at: www.brown. senate.gov. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio

Page 4 | Friday, February 18, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

Kent State students take class for participation in annual fashion show

LEARNING TO WALK THE WALK

Yelena Tischenko ytischen@kent.edu

Daily Kent Stater Every Wednesday night for two hours, 48 students sit and learn production, modeling and public relations for the annual fashion show and portfolio event for the School of Fashion Design and Merchandising. The Fashion Show Productions class teaches students the ins and outs of producing a fashion show and learning how to model on the runway. The two-credit-hour semester-long class is divided into three committees: modeling, public relations and merchandising. “What’s interesting about it having it be a class is they get to learn about the whole production of the show rather than just modeling,” said Sherry Nagy, the fashion design and merchandising professor who teaches Fashion Show Productions. “They learn how the whole show comes together. They get to see the whole process.” This is the first year the models aren’t getting paid to be in the senior portfolio fashion show in April. The class is also collaborating with a Fashion Show

Management class that creates assignments for the Fashion Show Productions class. “At the end of day, models care a little bit more if they’ve been a part of the whole class,” Nagy said. “They work with each other to put the show together.” Michaela Neu, junior fashion merchandising major, was paid $180 for modeling in last year’s show. There was also an opportunity to earn a little more money if models attended a critique or jury day. “I see the idea behind getting credit instead of getting paid,” Neu said. “But it’s just one extra thing to tack on. Most of us are fashion majors, so we’re not learning anything new.” Nagy said there are about 30 models and the rest are in the public relations and merchandising committees. Models applied to take the class and interviewed before they were chosen to walk in the show. There isn’t any traditional homework given in this class, but the models must attend two photo shoots, all dress rehearsals and model in the upcoming Little Black Dress show. They are graded on posture,

facial expressions, confidence and walk. Models also need to watch any two fashion shows within two years and critique the models’ postures and facial expressions. “It’s a different type of class because there is a lot of outside class time,” Nagy said. “That’s more of their homework.” Madison Palen-Michel, freshman fashion design major, said she enrolled in the class to learn more about what goes into creating a fashion show. “I hope to keep learning about the whole process,” Palen-Michel said. “Whenever I’m around the older designers, I always try to ask their opinions on everything and try to get some advice. In three years, I would like to have my stuff in the show.” In the past, the show was run by a student organization. Having a class makes preparations for the show run smoother because it gives all the students a designated time to meet, Nagy said. “It’s a lot of fun teaching the class,” Nagy said. Yelena Tischenko is the fashion reporter.

Clothing swap allows attendees to inexpensively update wardrobe

ANTHONY VENCE | DAILY KENT STATER

Aleksandra Sharkevych, senior fashion merchandising major, rehearses for the Little Black Dress Show as part of the Fashion Show Productions class Wednesday. The Little Black Dress Show is at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in Rockwell Hall.

Students, staff and faculty can bring gently used clothing to swap with others and update their spring wardrobe from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday in Rockwell Hall. MODISTA: Minority Fashion Group and Kent Artist Collective are hosting the clothing swap event so people won’t have to spend too much money or go to a secondhand store like Plato’s Closet. People are able to fill a bag with whatever they want. “It’s a first come, first serve basis with the clothes,” said Katya Philmore, president of MODISTA: Minority Fashion Group and senior fashion merchandising major.

Admission is $3 for those who bring a bag of gently used clothes and $5 without a bag. Funds from the clothing swap will go to MODISTA’s Relay for Life initiative and the Kent Artist Collective spring presentation May 6. The remaining clothing that does not get picked up will be donated to Goodwill. “It’s a great way to do the event together with Kent Artist Collective,” Philmore said. —Yelena Tischenko, fashion reporter

Daily Kent Stater

Friday, February 18, 2011 | Page 5

CLASSIFIEDS

For information about placing a Display ad please call our offices at 330-672-2586 or visit us at 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Classified ads can be placed by FAX at ( 330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ksuads@yahoo.com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.

www.KentWired.com

Rent EVENING DELIVERY From FRANKLIN SQUARE DELI 4-8:30PM Sun 2-6:30 DISPATCH! 330-673-2942 www.franklinsquaredeli.com EVENING DELIVERY 4-8:30 330673-2942 Franklin Square Deli - Downtown “Fresh Made” Means Something Here! It’s a full moon Ray’s is always shining Great Food, Drink, Fun RAY’S Transformation Through Words. The Great Debate. Jurnee Smollett in the Ballroom, February 23rd at 6:30PM

An awesome summer job in Maine! If you’re looking to spend this summer outdoors, have fun while you work, and make lifelong friends, then look no further. Camp Mataponi, a children’s summer camp, has positions available in Land Sports (lacrosse, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, field hockey), Waterfront (sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, life guarding, WSI, boat drivers), Ropes Course, Tennis, H.B. Riding, Arts & Crafts, Theater, Dance, Gymnastics, Video, Photography, Nurses, Maintenance, Cooking and more. Top salaries plus room/board & travel provided. Call us today, 561748-3684 or apply online at www. campmataponi.com Large entertainment company looking to hire interactive dj’s, video dj’s, videographers, photographers, party motivators/dancers and sales people. Contact Dwayne at Audio Extremes Entertainment 330-2895853. Full Time Service/Lot Porter Apply in Person Classic Kia 835 Classic Dr., Streetsboro. Dietary Aides The Campus of Anna Maria of Aurora, a nursing care facility, is taking applications for dietary aides to work day and afternoon shifts. Day shift positions are 6am-2pm, 7am-3pm, 11am-7pm. Afternoon shifts are 3pm-7:30pm and 4:30pm8:30pm. These positions include dishwashing, dinning room servers, meal prep, and tray line. Statring wage is $7.75 an hour. Apply @ 889 N. Aurora Rd. Aurora, OH 44204 or aberry@annamariaofaurora. com. We are located about 14 miles from main KSU campus. For more information call 330-562-6171

Buyer Beware! We make every effort to screen for fraudulent advertising, however, we cannot guarantee the veracity of the advertisers and their messages in this section. It is important for consumers to respond to any advertisement with the utmost caution.

FREE HEAT Affordable Housing! 1BR $451 2BR $584 3BR $656 -On Busline -Laundry Facility -Secured Buildings -Appliances included -Free Gas, Heat & Water

CALL 330-678-0761

Hrs. M-F, 9-5. Sat, by appt. only. leasing@mjmmanagement.com 1214 ANITA DR., #101 EHO TTY711 special expires 02/28/11

LUXURY 4-BEDROOM large, clean, all appliances + FREE washer/dryer. 330-714-0819

NO WATER BILL! NO GAS BILL! 4&5 bedroom duplex available for Fall 2011 Near campus and bus route Starting at $350/month per bedroom Call Sweeney: 330-267-9336 NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call 330-734-8350 1 bedroom in a 3 bedroom house available immediately. $400/month utilities included. All appliances, nice condition. Call 330-673-1225

All real estate advertised herin is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330-253-2450 for more information.

horoscope By Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (02/18/11) This could be a very romantic year. You have great opportunities to find balance between work, play, love, exercise, community service and school. It seems like you may not even have time to be bored. Therefore, when boredom shows up, you’ll appreciate it. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8. The full moon looks especially romantic today. Don’t forget to take some time off from your busy life to enjoy the night sky. Drink in all the abundance.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is an 8. Possibilities for investment come your way. Be careful to distinguish between real opportunities and those that would lean on you more than necessary.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 6. If you feel somehow stifled, take the time today to explore your options and see what’s next. Don’t make sudden decisions (you may later regret). Just consider.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 6. Notice little pleasures, and let them soak in. You’re especially creative today. Don’t let preconceptions block new ideas from arising. Things may not be as they seem.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8. You feel revitalized, in the mood to jump fences and surpass obstacles. Today is your day, and others know it. Smile, and dive into the race. Go for the medal.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 6. Your imagination could play tricks on you. A female has a question. Propose any changes gently. Postpone travel until tomorrow and research the data.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 6. The next four weeks are full of possibilities. Today is time to stay at home and take care of yourself and your loved ones. Share something delicious together.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 5. You can look at all the limitations and clutter in the way, or you can focus on the opportunities with all of the open space around and in between. It’s your choice.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 7. The full moon could represent growth in your career or love life, and not without some extraordinary excitement. Where does your heart currently lie?

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 6. As you encounter walls along your way, you may want to throw your hat over them. You may lose your hat. Nevertheless, the pursuit is worth the risk.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8. You have a vision, now put it in action. Don’t try to take the easy way. There’s no cheese down that tunnel, nothing to learn. You’ve been there.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 9. The full moon shines on your career path, opening new doors to productivity. Jump over whatever walls get in the way, and let others follow.

Efficiency and 1 bdrm apartments available now. Heat included! Call 330-678-0746 Hurry!!! Efficiency apartments still left. Call 330-678-0123 Kent- Quiet 1, 2&3 bedroom. $525, $590, $780. 330-677-5577 For 2011-12: One Month Free Close to Campus 2 huge apartments, licensed, private parking, large yard, large front porch. 4 bedroom $1400/$350 each. 4/5 bedroom $1500, $300-$375 each. (330) 626-3957 KENT RENTALS 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Call Rich 330-221-0030. Spacious 4&5 bedrooms houses with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage. Several units available: -Deluxe 4/5 bedroom units. $360 per room. -All inclusive, $350 per room. 330-808-4045 $495.00 FIRST 3 MONTHS. 2BD 1BTH TOWNHOME. LAUNDRY, CARPORT. jlcasto.com 330-688-7040 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage, condo-styled duplex, on two acres, $1100/mo. 330-221-4533 Hurry In 2BR Apts available for Fall Free Heat and Water, Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool 330-673-5364 Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 AVAILABLE FALL: UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSE. 5 BDS, 2.5 BATHS, STOVE REFRIG, DISHWASHER, WASHER/DRYER, A/C. $250.00 PER PERSON ; WWW.JLCASTO.COM CALL 330-688-7040. 1,2,&3 Bedroom Apartments Close to Campus Joe (330)310-1494. 1 & 2 bed apartments. Newly remodeled, all utilities paid except electric. Call for Valentine’s Day Specials! (330)678-0972 Leasing for Fall: South Lincoln St. Condo. 2 bedroom 1.5 bath. No pets, heat included. $725/mo. 216524-0745 Beat the Price Increase! Reserve Apartment by End of February to get Last Year’s Price. 2-3 bdrm spacious apts. in Kent. Call 330-678-0823 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath house available for Fall. Great condition, full appliances, $350 bedroom 1, $325 per bedroom 2 and 3. Close to Campus 330-673-1225 www. kentstudentrentals.com Very Clean, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, gas, heat, water, appliances included. 330-760-1884 AVAILABLE FOR FALL: 1,2,3 & 4 bedroom apartments. Call 330-678-7901 for details Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex. Living Room and Family Room, Washer/Dryer, A/C, $960/ mo. Available July/August (330)6309285. Near WKSU. 3 bedroom, 3 bath condo, 2 car garage, W/D, A/C. $1250 + electric (only) & water. No pets. 330-673-3318.

Rent

Now Leasing for Fall, Beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom twinplexes, 1 Block from KSU, 330-687-6122.

WOW: furnished, large 4 bedroom house for 4-5. 2 bath, Jacuzzi, A/C, D/W, W/D. $335/$280 includes utilities. Close to KSU. Available May 15. 330-388-2201

Now Leasing a House for June, a beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom $350/student, 330-6876122.

4 bedroom student duplex, $1300/month. Website: http://web.me.com/ allen291/ Cell: 216-536-3958. E-mail: allen291@me.com Buckeye Parks Mgmt. Serving Kent for over 30 years 2011-2012 Leases 1,2,3,4 bdrm apts 3&4 bdrm townhomes Some include utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com Available Now Single Rooms Starting at $275 includes some utilities, 330678-3047. UNIVERSITY TOWNHOMES, 4/5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, A/C, Washer/ Dryer, available Fall 2011. $340 per month per bedroom ALL inclusive except cable/internet. 440-552-5840. djerina@blmrentalproperties.com 1 or 2 Bed Duplex available August. Very clean, energy efficient, covered porch, private deck, W/D, free water. Less than 1 mile to KSU, quiet location, $600/month. Brian 330-8024000 ksuhouses@neo.rr.com University Townhomes: 4-5 bedrooms. Available August. $290/month, AirConditioning, Washer/Dryer, clean. On bus route. Remodeled. 330-760-0451 www. vargorealty1.com Fall semester only. Are you looking for a great, one bedroom appt.? Five month lease, one block from campus. $425/month, utilities and off street parking included. Call 330626-5350 FALL: NEAR KSU 6 bedroom house, 1 block from campus. Large bedrooms, 2 full baths, full basement. Washer/dryer hookup. Large off street parking lot. Call Drew 440-821-3524

Duplexes available for Fall semester beginning June, July or August. East Summit, across from campus. 3 bedrooms, Washer/Dryer. $345/ person plus utilities. 216-407-6703 HIDDEN PINES Town homes 4 bedrooms 2 bath. W/D. ALL utilities included. $365/mo/bdrm www.hidden-pines.com 440-708-2372 UNIVERSITY TOWN HOMES 4-5 bedrooms 2.5 baths W/D Newly remodeled. ALL utilities included. As low as $285/mo/bdrm. www.university-townhomes.com 440-708-2372 KENT: 3 bedroom upstairs with one full bath, first floor is L-shaped living space with full kitchen and 1/2-bath. Useable basement. 1-car garage. No smoking. New carpet and paint. Close to amenities. $875/month. First month’s rent and security deposit. 216-570-9635 Fall: Free Heat in newly remodeled, 2 bedroom 1.5 bath. Oak Haven Condo. No Pets. $725. 330-6971831. University Townhomes 4/5 bedroom townhomes available for Fall 2011. All utilities included, starting at $340. 440-336-6761 www.kenttownhomes.com. Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930 8 bedroom house, Aug. 2011. Off street parking, 1 block from campus, Must have a group of 8 students. One year lease, $325/mo., owner pays partial util. Call 330-626-5350 for details and appt. Now Leasing for June & Fall, a beautiful newer condo, 2 large bedroom, 2.5 bath, double car garage, central air, backyard deck. $375/student. 330-687-6122

Rent Whitehall East Town Homes AKA “The New Town Homes” Whitehall Blvd. off Summit Now taking apps for Fall 2011 *5b/3ba *All Appliances Included *Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer *Lighted Parking *Many units with all newer flooring Rent plans starting at $290/person/ month Ask about the all-inclusive plans Call or text 330-990-4019 www.whitehall-east.com

Roommate Needed. $397.50/month! Single female seeking responsible roommate to share a large, bi-level duplex. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath w/ fireplace. Must be able to pay half of utilities. No Pets. Call Kristie at 330714-4198

Page 6 | Friday, February 18, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

WANTIN G M O RE ?

Go to KentWired.com for women’s basketball coverage.

SPORTS Sports editor: Cody Erbacher • E-mail: cerbache@kent.edu

Midseason Report card predictions for nba season wrap up

I don’t know what’s harder to believe — that the NBA season is halfway through or that the Cavaliers just beat the Lakers. In just four months, a lot of things have happened on and off the hard court. We’ve seen “The Heatles” take their tour bus throughout the continent, drawing both boos and more bandwagon fans than the Green Bay Packers. We met Blake Griffin and said goodbye to a coaching legend, Jerry Sloan. We cringed after every news alert through the longest losing streak in decades, as the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped 26 straight games. We lost Greg Oden (again) to a season-ending injury. Yao Ming, too. (Surprised?) As All-Star weekend starts Saturday night, it’s time to hand out midseason awards.

MVP: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

He stays out of the media and doesn’t join a “super team.” He doesn’t demand trades and he stays in a small market. Yet his 28.9 points per game lead the NBA, not to mention Durant is third in minutes played. For those reasons, give the man what he finally deserves! If you take KD off of the Thunder — a typical question when discussing MVPs— the team would not be the same. This argument wouldn’t hold strong for LeBron James, as two of his fellow musketeers would still be in uniform. Durant is a special talent with the stats to prove it. He’s easily the league’s Most Valuable Player to his team.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT

Michael Moses 8.9 assists per game. He’s scoring, putting up Jason Kidd-like numbers and, most of all, leading a team as a 20 year old. The lightning-fast point guard won’t take home the award, but Wall will be adding plenty of hardware in years to come.

Most Improved Player: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves The man went from averaging a respectable double-double last season to a monster doubledouble this season. His points are up from 14 to 21.1 per game and rebounds jumped from 11 to 15.5 per game. The Lovemaster leads the NBA in rebounding by almost two whole rebounds (Dwight Howard is second at 13.8 per game).

Rookie of the Year Not Named Blake Griffin: John Wall, Washington Wizards The No. 1 overall pick in this draft hasn’t attracted as much attention as Griffin, but Griffin’s spectacular rookie season will go down as one of the best of all time. Wall is seventh in the NBA with

The most impressive part about Love this season is his remarkable doubledouble streak, which includes the NBA’s first 30-point 30-rebound game since Moses Malone did it in 1982. As of Thursday, Love has recorded 42 straight double-doubles. His total of 51 before the All-Star break snaps a 61-yearold record held by Hall of Famer George Mikan.

Predictions:

The Cleveland Cavaliers will turn their season around. Byron Scott’s boys found out they could actually play the game of basketball this past Wednesday night, when they dropped the Los Angeles Lakers. Their record stands at 10-46. With 25 games remaining, they will win 12 of them and finish the season with 22 wins. Carmelo Anthony will end up in a new jersey that reads New Jersey. From the minute Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov ended all trade talks with Denver, I thought it was all a media stunt. He wanted everyone off the organization’s shoulders, wanted to focus on basketball. I knew they would continue to pursue Anthony, though. He’s simply too good to quit on. When the

Feb. 24 trade deadline comes around, I’m betting Anthony is on the next flight to Newark. If the Clippers can somehow get the No. 8 seed in the West, Blake Griffin could make a case for MVP, not just Rookie of the Year. Think about that. A rookie winning MVP of the league. He would be the third player in history to do so, joining Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld. It’s not out of reach or crazy to think, either. He’s 12th in the league in scoring and fourth in rebounding. Griffin has led the Clippers to a turnaround season and a chance at a playoff birth. Do the voters look at what the player means to their team, or not? Of course they do. This issue would not be a joke. The Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs will meet in the NBA Finals. So much for all of the hype in South Beach. Forget the talk of three-peating in Los Angeles. Nobody gave the Celtics or the Spurs a shot at the title, and here we are midway through the season with two teams full of veterans leading the surge. The veteran presence (Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett) and emerging youth (Rajon Rondo, Dejuan Blair) of these two teams makes for the perfect balance. Boston (40-14) was once known for having the big three, but would be nowhere without their young point guard. The Spurs (46-9) have tons of experience in Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and have cruised to one of the best starts in NBA history. In the end, head coaches Greg Popovich and Doc Rivers will have the teams everyone is talking about.

Conference rivals fight for MAC championship title A.J. Atkinson

aatkins2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The Kent State wrestlers travel to Central Michigan this weekend in hopes of claiming its second Mid-American Conference Championship in three years. “The day we can beat (Central Michigan) two out of the three years, that’s when we know we’re a legit program,” Kent State coach Jim Andrassy said. “I said years ago, ‘The day we overcome Central is the day we’re a top 12 to top 18 in the country.’ If we beat them this week, I think we may go into the top 10.” Beating Central Michigan will not be an easy task. The Chippewas have won 12 of the last 13 duals against the Flashes. Andrassy said for the team to beat Central Michigan, they must wrestle like they did against Ohio last weekend, when they won 30-6. “We need to be on top of our game,” Andrassy said. “(Central Michigan) fights positions really hard. They don’t give up easy points. Not that they’re defensive, but you’re going to fight for every point you score.” Unlike Ohio, Andrassy said the Flashes do not match up well against Central Michigan. He said the 141, 149 and 165 lb-classes are all toss-ups. Sophomore Chase Skonieczny (17-16) matches up against Central Michigan freshman Scott Mattingly (14-21) in the 141 lb-class. Although Andrassy said that on paper this looks like a match in Kent State’s favor, he cannot rely on it for a win. At 149, Kent State’s No. 31 junior Marcel Clopton faces Central Michigan’s No. 28 Donnie Corby. Corby holds a 2-0 career record against Clopton (19-11). Clopton said he is not thinking back to either match. “My freshman year (when I faced him), I was real undersized,” Clopton said. “When I wrestled him earlier this year, it was one of our first tournaments. I wrestled

him right off the bat after weighing in, so I was out of shape.” Clopton said his strategy is to stay in the middle of the mat and to avoid Corby’s style of pushing him off the mat. “I kind of have trouble with pushers because I get hit with a lot of stallings,” Clopton said. “I get pushed out a lot. I think if I stay in the center and get a takedown, I’ll win the match easily.” The 165 lb-class depends on Central Michigan’s Mike Miller’s health. The senior is ranked No. 19 in the country, but has been out for weeks with an injury. Andrassy said junior Ross Tice may find success against Miller since Miller has been out for so long. The heavyweights appear to be the most evenly matched opponents. No. 14 junior Brendan Barlow (20-9) faces the nation’s second-best heavyweight wrestler, Jarod Trice (21-3). The two split matches against each other with both matches going into double overtime. “I would say we have similar styles, similar weight and similar height,” Barlow said. “It’s just a clash. Whoever’s going to get a takedown is going to win the match.” Andrassy said other than a match-time decision with freshman Brandonn Johnson, he plans to wrestle all of his starters. Because of a high ankle injury, Johnson did not practice Tuesday, but did practice Thursday. Johnson told Andrassy his ankle was sore but did not hurt. “Hopefully the soreness will go down as he continues to practice,” Andrassy said. Andrassy said he would still take backups senior Sli Bostelman at 165, heavyweight senior Joe Tymoszczuk and 157 sophomore Mallie Shuster just in case they are needed. The match begins at 2 p.m. Sunday at Central Michigan.

A.J. Atkinson is the wrestling reporter.

Michael Moses is a sports columnist. Contact him at mmoses3@kent.edu.

Men’s basketball competes in BracketBusters Rachel Jones

rjones62@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater If the Kent State men’s basketball team is curious about what the NCAA Tournament will be like, it will get a taste Friday in Drexel. The Flashes will play the Dragons (17-9, 9-7 Colonial Athletic Association) at 9 p.m. as a part of ESPNU’s BracketBusters. The ninth-annual event consists of three days of men’s college basketball teams who have the potential to reach the NCAA Tournament. The collection of 114 teams is the largest BracketBusters pool in the event’s history. While Drexel received the honor of hosting the televised event, the Flashes (17-8, 8-3 Mid-American Conference) are pretty used to being on the road. Wednesday’s 86-80 overtime loss to Miami proved to be a speed bump in the four-game road series, ending a six-game winning streak and knocking the Flashes from first place in the MAC East. “I think it was two evenly matched teams,” said Kent State coach Geno Ford. “For our situation (Wednesday), we did exactly what we wanted to do. (Miami) made enough plays to deserve to win. Unfortunately, we didn’t make some plays and missed some free throws. What are you going to do?” The Flashes could redeem themselves with a win tonight. The Dragons, who fell to U N C Wi l m i n g t o n 5 1 - 4 3 o n Tuesday, will also be looking to recover from a loss.

F re s h m a n f o r w a rd M a r k Henniger said the Flashes need to step up their defensive game if they want to be the ones who earn redemption Friday. The players also need to maintain a sense of stamina that is obviously dwindling after all of this time on the road. “When you start racking up miles and hotel stays and guys get tired, it’s hard to win road games, (especially) late in the season,” Ford said. “Our team’s gotten better, so hopefully we can just hang in there.” Kent State has struggled on the road early in the season, but has turned around a previously losing road record. But Ford said nobody really expected the first few away games to turn in Kent State’s favor anyway. “To think we would take a team with 10 new guys and win at Florida and UAB on the road was unrealistic,” Ford said. “It’s not that we’re not talented enough to beat people like that, but you have to have games together. The two biggest things in offense are rhythm and timing, and you can’t get that right away with new people.” At this point, the players have improved their chemistry and found lethal combinations to bring down their opponents. Senior guard Rod Sherman, who posted 25 points against Miami, will work with reigning MAC East Player of the Week Justin Greene to provide a strong offensive front inside the paint. Junior center Justin Manns and junior guard Michael Porrini will use their pairings of blocks and steals to protect the

FILE PHOTO BY MEGANN GALEHOUSE| DAILY KENT STATER

Junior Marcel Clopton wrestles his opponent from his back during a meet against Eastern Michigan. Kent wons 30-3.

Gymnastics team back on road, looking to win Tyler Goddard

tgoddar1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

FILE PHOTO JESSICA YANESH| DAILY KENT STATER

Junior forward Justin Greene has been awarded six MAC East player of the week awards. Greene is the only player in the MAC to be ranked top five in points, rebounds and blocks. team on the defensive end. Henniger said he wants to improve on his jump shot for the game, but as long as Kent State wins, he will be happy. “Winning on the road is always a good feeling,” Henniger

said. “I think we’re getting better on the road as we go. We’re coming together as a team, but also just playing better basketball.” Rachel Jones is the men’s basketball reporter.

The No. 16 Kent State gymnastics team is back on the road this weekend to face Northern Illinois on Sunday. The Flashes are looking to get back to winning after their recent defeat by Central Michigan. The loss marked Kent State’s (7-2-1, 1-1 Mid-American Conference) first home loss since 2007, which came against the Chippewas as well. Kent State coach Brice Biggin said the girls have put the last meet behind them and continue to focus on the positives from that meet as they move forward. “The athletes (need to focus on) the positives and how they competed as a team, and the way they built scores for each other and the confidence they had while competing,” he said. “We need to continue to do things like that the rest of the season if we want to stay up in the national rankings.” Kent State will look to build

off its strong scores and continue their high-scoring ways against Northern Illinois. Senior Christina Lenny (9.875) and junior Rachel Goldenberg (9.800) recorded the two top team scores on the vault during the last meet. Sophomore Lindsay Runyan is currently tied at No. 8 in the country on the uneven bars and leads the sixth-ranked bars team this season with a high score of 9.925 as well. Biggin said if the team wants to win this weekend, the athletes need to simply do what they did the last meet. “We need to go out there confident,” he said. “We need to go out there working as a team and execute all the routines. Each time a girl goes out there and hits a routine, it sets up the next girl as well. So if they can do that, we give ourselves a good opportunity to be very successful.” Kent State travels to Northern Illinois Sunday. The meet begins at 2 p.m. Tyler Goddard is the gynamstics reporter.