Sports: Flashes take a less-than experienced roster to the conference championships this weekend.
DAILY KENT STATER Friday, March 5, 2010 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Mostly cloudy HI 39, LO 19
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Scientists make ‘heavy’ discovery
Fight to the finish
‘Big bang’ re-creation finds antimatter Kathryn McGonagle Daily Kent Stater
Professors and researchers in Kent State’s physics department recently uncovered the heaviest antimatter known to man. Since 2000, Kent State scientists have studied alongside hundreds of researchers, each analyzing different aspects of data from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collidor’s STAR detector, physics professor Dr. Declan Keane said. “We make a miniature version of the big bang,” Keane said about the process of creating antimatter. Kent State researchers collide the nuclei of atoms of a heavy nucleus at extremely high speeds and are able to recreate the conditions under which the big bang, or origin of the universe, is theorized to have occurred about 14 billion years ago. “We smash these guys together at 99.99 percent the speed of light and look to see what comes out,” Keane said. And what came out was the heaviest antimatter and antinucleus ever discovered. An
integral researcher and physics professor, Dr. Spiros Margetis said this groundbreaking development will aid scientists in discovering what goes on inside neutron stars, why antimatter isn’t found in our universe and what a supernova consists of. In Upton, N.Y., the Brookhaven National Laboratory houses the STAR detector, which weighs 1,200 tons and allowed Dr. Jinhui Chen to find not one, but 70 examples of the new antimatter. “Normal matter are abundant around us, but there should be ‘hidden anti-matter,’” Chen said. “Like we have female and male animal around us. If we set normal matter as female, the anti-matter will be male.” Chen, who has been researching antimatter since 2005, worked for endless hours with the help of computers to comb through 100 million particles, only 70 of which were antimatter. “He was glued to his computer every day,” Keane said. Margetis said the physicists are able to study on earth will be invaluable to studying such astronomical events. See SCIENCE, Page 3
Townhall II deficit may force center to shut down Kelly Petryszyn
Daily Kent Stater Before Jill Rhoads started coming to the medical clinic at Townhall II, she was managing Type II diabetes and high cholesterol without medical treatment because she had no health insurance. After three years as a patient at Townhall II, Rhoads said she feels “one hundred percent better.” “Truthfully I probably wouldn’t be around today if it wasn’t for the clinic,” she said.
Ford: ‘There’s no question it’s the biggest game of the year’ Cody Erbacher Daily Kent Stater
W
hen it comes to a college hoops rivalry, Kent State vs. Akron is among the best … for two mid-major schools. The schools are about 14 miles apart. The teams are historically among the top of the Mid-American Conference. The fans bleed their schools colors — blue and gold. “If we were both the two worst teams in the league it would be a big game, no matter what,” senior guard Chris Singletary said. “But it helps the rivalry when both teams are doing great.” It’s reached that time of the season where the MAC powerhouses
are ready to face off for a regular season conference championship. But this season there’s a little extra flare heating up the rivalry. Both teams enter with an identical 22-8, 12-3 MAC record, and the winner will receive an automatic bid to the National Invitation Tournament. Not only do the rivals have identical records, but the Flashes have also won 12 of their last 13 games, and the Zips have won nine of their last 11. “There’s no question it’s the biggest game of the year,” Kent State coach Geno Ford said. The Rhodes Arena, which seats 6,204 fans, has been sold out since Wednesday, according to the Akron
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KentWired.com Go to KentWired after tonight’s game to see how the Flashes fared. athletic department. The Akron fans will be more than willing to bring the noise, as did Kent State fans in the first matchup, and the Flashes know that. “The crowd’s going to be into it,” Singletary said. “It’s going to be loud, but at the end of the day we’ve got to be a family and play together and play with emotion and fight through adversity.”
Stories like hers may stop The free medical clinic at Townhall II is facing a $67,000 deficit, and if it doesn’t raise that amount by June 30, it will close. The clinic offers free medical services for general prob-
lems such as diabetes, hypertension, and sinus and repository infections. It serves about 460 Portage County adults who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, have no health insurance and are 200 percent under federal poverty guidelines. The entire agency faces an $113,000 deficit. In an e-mail Sue Whitehurst, executive director of Townhall II, said she expects to receive less government funding next year as well. Reductions have already been made. Five staff members have been laid off and one resigned, but has not been replaced. The agency directors agreed to each donate $2,000 back to the agency. The prevention staff has agreed to reduce their hours by 100 for this coming year. See CLINIC, Page 3
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU: Townhall II provides medical care to those who are 200 percent under the federal poverty level. Young adults who rely on the center would be forced to go elsewhere.
See KENT, Page 3
Dodging for a cause: tournament raises money for Haiti Kelly Maile
Daily Kent Stater Excitement, unity and hope swept the gymnasium floor Thursday night at the dodgeball tournament for Haiti. “It’s a good way for the whole university to get involved with something as big and tragic as what happened in Haiti,” said C.J. Steward, a sophomore on the finance dodgeball team. “We are doing a great job by having an event like this where we can give back to people who are in need of our help.”
Thirty different majors, decked out in sweatbands and dodgeball gear, gathered at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center at 5:30 p.m. to compete in the tournament and to donate their time and money to the people in Haiti. “I have close ties and family members who are in Haiti so this has been very hard for me,” Steward said. “I was supposed to go to Haiti this summer, but with all the devastation there I don’t think I will be able to go, and I wish there was more that I could do to help.” Ashley Wagner, captain of the athletic training dodgeball
team, also wanted to do more to help Haiti. When she first mentioned the dodgeball tournament to her fellow students, no one signed up, but more people in her major joined the cause at the last minute. Together, her team donated over $100 toward the tournament. “We donated money and it’s not just that we are giving away our money, but we actually came together as a student population to participate in a really good cause,” Wagner said. “We are really excited; we are all playing hard and we want to compete and help those in Haiti at the same time.”
Brent May, a senior who joined the dodgeball finance team to help Haiti, said the tournament was a fun way to raise money for Haiti. “I think this tournament is great and it will help people think more about what is going on in the world and how much the people in Haiti need our help,” May said. “This is an opportunity to help them because everyone here just had to donate $5, but when you look at the big picture we are raising $10,000, and I think that will make a big difference.” See HAITI, Page 3
EMILY HORNE | DAILY KENT STATER
Joe Stephenson participated in the dodgeball tournament to raise money for Haiti as part of the Army Air Force team.
Page 2 | Friday, March 5, 2010
Daily Kent Stater
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
DAILY KENT STATER 240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242
NewSroom 330.672.2584 Editor Doug Gulasy dgulasy@kent.edu
TODAY’S EVENTS Have an event you want to see here? Send it to ahollow1@kent.edu by Thursday the week before. n Clothing drive
Resource Fair Where: Student Center second floor When: 12 p.m.
n
Where: Student Center lobby When: 11 a.m.
USG ELECTIONS 2010
Gymnastics vs. Kentucky Where: M.A.C. Center When: 7 p.m.
n
Fashion Show Where: Student Center Ballroom When: 7 p.m.
n
Managing editor Christina Stavale cstavale@kent.edu
Men’s basketball Where: James A. Rhodes Arena, Akron When: 8 p.m.
n
“Brothers” Where: Kiva When: 11 p.m.
n
Multimedia editor Sara Scanes sscanes@kent.edu
News News team leader
Regina Garcia Cano rgarcia1@kent.edu
News team assistant
Kelly Byer
EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s that time of year again: Undergraduate Student Government elections. Throughout the week, the Daily Kent Stater will be running candidate profiles for the nine director and 16 senator positions. The USG election is Tuesday, March 9. Students can vote then by logging onto their FlashLine accounts.
kbyer@kent.edu Campus editors
Anthony Holloway ahollow1@kent.edu Kristyn Soltis
JaRel Clay
JaRel Clay said he wants to give the student body a sense of community through communication. “You have to try to find a bridge between what students want to hear and what students need to hear,” Clay said. “When you find that
— Lydia Coutré
George AntwiObimpeh George Antwi-Obimpeh said he wants to open up communication between USG and students. “That’s who USG is supposed to cater to: the people of Kent State, the undergraduate students,” he said. Antwi-Obimpeh is a soph-
omore integrated social studies major. He’s running for director of communications. “I feel like actually getting out there and giving different surveys and polls to the students would help us find out more about the students,” Antwi-Obimpeh said. He said he wants to provide a way for students to share their complaints because such issues “shouldn’t fall upon deaf ears.” “In perfection, I would want every student on this campus to know what USG is, what they stand for (and) what they do,” he said. —Lydia Coutré
Director of Student Advancement
Drew Patenaude Drew Patenaude wants to provide more hands-on activities for students. Patenaude is a sophomore business management major with a minor in entrepreneurship and is the vice president of community service and philanthropy for Delta Upsilon. He is running for the
position of director of student advancement. Maximizing the judicial advocate program as well as appointing different committees and incorporating more reflective programming is what he would like to accomplish as director of student advancement. Patenaude also said that he is a previous member of judicial affairs so he considers the director position one step higher. “I want to get more involved with campus and lead by example,” he said. — Antonio Stephenson
Chad Budy Chad Budy believes the more students are involved on campus the more successful they will be. Budy is a sophomore accounting major and the inductee of finance for Delta Upsilon. He is running for the position of director of student advancement.
“Kent State has been very influential to me and I would like to give back by encouraging and passing down experience to other students,” he said. Budy says that he would like to build a better relationship with the Kent State faculty as well as the campus police department. He would also like to provide more judicial advocate programs. “It’s best to be less of an idealist and have realistic goals,” he said “Justice is my foundation.” — Antonio Stephenson
craubeno@kent.edu
Randy Ziemnik
rziemnik@kent.edu
Forum
Sarah Steimer
tgallick@kent.edu
Visuals
Copy desk chief
Photo editor
jjohns64@kent.edu
csirse@kent.edu
fyonkof@kent.edu Social media editor
Austin Corthell
acorthel@kent.edu
Features Features team leader
Melissa Dilley
mdilley2@kent.edu Features team assistants
Pamela Crimbchin
—Lydia Coutré
Caleb Raubenolt
ssteimer@kent.edu
Frank Yonkof
Kathryn Hetz said she wants to make USG more transparent with the student body. “With any communication, you want your programs to be out there,” Hetz said. “You want Kent state to know about what’s going on within USG because it is a huge organization at Kent State, and it’s just very important to get the word out about it.” She said she wants to encourage students to get involved in organizations by informing them of what is available. Hetz said she wants to do this through monthly newsletters, an info table, up-todate Facebook and Twitter accounts and surveys. “I feel like if I got the position, after I got it, I would just keep coming up with ideas,” she said.
cfranci1@kent.edu Sports team assistants
City editor
KentWired editor
Kathryn Hetz
Cody Francis
Forum editor
Joshua Johnston
common median, you can relate to each other more.” Clay is a junior applied communications major. He is running for director of communications. “I feel as though USG needs to have a bigger part in knowing how other organizations work on campus,” he said. Clay said he wants to make sure students know about “positive things going on on campus.” “My main goal is just to give students a reason to say ‘Kent State University is my home away from home,’” he said.
SPORTS
Sports team leader
ksoltis1@kent.edu
Tom Gallick
Director of Communications
Erin Perkins eperkin2@kent.edu
Caitlin Sirse
Assistant photo editor
Daniel R. Doherty
ddoherty@kent.edu Design director
Justin Armburger Jarmburg@kent.edu Design supervisors
Kristina Deckert
kdeckert@kent.edu
Sam Twarek
stwarek1@kent.edu
pcrimbch@kent.edu
AdvertIsing 330.672.2586 Sales Manager Rachel Polchek 330.672.0888 Account executive
Account executive
Michelle Bair
Katie Kuczek
Korie Culleiton
Daniel Meaney
330.672.2697 Account executive 330.672.2697 Account executive
Bethany English
330.672.2590 Account executive
330.672.2590 Broadcast representative 330.672.2585 Online representative
Kevin Collins 330.672.3251
Schuyler Kasee 330.672.2585
Student media 330.672.2586 Manager Lori Cantor 330.672.0887, lcantor@kent.edu Advertising manager
Kelly Pickerel
330.672.6306, tbongior@kent.edu Production manager Evan Bailey 330.672.0886, ebailey@kent.edu Business officer Norma Young 330.672.0884, njyoung1@kent.edu
Susan Kirkman Zake
Tami Bongiorni
Classifieds ad manager
330.672.0883, kpickere@kent.edu Stater adviser Carl Schierhorn 330.672.8286, cschierh@kent.edu Newsroom adviser 330.329.5852, szake@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.
Daily Kent Stater From Page 1
KENT Fight to the finish There is a plan to keep the crowd a minimal factor in the game. Kent State needs to get on the scoreboard quick and develop a strong presence in the paint early, as the players have ran their offense all season. The combination of a post presence from sophomore forward Justin Greene, who recorded a doubledouble in the win over Akron earlier in the season, and the passing ability of Singletary will be a vital factor to open up shots for the guards. “You’ve got to get off to a good start. You don’t want to fall behind early in the game,” Ford said. “We want to make it a little more of a grind physical around the basket toughness game. “When we’re at our best we’re a team that scores a lot of points around the basket. Our whole offensive philosophy is to play insideout.” Today’s game marks the fifthstraight season that Kent State and Akron have met in the final game with the outcome deciding either a divisional or overall league title for one or both teams.
The first matchup In the matchup between the rivals at the beginning of the MAC season, Kent State recorded five players in double digits. In the mix was Greene who recorded 23 points and 13 rebounds anchoring the 87-70 victory over the Zips. Kent State held Akron’s 3-point shooting to a miserable 23.5 percent (4-for-17). But the Zips are shooting 33.7 percent on the season from behind From Page 1
CLINIC Townhall II deficit may force center to shut down The clinic lost funding from two big donors, Robinson Memorial Hospital and Portage County Commissioners. Clinic manager Cathy Smathers said these two places are experiencing financial trouble, but the United Way of Portage County, along with other grants and donations continue to provide financial support. The clinic has been open since 1974 and was converted into a free clinic in 2002. “We are a lifeline for a lot of patients,” volunteer registered nurse Kay Sinclair said. “If it weren’t for the clinic, a lot of people would not be able to get their medicine.” Patient Pat Garrison also described the clinic as her lifeline. She has received medication from the clinic that would have cost her thousands of dollars for a few dollars and some at no cost. Townhall II also treats and manages her skin cancer for no cost. Garrison has not had health insurance since 1999 and started coming to the clinic in 2002. Garrison feels so strongly about keeping the clinic that she wrote to the Record Courier, State Representative Stephen Dyer, State Representative Kathleen Chandler, United Way and all four Portage County Commissioners. Whitehurst is seeking alternative sources of funding. The clinic is looking for foundation support and partnerships with other organizations. If the clinic shuts down, patients will wonder where they will go. They can go to the Portage Community Health Clinic, but they will have to pay. There is a discount program for uninsured patients, in which fees are based
Friday, March 5, 2010 | Page 3 the arc. Akron’s offense is able to go on some hot streaks from three-point range, and Ford said the Flashes cannot let this happen in today’s game. “They’re a really good shooting team,” Ford said. “We can’t allow them to get hot from three and get a comfortable lead.”
The postseason The team that leaves Rhodes Arena with a win will earn the title of MAC Regular Season Champions. Also, the team will receive an automatic bid to the NIT. Regardless of the outcome, Kent State has an opportunity for an at-large bid to the NIT because of its schedule strength. “We play the regular season to get a postseason bid,” Ford said. “That’s our focus. We’re in a position this year with our RPI at 47 I’d like to think that we’re a lock for the NIT win or lose Friday.” If the Flashes can win the MAC Tournament, which starts next week, they receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. But Ford said Kent State’s record mixed with its schedule difficulty should guarantee them a spot in a postseason tournament. Whether it is the NCAA, NIT, College Basketball Invitational or the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. Contact sports reporter Cody Erbacher at cerbache@kent.edu React to this story and more at KentWired.com on income and household size. The patient will pay either $20 or $40 or a percentage of the cost, with extra fees for lab tests and medications. They can also go to private physicians offices at a fee.
Many who rely on the clinic do not have the money to pay these fees Rhoads is one of these patients. She hasn’t worked in 15 years because of a bad back, and her husband is on disability. There are some days she has no money at all, so paying a fee is out of the question. “I think that a lot of people would really be in bad shape if this place closes up,” she said. “If they’re in the same situation I am, there would probably be a lot of people who can’t afford to go to the doctor. Especially the elderly, they really need to see doctors on a regular basis.”
What you can do to help: •Test your luck at the “Casino Night” benefit for the clinic at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls on March 6 at 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $60. Call 330-6783006 for more information or to sponsor. •Monetary donations can be made out to the Townhall II Medical Clinic and can be mailed in to 155 N. Water St., Kent, OH 44240. Contact public affairs reporter Kelly Petryszyn at kpetrysz@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
From Page 1
From Page 1
Scientists make ‘heavy’ discovery
Dodging for a cause: tournament raises money for Haiti
SCIENCE “First of all, it’s a first,” he said about the importance of the discovery. Other important factors are neutron stars, which are stars that burn out and collapse under its gravity, that are studied by astrophysicists and it is still unknown what is inside these collapsed stars. The antimatter, Keane said, will help discover what goes on inside these mysterious stars. “In the mini big bangs and in the original big bang, matter and antimatter are known to be created in equal amounts,” Keane said. “But the universe as we know it doesn’t have very much antimatter.” Keane said that exemplifies one of the main unsolved problems of physics: where did the antimatter go? Martgetis compared the discovery of the most massive antimatter to striking gold. “We will be able to describe things people take for granted, not people like my mother, but
HAITI
PHOTO COURTESY OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
scientists,” Margetis said. Kent State researchers discovered the antimatter using advanced computer software, and their findings will aid the research of other scientists and graduate students. “Every time we find (something), even if it’s what we’re looking for, nature tells us that it has unexpected features,” Margetis said. “This was definitely unexpected.” Contact arts and sciences reporter Kathryn McGonagle at kmcgonag@kent.edu React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Some think KSU shows should be free to students Michelle Bair
Daily Kent Stater Diversity describes Kent students and their thoughts about entertainment. Multiple events are offered on campus, but those who don’t attend have their reasons. “I don’t know who Jay Sean is,” said Andy McEntee, a senior VCD major. “And I can’t say I’ve ever heard of DJ $crilla.” Sophomore Justin Cephus, a sports medicine major, said he was excited about Jay Sean coming to Kent. “I have heard of DJ $crilla,” said Cephus. “He’s done a couple of parties in Cleveland, where I’m from.” Besides not knowing the rappers, time and money are issues as well. McEntee said that students usually have to pay to see good speakers, bands and comedians when they come to Kent. “It’s kind of (wrong),” he said. “Like when Flight of Conchords came last year, I couldn’t see them because it was like $50. My brother goes to OSU and he saw some bignamed artists, like The Roots, for free.” Some students say they are happy with events on campus, they just wish for more. Rebecca Spott, a freshman nursing major, said she thought $10 was a good deal for her ticket to see Jay Sean and she was excited to see the comedians who performed last Friday in the Ratt. Spott said that the campus should offer more events that interest more students. “I know they have speeches and stuff in the Kiva,” she said. “But it’s not entertainment per se. I would like to see more big-named artists come to the M.A.C.” Cephus said that he has fun in Kent, and he loves it, but he wishes there were
Upcoming bands in the battle n Next Wednesday, March 10 is “Alternative / Heavy Rock Night,” featuring Sailing On, Astrovan, Stay At Heart and Light Years. n The 18th is a night of Rock, including Part Time Ninja, Nixon, Joey Priore & The Two Timers and Dinsaurs Rex. n “Indie Pop Rock Night” is the 24th where Roscoe, The Holes, Rocks Bleu and The 4-Q’s will perform. n Winners for each week will compete at the Finals on April 14.
more shows for students to showcase their talents, “like a talent show.” Self-expression and variety draws different audiences to certain events. Battle of the Bands, for instance, has a line-up of new bands that vary in style. They will perform over a four-week period, in the Ratt, with hopes to win over the crowd that night. Attendance is free for students, and $2 for non-students. The winning band from Wednesday’s “Acoustic Night” battle is Soaked In I, where Kahley Cleveland, Cody Ray Hays and Brett Juhasz performed as well. Lack of awareness, interest, time and money are common factors for students who don’t participate in certain events—But there are more opportunities on campus than some may think. Contact on-campus entertainment reporter at mbair1@kent.edu
The money raised in the dodgeball tournament is going to Haitians through UNICEF, and the university dubbed the fundraiser Ten Ten Ten.“It’s $10,000 in 10 weeks in 2010, so that’s where the idea came from,” said Mike Matousek, president of the Financial Management Association and founder of the dodgeball tournament. “We are in the sixth week right now, and we should reach our goal tonight.” Matousek didn’t set any expectations for the tournament, but the turn out for the event was what he hoped and From Page 6
GYMNASTICS Senior gymnast leads by example T h i s F r i d a y, h o w e v e r, Kopp is excited to see her team match up against Kentucky, because she feels they will be one of the better teams they’ve faced so far. “The other teams that came in to the M.A.C. Center were good teams, but they weren’t at our level,” she said. “We just have more depth than them. It will be nice to have a close meet where we really have to pull together.” Kentucky happens to be coach Sabin’s alma-mater,
aimed for. “I love seeing everyone come together and have fun for a good cause,” Matousek said. “Everyone is doing their part and a little bit goes a long way.” In addition to the money he is raising, Matousek set up an inspirational message board to the people in Haiti for all the dodgeball teams to sign.“I just hope that not only the money goes over there, but the words reach the people in Haiti, too,” Matousek said. “It will give them hope and it will make a huge difference because they will know we are thinking about them.” Contact College of Buisness Administration reporter Kelly Maile at kmaile1@kent.edu React to this story and more at KentWired.com
and she is also excited for the match-up of a MAC team and an SEC team. This week in preparation, Sabin has told the girls that they really need to concentrate on their team and control the things they can control. She believes it will be a good meet to find out who the pressureathletes are. “Whether it’s a team ranked 50th or 15th in the country, you still have to go out and do your job,” Sabin said. “This is our turning point.” Contact sports reporter Katie Corbut at kcorbut@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Rowdy protesters target funding cuts at US campuses Terence Chea
Associated Press BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Students carried out raucous rallies on college campuses nationwide Thursday in protests against deep education cuts that turned violent as demonstrators threw punches and ice chunks in Wisconsin and blocked university gates and smashed car windows in California. At least 15 protesters were detained by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee police after as many as 150 students gathered at the student union then moved to an administrative building to deliver petitions to the school chancellor. University spokesman Tom Luljak said campus police allowed one person inside, but when she emerged, she encouraged everyone to rush the building, he said. The violence began when police tried to turn them away. No serious injuries were reported. The school was among dozens of nationwide campuses h i t w i t h m a rc h e s , s t r i k e s , teach-ins and walkouts in what was being billed as the March 4th National Day of Action for Public Education.
In Northern California, ro w d y p ro t e s t e r s b l o c k e d major gates at two universities and smashed the windows of a car. Protesters at the University of California, Santa Cruz surrounded the car while its uninjured driver was inside. Earlier, demonstrators blocked campus gates. University provost David Kliger said there were reports of protesters carrying clubs and knives, but Santa Cruz police Capt. Steve Clark could not confirm those reports. No arrests had been made. An advisory posted on the school Web site urged people to avoid the campus because of safety concerns. At the University of California, Berkeley, a small group of protesters formed a human chain blocking a main gate to the campus. Later in the day, hundreds gathered for a peaceful rally. “We’re one of the largest economies in the world, and we can’t fund the basics,” said Mike Scullin, 29, a graduate student in education who plans to become a high school teacher. “We’re throwing away a generation of students by defunding education.”
React to this story and more at KentWired.com
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OPINION
Page 4 | Friday, March 5, 2010
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. ■
Daily Kent Stater
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 Doug Gulasy Editor Christina Stavale Managing editor Sarah Steimer Forum editor
Thomas Gallick City editor Caitlin Sirse Photo editor Sara Scanes Multimedia editor
FAMOUS QUOTE “When a machine begins to run without human aid, it is time to scrap it — whether it be a factory or a government.” — Alexander Chase
DID YOU KNOW?
our
SUMMARY: With all the options out there for the everyday shopper, students should be careful about what they sign up for. Those little charges can add up over the years.
VIEW Too many credit cards could be trouble C ollege students are constantly bombarded with financial options. Many stores constantly ask if these young people want to sign up for their credit card to save a percentage on that day’s purchase or to receive discounts toward future purchases. This sounds great because everyone likes to save money, especially college students. The amount of cards offered may be harming young adults. As students try to establish and build their credit scores, it seems helpful to have a variety of cards to put smaller purchases on and pay off the minimum payment — the saying ‘more for less’ applies, temporarily anyway. The long run is a different story. If someone plans to only pay off the minimum payment for several cards, years later, the actual amount of charges increase substantially. Everyone assumes they will have money when they graduate to pay
them off, but things happen and it hardly runs that smoothly. Minimum payments increase, unexpected expenses happen and eventually, the bills get bigger and harder to pay. The idea that students are going through a financial transition period doesn’t help their credit building either. Some may still be getting help from family, getting accounts in their name for the first time and paying off school. It’s important to only take on what they can handle. Even more importantly, students have to understand how much they will be capable of paying off after graduation. To keep a good credit score students just have to be smart. Understanding how each credit card company operates before signing up or charging things can determine what their future scores can look like. A student who knows the amount a credit card company expects for minimum payments and
how many credit cards he or she can afford to pay off sets the framework for the type of spender he or she will be in the future. Paying more than the minimum, paying on time and only taking on as many bills as a student can handle will help in the future because creditors acknowledge good scores. They use this to determine what kind of borrower someone might be. For students who have had a credit card for several years, it is beneficial to view their credit history. Web sites like www.annualcreditreport.com offer one free copy of three credit reporting agencies every 12 months. The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
DON WRIGHT’s VIEW
On this day in 1963, the Hula Hoop, a hipswiveling toy that became a huge fad across America, is patented by the company’s cofounder, Arthur “Spud” Melin. — History.com
Olympic observations
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. The recent Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver was a tale of two cities. It began on a tragic, somber note, following the death of a luger just hours before the opening ceremony. The host nation of Canada faced an uphill battle in trying to remedy a tragedy. These Olympic Games enjoyed many dramatic and inspiring storylines with athletes from across the globe. Records, hearts, egos and limbs were all broken. In the end, one country came out on top. No, it was not the overall leader in the medal count, U.S.A., but rather its northern neighbor, who, against all odds, salvaged a dire situation and ended up putting on one hell of a show. The following are some final thoughts on what turned out to be an extremely entertaining Olympics: n As I wrote in my column two weeks ago, the wreck and subsequent death of Georgian Nodar Kumaritashvili — at a track which saw lugers go faster than the sport has ever seen before — was an irreversible tragedy. Even worse, perhaps, was the Olympic committee placing all blame of the crash on “human error” and none on the controversially dangerous luge track. After watching video of the gruesome crash online, I found myself on the edge of my seat, wincing, whenever I watched a luge event during the games. I expected a crash to be possible at any second while seeing men and women ride a sled at 90 or more mph on the sketchiest track ever built. Vivid images of Kumaritashvili’s morbid crash have remained in the back of my mind, as I’m sure is the case for the millions of others who also saw it. n Going into the Olympics, there was only one word that could really excite me: curling. And oh baby did it not disappoint! Sure, the sport is basically bocce ball on ice, but all the broom sweeping and over-the-top yelling is funnier than any movie Adam Sandler’s been in recently. In what other sport can balding men, well into their 40s (Kevin “Old Bear” Martin of Canada), win gold in an Olympic event? n American snowboarder Shaun White, a.k.a. “The Flying Tomato,” blew my mind with his Double McTwist 1260 and earned himself his second Olympic gold medal. n Lindsey Vonn is more than a pretty face; she’s actually a pretty good skier. Vonn overcame injury and bitter American teammate/ rival Julia Mancuso to take home a gold and bronze medal in the Olympic alpine competition. n Apolo Anton Ohno is my hero. With eight medals, the star
Mike Crissman short track speed skater, and “Dancing with the Stars” champion, became the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history. I thoroughly enjoyed Ohno’s heated rivalry with the South Korean skaters. I also enjoyed his soul patch, which is cooler than the other side of the pillow. Although unlikely, I hope Ohno decides to go to Sochi, Russia in 2014, at the ripe old age of 31, to compete again in what would be his fourth Olympics. n When Russian prima-donna figure skater Evgeni Plushenko came second to American Evan Lysacek in men’s singles, he publicly criticized Lysacek for not landing a quad jump in his winning performance. On his Web site, Plushenko awarded himself a made-up platinum medal for his “superior” effort in Vancouver. Now, I don’t know too much about figure skating (most of what I know comes from “Blades of Glory”); however, I do know a sore loser when I see one. Mr. Russian blonde mullet needs to stop talking trash and show some class. The Cold War is over. n There is no point in having cross-country skiing in the Winter Olympics when there is also the Biathlon. It is the exact same thing, only the Biathlon also has rifle shooting. n The most exciting single event of the Games was by far the hockey gold medal finals between the U.S. and Canada. The game-tying goal by American Zach Parise with 24 seconds left in the game almost gave me my first heart attack. Nonetheless, the game-winning goal by Canadian Sidney Crosby in overtime was a perfect ending to the Olympic Games for the Canadians. Hockey in Canada is like football, basketball and baseball combined in America. They definitely deserved it more. It’s hard to determine who the overall winner of the Olympics was. The U.S. took home the most overall medals, but Canada won the most gold. Their 14 first-place finishes was a Winter Olympics record. To help settle the debate, I quote Ricky Bobby: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Mike Crissman is a freshman journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at mcrissm2@kent.edu. React to this story and more at
KentWired.com
Anti-abortion ad causes controversy The message spread on 80 billboards throughout the state of Georgia is causing quite a stir across the nation. These billboards, put into place by Antiabortion groups Georgia Right to Life and the Radiance Foundation, feature a picture of an adorable but rather sad looking black child and read: Black Children are an “Endangered Species.” Before I go any further into this, I want to make a few things clear. This is not about whether or not I think abortion is right or wrong. It’s not about whether I’m anti-abortion or for abortion rights. Last but not least, this is not about whether or not I think that those who originally fought for reproductive rights were eugenicists who wanted to reduce the African American population. This is about this particular ad, which simply happened to be about abortion. That being said, I find these signs to be not only outrageous, but also offensive. First of all, black children are not a species of their own. They are human beings, making them part of the human species. Referring to them as a “species” detached from the rest of humankind makes them sound like animals. Secondly, they are not endangered. The black population is actually growing and is expected to continue on that path. The black population is projected to rise from 35.8 mil-
Rabab Al-Sharif lion to 61.4 million in 2050, according to a 2004 release from the U.S. Census Bureau. Finally, those responsible for carrying out the termination of black fetuses, their black mothers, seem like an unlikely group to working toward a racial genocide. Someone else might be facilitating and carrying out the actual abortion, but ultimately the mothers are the ones making the choice. The bottom of the sign refers to a Web site: TOOMANYABORTED.COM. The site tells visitors that the number of black women who have abortions is disproportionate to the number of white women who do. It also urges black women to “get outraged” about this racial disproportion. The site goes on to say abortion clinics are in “urban areas where blacks reside.” And suggests that they are strategically placed so because, “abortion is the tool they use to stealthily target blacks for extermination.” I have no idea as to whether or not there
is any truth behind those suggestions. For all I know they could be put in urban areas to encourage blacks to get abortions, although I doubt it. Even if they are, it doesn’t negate the fact that black women still have a choice and a brain. Just because the clinic is there, doesn’t mean that women have to use it. They still have a choice, and I’d like to think that black women, or any women for that matter, aren’t so easily persuaded. There could be a club of Nazis in my neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to feel any more compelled become a Nazi. Besides that, whether there is an abortion clinic in their backyard or one 20 miles away, if someone wants to get an abortion they’ll find somewhere to get one. I highly doubt that anyone thinks to themselves: “Well since I’m pregnant with a child I didn’t really want and there is abortion clinic right here I guess I’ll just go ahead and get an abortion.” Life just doesn’t work that way. Rabab Al-Sharif is a sophomore magazine journalism major and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at ralshari@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Animals are just as important as humans In response to Frank Yonkof’s column, “Humans always come before animals” (March 1). You, sir, are a conceited fool. Obviously you have never spent any time around the animals that you deem as inferior, because if you had, you would know that the levels of caring and sentience that they possess are real and beautiful. People like you think that humans are superior to every other living being. You cut down the rain forest, deplete the ozone layer and have no problem with the animals you eat being butchered alive. In your article, you talked about the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals commercial featuring Sarah McLaughlin’s song. What is wrong with your brain that you can’t look at a puppy covered
in dirt and scars because someone decided he wasn’t important? Have you ever even held a puppy, felt the unbelievable joy of that contact? I guess not. Humans are advanced, yes. We found ways to exploit our environment in ways no other species has, evolving into intelligent masters of our habitat. But this does not make us special. You, sir, are an animal too, whether you like it or not. Humanity’s self-centeredness causes all of its own problems. We’re raping the planet of its resources because we want to and we can. Because “humans are special,” the world is disgustingly over-populated. Obviously, I don’t mean I want people to die, but if there were fewer people, poverty and hunger would not exist. Then you wouldn’t even
need to donate your money to soup kitchens, anyway. Humans can fight for their rights. They can speak. They can get jobs. Surely, some people cannot, and they do deserve help. But no animal can save itself. Animals are capable of the same love and compassion we are and deserve to live and be loved back. Take a look at the book “The Emotional Lives of Animals,” and maybe try thinking about everyone who needs help, not just the ones who walk on two legs. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Daily Kent Stater
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Friday, March 5, 2010 | Page 5
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Pregnancy Center of Kent. Here to Help (330) 839-9919
horoscope
Mike’s Place Monday nights 32 cent wings - $2 margaritas
Now leasing for fall. 2br apt $699750 a month includes gas, water and trash. Many great amenities. Hurry in now, before you get locked out. (330) 673-8887
Mike’s Place Tuesday nights $2.50 gyros - $2 Long Islands - Bar only
Now accepting applications for summer and fall! Studios, 1&2 bedrooms still available-Hurry In! 330-678-0746
$4 BAGEL SANDWICHES $4 ALL DAY FRIDAY! No Damn Coupons! Franklin Square Deli (330)673-2942
**Summer and Fall Specials** Furnished/unfurnished studios, 1&2 bedrooms, Call now 330-678-0123
DUSTY ARMADILLO The hottest Wednesday Night College ID Party 18 & over
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 Office assistant needed. Kent area apartment community is looking for an office assistant. Full Time Summer help. General responsibilities include customer service, general office responsibility, phones/computer and some sales. The successful candidate will be organized, selfmotivated, outgoing and possess good communication skills. Fax resume to (330) 677-4651 attention Jeanette. A drug free work place. Riverside Wine Bar 911 N. Mantua St., Kent—Food service, retail, server and bar help needed. Non-smokers only, must be 21. Apply in person Monday-Friday 12-4 pm. Apply only if available for employment for 1 year and willing to work a minimum of 3 shifts/week. We schedule around classes. Local part-time furniture mover needed. Must be available at least 2 full days a week. Monday-Sunday. $11/hour to start for helpers. $13/ hour for drivers (clean license required) 330-689-1900. Brubaker’s Pub, Stow now hiring cocktail waitresses and servers. Apply in-person Monday-Friday 10a.m.-6p.m. at 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow Bartenders needed - no experience required. Earn $20-60/ hour. Call us at 740-205-6432.
Free chocolate sample every Friday Empire 135 E. Main St. Kent www.empirekent.com (330) 968-4946
Found money in parking area of Circle K on Main Street in Kent across from Whitehall on Thursday, Feb.4, 2010 at approximately 8:30 am. If you can describe the number of bills, their denominations, how they were folded and the total amount, arrangements will be made to return it to you. Email: vnader@kent.edu Field Jacket found on campus - contact Peggy 330-672-5822.
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. NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call (330) 554-8353 Whitehall East Townhomes - 4 or 5 bedroom leases, with 3 bathrooms, great rent options with all inclusive plans. Some newly rennovated, all units washer/dryer and dishwaher included. Call or text today 330-9904019. www.whitehall-east.com LUXURY 4-BEDROOM UNITS large, clean, all appliances + FREE washer/dryer. (330) 714-0819 Shrewsberry Rentals 3, 4, and 6 bedrooms starting at $900. 4 bedrooms $1475. 6 bedrooms $2,000. Trash, sewer, and recycling paid. 330-221-2881 Spacious 2&3 bdrm apts @ Holly Park. Gas heat paid Sign up now for fall and receive $100 off first 6 months based on a twelve-month lease. (330) 678-0823
Rent in Kent Enjoy spacious 4&5 bedrooms duplexes with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage. $1,2001,750. 330-808-4045 GREAT PRICES! GREAT PROPERTIES! 3, 4 & 5 bdrm properties starting at $1000/mo. Call Rich at 330-807-6090
By Linda Black Today’s Birthday (3/5/10) Expect creative ideas to emerge from dreams and imagination over the coming year. You handle most responsibilities with greater grace because you understand the logic behind your actions. Creative writing or artistic projects reveal your inner beliefs and aspirations. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 7. Group activities inspire you and a partner. Your efforts go in a creative direction, while your partner keeps the project within reasonable bounds.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is an 8. Work closely with a partner or other associate to brainstorm ideas for any writing project. The two of you share similar views concerning hidden significance.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 5. Today you see how to bring less conscious concepts into reality. Others need to understand your logic. Make sure they also grasp the mood.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 6. Use both creativity and logic to fuel household activities. Logic tells you to reset the thermostat. Turn down the emotional volume to get more accomplished.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8. Use your creative skills to complete your own work and aid others in finishing theirs. That way, you can cheerfully go home on time.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 6. Use your imagination to dream up a plan of action. Others will contribute happily if they see your willingness to roll up your sleeves.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7. Use your imagination to devise new methodology. Logic is only one part of the formula. Feelings impact the bottom line.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 5. An older person bases logic on tradition and the historical record. Take that information and mold it into a unique story in order to increase profits.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7. Creative ideas pop up in every area you look at. The changes you need are easily made. Love grows when you incorporate exotic elements. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 6. Education pays off now. Choose a seminar or class that allows lots of creative input. Then, work hard to get the most out of it.
Now Leasing for Summer and Fall. 2 BR Apts. Heat, Trash & Water pd. Pool, Pets welcome, $665-$725. Close to KSU 330-673-5364 NO WATER BILL! NO GAS BILL! 4&5 Bedroom duplex available for fall starting at $330/mo! Each side has 2 bath, W/D. Dishwasher, deck, garage, etc. Close to campus and on bus route. Last one I have available! Call Sweeney (740)317-7294. Remodeled, University Town Home, 5 BR, W/D, Dishwasher, 2.5 Baths, $275 per room, Will go fast, 330-8084045 University Townhomes 5 bedroom 2.5 bath. $265/month tahaysmanagement.com, 330-612-0767 Stow: 2 & 3 bed townhomes with one car garage. Pets welcome, 10 min from KSU. Prices $665-$850 call (330)686-2269. Kent- 3&4 bdrm townhouses for fall, $395 pr rm includes gas & trash 330678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt. com Kent- 1 bdrm & efficiencies for fall, starting at $450 pr mth includes ALL UTILITIES 330-678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt.com Kent- 2&3 bdrm for fall, starting at $425 pr rm some include ALL UTILITIES 330-678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt.com 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage, condo-styled duplex, on two acres, $1100/mo. 330-221-4533 Tired of a roommate? Live in our newly remodeled one bedroom apt for $495, you only pay electric. (330)678-0972. Two bedroom apt near KSU $615 per month all utilities except electric included. Call (330)678-0972. KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900-$1100 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330329-1118 Kent - 1,2&3 bedroom. $500, $590 and $750. 330-677-5577 STUDENT RENTALS FOR THE ‘10’11 YEAR Are you looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, a studio, a duplex, a house, or a student rooming house with 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 bedrooms? Our staff is ready to help you with all your housing needs. Check out the list of available rentals on our website www.jkohlre.com click on Rental Management, Student Rentals, or you can stop in or call our office. Jack Kohl Realty EHO 237 East Main Street Kent, OH 44240 Phone: 330-677-4722 Fax: 330-6774730 Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex. LR and Family Room, W/D, A/C, $960/ mo, Available July (330)630-9285. Kent—3 bedroom, 1 full bath. 2 levels. Newer carpet+flooring. Paid water w/appliances. $750 a month. 330-815-2869. Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330)676-9440 Now Leasing for Fall a beautifully newly redecorated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath duplex. $275/person, (330)6876122. NOW LEASING FOR FALL 1 block from KSU Beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse apartments $325/student 330-687-6122 SAVE $$$ Leasing for Fall, beautiful, newly redecorated, 2 bedroom apartments. FREE gas, water and trash. $275/ student. 330-687-6122. For 2010-11: One Month Free Close to Campus 2 huge apartments, licensed, private parking, large yard, large front porch. 4 bedroom $1300/$325 each. 4/5 bedroom $1400, $280-$350 each. (330) 6263957 1, 2, &3 Bedroom Houses & Duplexes all close to downtown available June and August (330) 678-7901
Available Fall: Triplex, each unit 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath house, large yard. $800. Also Large Duplex, each unit 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with garage $650; (440)953-8687 info www. yourhomerental.com AVAILABLE NOW one large bedroom in house 244 East Main $320 utilities included (330) 333-1531 For Fall: 3 bedroom apartments $400/month per room, security deposit required. Heat included, laundry room. No pets. Across from KSU. (330) 554-3024 For Fall: 4 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartments $400/month per room, security deposit required. Heat included, laundry room. No pets. Across from KSU. (330) 554-3024 Available Fall 2010. Act now! Looking for 5 responsible students for newly renovated university townhome. Call after 8pm (440) 622-3630. 4-5 bedroom house for rent. 319 East Summit. 1 block to campus. $350/month. 1 year lease starting in July. 330-2120992 Hidden Pines Townhouses, 4 lg BR’s, 2 bath, W/D, wood floors, ceramic tile. Spacious, very clean! ALL utilities included option as low as $365/BR. www.hidden-pines.com/ or 440-708-2372
2 Bedrooms, 1-1/2 Baths. Close to Campus. $660/month. No Pets, go to www.lincolnwoodrentals.com or call 330-835-7737. Available For Fall Huge 4 or 5 bedroom units in great condition. Deck/patio, garage, large yard, washer/dryer hook up. $300/ bed includes water and trash. (330) 612-4057 AVAILABLE AUGUST 1 Year Lease, house licensed for 8(5 bedrooms), 2 kitchens, 2 baths, University Drive, large off street parking $1800/month (330)760-0138 Rooms for Fall 1 block from campus. $350/mo includes ALL utilities, cable and internet. Non-smoking house. Chris Myers (330) 678-6984 Kent Condo! Very close to campus! (S. Lincoln St.) Now renting for Fall. 2 bedroom,1.5 baths Assigned parking, water, trash & heat paid! $750/month + electric. Accepting Visa/MC (330) 676-0796 2 bedroom upstairs apartment for fall. Newly remodeled, located on N Depeyster St. $310/person/month +gas +electric. lease references, deposit, no pets, 330-297-7117 Duplex available. East Summit, across from campus. 3 bedrooms, Washer/Dryer. $345/person plus utilities. 216-407-6703
Kent- 3 bedroom house. Close to downtown on bus line. $750/month plus utilities. Available August 1st, 330-678-0932 Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 Apartments for Rent: 3 bedroom apartment Half of a home. Living Room, kitchen,bath. No pets. One bedroom available now $330/ month. 330-673-8505 1 bedroom apartment in a house. Kitchen, living room, bath. Separate entrance. No pets. One year lease. Available in August. 330-673-8505 3 Bedroom house available for Fall. Great condition, full appliances, $350 bedroom 1, $325 per bedroom 2 and 3. Close to Campus 330-673-1225
Plug in.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8. Whether you know it or not, you’ve been hatching a plan for home improvement. Import decorative tile or accents to add fresh color.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7. Use your creative methods to finish a project before quitting time. Drag out the thesaurus to be sure you’ve chosen the right words.
Page 6 | Friday, March 5, 2010
Daily Kent Stater
To see which Track and Field athletes are working to qualify for the NCAA Championships check out
SPORTS Sports editor: Cody Francis • E-mail: cfranci1@kent.edu
ON ONTHE THEWEB WEBATATKENTNEWSNET.COM KENTWIRED.COM
UNDERCLASSMEN WRESTLERS IN THE MAC CHAMPIONSHIP (NAME, WEIGHT, RECORD, MAC RANKING, NATIONAL RANKING — NOT PICTURED: SOPHOMORE DUSTIN KILGORE AND SOPHOMORE BRENDAN BARLOW)
Randy Ziemnik
CHASE SKONIECZNY FRESHMAN 141 LBS. (19-15) TIED FOR 3RD, NOT RANKED
ADAM COGAR FRESHMAN 197 LBS. (18-8) 2ND, 15TH
MALLIE SHUSTER FRESHMAN 157 LBS. (23-11) 3RD, NOT RANKED
ROSS TICE SOPHOMORE 165 LBS. (23-11) 4TH, 29TH
TROY OPFER SOPHOMORE 125 LBS. (16-17) 4TH, 40TH
The youth of the nation
Underclassmen lead charge for MAC title Rachel Jones
Daily Kent Stater
W
hen the Kent State wrestling team heads to the Mid-American Conference Championships this weekend, it will only bring two upperclassmen: senior Danny Mitcheff and junior Matt Cathell. The rest of the lineup includes four freshmen and four sophomores. Kent State coach Jim Andrassy is bringing a young team to the biggest competition of the season, but he does not want to use that as an excuse. “Even though they’re freshmen, I expect a lot of things from them,” Andrassy said. “I expect them to go out and wrestle the Kent State way — always attacking, working hard, fighting hard and making guys fight for every point they get.” The Flashes, ranked 16th in the nation, will face various wrestlers from Ohio, Buffalo, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan at 1 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday at Central Michigan University. This tournament determines who advances to the NCAA Championships. “For some people, this could be the end of the season,” Andrassy said. “(This tournament) is the most important thing we do.” After losing to Central Michigan Feb. 21, the team heads into the tournament ranked second in the conference. “Our first goal was to be team MAC champions, but we took second,” Andrassy said. “It’s not a bad thing; we were just upset we didn’t accomplish it. We need to go back to the drawing board and now try to win a team tournament championship.” Andrassy said this may be harder for the newer wrestlers, but it is a good experience for them. “I think until you’ve been to this tournament, it’s a tough tournament,” Andrassy said. “If you go into it and you’re not ready to wrestle seven hard minutes, then
FILE PHOTO BY JESSICA KANALAS | DAILY KENT STATER
Kent State sophomore Dustin Kilgore (184) holds down Central Michigan’s Dillon Kern during a meet on Feb. 21. Kilgore won the match 11-3.
“
Even though they’re freshmen, I expect a lot of things from them. I expect them to go out and wrestle the Kent State way — always attacking, working hard and making guys fight for every point they get.
JIM ANDRASSY COACH
you’re not going to have success. That’s what this is about: learning how to compete at the highest level so they can fulfill their goals either this year or in the future.” This is the first big collegiate tournament for redshirt freshman Adam Cogar (18-8). “It’s my whole season,” Cogar said. “Other meets are like practice for this tournament. It determines whether or not I go to nationals, so it’s very important.” Andrassy said Cogar (197) has done well for a freshman, and he is relying on him this weekend. While that seems like a lot of pressure, Cogar said he is not worried. “I’m not really that nervous because I don’t have anything to
lose,” he said. “Most of the guys I’m wrestling are seniors, so all the pressure’s on them. If I don’t make it, then I’m not supposed to, but if I do, then that’s a good thing.” Cogar will only face opponents he wrestled earlier this season. He has been watching film this week to fix the previous mistakes he made. “The way I wrestle, I think it’s easier (to wrestle previous opponents) because the goal of a lot of people is to keep it close and win in overtime against me,” Cogar said. “For me, I get to look at them over the season, so I get to fine-tune what I do against them.” Another redshirt freshman making his MAC Championships debut is Keith Witt (22-11).
“It’s my first year going to the MAC tournament, so I’m looking to make a name for myself,” Witt said. “I’m just trying to look at it as another tournament and not get too stressed out about it. I’ll just take it one match at a time.” Witt said his main goal is to go to nationals. To prepare, he is trying new techniques to throw off his opponents. “Kids are starting to figure out what I do on the mat,” Witt said. “I need to switch it up and do different things or do different things to lead into what I usually do.” Witt has been icing his right shoulder recently after practice, but Andrassy said it will not hinder his performance this weekend.
KEITH WITT FRESHMAN 174 LBS. (22-11) 3RD, 32ND
Connect to a better Web s the oldexperience. saying goes, “If
“Everybody by this time of the year is beat up,” Andrassy said. “Something hurts on everyone’s body in the entire country. If someone’s 100 percent healthy, they aren’t training hard during the year.” Mallie Shuster (23-11) is another freshman to look for. At 157 pounds, Andrassy said he is one of the most technically sound wrestlers on the team. “As far as technique, he’s as good as anyone in the country,” Andrassy said. “I think he should go out and be attacking as much and as often as he can because his technique and his athletic ability are pretty good.” Redshirt freshman Chase Skonieczny (19-15) shined Feb. 21 when he upset Central Michigan’s Conor Beebe 5-4. Andrassy said he is looking for a repeat this weekend. “He has the ability; everyone knows it,” Andrassy said. “If he can go out there, stay focused and stay mentally tough for seven minutes, he’s as good as anyone in the conference.” The more experienced wrestlers going are redshirt sophomore Dustin Kilgore (30-1), ranked first in the country, and senior Danny Mitcheff (28-3), ranked eighth. Andrassy said he expects both wrestlers to easily handle this tournament. “Both of those guys know exactly what to expect,” he said. “This should be one step to reaching their goals (of going to nationals).” With experienced leaders and hopeful freshman, Andrassy said he has high expectations for this weekend. “Our goal is to have ten champions, ten national qualifiers and the belief that when we step onto that mat, no one’s in better shape than us and no one is better than us,” Andrassy said. “We’re going to go out there, and we’re going to dominate.” Contact sports reporter Rachel Jones at rjones62@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
GYMNASTICS
Senior gymnast leads by example Kopp willing to fill voids for her team Katie Corbut
Daily Kent Stater The Kent State Women’s gymnastics team has had trouble this season putting together an errorfree meet as the team has yet to have a meet with no falls. Senior Brittany Kopp has been one of the few consistent gymnasts, and brings an element of strength to the team, especially on the beam. Kopp, a psychology major, plans to attend graduate school or apply for med school after graduation. She plans to enter the professional arena someday in the field of neurology, and is thankful for the concentration and organization the sport has helped her master. Kopp’s coaches know her academics are important to her, and respect her dedication and concentration. “She’s very smart and competitive,” coach Sharon Sabin said. “She works really hard for what she wants and she doesn’t like to lose.” Sabin said that when ‘BK’ (as she’s known to her teammates) first came in to the gym freshman year, she had never competed beam. “Sophomore and junior year
she was kind of questionable, now she’s a solid kid for us on beam,” Sabin said. “It’s great to see how the girls evolve.” Finding the skills that fit her best and suited the team’s needs became a challenge and Kopp took it on. Now, it’s hard to imagine the beam lineup without her in it. Kopp said the event has become her favorite. “I could do beam all day,” she said. “I just started to compete it in college.” It’s hard for her, as a consistent beam worker, to see her teammates failing to achieve the success she knows they’re capable of. “The main thing in competing beam is having confidence in yourself,” Kopp said. “The second you doubt yourself, even if you go up thinking you’ll make your routine, that’s not good enough. You have to know you’re going to make it.” Enjoying her success on beam is short-lived when her teammates fall. She feels the whole point of the competition is for everyone to succeed, and it’s much more exciting when everyone does. Kopp said that it’s the best feeling to make a routine in a meet, and that the satisfaction of competing a solid routine is unlike any other emotion. She understands the mental challenges of the beam and strives to help her teammates whenever
she can because she sees herself as a role model. “The problems I see people having, I’ve had the same problems myself,” she said. “I feel like I can relate, so I’ll help them out and lead by example.” Kopp can definitely be considered a role model. She’s had many personal issues that she hasn’t let affect her gymnastics. During her sophomore year, her sister received a heart transplant, which challenged her focus as an athlete. “If things are stressing you out outside the gym, if any of that’s in your mind while practicing it, you’re going to have a disastrous day,” Kopp said. “You just have to put everything aside and be in the right mindset. That’s the hardest thing, to be mentally tough.” Her focus on gymnastics has helped her earn a solid position in the lineup on beam and also on vault. She’s hoping that the team’s new goal of hitting five out of six routines will help push the team into a position of strength just in time for the MAC tournament. “As of right now, the way our season is going, hitting five out of six routines would be awesome,” she said. “If it just came together at the right time … MAC championships is when it really matters.” See GYMNASTICS, Page 3
Screw the Roo! A
FILE PHOTO BY PHILIP BOTTA | DAILY KENT STATER
Senior Brittany Kopp competes in the vault during the Flashes’ meet against Eastern Michigan on Jan. 22. Kopp competes in the vault, balance beam and floor exercises.
you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.” I try my hardest to live by that saying, but growing up in a home where you were encouraged to speak your mind, the old adage often goes by the wayside. As is the case with the University of Akron, their athletic teams and, most importantly, their fans. Believe me, I’ve tried to think of nice things to say about the University of Akron — it’s harder than you think — but all I could really come up with is that they have a nice football stadium, their president is in pretty cool commercials and LeBron James used to go to Akron basketball games. But that’s about it. When it comes right down to it, the University of Akron has more flaws than a Toyota gas pedal. But since Kent State is taking on the Zips with the MAC regular season title hanging in the balance, we’ll focus on The University of Akron’s basketball program. Let’s start with the James A. Rhodes Arena, where Akron plays its home games. It is easily one of the worst facilities in the MAC and is in dire need of a total renovation. It really shows you where the University of Akron’s priorities are when they build a brand new multi-million dollar football stadium for a god-awful football team and leaves a winning basketball team to play in a second-rate facility. And not to mention the arena’s named after a governor who ordered national guardsmen to the Kent State campus in early May 1970, and the rest, as they say, is history. Then there’s the nickname and mascot. First off, I understand that Zips is short for Zipper, which has its origins in Akron — and I challenge you to button your pants without one — but a zipper just doesn’t instill fear in anyone unless you’re a male who gets a certain body part stuck in it. And as for the overweight kangaroo “Zippy” goes, I’ve never seen a kangaroo anywhere in Northeast Ohio besides the zoo. I simply don’t fear him/her as the slogan “Fear the Roo” would want you to think. I believe Zippy would be better served on an episode of “The Biggest Loser” than at an Akron sporting event. And while we’re on the topic of the biggest loser, let’s take a look at Keith Dambrot. Now don’t get me wrong, Dambrot has really turned around the fortunes of Akron basketball. But if there were no LeBron James, Dambrot wouldn’t be anywhere near a college basketball program, unless he had tickets to the game. Dambrot left Central Michigan in the early 90s amidst controversy, with a subpar record and was exiled to coach high school basketball in Akron. Insert Lebron James and you know the rest. Dambrot owes his recent success to Lebron James, plain and simple. It’s pretty sad when a grown man owes his career to a high schooler. Now to the worst part of the Akron Basketball program: the fans. The so called “AK-ROWDIES” are anything but. If dressing up in face pant, wearing all white and donning wrestling belts is your idea of being rowdy, then Akron fans are rowdy. If showing up at opposing stadiums and spray painting them is rowdy, once again Akron fans are mad rowdy. And if posting a video on YouTube of a freshman sideline reporter who’s learning, a foreign concept to Akron students, then Akron fans are the rowdiest in the country. Bottom line, Akron fans’ actions are more trashy than rowdy if you ask me. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Contact assistant sports editor Randy Ziemnik at rziemnik@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com