Daily Kent Stater | February 12, 2010 by The Kent Stater

SPORTS: Senior forward Anthony Simpson flies high for the Flashes.

DAILY KENT STATER Friday, February 12, 2010 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Cloudy HI 25, LO 17

LATEST UPDATES AT KENTWIRED.COM

Health Department to close on Fridays Closings because of financial deficit

The Portage County Health Department will be closed on the following days:

Sam Laros

 Feb. 12 and 26

Daily Kent Stater

Disabled but not discouraged Lauren Vogel | Daily Kent Stater

ohn Squires is a typical 36-year-old man. He graduated from Kent State with a degree in psychology and is now married and living in Akron. He drives a car that he shares with his wife. He plays rugby, cycles and skis. The only difference between Squires and any other athletic 36-year-old man is that he does all of this from a wheelchair. When Squires was 15, he and some friends were diving off of a rope swing at Portage Lake State Park. His friend had just jumped. Squires went in after him but hesitated. His friend was not far enough away and Squires landed on his friend’s hip with his head, breaking his neck. This injury resulted in quadriplegia at C4/5, which is paralysis resulting in partial or total loss of use of limbs and torso. “As soon as I hit him, I couldn’t move anything,” Squires said. “I sunk to the bottom. Luckily, he knew something was wrong and swam down to get me.” Squires had wrestled for three years and played football for seven years prior to his accident. He had been captain of his foot-

ball team and was even asked to attend Akron St. Vincent St. Mary’s, which is known for its rigorous football program. Squires had to work very hard to regain strength in his body. “That was probably the hardest part,” Squires said. “I went from being an active, 15-year-old jock, to (being unable to) move my arms. So I had to learn everything again.” He explained the process took a long time and included rehab, working out at home and then trial and error to learn things over again. While staying at Edwin Shaw Hospital for Rehabilitation in Akron, he was introduced to quad sports. About two years after he left rehab, he purchased

TOP PHOTO SARA SCANES | DAILY KENT STATER AND ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN SQUIRES

Top photo, John Squires was an active athlete even before his accident. In high school, he played football and wrestled. Here he is with a picture taken for his wrestling team just before his accident. Above, John skis with Dan Lipka, his instructor. a used handcycle and started cycling. Then, while Squires was in college, he put together a quad rugby team out of Akron called Locomotion. He now has set an ambitious goal of participating in no less than three cycling marathons a year. He is already scheduled to participate in one in Columbus

View a slideshow on John Squires’ daily life at

and would like to participate in the one in Cleveland scheduled for early this spring. “Don’t let anything hold you back,” Squires said. “Set a goal and then set a higher goal. I truly believe the only limitations we have, we set for ourselves.” See SQUIRES, Page 2

The Portage County Health Department shut its doors today, and will close nine additional business days this year to confront a financial deficit. Starting today, the department located on South Meridian Street in Ravenna will close the second and fourth Fridays of each month until the end of June. Within the month, the department will finalize its budget for 2011 and determine whether it has the funds to last through the first quarter of the year. If not, DuWayne Porter, Portage County Health Department commissioner said it will extend the furlough. The department provides services to students, including vaccinations for the H1N1 flu virus and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Porter said he does not think Kent State students will be troubled by the Fridays the department is not open. “The closing should have little effect on students,” Porter said. DeWeese Health Center employee Betty Jarvis said her co-workers often refer students to the Portage County Health Department when their insurance does not cover vaccinations through the university. Porter said most students call ahead to make appointments or attend the adult vaccination clinics on Tuesdays. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e H e a l t h Department offers a travel clinic to students who are planning to study abroad and collaborates with university activities such as

 March 12 and 26  April 9 and 23  May 14 and 28  June 11 and 25

the Nutrition Outreach program. Jodie Luidhardt, Nutrition Outreach coordinator, said each year the Portage County Health Department solicits funds from the state Department of Health for Nutrition Education programming. With money awarded to the Portage County Health Department and allocated to Kent State, student volunteers run a K.I.D.S. (Kids Interested in Diet and Sport) camp, act as nutrition counselors for families in Portage County and travel to local elementary schools cafeterias. “Most of our undergraduate students are involved more with our nutrition education programs that take place in Portage County schools,” Luidhardt said. “We have the ‘healthy munch bunch,’ and that’s where some of our nutrition students will go to the schools and talk to kids about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables at lunch.” Porter said after June, the department will likely reopen on Fridays. Contact public affairs reporter Sam Laros at slaros@kent.edu.

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College Goal Sunday offers FAFSA help On Sunday, Kent State will be holding Portage County’s Ohio College Goal Sunday, a free statewide program to assist students and parents in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This year, the program is being held in Franklin Hall, starting at 2 p.m. It is open to all students and ensures Kent State will receive the applications before the priority deadline, March 1. In order to ensure that Kent State received the FAFSA by March 1, students are encouraged to fill out the application by February 15th.

“We want students to put themselves in the best position possible with financial aid,” said Yvonna Washington-Greer, the site coordinator for Portage County’s College Goals Sunday. “If we get the FAFSA by March 1, we’ll try and get that student everything they’re eligible for.” Some grants Kent State is able to give out have unlimited funds, while others have a limited amount of money to be awarded to students. See SUNDAY, Page 2

Liquor sales at all-time high Kent’s alcohol trends mirror those of the state

Ohio’s top-selling liquors for 2009: * By the gallon

Bo Gemmell

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey – 345,757

Daily Kent Stater Overall booze sales spiked statewide in 2009, and sales in this college town are no exception. The annual report from the Division of Liquor Control highlights 2009 as a record year for spirituous liquor sales — beverages containing more than 21 percent alcohol by volume — with $729.9 million in sales. The Akron Beacon Journal reported that sales at state-commissioned liquor stores are up, but sales at bars and restaurants are down. See LIQUOR, Page 4

Kamchatka Vodka – 400,787 Bacardi Superior Light Rum – 311,763 Captain Morgan Spiced Rum – 286,343 Smirnoff Vodka – 278,951 Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey – 273,648 Jagermeister – 270,787 Absolut Vodka – 262,882 Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey – 244,127 Korski Vodka – 236,942 Source: Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Liquor Control

BO GEMMELL | DAILY KENT STATER

Pufferbelly employee Elaine Hullihen searches the bar for Ohio's second favorite liquor: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Ohioans bought more than 340,000 gallons of Jack Daniel's last year.

Page 2 | Friday, February 12, 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 Managing editor Christina Stavale cstavale@kent.edu Multimedia editor Sara Scanes sscanes@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 Lifeshare Blood Donor table

Where: Student Center lobby When: 11 a.m.

n Public Health meeting

Where: Student Center Room 302 When: 1:15 p.m.

n G.R.A.S.P.P. meeting

Where: Student Center Room 307 When: 5 p.m.

n Tasteful Temptations

Where: Rathskeller When: 7 p.m.

n “The Men Who Stare

at Goats” Where: Kiva When: 11 p.m.

Kelly Byer

kbyer@kent.edu Campus editors

Anthony Holloway ahollow1@kent.edu Kristyn Soltis

2. Ragin pleads not guilty to assault; second suspect arrested

A Kent State student died Friday night after losing control of his car during a snowstorm and crashing into a snowplow. Sophomore business major Shawn Wilkes was driving on Route 303 in Streetsboro at about 6 p.m. Friday when he lost control and slid into the snowplow. He was taken to Robinson Memorial Hospital and later moved to Akron City Hospital, where he died.

An Akron man pleaded not guilty Friday to the felonious assault of Kent State graduate student John T. White. John H. Ragin Jr., 21, of Akron is accused of felonious assault stemming from an incident in the early-morning hours of Jan. 23. On Feb. 4, a grand jury indicted a second suspect in the case. Hallie E. Nuspl, 21, of Akron is charged with obstructing official business, a fifth-degree felony, and assault, a first-degree felony.

From Page 1

SQUIRES Disabled but not discouraged To prepare for sports he does rigorous training. His wife, Annalisa Squires, trains with him during his cycling season. She hasn’t started skiing with him, but they hope to get her out on the slopes next year. “If she wasn’t so involved in all of these sports, believe me, it wouldn’t be so easy to do, because it’s expensive,” John said. “Without her it wouldn’t be nearly as fun… she’s great, she’s my biggest fan.” “I love to see him happy and having fun. It’s rewarding to see him accomplish goals and things he’s always wanted to achieve,” Annalisa said. “He is such an inspiration to me because some things are more challenging and he takes them head on, no matter how difficult they might be.” Squires explained that out of all of the sports he does, skiing is the most demanding of his time and his body. He has to bulk up and strengthen his muscles to be prepared for the sport.

He works with his instructor, Dan Lipka, who sometimes helps him down the slopes at Brandywine Ski Resort, which Squires said, are very accessible slopes for quadriplegic athletes. Lipka explained that skiing is a challenging sport for anyone. He liked to see Squires take on such a challenge. With every challenge, there are some minor difficulties. Lipka explained that the level of his injury makes it especially challenging for him sometimes, because Squires has no core trunk or back muscles. Because he is in great shape however, he accommodates for those weaknesses in his technique and adaptations the two of them have come up with. “Of course, his determination is also a major benefit,” said Lipka. “It is great to see him adjust and adapt to a life changing injury and make the most out of his abilities.” Because his equipment is so expensive (his adaptive skis costs about $3,000 compared to a regular pair of skis which cost about $200300) he is hoping to find some monetary sponsors to help deter the cost. He already has Powerbar and Supercore as sponsors. They supply him with protein supplements to help aid him during his training.

Regina Garcia Cano News team assistant

1. KSU student dies after weekend crash

Two major snowstorms hit the Northeast Ohio region during the past week. A major snowstorm Friday night dumped about 11 inches of snow in the Kent area. Another winter storm hit the area Tuesday and Wednesday, causing cancellations at all of Kent State’s campuses.

News team leader rgarcia1@kent.edu

THE TOP 5 STORIES OF THE WEEK

3. Snowstorms batter Northeast Ohio

News

Cody Francis

cfranci1@kent.edu Sports team assistants

Caleb Raubenolt

craubeno@kent.edu

Randy Ziemnik

rziemnik@kent.edu

Forum

Forum editor

City editor

ssteimer@kent.edu

Tom Gallick

Sarah Steimer

tgallick@kent.edu

Visuals

Copy desk chief

Photo editors

jjohns64@kent.edu

ddoherty@kent.edu

Joshua Johnston KentWired editor

Frank Yonkof

fyonkof@kent.edu Social media editor acorthel@kent.edu

Features

Faculty sabbaticals will be brought back for the 2010-2011 academic year, ending a one-year freeze. Provost Robert Frank cut sabbaticals for the 2009-2010 year in December 2008, citing the economic downturn. Frank said the sabbatical cut saved between $350,000 and $500,000. Frank said a decision on sabbatical proposals for next year will be made in the next few weeks.

SPORTS

Sports team leader

ksoltis1@kent.edu

Austin Corthell

4. University to bring back faculty sabbaticals

Erin Perkins eperkin2@kent.edu

Features team leader

Melissa Dilley

mdilley2@kent.edu Features team assistants

Daniel R. Doherty Caitlin Sirse

csirse@kent.edu Design director

Justin Armburger Jarmburg@kent.edu Design supervisors

Kristina Deckert

kdeckert@kent.edu

Sam Twarek

stwarek1@kent.edu

Pamela Crimbchin pcrimbch@kent.edu

AdvertIsing 330.672.2586 Sales Manager Rachel Polchek 330.672.0888

5. Flashes stay hot, push streak to eight

Account executive

The Kent State men’s basketball team continued its dominance over the Mid-American Conference, knocking off MAC West Division leaders Central Michigan and Ball State this week. The victories pushed the Flashes’ current winning streak to eight games. They have also won 17 straight games against the MAC West, dating to the 2007-08 season.

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

He also is sponsored by The Village Tobacconists, a local tobacco store located in Summit Mall. Still, with such extreme costs, he hopes to find more sponsors. On top of everything else he has accomplished, Squires also does motivational speaking at local schools. He speaks to local businesses about disability awareness and how to interact with a coworker that may be in a wheelchair. He hopes that others will always have an open mind in interacting with him or anyone with a similar disability. “When you see someone in a wheelchair, keep in mind that we’re husbands, we’re fathers, we’re everything,” Squires said. “The way we get around is a little different.” Contact student life reporter Lauren Vogel at lvogel1@kent.edu.

From Page 1

Student media 330.672.2586

SUNDAY College Goal Sunday offers FAFSA help The grants that have a limited amount go to the first students to turn in the FAFSA. The longer a student waits, the less chance he or she has of receiving the maximum amount they’re qualified to get. “Other schools may have other priority dates,” Washington-Greer said. “But for Kent we’ll begin awarding for the 2010-2011 year in March.” Students are asked to pre-register online at www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org, but walk-ins will be welcome. It is not necessary to have already filed your tax return, but in order to fill out the FAFSA, students must bring their and their parents’ 1040 tax returns or W2s, social security cards and drivers licenses. –Lindsy Neer

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.

OPINION

Page 3 |Friday, February 12, 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 “I never did very well in math – I could never seem to persuade the teacher that I hadn’t meant my answers literally.” — Calvin Trillin

our

VIEW

SUMMARY: The 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver begin tonight with the Opening Ceremony. Even if sports aren’t your thing, it’s a time to cherish the real meaning of the Olympics by showing pride and unity.

A time for pride and unity

Every two years, something remarkable happens in terms of global unity — countries come together for friendly competition in the form of the Olympic Games. Today marks the start of the two-week period where 82 countries will meet in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. For two weeks, it doesn’t matter how rich or poor or how powerful a country is; the Olympics are a time to show there really is unity and equality among the human race despite everything. It’s hard to imagine who wouldn’t have been cheering when Ethiopian Abebe Bikila became the first black African to win an Olympic gold medal in 1960. He finished with the best time in the marathon event, which he ran barefoot because that was the way he had trained, and none of the shoes Adidas offered him fit. And though the Winter Olympics may not have the same prestige as the summer games, it’s still something to get excited

about. There have been plenty of memorable moments that have happened in these games throughout history. In 1994, U.S. figure skating frontrunner Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by a man linked to another U.S. skater and competitor, Tonya Harding, seven weeks before they would face off in Norway. Though Kerrigan was sidelined briefly because of the injury, she overcame it and took the silver medal in the ladies’ single competition. Harding finished eighth. And in 1980, the young U.S. hockey team upset heavily favored U.S.S.R. in a semifinal game, in what would later become known as the Miracle on Ice. And it happened during a time of turmoil in the U.S., with the Iran hostage crisis abroad and inflation at home. In that sense, it’s a time for national pride, too. Let’s face it: Everyone has qualms about his or her country, be they economic, political or social. The economy may be down, and you might not agree with what the govern-

ment is doing, but surely you can cheer your country on to victory. And even if sports aren’t your thing, the Opening Ceremony, which will be televised tonight, is an opportunity to broaden your horizons. The elaborate celebration showcases the hosting country’s culture and history. It’s a time for the country of Canada to tell its story to the world. The Olympic torch, which will burn for the entirety of the two weeks, will also be lit. It’s a moment of global significance that people all over will be watching. So join in with the rest of the world, and set aside any differences. You don’t have to know anything about winter sports to show a little pride. 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

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Chris Sharron’s VIEW

DID YOU KNOW? On this day in 2002, former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic went on trial at The Hague, Netherlands, on charges of genocide and war crimes in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo. — History.com

their

VIEW

Exploring climate change evidence

We welcome Garrison Ebie’s editorial (“I don’t believe in global warming,” Feb. 9) as an opportunity to reconsider the evidence regarding why our climate is changing. The primary question is whether the current global warming is allnatural or is also influenced by human activity. We agree with Mr. Ebie that the implications are far-reaching and have widespread political, economical and international ramifications. As scientists and concerned faculty, we believe that Kent State students want to and should educate themselves about this question, including how to assess and evaluate the complex, yet comprehensible datasets within the context of the scientific method. There is a host of information from multiple sources that point to growing human influence on climate. In reference to the Little Ice Age, which Mr. Ebie discussed, solar output at that time was at a historic low, and atmospheric CO2 dropped from 283 to 276 ppm. If the Earth were recovering from a natural cycle, atmospheric CO2 should not have been raised much above 283 ppm at the conclusion of the Little Ice Age. Instead, it has climbed to 394 ppm because the cumulative carbon emission from fossil fuel burning was at least 8.2 billion metric tons of C beyond the pre-anthropogenic level as measured in 2006. We encourage students to learn more about this important topic during their time here at Kent State University. It’s a fascinating subject with real-world implications. Thanks Mr. Ebie.

Daniel Holm is chair of the Department of Geology and Joseph D. Ortiz is an associate professor of geology.

Danica is more than a sex symbol In Randy Ziemnik’s column “Athletes: Stick to what you know” (Feb. 10), he spends a good deal of time attacking race car driver Danica Patrick for her apparently less-than-stellar performances and expressing distaste with NASCAR for allowing her to run in the Nationwide Series. He claims that the only reason she’s made it to the series is because “she’s a woman and sex sells.” Well, thank you for pointing out both the biological and advertising facts, but you neglect to mention one thing: Although there are racers with better stats then she, Patrick managed to make one hell of a recovery in the ARCA crash-filled race and make it into 6th place when multiple men couldn’t even cross the finish line. That’s driving, that’s not gender. Misogynist views are really uncool, folks. Also, Ziemnik decides to claim that Patrick’s foray into NASCAR is a marketing move, since “sex sells.” He goes on to say that Patrick shouldn’t be a role model to young women because of her poor racing statistics and endorsement deals. And all the beer-logo toting male drivers are? She endorses a domainhosting Web site. At least that won’t slowly destroy your liver by way of cirrhosis. By the way, take a good look at GoDaddy.com commercials. Even though they feature a fine usage of the First Rule of Advertising so aptly mentioned by Ziemnik, you’ll notice Patrick is the one whose chest isn’t busting out of her top. Just because she’s not been first in every one of her races, she’s still managed to place 3rd and 5th in competition. She’s literally a woman fighting to place in a male-dominated sport, which is much more admirable then, say, a 22-year-old alcoholic who make songs about cleaning her teeth with Jack Daniel’s. (Here’s looking at you, Ke$ha.) So maybe journalists should stick with what they know. And for Ziemnik, that doesn’t include opinion writing. Andrea Whaley is a freshman biology major.

Uncooperative and highly dangerous There is a country in the Middle East that seems dead set on triggering a third world war. Earlier this week, Iran successfully tested its first radar-evading aircraft. They have also pressed ahead with plans that would dramatically increase its ability to make nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic, led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, continues to act in direct defiance of U.N. sanctions aimed at preventing them from producing enriched, weapons-grade uranium. Ever since Ahmadinejad came to power, he has made the development of Iran’s nuclear program a top priority. In 2006, he declared their scientists had successfully refined uranium to a stage suitable for developing nuclear technology. From the beginning, Ahmadinejad has maintained that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are strictly peaceful. He claims their enriched uranium will merely provide fuel for research reactors and nuclear power plants. However, when considering the Iranian leader’s questionable actions and words of the past, it seems more and more like a cover for a weapons program. A couple years ago, when Iran achieved nuclear capabilities, Ahmadinejad stated that Iran could finally talk to the world now that they held the position of a nuclear state. Why would he say such a thing if the technology was to be used solely for peaceful purposes? It clearly seems he has a political agenda behind Iran’s nuclear development. Ahmadinejad has a definite plan for the

Mike Crissman future, which includes nuclear weapons. Actually, it’s more of a bucket list. With the kind of comments this guy has made while in power, it seems he plans on either getting what he wants, or going out, guns blazing. Ahmadinejad has been outspoken when it comes to anti-Semitic sentiments. The most popular example being when he said Israel should be “wiped off the map.” Some translators say he instead said “the regime occupying Jerusalem must vanish from the page of time.” Nevertheless, whatever the source of Persian to English translation, all can agree that he did refer to the destruction of the Israeli nation. In addition, Ahmadinejad has described the Holocaust as a myth on many occasions. His denial of the worst genocide in human history, coupled with hopes of a future genocide, must raise concerns around the world as Iran continues to move toward the production of nuclear bombs. It is hard to believe that Iran’s nuclear technology is simply for research and electricity. Ahmadinejad continues to deny U.N. inspectors from freely visiting Iranian

nuclear facilities and viewing their designs: a direct violation of the International Atomic Energy Agency. This, above all else, raises speculation that there is something they are hiding. Further illustrating my point, look at May of last year, when Iran test-launched a longrange missile. Ahmadinejad was quoted telling Iranians that they were sending the West a message that “the Islamic Republic of Iran is running the show.” This is scary stuff people. Despite the strength in numbers of the many countries trying to curb Iran’s nuclear enthusiasm, nothing seems to be working. Iran has already defied five U.N. Security Council resolutions — and three sets of sanctions — that have pressured them to freeze uranium enrichment. As Ahmadinejad continues to ignore the diplomacy of the world, the prospect of military action becomes more and more likely. I hate to be pessimistic, but at this point I only see two possible outcomes to the situation. Either Iran will acquire and use nuclear weapons, or some other country will use military force to stop them. It’s going to get ugly. 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

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Palin continues political faux pas This past weekend wasn’t just big for football fans; it was also big for Sarah Palin, who gave the keynote address at a for-profit gathering of “tea party” activists. The National Tea Party Convention, a grassroots conservative movement hell-bent on starting a revolution, was held in Nashville this past weekend. At the gathering, Palin said that the movement was “a lot bigger than any charismatic guy with a teleprompter.” That’s really funny coming from a woman who happens to write her notes on her hand. That’s right folks, at a Q&A for the Tea Party gathering, Palin was caught black handed reading prompts from her palm. The prompt which read: energy, budget tax cuts and lift American spirits, ensued a long list of copy-catters including Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and even Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. During a press conference this week, Gibbs flashed his hand, which read eggs, milk, bread, hope and change. Palin even made fun of herself. At a Texas rally, Palin deliberately waved around her hand reading “Hi Mom!’ for all the photographers. I find it shocking that so many people are willing to follow a woman that doesn’t even take herself seriously, but I guess that just goes to show that people will follow anyone when no one else will step up. Palin really brought the heat when she asked

Rabab Al-Sharif Obama supporters this: “How’s that hope-y, change-y stuff workin’ out for ya?” Oh Sarah, maybe you’re right. I think we’ll all be much better off if we just give up all hope and believe that nothing in our country is ever going to change. That is sure to lift American spirits so you can just go ahead and cross that one off of your hand. Judging by her criticism, she apparently thinks that she can do a better job than our current president. Some of the big ideas she presented in her speech were less government, lower taxes and stronger defense. I’m so glad to see that she is coming up with such original and innovative ideas. That’s totally presidential material right there. Palin said that she would be willing to run against President Barack Obama in the 2012 election if she “believed that that is the right thing to do for our country and for the Palin family.”

“I won’t close the door that perhaps could be open for me in the future,” Palin said. Well if you won’t close it, Sarah, I would be more than happy to. Hell, I would lock it, seal the cracks and block it with something extremely heavy. Judging by the fact that Palin pretty much annihilated any chance John McCain had at the winning the presidency in the 2008 election, I find it hard to believe that she would ever even come close to becoming the president, but apparently she has supporters. “Run Sarah, Run,” was chanted by her backers during the tea party Q&A. I am hopeful that by run they meant run far away to another country in seclusion, but unfortunately I think they were actually encouraging her to run for president of the United States. A scary thought indeed. If that ever did happen, I would be forced to retract any statements I have ever made calling the whole 2012 theory a crock, because if she is the best that the Republicans can do, maybe the world really is coming to an end. 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

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Page 4 | Friday, February 12, 2010 From Page 1

LIQUOR Liquor sales at all-time high

Business at the bars  Joe Ricciardi, owner of the Venice Café at Franklin Avenue and Erie Street, isn’t surprised that customers are shying away from bars and flocking to the liquor stores. “We lost 30 percent (of our sales) from the smoking ban,” he said. Other factors Ricciardi credits for lower sales are Portage County’s high unemployment rate, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked at 9.8 percent in November. He said customers also fear heightened enforcement of Ohio’s traffic laws that limit drivers to a maximum .08 percent blood-alcohol concentration.   Despite the setbacks, other

professionals aren’t as worried. Elaine Hullihen is a bartender at the Pufferbelly on Franklin Avenue. She juggles that job with bartending at the Professor’s Pub on Main Street. Hullihen, now in her fifth year in bartending, said she hasn’t seen much change in alcohol sales at either location. “Things have been pretty steady,” she said. “People who buy the cheap drinks are still buying cheap drinks, and people who buy the more expensive ones are still buying those.”  She said top sellers include inexpensive Kamchatka vodka as well as the pricier Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Retail sales climb Kent’s only liquor store mirrors the statewide trend. Jeff Farmer, manager of TLC Wine & Liquor on West Main Street, said retail sales are high but wholesale sales to bars and restaurants

Daily Kent Stater are on the decline. “For this store it’s a bump in the road,” he said. “For the state it’s significant.”  One of TLC’s former managers, Travis Sessions, said it helps to relate economic factors with humans’ rationales for drinking. “When somebody has a good day, they drink to celebrate,” he said. “When somebody has a bad day, they drink to deal with it.”  Sessions, who now works for 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall, said “party beers” such as Natural Light and Bud Light are the strongest sellers. He said customers come to 101 Bottles to buy diluted versions of popular liquors when the state-commissioned liquor stores close.

Looking ahead Sessions said he expects people to start buying higher quality beer as the economy improves. He thinks

people will visit bars and restaurants more when times get better.  Even if customers eventually spend more money, the Venice’s Ricciardi still recognizes the obstacles of owning a business. He said running a bar isn’t as affordable as it used to be. When he started working at the Venice in 1983, everything from electric to alcohol cost less. “Everybody wanted to own a bar in the ‘80s,” he said.

POLICE BLOTTER The blotter is a record of charges filed by the police. The listings do not represent convictions or reflect guilt. It is the Daily Kent Stater’s policy to publish on-campus and off-campus arrests, charges and incidents of interest to the public.

The Division of Liquor Control’s annual report showed a decrease in the issuance of new liquor permits from 2116 in 2008 to 1510. Permit renewals show a slight increase from 23,380 in 2008 to 23,515 last year. Ohio’s Division of Liquor Control regulates the production, distribution and sale of all alcoholic beverages in the state. It sells spirituous liquor through 442 private businesses contracted as its sales agents.

CAMPUS

TUESDAY n Criminal damage was reported at Wright Hall. WEDNESDAY n Criminal damage was reported at Taylor and Clark halls n Telecommunication harassment was reported at Dunbar Hall.

The majority of the Division’s 2009 revenue went to the General Revenue Fund. The Department of Health and the Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services received the lowest distribution of alcohol-based revenue.

Contact public affairs reporter Bo Gemmell at dgemmell@kent.edu.

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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.

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Friday, February 12, 2010 | Page 5

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

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THINKING ABOUT STUDENT GOVERNMENT? Seeking candidates for 2010-2011 UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT 18 ELECTED POSITIONS 7 APPOINTED POSITIONS Applications - Center for Student Involvement 226 Kent Student Center Deadline February 17. Contact Scott Sherwood, USG Executive Director at ssherwo1@kent.edu COMEDY CLUB IN THE RATT USG PRESENTS STAND UP COMEDY EVERY THURSDAY in the Ratt 8pm Come and enjoy a few laughs with us. FREE!

ARE YOU THE FUNNIEST PERSON AT KSU? SIGN UP FOR YOUR CHANGE TO PERFORM STAND UP AT THE RATT Email: usg@kent.edu

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Ray’s—Next Tuesday—Fat Tuesday— Food Specials Drink Specials—Free Beads—Live Music 8PM-11PM Upstairs—The River City Blues Band playing Dixieland music—Ray’s

Ray’s—Next Tues—Ray’s 12th Annual Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration—Food Specials All Day—Drink Specials All Day & Night—Free Beads—8PM-11PM Featuring The River City Jazz Band playing Traditional & Dixieland—Fat Tuesday at Ray’s

Athlete? Relax and build strength at Yoga Lounge in Hudson www. yogaloungehudson.com

Tonight at Professors!! American Werewolves w/ The Fucking Cops 9:00 PM 21+ $2

Saturday at Professors The Uncanny Xela 10PM - FREE!!

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 Profitable start-up in North Canton seeks experienced programmer for mobile apps. OBJ-C/Java experience a plus. PT/FT flexible. E-mail resumes to napkinstudio.com FINANCE REP NEEDED. ANY JOB EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED TO CARRY OUT THE JOB. YOU MUST HAVE COMPUTER SKILLS AND SPEAK ENGLISH FLUENTLY. YOU WILL EARN UP TO $300 WEEKLY. Email me at luke.cannon713@gmail.com IF INTERESTED. 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. Home Health Aide STNA $9.12/hr + Mileage Reimbursement PRN $500 Sign-on Bonus We are currently seeking STNA’s or successful completion of nursing interventions course to work with Portage County Clients. We offer 8 hours paid time off for every 300 hours worked Contact: Pam Warner, Portage Home Health Services 9293 State Route 43, Suite D Streetsboro, OH 44241 pwarner@menorahpark.org fax (330) 626-9085 Phone (330) 626-9005 www.menorahpark.org Attendant for female w/ disability. Part time hours available mornings, evenings, and weekends. Able to drive van. 330-678-7747.

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.

horoscope By Linda Black Today’s birthday (2/12/10) This year finds power in poetry and dreams. Jot down your nighttime journeys and use them for inspiration. Find hidden metaphors and double entendres. But as long as you’re interpreting the meaning, invent significance that empowers. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

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

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 7. Rally your best friends behind you early today. You need support as you reveal your plans. Face opposition squarely and with full disclosure.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 6. Revive an idea that you put on the back burner long ago. Now is the time to look it over, test its validity and restore it to active duty. Talk it up now.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7. Build on past experience and effort now. You see ways to get more mileage from the energy you expend. It’s all about working smarter.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8. Use quiet time early in the day to formulate a plan. Written communication stimulates movement and documents your input. Keep the goal in sight.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7. Bring all your talents to the table as you forge ahead with a new task. But don’t push so hard that you exhaust your body and mind.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 6. There is tremendous power electrifying the home environment. Someone has an idea that cannot wait to be put into motion. Use tools with caution.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 7. Fresh figures land on your desk for consideration. Verify that they mesh the data you already have. Check a team member’s work carefully.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7. Everything points toward a vacation. Even if you travel for work, it provides the break you need from the routine. Surprisingly, you’re also very productive.

Kent- 3&4 bdrm townhouses for fall, $395 pr rm includes gas & trash 330678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt. com Kent- 5 bdrm townhome for fall, $395 pr rm includes gas & trash 330-3783047 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 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 Stow: Large private entrance townhome, 2 bed, 1.5 baths, laundry hookups, fireplace, one car garage. Pets welcome with Dep and pet rent. 10 min from KSU. Prices from $665750. 330-686-2269 JORDAN COURT APTS 1&2 bedrooms from $495. All utlities included except electric. Tour & apply early & receive special. 330678-0972 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 Now accepting applications for summer and fall! Studios, 1&2 bedrooms still available-Hurry In! 330-678-0746 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms, near KSU, from $500/month + utilities. www. rentkent.com 812- 655-0777 **Summer and Fall Specials** Furnished/unfurnished studios, 1&2 bedrooms, Call now 330-678-0123 Kent - 1,2&3 bedroom. $500, $590 and $750. 330-677-5577 Townhomes Available! 4/5 bdrms, WD, central AC, newly remodeled, close to campus. Rent as low as $265/mo. All inclusive, utilities paid specials for limited time! www.manning-properties.com or (440) 708-2372 Apartments for Rent: 3 bedroom apartment Half of a home. Living Room, kitchen,bath. No pets. One year lease. Available in August. 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 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 KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900-$1100 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330329-1118 Now Leasing for Summer and Fall. 2 BR Apts. Heat, Trash & Water pd. Pool, Pets welcome, $665-$725. Close to KSU 330-673-5364 For 2010-11: One Month Free Close to Campus 2 Large apartments, licensed, private parking, large yard, large front porch. 4 bedroom $1400/$350 each. 4/5 bedroom $1500, $300/$375 each. (330) 6263957 3 Bedroom house available for Fall. Great condition, full appliances, $350/bedroom 1, $325/per bedroom 2-3. Close to Campus 330-673-1225

$100.00 Reward fill units by 2/15/10. AVAILABLE FALL: UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSE. SUMMIT ST. 5 BDS, 2.5 BATHS, STOVE REFRIG, DISHWASHER, WASHER/DRYER, A/C. $250.00 PER PERSON; 2BD 1BTH TOWNHOME. LAUNDRY, CARPORT. INTRODUCTORY OFFER 1ST 3 MONTHS $495.00. WWW. JLCASTO.COM CALL 688-7040.

Now Leasing for Fall a beautifully newly redecorated 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath duplex. $275/person, (330)6876122.

Available Fall 2010. Act now! Looking for 5 responsible students for newly renovated university townhome. Call after 8pm (440) 622-3630.

Newer 4/5 Bedroom duplex, flat screen t.v., washer/dryer, air, sun deck, close to campus, nice yard, 1240-1500/month. Website: http://web.me.com/allen291/ For email: allen291@me.com. Phone: (216) 536-3958

Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764

Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330)676-9440

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.

Kent 2 bedroom - heat, water, and trash included. $550. 330-472-9671.

4-5 bedroom University Townhomes and Whitehall East Townhomes for rent August 2010. Starting at $260/month. 440-336-6761 www. kenttownhomes.com

SAVE $$$ Leasing for Fall, beautiful, newly redecorated, 2 bedroom apartments. FREE gas, water and trash. $275/ student. 330-687-6122.

For Fall: 6 bedroom house $360/ month per room, water included. No pets, across from KSU (330) 5543024

Fall- 3 bedroom apt. near downtown $900 + utilities (330) 678-3557

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

UNIVERSITY TOWNHOMES, 4 or 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, A/C, Washer & Dryer, newly remodeled unit available in Fall 2010. Rent as low as $265 per month per bedroom with option for ALL inclusive payment plan to cover all utilities except cable/internet at $335 per month. Call 440-552-5840

Remodeled, University Town Home, 5 BR, W/D, Dishwasher, 2.5 Baths, $275 per room, Will go fast, 330-8084045

NOW LEASING FOR FALL 1 block from KSU Beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse apartments $325/student 330-687-6122

Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 6-8 bedroom houses. 330-626-5910 1, 2, and 3 bedroom Apartments for rent Fall 2010/Spring 2011 Call Matt at 440-554-7363 or email at mguska@157lounge. com WHITEHALL EAST TOWNHOMES 4/5 bedroom, 3 bath. Affordable rent options including no hassle utility plan. Newly renovated, energy efficient, washer/dryer, dishwasher. 330-689-8888 www.whitehalleast. com FALL—Now Renting: 1 bedroom apartment, 7 and 8 person houses. 1 year lease, NO PETS. (330)678-3489. Room for rent on S. Water Street in Kent. Close to downtown and bus service. $245/month includes utilities and parking. Call 330-256-6061.

Roommate needed. Trash and water included. $300 per month plus utilities. 716-207-8740

Belleria Valentine’s Day Special. 3 course dinner: appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 desserts. $25. (330) 678-6000 What youth has brought, time maintains. Going for the next 20! 888999 Aw, happy v-day, Andy Pandy Puddin’ Pop! I hope our date with Sarge and Toots isn’t awkward tomorrow!!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an 8. Logic takes over. You’ve been held captive by the desires of others. Now it’s time to make your wishes known. No need to argue. Just ask for what you want. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8. Put the finishing touches on a document, e-mail or other correspondence. Today you find just the right words, and they fit the available space. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8. It’s not too late to change your tune. Co-workers may demand an explanation. But you have one ready, in the form of a new dream that everyone can embrace. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7. A passionate discussion could easily become an argument if you allow it. You might need a referee. Plan your strategy ahead of time and stick to your agenda.

Daily Kent Stater

Page 6 | Friday, February 5, 2010

SPORTS Sports editor: Cody Francis • E-mail: cfranci1@kent.edu

ON THE WEB AT KENTWIRED.COM

MEN’S BASKETBALL

GYMNASTICS

Dunkmaster Flash

KSU gymnasts look to best MAC rival

Simpson soars for men’s basketball team Cody Erbacher

Daily Kent Stater He has dabbled at the point guard position and eventually turned into a dominant post player powerful enough to knock any opponent to the ground. In the world of college basketball, Anthony Simpson has the dunking ability to leave defenders in awe. The big guy has a decent shot, too. Game after game, it seems the senior forward can shift the tempo for the Flashes with just one of his forceful dunks. Players, coaches and fans alike have seen his ability to either get the crowd into the game, or out of it. “I like to just dunk,” says Simpson, who prefers the windmill dunk. “For me to come off the bench and for me to dunk it gets everybody in tune to the game. “It brings so much energy. It’s just so much fun that way.” Kent State coach Geno Ford witnesses Simpsons’ ability to dunk more than most people. Ford said Simpson has a great dunking ability because of his natural athletic ability. “He is probably our best dunker,” Ford says. “Anthony knows what he’s doing. He’s a big time athlete. I don’t want to jinx him but I don’t think he’s missed a dunk in a game.” Simpson, who averages 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 points per game, has the post game of a seasoned college athlete. But he hasn’t always played a position that requires a post presence. The 6-foot 8-inch, 215-pound player experienced some time at the point guard position at Auburn High School.

Simpson attributes his minutes as a point guard to his success at Kent State. “In high school I did a little bit of everything,” says Simpson, who gained experience in all aspects of the game because high school basketball is more of an “individual game.” Ford gives credit to the amount of improvement Simpson has shown over his two-year stay at Kent State. “He understands tempo, he understands good shots and bad shots,” Ford says. “He’s also extremely unselfish.”

“

ANTHONY SIMPSON FORWARD

Simpsons’ all-around game play is exemplified by his accuracy behind the arc. He shoots a team-leading 41.7 percent (15for-36) from 3-point range. Despite his ability to connect on outside shots, Simpson remains selective unselfish with the basketball. “The only knock I have on Anthony is his unselfishness is at such a high level sometimes you want him to be more aggressive,” Ford says. ”In an era where most guys are a little bit too selfish he is, if anything, too unselfish.”

Kent State’s track and field teams will be among 25 teams competing at the Akron Invitational this weekend. The meet, which will take place in Akron’s Stile Field House, features several nationally ranked programs such as No. 15 Penn State, No. 18 Auburn and No. 20 West Virginia. The Flashes saw many athletes earn personal bests last week at Notre Dame as only two weeks remain before the Mid-American Conference indoor championships. Junior distance runner Destin Heasley was named as the MAC Men’s Track Athlete of the Week for finishing the 800-meter run in 1:49.78 — a national provisional

Senior forward Anthony Simpson Although his days at playing the point guard are in the past, Simpson says he prefers to maintain his role as the guy on the bench that can be called on to make a big play. But if needed, he doesn’t mind being called on as a shooter. Contact sports reporter Cody Erbacher at cerbache@kent.edu.

DANIEL R. DOHERTY | DAILY KENT STATER

THE GAME KENT STATE (18-7, 9-2 MAC) at BUFFALO (13-9, 6-5) Where: Alumni Arena When: Noon, tomorrow Watch: The game will be televised on ESPNU

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The Kent State gymnastics team is set to face off against Mid-American Conference foe Central Michigan at 2 p.m. Saturday in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Flashes are ranked 28th in the nation, just ahead of the Chippewas, who sit at 30th. Assistant coach Sharon Sabin said she is eager to face Central Michigan to see how the gymnasts’ progress in practice has paid off. The Chippewas routinely compete with the Flashes for the MAC Championship, making them a major rival within the conference. “I’m sure they’re going to be gunning for us,” Sabin said. “They’ll be ready. We’ll be on the road and they’ll be in their home arena. They’ll have a big crowd and I’m sure they’re pumping this up.” Sabin said Central Michigan will be aiming to defeat the Flashes, who have won the MAC title the last two years. “We have the talent to do well against Central, (because) the team just has to show up,” Sabin said. “It comes down to how bad they want it. It won’t happen if we (the coaches) want it more than they do.” Junior co-captain Christine Abou-Mitri said she believes Kent State is due for a dominant performance to show what they’re capable of. “It’s disappointing to see (the team) go into the meet and see something completely different than the 9.9 routines they do in practice,” Abou-Mitri said. “They’re showing a lack of desire and heart. I just feel like they need

to learn how to fight more.” Abou-Mitri said the gymnasts need to improve their beam routines, which the team has continued to struggle with recently. “When someone falls, it makes me mad,” she said. “It makes me want to hit my routine more. But I don’t want to be mad, I want to have fun and be relaxed.” Despite her disappointment with the team’s performance in its loss last week to Southern Utah, Abou-Mitri said she remains confident that her teammates can reach their potential this weekend. “I’m really happy with everyone’s attitude, but I want to see more fire from some of the girls,” she said. “I want so bad for their hard work to be shown. I’m proud of everyone.” Abou-Mitri has been one of the team’s most consistent athletes and a constant high point of conversation from coach Brice Biggin. “She’s what you want your underclassmen to look at and say, ‘That’s who I want to be like,’” Biggin said. “She expects a great deal out of herself and she’ll be the first one to work until she gets there. Biggin said Abou-Mitri is an attractive gymnast to watch, not only because of her high skill level, but also her ability to make her routines look easy. “Gymnastics has taught me a lot about perfection,” she said. “You not only want to be perfect in gymnastics, but the sport makes you want to be perfect in everything you do.”

Contact sports reporter Katie Corbut at kcorbut@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com

WRESTLING

Flashes prepared to take on some of nation’s best Daily Kent Stater

Daily Kent Stater

For me to come off the bench and for me to dunk, it gets everybody in tune to the game.

TRACK & FIELD

Jody Michael

Katie Corbut

qualifying time that is also the best by any MAC athlete this season. “He was tripped up in the first 200 meters and almost fell down,” said Kent State coach Bill Lawson, “but he regained himself and was able to get back in the race.” Heasley also ran in the 4x400meter relay, running a split time of 47.7 seconds to help the team finish in fifth place. The meet will start at 5 p.m. tonight and continue at 9 a.m. tomorrow, with the finals in most events to be held between 3-6 p.m. Contact sports reporter Jody Michael at jmicha10@kent.edu React to this story and more at KentWired.com

All-time luge winner set for Winter Olympic run WHISTLER, British Columbia The Olympic men’s luge The day before his final Olym- event starts late Saturday afterpics get under way will not be noon, about 18 hours after the restful for Tony Benshoof. opening ceremony is expected That’s his choice. to end. Canada’s trio of sliders Athletes like Benshoof who in the men’s field, Jeff Chrisare set to compete Saturday, the tie, Ian Cockerline and Samuel first full day of competition at the Edney, made the decision that Vancouver Olympics, are facing a they would be better off staying thorny dilemma. Some will choose in Whistler and watching it on between standing for several television than taxing themselves hours Friday night at the opening with the travel. ceremony — plus, for those stay“We went into this one knowing in Whistler, at least five hours ing that we probably wouldn’t of travel down and back — or even go,” Edney said. “Ian, Jeff bypassing what may be a once- and myself all decided not to in-a-lifetime chance. go and that’s something each Benshoof marched in 2002 for of us made as a personal decithe Salt Lake City Games, then sion. Yeah, it’s probably one of skipped the show at Turin in the highlights of any Olympic 2006. Games, but we’re really here to This time, he didn’t hesitate do our job and that’s to slide. when deciding to be part of the And we just happen to slide the magnificent cauldron-lighting next day.” spectacle. — Associated Press “It’s so fun,” Benshoof said. “It’s hard to give up.” Not everyone would necessar- React to this story and more at KentWired.com ily agree with that.

Wrestlers ready for weekend dual meets Rachel Jones

Daily Kent Stater The No. 17 Kent State wrestling team embarks on a twomeet Mid-American Conference tour this weekend, traveling to Ohio tonight and hosting Eastern Michigan Sunday. After a 31-6 win over Buffalo last Sunday, the Flashes (13-3, 2-0 MAC) must first concentrate on defeating the Bobcats (10-3, 2-0). Ohio has not competed since Jan. 30, when it beat Buffalo 22-17. For Kent State coach Jim Andrassy, the matchup between the Flashes and the Bobcats has almost become a rivalry. “It’s been a while since they’ve beaten us,” Andrassy said. “(But) it could be a close match.” Both teams seem evenly matched, but a lot of the rivalry comes from the coaches fighting to pick the best recruits from the same part of the state. “We’re both pretty competitive, as far as coaches,” said Andrassy. “They’ve turned into a pretty good rival.” But it’s not just the coaches that are getting involved. Freshman Adam Cogar (17-6) said the heat of the rivalry comes from the Bobcats. “I think a lot of the animosity sort of stems from their part,” said Cogar. “It’s kind of like the ‘little brother’ syndrome. They’re kind of in our shadow in the MAC conference.” Freshman Chase Skonieczny (18-13) said he understands the competition from both sides. “They have a lot of hatred for us, usually because we’ve always beaten them for so many years,” said Skonieczny. “For us, it’s keeping ahead of them and showing them that we’re still better.” Both Skonieczny and Cogar will face tough opponents tonight. At 197 pounds, Cogar wrestles Erik Schuth. Although Schuth is ranked first in the conference and

DANIEL R. DOHERTY | DAILY KENT STATER

Junior Matt Cathell grapples with a Michigan opponent earlier this season on Dec. 13. The Flashes are currently ranked 17th in the nation. 13th in the nation, Cogar said he is not worried. “I think I’m as confident as I’ve been all year,” he said. “The OU kid just lost to the Buffalo kid (Jimmy Hammel) that I beat. I’m ready to go after him.” Cogar said the coaches are trying to get him to watch more film, but he usually does not scout his opponents. Skonieczny, however, said he does scout, especially against a team like Ohio that has a lot of wrestlers from the same area as ones at Kent. “Usually, we try to familiarize ourselves with who we’re wrestling and what kind of style they wrestle with,” Skonieczny said. At 141 pounds, Skonieczny, ranked fourth in the MAC, faces Germane Lindsey, who is ranked atop the conference and 16th in the nation. Lindsey is actually a friend of Skonieczny’s, but he says that will not change how he approaches his match. “It’s competition,” said Skonieczny. “(You) just go out and do what

you have to do to win.” While the wrestlers appear confident, Andrassy admitted that the dual meet against Ohio should be nerve-racking. “They should be the better team on paper, (but) we’ve done a really good job at developing our young kids,” Andrassy said. “This could be close, but if we wrestle well, we’ll kill them.” After battling the Bobcats, the Flashes will have Saturday to recover and make weight for their home dual against Eastern Michigan (1010-1, 0-3) Sunday. The team encourages fans to wear black to create a “Black-Out” for the meet. The Eagles’ last meet was a 21-15 loss against Northern Illinois on Feb. 5. “I think we’re a lot better than (Eastern Michigan),” Andrassy said. “I think it’s the easier of the two matches.” The Eagles do not feature any nationally ranked wrestlers, but

sophomore Dustin Kilgore (271) will face a tough opponent in Nick Whitenburg (11-4). At 184 pounds, Kilgore is now ranked fourth in the nation. “Our number one job is to take care of our matches,” Skonieczny. If we take care of our matches, then everything will fall into place, and we’ll win.” The Flashes may be competing without sophomore Brendan Barlow, Kent State’s nationally ranked heavyweight. Barlow recently injured his hand, but Andrassy said he will not know if Barlow will wrestle until he warms up tonight. “You can’t really control who you’re competing (against),” said Andrassy. “You just have to go out there and do your best.” Contact sports reporter Rachel Jones at rjones62@kent.edu React to this story and more at KentWired.com