March 30, 2011 by The Kent Stater

DAILY KENT STATER Wednesday, March 30, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Flurries, HI 37, LO 28

LATEST UPDATES AT KENTWIRED.COM

Week dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault Maura Zurick

mzurick@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Brady Ruffer, Delta Sigma Phi president, said he is hoping the first Sexual Assault Awareness Week will eliminate the negative associations with fraternities. “My head, Greg Jarvie, the vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, talked to me about doing something for sexual assault awareness,” Ruffer said. “It is a really important issue in a campus setting. It’s a chance for fraternity men to stand up and try and change something.” In a letter to Kent State fraternity members, Jarvie said women have a one in six chance of being sexually assaulted, and college women are four times as likely to be assaulted. Jarvie wrote he is hoping that people will participate in this week’s events and make a stand against sexual assault.

Lance Lysowski

llsowsk@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State coach Darrell Hazell’s first morning of spring football practice began differently than the mellow tempered coach is accustomed to. The Flashes’ first-year head coach woke up at 4:09 a.m. Tuesday, feeling both nervous and anxious for his first day of practice. Hazell rolled back and forth in bed until he gave up on sleeping. A rush of thoughts overcame him. What does he have to tell his football team that lost 11 players on the defensive side of the ball? What was his plan for his first day conducting a team that lost three of its last four games to end last season? “I don’t know what was going on…It was a bit of excitement,” Hazell said. “There are just so many things going through your head. That was a little unusual.” Once the Flashes lined up for practice in the Kent State Fieldhouse, Hazell looked anything but anxious. He paced around the field as the team practiced non-contact drills, observing his new coaching staff working with every position. Hazell, who primarily coached Ohio State’s wide receiving corps for the past five seasons, was not used to coaching every player on

main act CHOSEN FOR FLASHFEST

Michquel Penn, community resource officer for the Kent State Police Department, said sexual assault victims don’t often speak out. “I can only speak for KSUPD, and we do not handle very many incidents that have occurred here on campus, which is great,” Penn said. “However, sexual assault and similar offenses are commonly under-reported.” Ruffer, senior integrated social studies major, is the creator and organizer for the week’s events. Delta Sigma Phi brothers, other Greek organizations and the general public can attend. The first event, called Turning Boys into Men, is Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Michael Schwartz Center auditorium. Ruffer said the organization Men Can Stop Rape is instructing the event. He said it is an interactive workshop that will train and strengthen members to help fight and prevent sexual assault. The event is free and open to all students. See AWARENESS, Page 2

New coach Hazell optimistic for fall First practice relieves his first-day jitters

the football field. But it did not show. As the voices of assistant coaches reverberated throughout the building, Hazell was quiet through half of Tuesday’s session. The coach simply walked around to get to know his players. He observed his coaching staff and how his new team played. “Early in practice, I wanted to see the (assistant coaches) coaching them and seeing how the guys responded,” Hazell said. “It was good to be able to roam around and see how every position moved.” While the drills were noncontact, Kent State’s experienced offense was on display. Junior quarterback Spencer Keith and his likely top competitor for the starting job, senior Giorgio Morgan, struggled on their first day running Hazell’s offense. Balls sailed behind or ahead of receivers who were running their routes. Both showed veteran poise in the pocket, but Hazell said the competition is wide open as spring practices are underway. “It’s going to be an interesting process to watch those guys,” Hazell said. “It’s not only physical, but it’s how much they can understand and implement.” The first day was as casual as can be expected. Players were wearing helmets and ran around on the turf with shorts and practice jerseys, but Hazell did not need pads to stress his first lesson to the team-tempo. See HAZELL, Page 2

ROBERT GAUTHIER | MCT CAMPUS

USG ANNOUNCES FLASHFEST LINEUP:

BRUNO MARS HEADLINES

Anthony Dominic

adomini1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Bruno Mars will headline FlashFest, Kent State’s annual music festival, the week before finals. The Grammy award-winning singer will be joined by powerpop band We The Kings and British rapper Plan B. Jeff Hammond, director of Undergraduate Student Government Programming, made the announcement on a TV2 broadcast Tuesday. Students had mixed reactions. “I would like to see a little more diversity,” said Michael Zickefoose, freshman geology major. “All the bands are sort of poppy.” Dylan Sonderman, sophomore English major, said he couldn’t be less excited about the lineup. “We The Kings are for middle school girls,” Sonderman said. “I want good rock.” On the other end of the spectrum, Stephanie Taylor, freshman public relations major, said she likes this year’s artists and expects they will draw a lot of attention. “Many people listen to Bruno Mars because he is featured on the radio, but not as many people know We The Kings,” Taylor said. “It will attract those in the student body who don’t listen to mainstream music.” Taylor said she plans on attending if she can afford a ticket, as students will have to pay to attend this year’s festival — a first for FlashFest. Hammond said the charge is because the main part of the concert will be held in the M.A.C. Center, which will require tickets. Hammond also noted that MTV set

up its own stage for last year’s festival, which was held entirely on Manchester Field. “We know it’s a student concert, but the charge will only be $5,” Hammond said. “It’s just because it’s indoors, and we’ll have to monitor tickets.” Hammond said before the main concerts begin, there will be games and activities in Manchester Field. Local bands, including the runner-up of USG’s battle of the bands, will also perform in the field. The winner of the battle of the bands will be opening the show in the M.A.C. Center. Hammond said the same booking agent who helped USG land Kid Cudi and Drake approached Kent State about Mars. “He said Bruno wanted to start playing colleges and fortunately he ended up being available for the date we had set for FlashFest,” Hammond said. “He’s a big and upand-coming name, and we were able to get him right before he won his Grammy.” Mars received seven Grammy nominations this year and one win for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Just the Way You Are.” Hammond said he anticipates a large turnout for Mars. “I’m hoping since we have a really big name, it’s going to be good,” Hammond said. “And We The Kings will bring a different style into the mix like we were looking for.” Student tickets are $5 and go on sale April 5, and tickets for the general public are $25 and go on sale April 8. The festival Dennis Van Tine | MCT CAMPUS will be held April 28. Bruno Mars will perform as this year’s headliner Anthony Dominic is the on-campus for FlashFest on April 28, with We The Kings and entertainment reporter. Plan B opening the show.

Former defensive lineman discusses effects of concussion Brad Tansey

btansey@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

JACKIE FRIEDMAN | DAILY KENT STATER JACKIE FRIEDMAN | DAILY KENT STATER

Senior Quinton Rainey, former defensive lineman for the Kent State football team, suffered a concussion last season against Toledo. The concussion was caused by a playful hit on the helmet by one of his teammates.

Quinton Rainey had a headache when he lined up in his position last season against Toledo. The previous play, Rainey, a former defensive lineman for Kent State, was playfully hit on the helmet by one of his linebacker teammates who was trying to get amped up for the upcoming play. “When he hit me, I didn’t feel all there,” Rainey recalled. The hit gave Rainey a funny feeling. His head didn’t hurt too badly, but something inside him said he wasn’t right. As the offense broke the huddle, Rainey lined up in his three-point stance. As Toledo’s quarterback handed the ball off to the running back, Rainey pursued the ball carrier. Rainey and his teammates conjoined on the tackle, smashing into each other on the play. Rainey’s head instantly hurt. “The next thing I know, the play started,” Rainey said. “I didn’t even remember the play starting.” That’s when the nightmare began. Rainey, a 5-foot-10 235-pound Virginia Beach, Va., native, had an ordinary headache. On a scale of one to 10, Rainey rated the initial headache at about a four. He had a concussion. A concussion is typically an acceleration-

deceleration injury. According to the NCAA, an estimated 1.6 to 1.8 million athletes suffer concussions each year. The brain is inside spinal fluid, and when the body’s momentum is carried forward and stopped, the brain keeps moving forward and hits the front of the skull, resulting in a concussion. Throughout the course of the game, the headaches worsened. As the pain grew, Rainey’s main concern was helping his teammates despite the apparent injury. Rainey kept playing. He attributed his ability to keep playing to his undeterred ambition to win. “I think it was my competitive drive and muscle memory,” Rainey said. “The whole game we set up in situations, and I think my muscles and competitive drive just took me to my spot and put me in my position.” At Kent State, athletes who suffer a concussion must sit out at least one week, no matter what. Trent Stratton, Kent State director of sports medicine, estimated the number of concussions at Kent State to be about 13 in the 2010 season, which is an increase from the estimated 10 concussions last season. Dr. Nilesh Shah, a Kent State team doctor, said he doesn’t think concussions are any more prevalent than in previous years. “I think we’re recognizing them more,” Shah said. “I think we’re treat-

ing them more aggressively.” The treatment includes extensive memory and balance testing along with rest. Once a player passes the tests, he or she can return to action. After the game was over and the Flashes lost, Rainey couldn’t remember where he was. When his teammates found out, they rushed to tell team doctors. Rainey remembered his name, but that was it. He didn’t remember who the team played. “As a senior, you don’t want to come out of the game for any reason,” Rainey said. “But honestly, I didn’t come out because I didn’t want (doctors) to tell me I had a concussion. I just wanted to finish the game, and hopefully my headache will go away.” Shah said athletes who suffer one concussion usually don’t have any long-term side effects. Looking back on the situation, Rainey said he felt like he should have told someone sooner because of the risks be put himself in by playing. Most people do not see long-term effects after one concussion, but if they experience additional concussions, athletes may experience second impact syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks include epilepsy and multiple brain injuries.

See CONCUSSION, Page 2

Page 2 | Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

TODAY’S EVENTS n USG

meeting When: 8 a.m. Where: Student Center Governance Chambers

Empowerment Network When: 6 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 206

n Election Forum for N.A.A.C.P. When: 6 p.m. Where: Oscar Ritchie Hall Room 250

n Greek

n Speaker Max Edelman When: 7 p.m. Where: Kiva

n Men

President meeting When: 6 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 319

n KSU

Pre-Law Club meeting When: 5:15 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 309

DAILY KENT STATER n Let’s

Dance When: 7 p.m. Where: Oscar Ritchie Hall Room 340

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

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

News Assigning editors

SPORTS

lcoutre@kent.edu

Sports editor

Lydia Coutré

Emily Inverso

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

Kelly Petryszyn

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Taylor Rogers

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K e nt W i r e d.com

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

New living community to launch in fall Residence halls to bring together international and American students Caitlin Restelli

crestell@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The Office of International Affairs is collaborating with Residence Services to bring students from different cultures together by helping international and domestic students interact more. A new program called the International Village Experience will launch in Fall 2011. “It’s an opportunity where people can expand their views of culture,” said David Di Maria, director of international students. “I think it can be a transformative experience for students.” IVE is a learning community designed to allow students who want to share their culture and background to other students from across the globe. An international student will be paired with a domestic student to room together. First-year students will be housed in

Van Campen Hall, and upperclassmen will be housed on the second floor of Beall Hall. “It’s a great place to start, but we want (IVE) to be bigger than that,” said Joel Bynum, member of the planning committee. If students are interested, they should request the residence hall that correlates with what year they are in at Kent State. They can then request to be a part of the IVE learning community. Bynum said the program is an immersive experience with students from multiple cultures and backgrounds. The program is still in the planning stages, but the committee is thinking of activities and leadership roles for the students to interact. The planning committee recently devised a leadership role called the ambassador. Students who hold this role will have to meet a certain GPA requirement, and they must show an interest in being part of the community. The ambassadors will be international and American students. “Ambassadors will be expected to be a positive role model influence on the community,” Bynum said. “We want American students to reach out to international students, and we also want international students to reach out to American students.”

Some ideas to help interaction in the halls include field trips to Amish Country, West Side Market in Cleveland and HOME Markets in Acorn Alley. The community will invite international students to showcase some of their culture to students living in the community, Bynum said. It will also allow American students to show their ways of life. “It’s one thing to learn about it in the classroom, which is very good, or to read about it in a book,” Di Maria said. “It’s another thing if you’re living in it every day.” Resident assistants will be chosen from a pool of RA applications. Bynum said they look for students who have an interest in studying abroad, have a language major or can bring something additional to the community. Once RAs are selected, they will go through special training, which Di Maria said is more of an intercultural focus on what culture is. The training will help RAs understand if a roommate conflict is because of personality or cultural differences. It will also help raise sensitivity to international students’ ways of life. Bynum said this program would help international students have a better transition experience into the United States.

College will require incoming undergrads to expand their education Taylor Titus

ttitus3@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

FILE PHOTO BY HANNAH POTES | DAILY KENT STATER

Flashes face doubleheader against Pitt for home opener

From Page 1

HAZELL Coach Hazell optimistic for fall

Hazell wanted to watch players sprint from the huddle to the line of scrimmage, and he wanted enthusiasm from his new team. They responded. The Flashes were nonstop on the field, as players were urged by assistant coaches to hustle when they checked in and out of the play. “We only stayed in one personnel grouping, and we’ll install more personnel groups,” Hazell said. “We wanted to see how fast we can get in and out of the huddle, and that’s something we want to thrive on.” While the Flashes have 13 practices until the Spring Game on April 16, Hazell said that it’s not enough time for the team to take a breather. With new systems on both offense and defense, he wants Kent State to have 80 percent of the plays known by the time they dress for the Blue and Gold game. “Each day we’re going to try to implement a few more plays and for-

Caitlin Restelli is the student politics reporter.

Requirements added for new CCI students

SOFTBALL DOUBLEHEADER

The Kent State softball team has its home opener Wednesday against the Pittsburgh (23-7) in a doubleheader match-up. The Flashes (9-16) will be looking to continue their winning ways after sweeping Bethune-Cookman last Thursday. In a match-up earlier this season at the Kick-Off Classic at Florida Atlantic, the Flashes fell to the Panthers 8-0. Weak bats affected the team’s performance as

“It is a relatively inexpensive way (for domestic students) to get some firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to interact with students or people from other countries and develop those sensibilities that come along with that,” Bynum said. Di Maria said he was saddened by a conversation with an international student who had been at Kent State for four years and returned home after graduation. “They tell me they’ve never been inside an American home; they don’t have any American friends,” Di Maria said. “I think that means in the U.S. we’re not doing a very good job hosting our visitors from all over the world. I’m hoping we can change some of that.” Di Maria said he hopes this program will help international students make American friends and gain friendship that goes beyond the university. “It’s a big world, and it’s a lot of fun to get to know about it, but I think a lot of people just live in one little bubble,” Di Maria said. “You’re alive for so long, so go ahead and get to know about the world and enjoy it.”

the Flashes were held to just four hits. The game will be the team’s last tune up before conference play begins April 1 against Bowling Green. Game one is scheduled to start at 3 p.m., with the second game scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at the Kent State softball field. — Matt Lofgren. sports reporter mations,” Hazell said. “We have to be able to progress every single practice. It’s a quick three weeks so we don’t have a chance to step back at all.” Expectations for Hazell’s team are up in the air. With not one known starter on the Flashes, many do not know what to expect when the season opens at Alabama on Sept. 3. Hazell did not mention a single player that stood out Tuesday or guarantee a starting spot for anyone, but he’s confident in the group of

I think we’ll have a good football team... This team excites me a lot. DARELL HAZELL | COACH players he has. “I think we’ll have a good football team,” Hazell said. “I like the way they run around. Their attention to detail is good right now. This team excites me a lot.” Lance Lysowski is the assistant sports editor.

Future College of Communication and Information students will have to take one course from each of CCI’s four schools starting this fall. “The idea was to bring the schools together for a common ground,” said Gregory Blase, associate director for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. “The intent is we are all linked together in the College of Communication and Information.” The college is made up of the School of Visual Communication Design, School of Communication Studies, School of Library Information Science and School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Students are now required to take one introductory course from each school. “We realized all of the things that journalism and mass communication, communication studies, visual communication design, library and information science were all talking about, and we’re really all in this together,” said LuEtt Hanson, CCI associate dean. The idea for the requirement came about when the college was founded

From Page 1

AWARENESS Week dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault The Center for Student Involvement is covering the cost of the event. The second event, Pizza Wars, is March 31 at 7 p.m. in the second floor cafeteria of the Student Center. Ruffer said it is a philanthropy event that will raise money for Townhall II. ParticiFrom Page 1

CONCUSSION Former defensive lineman discusses effects of concussion Shah said it’s tough sometimes to test players who are so anxious to get back onto the field. “That’s where our other testing comes into play,” he said. “All right, you’re telling me, let’s test you and find out.” The tests include a memory and balance test. While adhering to NCAA policy, Kent State also follows the 2009 Zurich Consensus Statement. Every two years, a team of physicians get together to discuss concussions and come to a general outlook on the injury.

in 2002, Hanson said. The requirement was approved by every school’s curriculum committee, the college’s curriculum committee and the Educational Policy Council. “I think that it’s a good idea because when you get into the profession they are all linked together, so you have to have knowledge of the different programs,” said Gabrielle Ryczek, freshman VCD major. Students will not have more graduation hours because of the new requirement. The classes will fit into the students’ existing programs because they are counted as either Kent Core courses or electives, Hanson said. “The main thing is that we just want to make sure that all of the CCI majors have an understanding not just of their own field but of each other ’s fields so they can see how they work together,” Hanson said. “It’s really an enrichment program.” Taylor Titus is the reporter for the College of Communication and Information.

CCI Core Classes: n Comm

Studies Course: Introduction to Human Communication

Cody Erbacher

cerbache@kent.edu Assistant sports editor

Lance Lysowski

llysowsk@kent.edu

Nicole Stempak

OPINION

Jessica White

Rabab Al-Sharif

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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.

Tri-Towers now home to new library service KSUlibrary2U helps with research, paper writing Cassandra Beck Daily Kent Stater

cbeck6@kent.edu

“There is no cookbook way (to view concussions) because there is no cookbook way,” Shah said. “It’s not like an ACL tear. Concussions don’t present themselves the same way.” In a survey conducted by the NCAA from 2004 to 2009, the rate of concussions in games per 1,000 football players was a mere 3.1. Although the number is low, Rainey said he thinks the NCAA should better protect athletes from concussions. “I think the tests should be a little bit harder,” he says. “They need questions that make you think a little bit more.”

Students no longer have to make a trip to the library for research and paper writing help. A new library service program called KSUlibrary2U is available to students from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday in Tri-Towers. “For students who live in the dorms, it’s easier to go to Tri-Towers rather than having to truck down to the library,” said Rebecca Kleinhaut, library and information science graduate student. “We help with citation issues, reference questions and can even help with proofreading a paper.” Kleinhaut and Leslie Whiteford, library and information science graduate student, started KSUlibrary2U to help bring library services to students living on campus. “A lot of students don’t know where to start with reference help or projects,” Whiteford said. “We make it easy to get started.” They expect the program to become more popular and useful to students when it gets closer to finals. “We’re hoping that it will speed up,” Whiteford said. “Students will be able to walk up with a quick question about something.” Emily Horwatt, junior pre-accounting major, said she could see herself using the services. “If I still lived in Tri-Towers, I would use it for proofreading since you don’t need to make an appointment like in the library’s writing center,” Horwatt said. The KSUlibrary2U program takes place next to ResNet services in the TriTowers rotunda.

Brad Tansey is the managing editor of KentWired.com.

Cassandra Beck is the library reporter.

n JMC

Course: Media, Power, Culture

n VCD

Course: Visual Design Literacy

n SLIS

Course: Information Fluency in the Workplace and Beyond

pants can pay $5 to eat pizza from each place and vote on the best pizza shop. Townhall II in Kent is a center that provides services for substance abuse and domestic violence, and it helps ensure wellness and recovery for individuals. “Townhall II is a great resource for the community, and with state budget cuts they’re struggling with funding, and we’re hoping this will help them out,” Ruffer said. Maura Zurick is the safety 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.

Wednesday, March 30, 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 Kelly Byer Managing editor Rabab Al-Sharif Opinion editor

Laura Lofgren Features/A.L.L. editor Lydia Coutré Assigning editor Lance Lysowski Assistant sports editor

our

SUMMARY: With college students’ critical thinking skills lacking, Kent State assessments are changing. These efforts to focus on writing and expression are a step in the right direction.

VIEW

Putting problem solving skills to the test

recent study conducted by Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa of more than 2,300 undergraduates found that 45 percent of college students do not show improvement in critical thinking skills. The study covered in their book “Academically Adrift,” which was published in January, gathered results of the Collegiate Learning Assessments from 24 unidentified schools Fall 2005 and Spring 2007. The CLAs measure a student’s critical thinking, analytic reasoning, problem solving and written communication, according to the test’s institutional report. The results troubled the university’s administration and a reconstruction of Kent

Core classes is in the works. Administrators are working to ensure that students at Kent State don’t become academically adrift. The university is shifting to assessments based more on writing and expressing. Over the past year, the university has been administering CLAs to collect data about what specific areas of critical thinking faculty need to focus on. By doing this, the university administrators hope to better prepare students through experience. It is important to enforce critical thinking skills in students. How often in our future careers will we be asked to take a test? It’s much more likely that we will be asked to solve problems, write proposals and ana-

lyze. For example, at a business meeting your boss might ask you to come up with a proposal to solve a company issue. You’ll probably never be given a quiz on it though. Motivation is an issue. You can change the curriculum as much as you want, but some students will just do the minimum to get by. Moving toward more expressive forms of assessments is a step in the right direction. It forces students to think rather than just remembering facts for a test. 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 “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

■

DID YOU KNOW? On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by a deranged drifter named John Hinckley Jr. — History.com

The lost legacy of Kent State Coming back from an alternative spring break trip to Chicago, I couldn’t stop thinking about one question: Where is student activism at Kent State? For those of you who don’t know what an alternative spring break trip is, to put it simply, instead of traveling, we did 60 hours of community service for a week. A group of 14 volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Daycare Center, City Farm, Chinese American Service League and REST homeless shelter. We talked to people working in the Night Ministry, Hull House, Access to Opportunity Movement, Chicago Public Schools and The Point. We learned about the population that we hadn’t thought much about: homeless people, immigrants struggling to apply for citizenships and children whose parents can’t afford quality daycare. Kent State has a legacy of student activism. It is the student protests at Kent State in 1970 that sparked the national demonstrations for the Vietnam War, according to an official at Chicago Public Schools whom we talked to. The starting point is here, at Kent State. However, today, how many of us still care about gender and inequality issues and want to do something to change it? How many of us know what a “food desert” is? How many of us have thought about how to survive with $3 for a week? How many of us have volunteered for the local community? The issue is whether we care about our local community or merely about ourselves and what we can do to improve the lives of the underprivileged population. Take a minute to think about what the social activists in our history have done. Mohandas Gandhi called for nonviolence action during the Indian Independence Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for civil rights by raising public awareness and other nonviolent means. Barack Obama was once a community organizer in Chicago. There are different approaches to address social issues and create social change. The Social Change Wheel, adopted by the College of St. Benedict Cam-

Tianjun Shen Guest Columnist pus Ministry from a publication by Minnesota Campus Compact, encompasses direct service, community or economic development, voting, direct action strategies, grassroots political activity or public policy work, community building, advocacy through community education and socially responsible daily behavior. Do you remember how many times you have said that you wanted to make a difference? But have you ever thought of how? Start by volunteering and getting engaged in the local community. Sparing some time over the weekend to take part in Super Service Saturday, organized by the university, or searching for volunteer opportunities in your own community might be a good starting point. To take a step further, you can organize events to fight for social injustice. Thepoint.com and carrotmob.org — the name is taken from flashmob — provide us with wonderful channels to disseminate information. And, of course, many of us use Facebook and Twitter. These are excellent tools for organizing social change. It all depends on how we use them. Even if you don’t want to devote your life to civic engagement, as one of the members of Access to Opportunity Movement at Northwestern University said, you can still have your own career and live your life in a socially responsible way. Being a responsible citizen means being aware of the social injustices and the privileges that we have and devoting some of our time and energy to community development. Students, go get engaged! Tianjun Shen is a higher education administration and student personnel major and guest columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at tshen@kent.edu.

To mirror our beloved Gandhi had it right when he instructed mankind to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” That philosophy can also be used to help women who are having trouble finding the right man to marry. Too often, we compromise our values for the sake of finding love. We act like the exact opposite of the kind of man we wish to attract because we are willing to settle for less than what we deserve. I recently had to say goodbye to a person I loved in order to fully understand the damage of compromising who you are for the gratification of someone else. The underlying cause for this can be loneliness or falsely believing that having a boyfriend is what produces confidence. Many women have been guilty of settling for “Mr. Right Now” in hopes that eventually the right one will come along. Unfortunately, the destructive habits we engage in now won’t immediately disappear the moment we meet someone new. The unpopular truth is that relationship habits can evolve into life habits. If we are willing to compromise ourselves for love, we will inevitably compromise ourselves in all aspects of our lives. This is not a quality that will

Sarahbeth Caplin attract a man of true moral integrity. I am making a commitment to myself to become the kind of woman who is worthy of the kind of man I’d like to marry someday. That kind of man will possess compassion, strong commitment to God and respect for physical boundaries. Ultimately, he will desire what is best for me, even if it means sacrificing his own opportunities for pleasure. I hope to be able to do the same for him. The mistakes we might have made in previous relationships don’t have to define our future, but repeating them won’t bring about the kind of changes we are looking for. A genuine relationship that eventually leads to marriage doesn’t begin with a seductive stare in a crowded bar. It doesn’t begin

with a one-night stand. It doesn’t begin engaging in a “friends with benefits” situation where that “friend” is dropped the moment someone with more potential comes along. I don’t doubt that some genuine relationships might begin this way, but I would consider those to be the exception, not the rule. If we desire successful relationships, we must first conduct ourselves in ways that are loving. Real love is not self-seeking. By developing the kind of character I desire in my future husband, I hope that any man who gets to know me won’t consider my behavior to be indicative of someone who would make a good casual hook up. I hope that my character will cause a man to think, “What a great potential wife.” Ladies, I encourage you to become the kind of person you deserve to end up with. Never settle for someone who values your body over your heart. A real man – and they are out there – will never demand such a sacrifice. Sarahbeth Caplin is a senior English major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at scaplin@kent.edu.

Congress needs to address career colleges’ toxic choices For-profit colleges have successfully marketed a compelling story in which they star front and center as benevolent purveyors of the American dream through education and gainful employment. The reality is the complete opposite. Former students testified before a U.S. Senate oversight committee this month about exorbitant tuition costs and unfulfilled promises of good jobs. One student spoke of completing a program in video game design and ending up in the video games section of a Toys R Us. Solutions include tougher gainfulemployment rules crafted by the U.S. Department of Education. The long-awaited standards would ensure career and vocational programs adequately prepare students for employment. A key part of the rules requires colleges to consider whether students will actually earn

The Seattle Times Guest Columnist enough to repay their loans. For-profit colleges enroll about 10 percent of all students but account for 25 percent of federal student aid and 48 percent of all federal student loan defaults. Huge profits are made on federal aid; student success is secondary. The new rules have run into trouble. The House passed a bill preventing the Department of Education from enforcing the rules. Similar legislation is in the Senate. Washington Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell must be part of the effort blocking the legislation, an unabashed end run around accountability measures. Federal rules already require career education programs receiving federal student aid to prepare students for “gainful employ-

ment in a recognized occupation.” But enforcement was based on an honor system, in which institutions checked a box. The new rules add clarity and structure, but they aren’t as tough as career colleges are proclaiming. They would deem a career program ineligible for federal student aid only if less than 35 percent of students are repaying their loans. Plus, students would have to have a debt burden of at least 12 percent of their total income. Programs falling on the wrong side of these rules deserve to be dinged. For-profit institutions have dispatched scores of lobbyists to Congress to gin up sympathy for their argument that tougher rules decrease educational choices. No, just the toxic ones.

This editorial appeared in The Seattle Times on Monday, March 28.

Page 4 | Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 | Page 5

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

COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT COME AND LAUGH... Thursdays 8pm Free to KSU students Sponsored by USG Programming Pregnant? Need to talk? Call Pregnancy Center of Kent 330-8399919 Love Vintage? Check out: www.etsy.com/shop/ vintageous102607

PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN! SAVE MONEY! Maine camp needs fun-loving counselors to teach All land, adventure & water sports. Great Summer! Call 888-844-8080, apply: campcedar.com Parasson’s Italian Restaurant Hiring All Positions, All Shifts, Starting at $8-$10/hr. Apply in person 11AM9PM, no phone calls please. 3983 Darrow Rd., Stow SUMMER EMPLOYMENT. Summit County Health District Mosquito Control Program. $10.30/hr M-F 8am-4pm. Mid-May through August. Primarily outdoor work. Biology/ health/science majors preferred. msmith@schd.org / 330-926-5602 EOE Lawn Fertilization Company seeks employee. Must have valid Ohio drivers license 4 points or less, please call 330-688-3389 Line cooks, Servers & Hostess AM&PM shifts, exp required. Seasonal help need not apply. Apply at Hudson’s Restaurant 80 N. Main St, Hudson & Hudson’s Restaurant 3900 Medina Rd, Akron, between 2-4PM or email resume apply@3foodies. com Jobs for Students! Simply Color Industries, a photographic printing business, wants your help! We are looking for creative and hardworking individuals to join our production team. 12-24 hours per week Flexible scheduling (4 hour shifts) Light Assembly. No Experience Necessary. Email your interest and resume to harold@simplycanvas.com Barrington Golf Club Seasonal summer servers/cooks/ bartenders, meals and uniforms provided, competitive wages, apply in person. 350 N Aurora Rd Aurora EOE HELP WANTED!! Golf course- Raccoon Hill now hiring snack bar/beverage cart waitresses. 5 minutes from campus, 21 & over please. Call Jason or Jen at 330-673-2111. Kent State student needs tutor for basic math course. 440-231-6466 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 FT/PT Enthusiastic retail sales position available! Apply within, Stow Sports, 3774 Fishcreek Road, Stow. or Office.underwood@gmail. com. TUTORS/SI LEADERS NEEDED! The Academic Success Center is accepting SI Leader, Peer Mentor, and Tutor applications until Thursday, April 14th for Fall Semester 2011. Tutors are needed for Accounting, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, French, Geology, Italian, Nursing, Philosophy, Psychology, Seven Ideas, Spanish, Study Skills, and Writing. Tutors must have a 3.0 GPA and be available to work 8-12 hours per week. Starting Pay: $8.50 To apply or for more information, visit 207 Schwartz Center or www. kent.edu/asc/jobs

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.

On-Campus Employment Network and Telecom Services is seeking student workers for the spring/summer and fall semesters. Starting pay is $8.50/hour. Flexible schedule. Call 330-672-3747.

horoscope By Linda Black Today’s Birthday (03/30/11) Even with Mercury going into retrograde today, there’s nothing you can’t handle. You’re a problem-solver (even if you don’t know it). Plan ahead, but be open to spontaneity. Wonderful things develop from seeming breakdowns. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Affordable Housing! 1BR $451 2BR $584 3BR $656

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

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. Efficiency and 1 bdrm apartments available now. Heat included! Call 330-678-0746 Hurry!!! Efficiency apartments still left. Call 330-678-0123 $100 OFF 1ST MONTH’S RENT Kent: 2-3 bdrm spacious apt. move in now Call 330-678-0823 NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call 330-554-8353 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 Hurry In 2BR Apts available for Fall Free Heat and Water, Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool 330-673-5364

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 5. Today’s a good day for laying low, taking it easy and handling routine chores. Give extra time for deliveries and travel. Nurture yourself and others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 6. You come from strong stock, and know how to dance with circumstances. Add time to your schedule for the unexpected, and double-check travel arrangements.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 6. A sense of humor and wit can lighten even the most frustrating moments. Mercury goes into retrograde today, so stay close to home and just take care of business.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 6. Keep your wits about you and your sense of humor at hand. The unexpected may show up today. Allow extra time in your schedule for it.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 5. Retrograde Mercury could cause confusion regarding home renovation, purchase or paperwork for the next three weeks. Keep all receipts, and hold off on signing, if possible.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 6. Your common sense and clever wit entertain those around you, even as you may prefer to hide out. Watch out for mechanical difficulties, and let your love out. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 6. If you’re planning a trip, double confirm the tickets and be sure the car’s in good repair. Address any breakdowns with humor, and avoid them with multiple options.

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-On Busline -Laundry Facility -Secured Buildings -Appliances included -Free Gas, Heat & Water

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 6. There’s no mountain too tall for you today, as long as you use your imagination and reserve some time to care of yourself. Meditation provides answers.

Rent

1 & 2 bed apartments. All utilities included except electric. Call to schedule your tour today (330)6780972

UNIVERSITY TOWNHOMES, 4/5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, A/C, W/D, $290 per bedroom.440-552-5840. djerina@blmrentalproperties.com

Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930

Kent—Nice House Close to Campus and Downtown, 6/7 people, Available Fall 330-297-6539

Apartments for Rent: 1 bedroom apartment in a house. Kitchen, living room, bath. Separate entrance. No pets. One year lease. Available in August. 330-673-8505 or 330-221-8218 1&3 Bedroom Apartments Close to Campus Joe (330)310-1494. Kent- Quiet 1, 2&3 bedroom. $525, $590, $780. 330-677-5577 HIDDEN PINES Town homes 4 bedrooms 2 bath. W/D. ALL utilities included. $365/mo/bdrm www.hidden-pines.com 440-708-2372 Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 5 bedroom / 2.5 bath town homes Start at $300/month/resident Call 330-990-4019 tahays-management.com Available For Fall. 4 bedroom units in great condition. Deck, garage, large yard, washer/dryer hook up. $1160 includes water and trash. Why pay more? 330-612-4057 Fall: Near KSU. 2 bedroom condo, 3 blocks from campus. Living room, dining room, 1.5 bath, central air, balcony, laundry facilities in building, call Drew 330-328-1084. 4-5 bedroom house for rent. 319 East Summit. 1-block to campus. $350/month. 1-year lease starting in July. 330-2120992. Call for open house details. Open house on 03/31 at 6pm. FALL: 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT, WATER AND WASTE PAID, $285/ BEDROOM, 330-221-5540.

KENT- Large 5/7 bedroom 2.5 bath, new kitchen, baths, windows. Clean and quiet, large fenced yard. $410 per, includes utilities, washer/dryer. 5 minutes to KSU 330-906-2525 University Townhomes: 4-5 bedrooms. Available August. $290/month, AirConditioning, Washer/Dryer, clean. On bus route. Remodeled. 330-760-0451 www. vargorealty1.com VERY CLEAN 2 bedroom house, 2-car garage, no pets, private yard, $750/month + utilties&deposit. Call after 6pm 330-673-3224 For Summer or Fall: 2 bedroom starting at $325 per bedroom including utilities. 330-626-7157 Fall: Free Heat 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo. No Pets. $700. 330-678-3557 Now leasing for Fall: a beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom duplex, washer/dryer hookup, 3 blocks from downtown and KSU, $300/student. 330-687-6122. Now leasing for Fall: a beautiful newly redecorated 2-bedroom 1.5bath, townhouse with washer/dryer hookup, central air, free water and garbage pickup, $350/person. 1 block from KSU. 330-687-6122 Kent 1 bedroom cottage. Water and gas included. Pets negotiable. $550 plus deposit. 330-677-5031 Available in Fall! 3 bedroom units close to campus. Wellmaintained starting at $800/ month. Call today 330-329-2535 Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 4 bedroom House. Clean, close to campus, Sherman St. Call 216-533-5770 or 330-687-3449

NO UTL INC UNIVERSITY TOWNHOME. 5 BDS, 2.5 BATHS, STOVE, REFRIG, W/D, A/C. $345.00 PER PERSON; WWW.JLCASTO. COM CALL 330-688-7040.

1 or 2 bedroom, Kent. 927 S. Water. $500 includes trash & water. Near campus & on bus route. Parking, big yard, & porch. Chris 330-221-4411

$495.00 FIRST 3 MONTHS. 2BD 1BTH TOWNHOME. LAUNDRY, CARPORT. jlcasto.com 330-688-7040

3 Bedroom House, Kent - 927 South Water $750 includes trash & water. Near campus & on bus route. Parking, big yard & porch. Chris 330221-4411

Buckeye Parks Mgmt. Serving Kent for over 30 years 2011-2012 Leases 2,3,4 bdrm apts Some include utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com Close to KSU. 2 bedroom condo available fall. Park at door. $640/ month 440-487-2193 or johnwirsing@ gmail.com. Agent-Owner KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900-$1200 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330329-1118 kentarearentals.com Fall: Akron U area large 6 bedroom house, near au campus, 2 full baths, 2 kitchens, full basement, off-street parking, $380/month, utilities paid. Call Kevin 330-328-1084.

2 bedroom apartment, free utilities. $550/month + security deposit. No pets. 330-673-8271 3 bedroom house. $690/ month + security deposit and utilites. No pets. 330-673-8271

ROOMMATE NEEDED NOW OR FALL in nice 4 bedroom twinplex. $385 all inclusive. 5 minute drive to KSU. Free Washer/Dryer. 330-714-0819

Mowing, Spring Cleanup, Mulching, Edging, Bed Installation and more! 330-842-4125

Studio Apartment sublet for April 1st through August. $515/mo. Hoschip@ gwis.com

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 6. Your common sense and entertaining attitude make light of technical breakdowns or unexpected outcomes. This outlook turns out to be really helpful to others.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8. Use your time wisely. If you don’t feel your best, let others jump in the game and sit this one out. It’s a good day for increasing your income.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7. Your friends and family appreciate your witty common sense. It’s not a great day for travel or mechanical equipment. Stay close to home, and take time for yourself.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 5. Sometimes you just have to pray and hope for the best. Sometimes it takes action and effort, despite the circumstances. Which is going to be? Balance both.

Page 6 | Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

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

Pitcher returns ‘stronger than before’ Cody Erbacher

cerbache@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

MEGANN GALEHOUSE | DAILY KENT STATER

Starting pitcher Andrew Chafin said he will enter the 2011 MLB Draft, but if he’s not drafted in the first or second round, he’ll be suited with a Kent State jersey once again next season.

Sometimes Andrew Chafin can’t help but chuckle after watching a batter swing at his slider. It’s a crippling pitch. His coach calls it a major league pitch. It’s a pitch that looks to enter the strike zone. Then it bottoms out into the dirt leaving no chance for the batter to make contact. “I’ve played catch with Andrew enough to know (the slider) is a devastating pitch,” said pitching coach Mike Birkbeck. “Poor hitters start to swing at what he thinks is a fastball, and the next thing you know it’s got some tilt on it and the hitter is way out in front.” The slider makes the starter one of Kent State’s best pitchers. Opposing batters have trouble hitting the lefty. His slider, paired with a 93 mph fastball is a rough combo. Chafin has added a changeup to his pitching game, too. The changeup was a product of a yearlong recovery journey. Chafin was forced into rehab from Tommy John surgery after experiencing an injury he suffered on May 8, 2009 when the Flashes were playing conference rival Akron. In the first inning of the game, Chafin’s arm wasn’t right. “I figured it would get stretched out and loosen up before the second inning,” Chafin had hoped. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Kent State coach Scott Stricklin said something didn’t look right after Chafin threw two pitches. “On the second pitch he grimaced a little bit,” Stricklin said. “I had no feeling from my middle finger to my pinky finger,” Chafin exclaimed. Chafin, a freshman at the time, wanted to stay in the game and continue pitching. “I’m not one to give up on anything no matter how bad it hurts,” he said. “If I’ve got something I need to do, I do whatever I can to get it done.” “In typical Andrew fashion he said, ‘I

can get this guy coach,’” Stricklin said. There was no way that Stricklin could leave his star pitcher out on the mound. It could risk further injury, which could have kept the pitcher from ever throwing again. The coach, as well as the pitcher, knew this injury was not going to fix itself. Tommy John surgery was needed. The procedure involved replacing a ligament in the elbow with a tendon from his wrist. This was tough news for the freshman, who was having a great season. Chafin had a 4-1 record, eight saves, 1.26 earned run average and 55 strikeouts. Following his freshman season, Chafin earned an extensive list of accomplishments. He was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Team, the ABCA Second Team All-Mideast Region and the First Team All-MAC. He was just the third Kent State player, and first since 1992, to be named MAC Freshman of the Year. Instead of sulking after learning surgery was needed, Chafin looked at it as a great opportunity. He had the chance to get stronger and learn a new pitch: a changeup. Rehab, though, was boring. It’s the same routine everyday. Using bands to workout the arm. Chafin said he didn’t feel any pain throughout the process, except for the first couple of days following the surgery. At times there was discomfort, but it would never hinder his goal of returning stronger than he was prior to the surgery. “I never had any doubt that I would come back stronger than before,” Chafin said. “If I want to accomplish something, I can accomplish it.” This type of mindset helps Chafin compete at an elite level. Accomplishing effective pitching sequences is easy for Chafin during games. The southpaw can be effective by overpowering a batter, hitting the corners with pin-point accuracy or using his demoralizing breaking balls. “It depends on the day,” Chafin said. “He’s truly a blend of a power pitcher and a commanding control pitcher,” Birkbeck said.

When Chafin’s pitches are on, and he’s striking out batters, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. “It’s a phenomenal feeling,” the technology major said. “Your motor gets going, and you just want to throw harder on your next pitch.” Recently, Chafin has been experiencing this phenomenal feeling quite often. He’s stronger and is pitching at an elite level. All thanks to Tommy John surgery. “He’s better now than he was before the injury,” Stricklin said. “That’s a testament to how hard he worked.” It’s evident in his pitching. After 22 months away from live pitching at Schoonover Stadium, Chafin returned with a complete game shutout performance against Toledo on March 25. It was Kent State’s first shutout in two years. Chafin threw 88 strikes out of 113 total pitches. He struck out a career-high 15 batters, while giving up just four hits and walking no batters. He’s had success against nationally ranked teams, too. Against No. 23 Louisville on March 4, Chafin saw great success from his favorite pitch: the slider. “There were multiple occasions where I would strike people out bouncing the ball two feet in front of the plate,” Chafin said. “They would just look like complete fools out there.” Chafin threw seven scoreless innings, with a no-hitter running through five innings against the nationally ranked team. Louisville won the 11-inning game with a 3-2 victory. Chafin allowed just one hit and struck out 10 batters. Performances like this give the redshirt sophomore a great stat line this season. His ERA is just 0.53 over a 33.2 inning span. Chafin leads the Flashes with a 3-1 record. “He’s as good as anyone we’ve had in a long time,” Stricklin said. “It hasn’t mattered who he’s faced. He’s been dominating.” Cody Erbacher is the sports editor.

Baseball team welcomes Penn State Wednesday A.J. Atkinson

aatkins2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The Kent State baseball team’s pitching staff will be put to the test on Wednesday against Penn State. Kent State pitcher Ryan Mace, 2-1 with a 2.08 earned run average in 21.2 innings, has the task of controlling the fastball-hitting Nittany Lion batters. Except for the No. 5 batter, the lowest batting average of the first six Penn State batters is .322. As a team, they have a combined .296 batting average (Kent State has a combined .278 batting average). Mike Birkbeck, Kent State’s pitching coach, said his pitchers’ goal is to get ahead in the count in order to avoid fastball counts, which are when there are more balls than strikes and must rely on a fastball to get a strike. “We’re going to try and get ahead in the count, and if we aren’t ahead in the count, we’re going to try and pitch a little bit backwards with breaking balls and changeups in fastball counts,” Birkbeck said. “Mace is going to start, and he can throw multiple ways. He can pitch backwards if we need him to.”

Penn State comes in winning three of its four games. The Nittany Lions won two out of their three game series against Le Moyne and defeated Albany 6-4 Sunday. The Flashes (12-10) look to carry on their strong performance from Sunday’s game against Toledo into Wednesday. The Flashes committed no errors, scored eight runs on 13 hits and the three Kent State pitchers used in Sunday’s game held Toledo to just two runs. Penn State’s pitchers have more than just senior Ben Klafczynski to fear (.430 batting average, six home runs, 22 runs batted in and 25 runs scored). Catcher David Lyon led the offense this past series, reaching base on seven base hits in nine at bats with two doubles, one homerun, six runs batted in and one run scored. He enters the Penn State matchup with a .317 batting average and 21 runs batted in, one behind team leader Klafczynski. Penn State has yet to announce its starting pitcher. Wednesday’s first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Schoonover Stadium.

A.J. Atkinson is a sports reporter.