April 13, 2011 by The Kent Stater

DAILY KENT STATER

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Partly Cloudy, HI 54, LO 39

LATEST UPDATES AT KENTWIRED.COM

Freshman arrested for kidnapping

COMMUNITY SERVICE PAYS OFF

A Kent State freshman was arrested on the Ohio State University campus Saturday for an incident in a campus dormitory. Grant S. Summer, 19, of Minerva, was charged with aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony, and kidnapping, a second-degree felony, after being arrested by campus police in Morrill Tower on OSU’s campus. University Deputy Chief Richard Morman said Summer is the ex-boyfriend of the victim and the case is still under investigation. Summer appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday morning for arraignment. According to court records, he is being held on a $250,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday, April 19, at the Franklin County Municipal Court. — Nick Walton, public affairs reporter

Celebration honors year-long diversity initiative at KSU

Daniel Moore

dmoore63@kent.edu NIKOLAS KOLENICH | DAILY KENT STATER

Alex Mott, president of Colleges Against Cancer, won senior Student Volunteer of the Year Tuesday

Daily Kent Stater

LENDING A HELPING HAND

Participants of the university’s pilot year of “100 Commitments” were treated to free T-shirts, line dancing and live music Tuesday afternoon during “KSU Committed,” the program’s closing ceremony. The celebration, held in the Student Multicultural Center, served to recognize the effort of the students, faculty and staff who registered and participated in the initiative. “100 Commitments” is a year-

STUDENTS AWARDED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Christine Morgan

cmorga20@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater

lex Mott said everyone has a personal passion about something, and his is working with and inspiring children through volunteering. Mott, president of Colleges Against Cancer, won senior Student Volunteer of the Year Tuesday for his service in Relay for Life, child development programs and alternative spring break trips.

“I like to volunteer because you don’t have to get rewarded “I like to work with other people, especially kids,” he said. “I like to give them a way to feel like they mean something to from doing it, but you still have the rewarding feeling from the world. It is a strength everyone has internally, and doing it,” Jeffery said. “Even though nobody else might pat they just need to find that and make it happen.” you on the back, you get to pat yourself on the back.” The 2010-2011 Celebration of Service Sara Harper, junior endurance runner and “Making a Difference: Recognizing cyclist, won the Most Impactful Service Award Kent Staters Who Care” awards cerfor her work with multiple organizations, emony took place Tuesday evening including Girls with Sole, an initiative that in the Student Center Ballroom. The provides athletic programs to young girls. ceremony recognized the exceptionHarper said each person has a speal volunteerism of students, faculty cial talent that can be used to help and student organizations. others. The keynote speaker, George “If you have a skill Garrison, professor of Pan-African set or ability, apply it studies, said volunteering expands to volunteerism,” the character of an individual. Harper said. “I’m a run“It adds height, breadth and ner and a cyclist. That’s depth to who we are,” Garrison what I love to do, and I said. “It allows us to reach our found outlets where I can I like to give them optimum potential as human excel in a unique way.” b e i n g s . Vo l u n t e e r i s m Amanda Kis, senior voluna way to feel like and service are a teer at the Women’s Center, won the they mean something part of the Spirit of Service award, which is given adhesive to students who engaged in 40 or more to the world. It is a f o rc e t h a t hours of community service. holds us Kis said being kind and helping strength everyone together as a someone does make a difference. She community.” has internally, and said she volunteers simply because Kimberly Jeffery won she can. they just need to find sophomore Student Volun“When it comes to spreading awareteer of the Year. She has spent ness about projects from the Women’s that and make it more than 300 hours volunteerCenter, it can prevent tragedies,” Kis said. ing at Goodyear Heights Commuhappen. “Volunteering in ways that are preventanity Church, along with other comtive can greatly impact people’s lives in munity events. ALEX MOTT ways that they don’t even know, and that Jeffery said she loves the gratifymeans something to me.” ing feeling of volunteering and teaching children about the importance of giving back to their Christine Morgan is the student affairs reporter. communities.

long diversity initiative started in celebration of Kent State’s Centennial intended to get the university community actively committed to learning about its own diversity. Michele Davis, senior advancement associate, said “100 Commitments” was designed to both broaden the description of diversity held by most students, faculty and staff and also to make everybody feel welcome and included. “Most people, if asked what diversity means, normally give a narrow definition,” Davis said. “We wanted to show that (diversity) is not just one or two types of people. It’s everybody.” See COMMITMENT, Page 2

Kent State students take the walk of shame Mike Crissman

mcrissm2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State students took the walk of shame after getting caught wearing other colleges’ T-shirts. The Alumni Association and Flash, Kent State’s mascot, went around campus Tuesday looking for Golden Flashes in need of some school spirit. “We’re issuing you a citation,” said Carrie Circosta, assistant director for alumni relations, to Bradley Biben, who was found wearing an Ohio State T-shirt in

the Student Center. “I was just trying to match my outfit,” Biben, sophomore exploratory major, said. “I got a couple more Ohio State shirts, but I have a lot of Kent stuff, too.” In total, the Alumni Association caught 15 Kent State students wearing clothing from other colleges, including Duke, Pittsburgh, UCLA, Nebraska and Indiana University. Each of the students was given a Kent State shirt that read, “Caught on the Walk of Shame” and forced to say, “I’m a Flash, and I’m proud!” See SHIRTS, Page 2

“

VALERIE BROWN | DAILY KENT STATER

Rachel Weese, sophmore exploratory, is cited for wearing a non-KSU college sweatshirt on campus Tuesday. Flash hunted down students and handed out T-shirts to several offenders to boost campus pride.

Page 2 | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

TODAY’S EVENTS Sculpture Mile Dedication When: 9:30–11 a.m. Where: Kiva

n Blood Drive When: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 204

n Bike

Workshop When: Noon – 1:30 p.m. Where: Risman Plaza

n Undergraduate

Student Government Public meeting When: 4–6:30 p.m. Where: Governance Chambers

DAILY KENT STATER n Dodgeball

n Pool Tournament When: 5–7 p.m. Where: Cyber Café

When: 7–8:30 p.m. Where: Gym Annex Room 153

n Walk a Mile in Her Shoes When: 4–6:30 p.m. Where: Student Center Lobby

n Invisible Children meeting When: 8:30 –9:30 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 312

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

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

News Assigning editors

SPORTS

lcoutre@kent.edu

Sports editor

Lydia Coutré

Emily Inverso

einverso@kent.edu

Kelly Petryszyn

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

kpetrysz@kent.edu

Taylor Rogers

trogers@kent.edu

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

Three professors honored for outstanding research Recipients include physicist and Beethoven specialist Britni Williams

bwilli61@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater A nuclear physicist, accounting scholar and Beethoven specialist are this year ’s recipients of the Distinguished Scholar Award. Declan Keane, a professor of physics; Ran Barniv, a professor of accounting; and Theodore Albrecht, a professor of music, will be recognized for their scholarship and research achievements Friday at a luncheon ceremony.

Declan Keane

Keane’s research group received worldwide attention when th e y d iscovered t h e heaviest antimatter nucleus. He said antimatter has always sparked public interest and has KEANE been featured in science fiction works such as “Star Trek” and Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons.” “For anybody who’s watched these Star Trek movies,” Keane said, “Star Trek Enterprise spaceship is powered by antimatter.” He said he was surprised to receive

the award. “I know there were a lot of people nominated,” Keane said. “Very distinguished people nominated.” Keane is originally from Ireland and did his doctorate research at the CERN, Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, or European Council for Nuclear Research, laboratory in Switzerland. Keane later became a researcher at the University of California, then took a job at Kent as an assistant professor in 1988. He later became a full professor.

Ran Barniv

Barniv’s research is focused on financial and international accounting. One of his studies shows that regulations, compared to no regulations, on financial accounting benefit the consumer investors. BARNIV Since joining Kent in 1990, he has published 11 articles in the top 10 journals of accounting. Barniv has had two articles published in The Accounting Review, the top-rated accounting journal that has a 90-95 percent rejection rate of articles submitted. One of his articles was accepted in only six months when some articles take as much as five years to be accepted. Barniv said he was pleased when he found out he won the award. He said it came with a feeling of satisfaction because “it’s a lifetime achievement.”

Theodore Albrecht

Albrecht compiled “Letters to Beethoven,” a three-volume collection of more than 500 letters and documents from and related to Beethoven, some of which had never before appeared in English. ALBRECHT Through his research for the collection, Albrecht became interested in interactions Beethoven had with the orchestral musicians he worked with. The documents Albrecht found led him to do more research, and Indiana University Press offered him a contract for a book about this topic. “I’ve managed to trace between 400 and 450 orchestral musicians that Beethoven worked with,” Albrecht said. “These are people who have been essentially anonymous. Other than seeing their names on a personal list, we have not had any idea who they were.” By doing this, Albrecht expects to find specific brands or makers of instruments in order to gain a more exact picture of how Beethoven’s music was meant to be played. “It’s not just dry as dust scholarship,” Albrecht said. “This is the sort of thing that can be applied to the music as you and I hear it on the stage in performance.”

Britni Williams is the academics reporter.

KSU student remains on house arrest for sex offense

Judge denies request to end sentence early Dave O’Brien

Record Courier A former Southeast High School student teacher and Kent State student who had sexual contact with a 15-year-old male student will remain on house arrest at her Cuyahoga County residence after a judge ruled against her request to be released from electronic monitoring for probation purposes.   Judge Laurie Pittman on Monday told Melanie K. Yusko, 23, of Highland Heights, that she was denying her request for release from house arrest at this time, but may consider another request in the future.  “You have been given every consideration by this court,” Pittman told her. “Based on the charges, you need to be punished ... It would be unfair to release you at this time.”   Yusko was convicted in October of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony and sentenced

in December to 300 days in the Portage County jail and five years probation for the April 2010 offense, which occurred while she was a Kent State student teacher assigned to Southeast High School.   Yusko served less than two weeks of her jail sentence before being released on Jan. 15 to serve the remainder of her 300day jail term on electronically monitored house arrest.   Yusko’s attorney, Kenneth Bossin, filed a motion in February to end the house arrest. Yusko sent her own letter to Pittman, dated March 16, asking for the change. Bossin argued Monday that Yusko “has done absolutely everything that she has been asked to do” by the court.   The Portage County Prosecutor ’s Office objected to Yusko’s request, noting that she served no prison time and already received an early release from her court-ordered jail term.   “A lot of people in the same situation go to prison,” Assistant Prosecutor Eric Finnegan told Pittman. “We think enough is enough.”   In her letter, Yusko said being on house

arrest has taken a financial toll on her, as it costs her $8 for every day she is monitored. Also, changing her work schedule — she told Pittman she currently works at a restaurant — is made more difficult by the requirements of her reporting.   “I really love my job, and I would like to be able to perform it to its fullest extent,” she wrote. “I am not requesting to be taken off house arrest to go out and party and cause trouble. I just want to be able to go to work and not have to get permission to stay later or take on another shift.”   Yusko declined to address the court further at her hearing.  “I said everything I wanted to say in the letter I wrote to you,” she told Pittman.   As a Tier II sex offender, Yusko is required to register her address with her local sheriff’s office every 90 days for the next 25 years. She also is forbidden from contacting the victim or his family or working as a teacher, according to Pittman’s sentencing order.

Kent water: fifth tastiest in world

Berkeley Springs ranked Kent’s water among best Megan Wilkinson

mwilki11@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Instead of rushing to the nearest vending machine for soda, Kent State students can consider using the drinking fountain more often between classes. Kent water ranked fifth tastiest in the world in the 2011 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition. John Cordier, chief operator of the Kent Water Treatment Plant, said Kent has been participating in the competition since 1995. He said in past years Kent received first, second, third and fifth place in the competition. “We take pride in the water in Kent,”

Cordier said. “People here can just go to the tap to get some of the best-tasting water for free.” Cordier said one of the reasons Kent’s water tends to be better than most is because the city uses a good well field for the water source, which makes the water more consistent. “You don’t get a lot of aftertaste when you drink the water in Kent,” Cordier said. “Because it’s not lake water, there aren’t any odor problems.” Jill Klein Rone, producer of the competition, said it began in 1990 to improve tourism and the economy in the Berkeley Springs, W.Va area. She said it is the largest and longest-running water contest in the world. Klein Rone said the competition recognizes outstanding municipal water from around the world. “So many of us are lucky that we can turn on a faucet to get clean, safe drink-

ing water,” Klein Rone said. “We need to be aware of how valuable this precious natural resource is, and people should try to protect it every day.” Logan Tiller, freshman exercise science major, said he was surprised to find that Kent’s water ranked well in the watertasting competition. “It’s just a very random thing for Kent to have participated in a water-tasting competition,” Tiller said. “I drink the water, but I never noticed any difference in Kent’s water from other water.” Kent resident Becky Allen, who lives in Sunrise Apartments, said she would consider drinking more tap water now. “I think it’s cool that Kent ranked high in that competition,” Allen said. “I might start drinking tap water more than the filtered water in my apartment.” Megan Wilkinson is a general assignment reporter.

From Page 1

SHIRTS Kent State students take the walk of shame Circosta said the Alumni Association’s “Walk of Shame” cause is an effort to boost Kent State students’ pride in their university. “I think they have a lot to be proud of,” Circosta said. “This is Kent State. You should be wearing Kent State stuff. If you’re at Ohio State you’re not going to see people wearing Kent State stuff. You’re going to see them wearing Ohio State stuff. We’re trying to get that here.” Biben said he enjoyed the experience Tuesday. “It’s cool,” Biben said. “It’s something to get people hyped about Kent.” Rebecca Lazarus was caught wearing a Case Western Reserve shirt in the Hub. “When they came up to me, I kind of thought I was doing something wrong,” said Lazarus, senior biology major. “I didn’t know what though. I was just a little confused at first, but I saw Flash around so I knew something was going on.” Lazarus received the Case Western shirt after touring the Cleveland school a couple years ago. She said the non-reaction of Kent State students when their school’s mascot entered the Hub Tuesday was indicative of the lack of pride she feels many students have with the university. “Flash walked into (the Hub), and no one was really excited and ra-ra to see him,” Lazarus said. Tuesday was the first of three times the Alumni Association will be going around campus unannounced this semester searching for students with non-KSU college shirts.

cerbache@kent.edu Assistant sports editor

Lance Lysowski

llysowsk@kent.edu

Nicole Stempak

OPINION

Jessica White

Rabab Al-Sharif

City editor

Visuals

nstempak@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.

Cody Erbacher

jwhite83@kent.edu

Josh Johnston jjohns64@kent.edu

Opinion editor ralshari@kent.edu Photo editor

Rachel Kilroy

Copy desk chief

rkilroy@kent.edu

jshore2@kent.edu

Hannah Potes

Jennifer Shore

Assistant photo editor

Kentwired editor

hpotes@kent.edu

Frank Yonkof

fyonkof@kent.edu

Features Features/A.L.L. editor

Laura Lofgren

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

Design director

Stefanie Romba sromba@kent.edu

A.L.L. design editor

Kate Penrod

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 Account executive

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 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

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.

Mike Crissman is the alumni affairs reporter. From Page 1

COMMITMENT Celebration honors year-long diversity initiative at KSU Davis said she felt like Kent State met its two goals through the program. A total of 1,115 people across Kent State’s eight campuses participated this year, she said. Geraldine Hayes-Nelson, assistant vice president for Pipeline Initiatives and Diversity Programming, knew back in September, at the start of Kent State’s pilot year of “100 Commitments,” that the new program was going to make some impacts. It was at the rehearsals for the international fashion show, “R U Kouture?!” that Hayes-Nelson said she noticed how different cultures interacted on the catwalk. After trying to model in high heels and fast-paced techno music like the American fashion majors, one of the Chinese students told everyone that wasn’t the way she learned how to model. Soon, Hayes-Nelson said, the show incorporated soft, flowing music, parasols, Indian themes and customs and even switched gender roles. “I began to see it wasn’t so much the events, I think, that impacted as successfully as the process of how people work together,” Hayes-Nelson said. “People began to operate outside the box. That’s what we’re going to be recognizing.” Greg Jarvie, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, welcomed the crowd at “KSU Committed” and applauded the efforts of both the Multicultural Center and the participants. “This is so important for us as a university, to really get out there and walk the walk and not just talk the talk,” Jarvie said. “Diversity is not something that goes only from October to April. This is obviously a lifelong and yearlong commitment.” After Jarvie’s remarks, Davis awarded certificates to the university’s top three participating groups for administrative divisions, colleges, regional campuses, residence halls and student organizations. The College of Business Administration won first for the colleges, while Allerton Apartments, Centennial Court E and Leebrick Hall won

certificates for the residence halls. “It’s no doubt that it takes commitment and sustainability,” Jarvie said. “All of our faculty, staff and students should be proud of that.” The program ran 20 weeks, from September to April. Students, faculty and staff who registered made a commitment to increase their diversity awareness through 10 simple actions — such as watching a movie, starting a dialogue and visiting a local attraction. There were 10 categories of diversity, each of which had two weeks devoted to it. Participants did as many of the 10 commitments as they could during each category. These learning experiences adhered to categories like “The Diversity of Sexual and Gender Expression” and “Socio-Economic Status,” and the category changed at the end of each two-week period. Participants tracked their progress on “commitment cards.” Those who did all 10 commitments for all 10 categories should have done 100 commitments. Kent State will continue the program next year. However, Davis said, certain aspects of the program need some improvement. “We’re going to make our website friendlier,” Davis said. “We’re going to make the resource much more abundant so there’s a lot more variety that can be done, (that) a faculty member can do in their exploration of diversity.” Hayes-Nelson also said she thought the university could distribute information more effectively by starting earlier. “We want to make sure we get good, solid information out early enough and get the freshman class engaged,” HayesNelson said. “We could probably talk to more of our faculty and get them involved before school.” Alfreda Brown, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said she considered the pilot year to be hugely successful because it helped her division see there are people on campus who are willing to take personal action to learn more about diversity. “This is just incredible,” Brown said. “I just wanted to say thanks you to all of those who helped bring us to this day. 1,115 students — we thought that was just wonderful.” Daniel Moore is the diversity reporter.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 | Page 3

OPINION

Daily Kent Stater

The Opinion Page is an outlet for our community’s varied opinions.

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

FAMOUS QUOTE

our

VIEW

SUMMARY: Student volunteers have set an example well worth following. We may not all win awards, but helping those in need is a great cause.

Let’s share the wealth

ith so many opportunities to make a difference, we should take inspiration from the students honored in Tuesday’s annual Celebration of Service. The awards ceremony recognized the exceptional volunteerism of students, faculty and student organizations. Habitat for Humanity and The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, both community partners of the Office of Community Service, Learning and Volunteerism, were also honored. “It represents the university and the community coming together to make this world a better place,” said Anna Gosky,

senior special assistant, about the event. “It recognizes the efforts of students, faculty and student organizations to reach beyond the university community to the larger community.” As college students, we are blessed with the education and opportunities that many people in our Kent community and around the world can only dream about. We should take this time to share out wealth. Wealth doesn’t have to mean money. More often, it’s found in things money can’t buy, like love, happiness or a helping hand. Countless people — in Kent and around the world — could find relief in

our help. Wouldn’t you want them to do the same for you? Donating to relief efforts like the ones in Japan is a great start. But volunteering time and physical energy is much more gratifying. You’ll brighten your day as well as the day of someone less fortunate, and help make our world a little bit happier. To join a Kent State volunteer effort, visit www.kent.edu/emsa/service/volunteer. The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left.

DON WRIGHT’S VIEW

“A man is usually more careful of his money than of his principles.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

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. ■

DID YOU KNOW? On April 13, 1997, in Augusta, Ga., 21-year-old Tiger Woods wins the prestigious Masters Tournament by a record 12 strokes. It was Woods’ first victory in one of golf’s four major championships—the U.S. Open, the British Open, the PGA Championship, and the Masters—and the greatest performance by a professional golfer in more than a century. — History.com

READER COMMENTS Response to Thursday’s column Libya: Obama’s just cause Obama Apologism There’s not a lot of real consistent principle in this article. For one, he blames the right for supporting the Iraq War. But then blames folks on the left who may actually be guided by principle (ones I might not necessarily agree with) for daring to continue to believe something, even if their president is supposedly liberal. God forbid people think for themselves when judging a presidential administration. After all, you’re supposed to support each and every action your president makes, even if you don’t agree with it. And for the madman theory, we’ve had plenty of butchers and parasites on the populous in regimes like Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, etc etc, many of whom our government have chosen to remain closely allied with. Yet we don’t see Obama doing much to quash the Ivory Coast massacres, and still turns a blind eye to atrocities committed in places like Sudan.

Growing up to grow backward: A paradox

— Allan Hall, April 6, 2011 I think we can all agree that President Obama is not a “leftist”. He has been one of the most moderate Presidents in recent history. He’ll get bashed by the far left and far right for everything, it doesn’t really matter what he does. I consider myself to be liberal, but hold more moderate views on foreign policy & military issues. Defense spending should be cut. I think we have to look at each situation with both eyes open. This situation in Libya is different than Iraq for a few simple reasons: 1) The Iraq war was sold on lies. This was out in the open and the facts of situation were given. 2) We didn’t build a broad coalition before going into Iraq, and had no exit strategy. In this situation with Libya, we built a coalition, and have now turned overto major operationsWeb to NATO forces. We got in and Connect a better experience. out quickly. 3) Both were legitimate threats to their own people, but there was no type of uprising at the time where the people were immediately threatened (Iraq), whereas in Libya, there’s an uprising and their was an imminent threat of harm upon these people(regardless of whether you think its humanitarianism or not). I think there is a simple mistake made by many when it comes to speaking about the “left.” The feeling is that, even in the worst case scenarios, that we are all against military action. That’s where many of you go wrong. We believe military action should be a last resort; after all possible diplomatic solutions have been used. We believe in responsible military action which includes but is not limited to, (and don’t bring up Vietnam and LBJ, that was a different time and era and the parties are relatively different now) broad support from our allies and a strong coalition, using diplomacy first, actions based on facts (not lies), and action based on legitimate threats to vital US interests. Anyways, it’s nice that we are able to have debates like this. This is what America is about. — Mark M, April 6, 2011

Recently, Abercrombie & Fitch has been surrounded by controversy for releasing a new line of bathing suits with chest padding for pre-teen girls. A mother in Britain has come under fire for giving Botox and bikini waxes to her 8-year-old daughter. Mattel’s line of hooker-esque Bratz dolls have replaced the popularity of the American Girl dolls that I played with as a child. Where am I going with this? I’ve noticed this paradox of growing up: kids are encouraged to do it faster, while adults are trying to slow the process down and retain their youth as long as possible. How does that work, exactly? If you pick up any women’s magazine or watch enough commercials, you’ll see ads for products that swear to reduce the appearance of wrinkles; a natural occurrence that comes with aging. Looking young is considered important, yet I’m continually amazed at how styles of dress for younger girls has evolved from youthful to young adult. Do little girls really need to be wearing skinny jeans? Is it necessary for a girl to be wearing makeup before she’s old enough to date? We expect that kids will be curious, so we don’t hesitate much about initiating them in grown-up matters under the guise that

Commencement speakers shouldn’t cash in There are few occasions in life more idyllic than college graduation. Steeped in ceremony, it is the moment of triumph after years of work, a time for parents to beam proudly and gowned students to receive their hard-earned diplomas. However, graduates aren’t the only ones earning something on commencement day. Some colleges and universities are paying exorbitant fees — not just expenses — for graduation speakers. Public speaking has been big business for years, and finding a great speaker for commencement day is a competitive business, particularly for a school burnishing its image and trying to boost fundraising. Rutgers University, which is planning a bigger ceremony this year, recently announced that it will pay Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison $30,000 to be the commencement speaker. “An honorarium was required to attract a stellar speaker of Ms. Morrison’s caliber,” said Rutgers spokesman Ken Branson. Morrison is only one example. In 2006, CBS news star Katie Couric got $115,000 to speak at the University of Oklahoma’s ceremo-

Los Angeles Times Guest Column ny — although she did donate it to a cancer center at the University of Virginia in honor of her late sister. And Rudy Giuliani’s 2005 address at High Point University in North Carolina reportedly cost the school $75,000 in a contribution to a foundation of his choice. Some speakers who command astronomical fees will discount them for commencement speeches — it’s possible that Morrison usually gets much more than $30,000 — or waive them. Bill Clinton, who was scheduled to speak at UCLA in 2008 before canceling because of the university’s dispute with a union, did not request a fee. Nor would UCLA have offered one (It never pays). Neither President Obama nor the first lady is paid for their commencement addresses. This year, the president will deliver the address at Miami Dade College’s North Campus, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the public high school that wins the White

House’s Race to the Top Commencement Challenge. Michelle Obama will speak at Spelman College, the University of Northern Iowa and the high school that serves children of members of the military on the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Va. We know it’s a struggle for lesser-known schools to find a speaker a cut above a dreary dean talking in cliches about the challenges to come. But it’s disappointing to see a tradition so wrapped in idealism become yet another vehicle for commercialism. A commencement address is not a gig at a corporate retreat. Even though it takes time and effort to craft a good speech, it is honor enough to be chosen to impart some words of inspiration to newly minted graduates. We’d like to see influential figures go out of their way to speak at smaller institutions for free. Commencement day is one time when accomplished people should share the wealth — not increase their own. This editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Times on Monday, April 11.

Sarahbeth Caplin “they can’t stay innocent forever.” I have to ask, what is so wrong about allowing kids to remain innocent for as long as possible? Why is there such hurry for them to grow up, only to have them try and reverse the process later on? What is it about youth that young people find distasteful but makes adults fork over large amounts of cash to get it back, even on a surface level? To be clear, “remaining innocent” is not the same as encouraging ignorance. I believe there are age-appropriate ways to educate kids about matters such as death, suffering, the birds and the bees, etc. The problem isn’t that we want to educate kids, but how we go about it. And then there are some things that kids should never have to know. For instance, in the movie “Away We Go,” an expectant couple searching for a

place to raise their daughter encounters a family who, in one poignant scene, are shown singing along to “The Sound of Music.” The father-to-be inquires, “How do you explain to the kids about the Nazis?” The family explains that they skip that part: “There will be enough time for Nazis later.” The bottom line is that there’s plenty of time to deal with adult issues – when you actually become one. At that point, you’ll wish you’d cherished childhood more. But in a world where 13-yearold Disney singers produce ballads about grown-up heartache, childhood seems to be getting shorter, even less necessary. I don’t think there’s some kind of magic age where suddenly we exchange innocence for world-weariness. However, now that I’m about to graduate college in less than one month, I wish I hadn’t been in such a hurry to kiss childhood goodbye.

Sarahbeth Caplin is a senior English major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at scaplin@kent.edu.

Page 4 | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

Offense awakens, Flashes power past Youngstown State Kent baseball continues 10-game winning streak A.J. Atkinson

aatkins2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater JACKIE FRIEDMAN | DAILY KENT STATER

Joe Koch, junior outfielder, hits the ball at the game against Youngstown State Tuesday. Koch is a 2010 letterwinner.

The Flashes capitalized on Youngstown State’s sloppy play to extend their win streak to 10 on Tuesday at Schoonover Stadium. Youngstown State’s pitching staff did not help itself against the Flashes’ powerful lineup, committing three of the Penguins’ four errors in the game. The Kent State batters took advantage of the secondchance opportunities, scoring seven runs on 11 hits. Sophomores Evan Campbell and Jason Bagoly had six of the Flashes’ 11 hits. Campbell went three-for-four with three singles, one run scored and one run batted in. Bagoly hit three-for-four with two doubles, two runs scored and one run batted in. Kent State coach Scott Stricklin said he likes to see the offense has developed to more than just two hitters. “Lately it’s been a lot of different people,” Stricklin said. “That’s what you need. You can’t have just one person.” The Flashes have scored 53 runs to their opponent’s 24 in the 10-game span. Junior shortstop Jimmy Rider, who went two-forfour with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI in the game, said he believes the warmer weather has a correlation to the gradual climb in offensive numbers. “It is a lot easier to hit when it’s warmer,” Rider said, smiling. “I think it’s getting confidence up there and feeding off each other.” Freshman Spencer Bryant earned his first win in his first starting appearance for the Flashes. The right-hander pitched five shutout innings, struck out two, walked one and gave up just five hits. Before the game, Bryant had only thrown seven complete innings. “Spencer Bryant went out there and threw four pretty much effortless innings,” Stricklin said. “It won’t be the last time Bryant gets out there, that’s for sure.” Kent State’s offense started from the beginning, scoring a run in each of the first two innings. Junior leftfielder Joe Koch scored his 16th run of

the season and first run of the game on one of Rider’s two doubles in the game. The score remained 2-0 until the sixth inning when the Flashes had a three-run inning. The Penguins put themselves in trouble by giving Kent State another four-out inning by committing their third error of the game. Junior David Lyon reached first base on a throwing error by the pitcher for the second time in the game. Campbell then moved Lyon to second with a single before Bagoly hit Lyon in with his second double of the game. Freshman T.J. Sutton and freshman pinch hitter George Roberts hit Campbell and Bagoly in with back-to-back sacrifice flies. The Flashes used five pitchers to shutout Youngstown State. After Bryant’s four innings, the Flashes’ bullpen allowed just four hits in the final six innings. Sophomore right-handed reliever Ryan Adams relieved Bryant and gave up one hit in two innings. Sophomore David Wright followed, pitching twothirds of an inning. The right-handed reliever had some trouble, giving up two hits and two walks. Freshman Dan Slavik relieved Wright with a two balls, one strike count with the bases loaded with two outs. After throwing a ball, Slavik caught a line drive up the middle to shut down Youngstown’s grand scoring opportunity. Slavik pitched the eighth, struck out two and allowed one hit. Senior Justin Gill came into the ninth. After retiring the first batter and hitting the second, Gill retired the following two batters with two groundouts to third to end the game and continue Kent State’s win streak. “It really shows our depth,” Stricklin said of his bullpen’s six shutout innings. “Our starters are so good for us on the weekend that some of our younger guys haven’t got the innings that they should.” Rider said the team is having fun and relaxed as they continue cruising past each opponent. “Our team thinks we’re going to win when we hit the field,” Stricklin said. The Flashes conclude their two-game series with the Penguins Wednesday at Youngstown at 3 p.m. A.J. Atkinson is a sports reporter.

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.

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 The 2011 Student Leadership and Honors Awards Ceremony “The 5 Rings of Leadership” will be Monday, April 18th in the Kent Student Center Ballroom starting at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to the Center for Student Involvement at 330-672-2480 or email us at lead@kent.edu. Help us celebrate out student leaders! Interested in getting involved with the 2011 Homecoming Parade? The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is looking for students to help! Pick up an application in the CSI office at 226 Kent Student Center. Position descriptions and applications are also available at www.kent.edu/csi and applications are due April 20th by 5pm in the CSI office. Flashed 4 Life Meeting 7:30-9:00PM Thurs 04/16/11 Rm 316 Student Center Do you believe everyone has the right to LIFE? You can stand for those who are denied that right!

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 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 Triple Crown Services Needs Owner Operators. Increased rates, fuel surcharge paid on all miles Paid tolls, Fuel cards, Health Benefit programs, Baseplates, Truck lease purchase assistance. Call today and ask about our sign on bonus. 800-756-7433 triplecrownsvc.com Steady strong company is what you need! Part-time office help needed for small business. Consists of mainly answering incoming calls, customer service, doing odd jobs or running errands. Experience with Microsoft office required. Hours are M-F 10:30AM-3:30PM. Occasional longer days will be required. No lunch hour, but snacks can be brought in. Pleasant phone voice and professional manner and appearance. $9/hour. Please send resume or letter, including full name, address and qualifications, by email. No first name, only emails or emails without qualifications included will be answered. Background check is made of all potential hires. Email to daemolding@yahoo.com. Attention Nursing Students: Gain quality experience by becoming a nursing assistant (STNA) at Anna Maria of Aurora Nursing Care Facility. STNAs start at $9.00 hr. Full and part-time positions are available. The requirements are current enrollment in an Ohio Board of Nursing approved nursing program and successful completion of clinical courses teaching basic nursing skills including infection control, safety, emergency procedures and personal care. We are located just 12 miles from KSU campus. Contact Albert Berry @ 330-562-6171, aberry@ annamariaofaurora.com Experienced energetic bartender/ server needed. Apply in person at Digger’s Bar and Grill. 802 North Mantua St. in Kent. 330-677-3444 SUMMER—Attendant for female w/ disability. Part time hours. Able to drive van. 330-678-7747

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 | Page 5

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Employment Full-time Retail Associate wanted to assist in managing daily operations of new upscale concept boutique in First and Main. Schedule includes evenings and weekends. A degree in one of the following is preferred: Business, Fashion Merchandising, Finance or Graphic Design. Responsibilities include creating store and window displays, personal shopping for clients and assisting with all business aspects of new venture. Excellent computer skills, the ability to multitask and to work as a part of a team are required. Please send resumes to acook3@ windstream.net.

horoscope By Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (04/13/11). What’s on the other side of the rainbow? Your wishes become possible, as you let go of past limitations and invent a future from anew. There are so many possibilities. Don’t be overwhelmed. Embrace it all. Even sorrow can be beautiful. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

We need landscape workers NOW. 1 day a week or everyday of the week. Morning hours. Get paid daily. 330208-8226 ATTENTION NURSING STUDENTS Need nursing students enrolled in an Ohio Board of Nursing approved program who would like to gain nursing experience by becoming a nursing assistant (STNA) at ACTIVELIFE Care, a home health care agency. Full and part-time positions available. If interested call 330-653-3870 or activelifecare@windstream.net.

Alpha Xi Delta would like to congratulate Audria Troyer on being Sister of the Week!

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 WHITEHALL EAST TOWNHOMES Whitehall Boulevard off Summit now taking apps for fall 2011. 5 bedroom/3 bath. All appliances including Dishwasher, W/D. Rent plan starting at $290/person/ month. Ask about the all-inclusive plan! Call or text 330-434-6141 www.rentalsakron.com

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.

Aries (March 21–April 19) Today is a 7 — Make sure you know what’s required. Keep communications channels open. Find out more. Replenish your reserves. Discover a money machine. Make long-term suggestions. Let somebody else get it for you. Taurus (April 20–May 20) Today is a 7 — Listen well to others, to yourself and to your inner instinct. Notice music like you never have before. Think twice before speaking, and then be true to yourself. Love shows up. Gemini (May 21–June 21) Today is a 7 — Take time to detail your schedule for the next few weeks. Review your budget, and you’ll discover savings available. Set aside time to study with a family expert. Cancer (June 22–July 22) Today is an 8 — Listen to a friend’s romantic advice. They see something in your blind spot. It’s a good time to get a message across. Review all sides of a deal before signing.

Rent

Spacious 4&5 bedrooms houses with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage.

2 bedroom apartments Close to campus $550 Rentkent.com or 812-655-0777

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 1 & 2 bed apartments. All utilities included except electric. Call to schedule your tour today (330)6780972 Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930 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 Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 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. $495.00 FIRST 3 MONTHS. 2BD 1BTH TOWNHOME. LAUNDRY, CARPORT. jlcasto.com 330-688-7040 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 KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900$1200 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330-329-1118 kentarearentals.com Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 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 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 4/5 Bedroom duplex available for fall $310/mo! Each side has 2 bath, W/D. Dishwasher, deck, garage, etc. Close to campus and on bus route. No Gas Bill. No Water Bill. Last one I have available! Call Sweeney (740) 317-7294

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — Make sure your loved ones know how much you care. Write any promises down. Your cheerful optimism and strong business ability open doors. Walk right in.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Today is a 7 — Today is about partnership, even with its glitches. Situations with houseguests may require your very best diplomatic self. Or you may just want to go away for a vacation.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today is a 7 — You’re beginning to understand, so let your family know. Your entertaining wit keeps them in the loop and smiling. Record a creative new phone message.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — In the middle of the mind storm, optimism reigns. Reveal your dreams or just pay attention, as they may reveal themselves to you. Appreciate your own charm.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today is an 8 — Your glass is more than half full, and friends want to hang around. Invent new business opportunities and run with them. People will go along. You’re in charge.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today is an 8 — Isn’t life great? Great music and art bear that out. Patience reaps results. Open your heart to the contribution of your friends. Aren’t they the best? Listen for deeper truths.

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today is an 8 — Complete those tasks that you’ve been resisting. This is greatly appreciated. Fire up your financial engines. It’s a good time to ask for money. Share your regard for people.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20) Today is a 9 — It’s a good time to get the message across. Send it out with love. New assignments are coming in. Recall a friend’s wise advice. Work and home find harmony today.

University Town Homes 5 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Starts at $300/month/resident Call 330-990-4019 tahays-management.com Kent- Quiet 2&3 bedroom. $590, $780. short term available 330-6775577 3 Bedroom House, Kent - 927 South Water $750 includes trash & water. Near campus & on bus route. Parking, big yard & porch. Chris 330221-4411 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 Kent—3 bedroom, 1 bath. Fully remodeled. Full basement with W/D. Paid water. $750/month 330-8152869 HIDDEN PINES Town homes 4 bedrooms 2 bath. W/D ALL utilities included. $365/mo/bdrm ONE UNIT LEFT www.hidden-pines.com 440-708-2372 4 bedroom house. Across from campus. Call Jeff at 330-352-6193 Kent- 2 and 4 bedroom apartments. Close to downtown and campus. Quiet remodeled units. $325/person plus gas and electric. Open for 20112012 school year. Lease references and deposit. No pets. 330-297-7117 Kent Duplex 2 Large Bedroom on Bus Route, $550/month+util+deposit. Call 330-329-3029 for information. Picture visit http://yuenlau.web. officelive.com. For Summer/Fall: 2 bedroom starting at $325/bedroom including utilities. Close to Campus. 330-626-7157 Two bedroom, 1.5 bath condo, updated, all appliances, FREE HEAT. One block to KSU. Units available starting in June. No Pets. 330-9573083. 2 Bedroom Apartment Newly Remodeled, Close to downtown, $400/mo/person+electric (330)6787901 KENT Very large 6/7 bedroom 2 bath, new kitchen, baths, windows, A/C. Clean and quiet, large yard. $410 per, all utilities free with cable & wifi, washer/dryer. 5 minutes to KSU 330-906-2525 University Townhome: 5 bedrooms available fall! Washer/Dryer, A/C, $270/room. 3 Bedroom House Near Campus @$825 330-554-7844 or 330-626-4694. KSU Large 2BR Luxury 1 car garage. Many amenities $650.+ util (330) 628-0447 2 Bedroom Condo for Rent, Close to Campus, $750/month +utilities, Appliances included, newly renovated. 330-472-0132 Fall: Near KSU. 2 bedroom condo, 3 blocks from campus. Living room, dining room, 1.5 bath, central air, laundry facilities in building, call Drew 330-328-1084.

Rent 3 bedroom house. Available in August. Washer, dryer, dishwasher, central air. $300/each. 330-673-0650 3BR/1BA/$800 House Near Campus. Great Condition. -Large Yard www. YourHomeRental.com (440)953-8687 Available August 6th, clean, spacious, 2BR, 1.5BA, no pets, go to www.lincolnwoodrentals.com or call 330-835-7737. Sunnybrook Road Duplex - 4 bedroom, 2 full bath, huge deck, huge yard, $350/month/person or $1400 total. Free yard/trash/ water. Washer/Dryer provided. Call Justin 330-730-7584.

ROOMMATE NEEDED NOW OR FALL in nice 4 bedroom twinplex. $385 all inclusive. 5 minute drive to KSU. Free Washer/Dryer. 330-7140819 University Townhome Roommate fall semester w/4 girls, all inclusive $340/mth; 440-552-5840 / djerina@blmrentalproperties.com

1 or 2 rooms available in house for the summer. $280/room/month. All utilities included. Call 937-474-9904.

Page 6 | Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Daily Kent Stater

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

Freshman gymnast made the right choice Cody Erbacher

cerbache@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State was one of the last schools Marie Case looked at when choosing where to take her talents. The gymnast was thinking about attending other schools like Ohio State, Maryland or West Virginia before she looked at Kent State. Case made the decision to join the Golden Flashes’ squad. It looked like a major step down at the time, but Case said at Kent State she felt “a good sense of belonging.” That sense of belonging started before Case officially visited to take a look at the Kent State gymnastics program. Rachel Stuck, a Kent State gymnast that finished her collegiate career after the 2008-09 season, attended the same high school as Case: Mercyhurst Prep. When Case would travel to the M.A.C. Center to watch Stuck compete, she remembered thinking “I like it here.” At that time, Case was already on the Kent State gymnastics coaches’ radar. “We were just hoping that she was going to look this way,” Kent State coach Brice Biggin said. “She got recruited from some big schools … it certainly helped having Rachel coming here.” When it was time to choose

a school, Kent State may have had a bit of an upper hand to the others, but Case said no other school matched the atmosphere the Kent State gymnastics program provided. “I felt like I wanted to make an impact on the team,” she said, “and I felt like here would be a good place to do that.” Case has been impacting the team from the start. From practices, small meets to large meets, Case is a crucial allaround contributor to the team. Her coaches and teammates say that Case competes as if it’s a crucial event in each aspect of practice. This work ethic has helped Case take the national stage. All-around, Case is ranked 18th nationally, according to the Kent State athletics website. The 5-foot-2-inch native of Erie, Pa., recorded an all-around score of 39.200 in the Mid-American Conference Championships at Mount Pleasant, Mich. At the NCAA Regionals, the place where Kent State earned its first ever spot in the National Championships, Case posted an all-around score of 38.600. Throughout the season, Case has been a cornerstone of the gymnastics team’s success. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a freshman react quite this way,” Biggin said. “We expected a lot of this, but I think we got more than what we were expecting.” It’s the freshman’s mindset that

keeps her at the top of the game. Case admits that a mishap during competition angers her greatly. Years of practice have helped her channel that anger and use it to better the next event, which can sometimes be just four or five minutes away. “I get really, really mad at myself, and I’m able to let that anger out on the next event and just do great,” Case said. That ability comes from gymnastics experience that started at the early age of three. Case was 7 years old when she started competitions. Now, the 18-year-old is competing at the most prestigious collegiate tournament: the NCAA Championships. This year Kent State is hosting the Championships as well as competing in the 12-team field. The Flashes earned a tournament berth when they placed second out of six teams at the NCAA Regionals at Ann Arbor, Mich. with a team score of 195.450. Case maintains composure entering one of the biggest events in her life thus far and says she’s entering it with no added pressure. Senior captain Christina Lenny went to the NCAA Championships during her sophomore season as an individual. Lenny said if she were in the position of going to the tournament as a freshman that she “would have been so nervous.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW BLISS | KENT STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Freshman Marie Case performs in the floor exercise earlier this season. Case has been a main factor in Kent State’s success. Kent State is at the bottom of the 12-team field entering the Championships with a Regional Score of 195.450 and a National Qualifying score of 390.695.

But looking back at the other schools Case could have gone to, well, luckily she picked Kent State. Ohio State, Maryland and Western Virginia are not part of the

12-school field competing in the NCAA Championships this season. “I definitely picked the right school,” Case said. Cody Erbacher is the sports editor.

Brice Biggin’s coaching legacy reaches far beyond this season Tyler Goddard

tgoddar1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Since its inception, the Kent State gymnastics program has been one of the premier programs in the Mid-American Conference. Rudy and Janet Bachna started the program in 1964. Their careers coaching the team spanned from 1964-1991 with a record of 304-150. Kent State coach Brice Biggin took over as head coach at the start of the 1991-92 season. Since then, he has won nearly 300 matches. When Biggin was hired, his goal was to continue to be suc-

cessful in the MAC. “I wanted to continue the tradition of trying to get the team to Regionals and to win some MAC Championships,” Biggin said. “Also, I had gotten an opportunity to go watch a couple NCAA National Championships, and obviously as a younger coach that is something you’d like to see yourself doing one day is taking the team to a National Championship.” In the 1990s, Kent State went a few years where they nearly qualified for Nationals. Biggin’s focus shifted to trying to make it every year.

Assistant coach Sharon Sabin has been on Biggin’s staff for eight years. She said one of his greatest attributes is that he is a thinker and is very methodical. “I myself am very impulsive more so that we balance each other out,” she said. “He has a really good way of getting the most out of kids whether its through working hard or having moral standards or good academics. He is patient and takes his time with things.” In his first couple years, Biggin said he was lucky because he was able to recruit girls with good work ethic, and slowly the program began to take a jump into the

regional and national scene. “I think what Brice has brought to the program over the years is consistency,” said Tom Ward, who is finishing his third season on Biggin’s staff. “I think he teaches all of us different things such as attention to detail and expectations for the kids.” Before Biggin became the head coach, he graduated from Kent State with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in coaching in 1983. He returned to Kent State from 1985-87 to receive his Master ’s Degree in sports administration. He became a graduate assistant and then eventually

an assistant coach for the women’s team from 1987-91. However, Biggin began his gymnastics-coaching career by volunteering at a private club in Youngstown in 1981. “You really have to develop kids from ground zero and teach them skills, and I think what has made our program best is we’ve brought coaches in who understand how to teach skills,” he said. “We haven’t attracted the elite athlete. But we’ve brought in good kids with good skills, and we’ve continued to work on improving their skills and making them better, and that in the long-term has

helped our team get better at the same time. “The thing I’ve always tried to instill on the kids is that you have to be responsible for your actions. We hold our athletes in probably higher expectations than other people do.” For the rest of his coaching career, Biggin will maintain the expectation that the girls and the team will always remain the same, and the team will continue to try and reach its goals that are set. Tyler Goddard is the gymnastics reporter.