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Friday, March 11, 2011 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Snow, HI 33, LO 29
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Festival features student dancing
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Brooke Bower
bbower2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Kent State junior and senior choreographers will have their work showcased at the BFA Senior Dance Concert and Student Dance Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday. “The audience is going to see some things that are humorous, some that are a little sad and another that is triumphant,” said Joan Meggitt, faculty artistic director of Student Dance Festival. Katherine Naso, Amanda Black and Tamara Landry, senior dance performance and choreography majors, will dance in guest choreographer Richard Brandon Hall’s piece, “The Encounter with Angels.” Each senior will be presenting a piece he or she choreographed at the beginning of all four shows. Naso said her piece, “Caught in Limbo,” is about a couple who is faced with a major life decision. She said she based it
SHOW TIMES: ■ Program A: Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. ■ Program
B: Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. WHERE:
■ EZ
Black Box Theatre in Music and Speech Center COST:
■ Students
= $8 with a valid ID
■ Adults
= $16
■ Senior
citizens = $12
off her personal experience with her boyfriend of two years. She said he will still be in school after she graduates, but he wants her to be able to move and pursue her career. See DANCE, Page 4
KENTWIRED.COM Visit KentWired.com to watch LaRonica Southerland’s “Dream for You” dance.
Ohio college students offered free textbooks Daniel Moore
dmoore63@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
HANNAH POTES | DAILY KENT STATER
Junior forward Justin Greene snatches the ball from a Buffalo defensive player during the second half of the first round of the MAC tournament Thursday. The Flashes won 73-62, which advanced the team to the next round.
FLASHES WIN QUARTERFINALS Buffalo was defeated 73-62 Rachel Jones
rjones62@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
The curse is broken. After losing in the Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinal game two years in a row, the Kent State men’s basketball team buried Buffalo 73-62 Thursday. “The problem was last year — for lack of a better word — we kind of choked,” said Kent State coach Geno Ford. “(We) might have wanted it too bad. We got punched in the mouth by an Ohio team that was like a bottle of lightning.” But this time, the Flashes were the ones swinging. Entering the Quicken Loans Arena as the MAC Regular Season Champions, the No. 1-seeded Flashes let everyone know why they earned that title right away. Junior forward Justin Greene scored in less than 20 seconds, giving the Flashes (22-10, 13-4 MAC) an early lead that they maintained the entire game. “We were in attack mode,” said senior guard Rod Sherman. “We ran really well. It got everyone excited.” Buffalo looked like it was making a comeback with a six-point run in two minutes. But a 3-pointer by freshman forward Darius Leonard with 4:31 left in the first half kept the Flashes up 32-22. A fast basket by Sherman with 19.1 seconds left ended the first half
with Kent State up 41-25. “We kind of won the game in the first half,” Ford said. “We kind of jumped on them and got the lead.” Buffalo (18-13, 8-9 MAC) started the second half hungry for a comeback. The Bulls’ two six-point runs made it look like a possibility as they closed the Kent State lead to 54-41 with 10:40 left in the game. The closest the teams got was within five points, so Sherman said the team stepped up defensively to cling to its lead. “Every game comes down to the last two minutes,” Sherman said. “The last two minutes you have to grind it out.” Greene kept the Flashes alive by rebounding and stealing under the basket like he did in the first half. Ford said the Flashes were too passive on defense against Buffalo earlier this season, so he encouraged more rebounds and turnovers this time. “(Ford) calls us punks if we don’t get the rebounds,” Greene said. “As soon as I’d get it, I’d be looking for
(a teammate), and they’d be off to the races.” But some offensive action contributed as well. Eight points from the foul line kept the Flashes in the lead and carried them to the 73-62 victory. Ford said what made him the most proud in the game — besides winning the turnover race 18-9 — was how the younger players handled themselves in such a big tournament. “There was no nervousness in our group,” Ford said. “As young as we were, that was comforting.” The Flashes take on the winner of Thursday night’s Ohio vs. Ball State game at 9:30 p.m. Friday in the Quicken Loans Arena. “You compete for the Regular Season Championship, but you want to get to Friday,” Ford said. “Whatever team gets hot will win it. You just have to outscore the other team and it doesn’t matter how you do it.”
Kent State, along with 13 Ohio universities, announced Wednesday a joint program with the largest worldwide free-textbook publisher, which offers student access to noand low-cost books. Flat World Knowledge sold 1,000 licenses for digital texts and study aids to the Ohio Board of Regents, which will distribute them to the participating 14 universities in the University System of Ohio. The Board of Regents aims
to “encourage faculty to use innovative digital learning materials in their courses and drive down out-of-pocket costs for students,” according to a press release. “The University System of Ohio works hard every day to provide student with low-cost options that promote student learning,” said Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents. “This innovative pilot will evaluate cost-effective options for Ohio college students and set the stage for significant system-wide savings.”
See BOOKS, Page 4
Spending ‘An Evening With Soledad O’Brien’ Leighann McGivern lmcgive2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater CNN anchor and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien braved the weather Thursday evening to speak about the topic “Diversity on TV: Behind the Scenes and In Our Lives,” in the Student Center Ballroom. O’Brien is an award-winning newscaster on “CNN Special Investigations Unit,” noted for her in-depth coverage of events such as Hurricane Katrina, the South Asian tsunami and the Iraq War. She spoke about her struggles being a minority — from growing up as the daughter of an interracial couple to standing up to people who considered her an affirmative action hire and told her to change her name. “That is the job of a journalist,
to just stand there and be powerful,” O’Brien said. “People don’t have to like you; you just have to do your job.” O’Brien shared a video clip from her CNN series, “Black in America 2,” about the principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn., and one student who realized her dream of getting into college despite growing up with parents who abused drugs and alcohol. “That story is a story about diversity, and yet it wasn’t a story about diversity,” O’Brien said. “It was a story about human beings and people living their lives. It was a story that could make anyone cry, whether you’re white, you’re black — you see yourself in that story.”
See O’BRIEN, Page 4
Rachel Jones is the men’s basketball reporter. LINDSAY FRUMKER | THE DAILY KENT STATER
KENTWIRED.COM Check out a column by Cody Erbacher and a slideshow from the game only on KentWired.com.
Soledad O’Brien, CNN News correspondent, spoke in the Student Center Ballroom about diversity and overcoming challenges on Thursday.
Page 2 | Friday, March 11, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
WEEKEND EVENTS FRIday Kent Reads with Avery Caswell When: 2 p.m. Where: The University Library n
n Late
Night Christian Fellowship Game Night When: 7 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 206
n “The
Vagina Monologues” When: 7 p.m. Where: Oscar Ritchie Room 250 n Exquisite
Inc. Fashion
Show When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Student Center Ballroom
n BFA
Senior Dance Concert and Student Dance Festival When: 8 p.m. Where: ErdmannZucchero Black Box Theatre
n Waiting for Superman When: 11 p.m. Where: Kiva
DAILY KENT STATER SATURDAY Kaplan GRE meeting When: 10 a.m. Where: Satterfield Hall Room 119
n
n BFA
Senior Dance Concert and Student Dance Festival When: 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Where: Erdmann-Zucchero Black Box Theatre
n “The
Vagina Monologues” When: 7 p.m. Where: Oscar Ritchie Room 250 Waiting for Superman When: 11 p.m. Where: Kiva
SUNDAY n K.A.S.A.
meeting When: 6 p.m. Where: Student Center Room 312
n Read
Across America When: 11:30 a.m. Where: Student Center Ballroom
Daily Kent Stater
PRIDE!Kent approved a new constitution Thursday night and opened applications for members to apply for next year’s executive board. Members cast a blind vote by a show of hands after board members read the entire revised constitution and clarified any discrepancies. Two weeks earlier, the current executive board held a “Constitution Workshop,” where the members split into groups, and each board member read an article of the previous constitution to the groups. “We hope you’re happy with it,” President Trae Ruscin said. “We took all your suggestions and made it into a constitution. This is how PRIDE! meetings will be run every day.” The decision to revise the constitution stemmed from problems with electing the current executive board. “It got us into a lot of trouble last year,” Treasurer Kayla Maroney said. “People cried.” Secretary Doug Fink said in the previous constitution, board members reviewed applications and nominated only one person for each open position. If the membership could not muster a two-thirds majority on the board’s nominee, the process would restart. The approved constitution permits two nominees for each position so members have a choice. It also allows a five-minute discussion among members about the candidates before voting. Members also voiced concerns at the Feb. 24 workshop about establishing a quorum for any vote. The new constitution defines the quorum at “50 percent plus one” of the active membership based on the average attendance of the previous semester, Ruscin said. The average attendance was 40 members last semester, he said, so the quorum is 21. After the constitution was ratified, board members fielded questions about responsibilities of their various positions, such as time commitments. Alex Lu, sophomore fashion merchandising major and voting member of PRIDE!, said he was pleased with the new constitution. “Honestly, I like the fact that they made changes,” Lu said. “People actually came and cared.” Ruscin said applications for board members are due at the March 31 meeting. Daniel Moore is the diversity reporter.
Kent State alumna speaks about success
This weekend, “The Vagina Monologues” will inform students about the issues women deal with in a funny, emotional and compelling way. The collection of monologues was first performed by Eve Ensler in 1996, and the Women’s Liberation Collective is hosting the play 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Oscar Ritchie Hall. Shope said tickets are $6 for students and $8 for general admission. “(‘The Vagina Monologues’) really sheds light on a lot of different women’s stories,” said Diana Shope, senior art history major. “There will be at least one monologue that will speak to each woman at the event, if not more.” Shope is an actress and one of three directors of the play. She said the 90-minute performance highlights Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women from different backgrounds. “It started out as a one-woman show performed by Ensler, and now it is performed by groups of women,” Shope said. Cast member Meagan DeWitt, senior psychology major, said men should attend the event, too. “It’s not something that’s exclusive to
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A group of about 150 people, comprised mostly of local businesswomen and faculty, gathered in the Student Center Thursday for the first Spirit of Women in Business Conference. Patricia Bujorian, senior secretary to the dean of business, came up with the idea for the conference last spring. “I’m hoping that people take away a little bit of what they got from (the speakers) and maybe meet someone here that they can network with,” Bujorian said. “If everyone goes away with a good feeling, then it’s been a success.” Participants attended three separate sessions, which each focused on topics such as networking, becoming an entrepreneur and balancing work with social life. During lunch, Lisa Clarke, a Kent State alumna of the Masters in Business Administration program, delivered a speech about her rise to success as CEO of Rally Marketing Group, a marketing and promotions agency in Seattle that works with major corporations such as Outback Steakhouse, Proctor and Gamble and Starbucks. Clarke began the conference by saying she hadn’t been to Kent in 17 years and when she was “driving in last evening at 12:30 in the rain, it just felt like home.” She spoke about the various obstacles she faced and the advice she learned along her way to becoming a successful businesswoman. “Small, seemingly inconsequential actions could have a huge impact on others,” Clarke said. “Don’t underestimate your power to affect people.” Heidi Baumgart, Kent State alumna and owner of Heidzillas, a local wedding-planning company, said she attended the program as a means to network with other local businesswomen. “There’s not that many opportunities to talk to other women in business in general,” Baumgart said. “It’s nice to just kind of take the day to talk to other motivated, excited women.” Bujorian said she hopes to continue and expand the program next year, adding more options within each session.
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women,” DeWitt said. “Men can find the play to be just as amusing, and they can find out things they may not know about women’s issues.” DeWitt said the cast has been practicing every Sunday since the beginning of spring semester. She said the play includes comedy while also discussing serious issues that relate to women. “These are very touchy subjects,” said cast member Jennifer Cline, a senior Pan-African Studies major. “The monologues illustrate the experience of hateful crimes like rape and the impact this sort of violence has on a woman’s relationship with her body.” Junior math major Ola Sobieska attended last year’s performance. She said the show is informative, funny and shocking. “I’ve never felt particularly plagued by any of the problems the women shared in it, but I could empathize with them completely,” Sobieska said. “I laughed and I cried. It was an overall great experience.” Shope said she enjoys working as a director and actress for the play. “The girls (in the cast) are amazing and keep things interesting,” she said. “It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been nice to see the girls develop their characters.”
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CORRECTIONS The Daily Kent Stater recognizes the responsibility to correct errors that occur in the newspaper. When errors occur in the newspaper, corrections will appear in this space as promptly as possible.
International scholars win poster contest Kelsey Misbrener
Kmisbren@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater
NIKOLAS KOLENICH | DAILY KENT STATER
Lisa Clarke, Kent State alumna, speaks to more than 150 women in the Student Center Ballroom on Thursday. Clarke is the current president and Chief Executive Officer of Rally Marketing Group, a leading Seattle-based integrated marketing and promotions agency.
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‘The Vagina Monologues’ KSU graduate encourages brings humor to women’s students to become leaders issues this weekend at KSU Megan Wilkinson
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Go to KentWired.com to see the interactive entertainment calendar. The calendar covers entertainment events on campus and in the city of Kent.
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PRIDE!Kent revises its constitution
240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 NewSroom 330-672-2584
Daily Kent Stater
Lance C. Buhl told audience members at Bowman Hall they have the ability to take a leadership role. Buhl, Kent State alumnus and deputy director of the United StatesSouthern Africa Center for Leadership and Public Values at Duke University, spoke to a small group of students in a discussion titled “Preparing for Lives of Leadership” on Thursday. He said students should not be discouraged by the daunting task of leadership because everyone has the potential to lead. “I believe that the capacity for leadership is very widespread,” he said. “Indeed, it resides in each of us. That is, in essence, the intellectual premise of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.” Buhl emphasized that leadership is a service role and leaders work not for themselves but the community they represent; leadership is also derived from moral principles. “The kind of leadership I’m talking about is one that is firmly rooted in some universal moral principles,” he said. “The most outstanding of which that are found in literature in almost any religion is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’” After sharing his thoughts on leadership, Buhl opened a discussion with the students
to understand their views of leadership. Junior history major Paige Kasten said she thinks leadership is a skill that takes time to develop. “In my opinion, true leadership is acquired over a long period of time,” she said. “I don’t think that you can just all of a sudden be a leader.” The group of about 10 students debated over the effectiveness of a dictatorship, such as the leadership of Singapore as opposed to the democracy in America. “I think inevitably conflicts are always going to arise,” Kasten said, “whether it’s a dictatorship or a democracy.” When the discussion had ended, Kasten said she agreed with Buhl about his views on leadership, but people need to focus on their individual abilities to succeed. “I think everybody does have the capacity for leadership,” she said. “I just think that it’s how they are going to use the resources that they’ve been given or have worked so hard for when they know their craft and they really hone in on the things they enjoy.” Buhl said after the presentation that students who want to take advantage of their leadership potential should constantly evaluate how they are able to be a better leader. “I think to remain conscious and reflective of how you are as a leader is probably the most important part,” he said. Kelly Tunney is the College of Arts and Sciences reporter.
Two Filipino scholars in the International Leaders in Education Program at Kent State won Best Overall in the International Female Artist Poster Contest. Their poster depicted Lea Salonga-Chien, a Tony award-winning actress behind the singing voice of Jasmine from Walt Disney’s “Aladdin.” Throughout the week, students and faculty voted for their favorite poster hanging in White Hall. The poster contest was part of the International Women’s Day celebration on Tuesday. The winners were chosen Thursday and received a T-shirt and certificate from the Gerald H. Read Center. International scholars were asked to design a poster about a woman from their native country who uses some form of art to spread a global message. Hermes Vargas and Christine Arjona, the winners of Best Overall, said they chose Salonga-Chien because she’s internationally well known. Arjona said Salonga-Chien is a role model to the Filipino youth since she is humble and focused on her culture. Two other posters of famous, influential women won runner-up awards. Indonesian teachers Betty Rahmawati and Novianti Mulyana won Most Informative for their poster on Ni Ketut Reneng, a Bali dancer, now deceased, who Rahmawati said, “gave all her life for dance.” Even in her older years, Reneng still danced beautifully, Rahmawati said. She would wear a mask while dancing, and the audience would be shocked that the spry dancer was actually an elderly woman when she took it off at the end. Reneng inspired many women in Bali, and now people teach her style of dancing throughout Indonesia. The final award was Most Attractive Poster. Two scholars from Ecuador designed a colorful display devoted to Alicia Yanez Cossio, a deceased author who wrote everything from poetry to romance novels. “It’s really interesting to have a woman in my country to write in this way,” Magaly Diaz, a designer of the poster, said. The wide range of Cossio’s writing is unusual for a woman in her country to do, Diaz said. “Also, it’s a role model for young generations,” Diaz said. Kelsey Misbrener is the College of Education, Health and Human Services reporter.
Friday, March 11, 2011 | Page 3
OPINION
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our
VIEW
T
SUMMARY: Ally Training on Wednesday taught students to prevent harassment against LGBT students and certified them as LGBT allies. But certified or not, students should always keep an open mind and respect others.
Be an ally not an enemy
he first Ally Training, held Wednesday, sought to educate students and prepare them to be exemplary allies to the LGBT community. Allies who were certified at the event have been given the task of standing up for LGBT students if they witness harassment. This mentality, however, is one anyone can embrace, whether or not he or she attended the meeting. Most of us can think back to a time in grade school or high school when we were bullied or ostracized — and most can also recall how it felt. The idea that these petty actions still continue into adulthood is repulsive. College is tough enough with classes,
work and extracurricular activities. There’s no need to make it more difficult by spreading hate based on sexual discrimination. So follow the Golden Rule and remember childhood lessons: If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Not too long ago, stories of LGBT students who took their lives because of bullying were in the headlines. Those shocking and saddening events sparked the national “It Gets Better” campaign aimed at helping those hurt by hateful actions and speech. But society needs to go beyond helping people cope. Harassment, specifically that based on sexuality,
must end. This is where Kent State’s newly created allies can make a difference. Those in attendance at these events are usually already in agreement with the meeting’s message, but it’s those not in attendance who usually need the message most. Whether you attended Wednesday’s training, we urge you to think about the impact of your actions and whom they would affect the next time you are on the verge of saying something hateful. The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left.
NATE BEELER’S VIEW
FAMOUS QUOTE “To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts — such is the duty of the artist.” — Robert Schumann
■
DID YOU KNOW?
On this day in 1997, Paul McCartney, a former member of the most successful rock band in history, The Beatles, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to music.” — History.com
Energy conservation at its finest in Italy When I decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, I never would have guessed one of the cultural differences I’d encounter would be as simple, convenient, yet utterly beneficial as hanging my clothes to dry. Our apartment here came with a washing machine but no dryer. Instead, it came furnished with a clothesline and drying rack capable of holding a full load of clothes for air-drying. And as annoying as it is to wait 12 hours for my clothes to dry, the message behind it is anything but. Italy relies on foreign sources for 90 percent of its energy. Thus, electricity is expensive. As a result, the culture has adapted to ways of saving energy — therefore, saving money. Our landlord advised us to turn off the lights every time we leave our apartment to avoid a charge at the end of the semester for aboveaverage use of energy. She also explained that Italian homes are capable of utilizing a much smaller total wattage at a single time — meaning the fuses can be blown much easier — in an effort to cut down on energy consumption. Though the U.S. doesn’t suffer quite the same energy situation as Italy, I think there’s an important lesson to be learned. After all, the Italians’ idea of conservation expands beyond just electricity. Our landlord told us Italians typically take very short showers so as to not waste gas. (Apparently, it’s an American stereotype that we all take obnoxiously long showers.) They even have levers next to most, if not all, gas stoves to turn off the flow of gas while no
Nick Glunt
one’s using them. Even recycling is a big deal: They’ve got Dumpster-like recycling bins next to every one used for trash, and most cafes and delis have a can for organic waste, paper and plastic. Though saving money is an important issue to many who utilize the system, it certainly doesn’t hurt that we’re saving resources and ultimately our planet. I never realized before coming here just how wasteful I am, but now it’s hit me. As long as I’m here, I’ve really got no choice but to conserve — but once I get home, I think it will stick with me. I mean, it’s as simple as flicking the light switch when you leave a room — even if you’ll be gone for just a couple minutes. It’s not that difficult. Sure, some things are inconvenient, but we can try to adapt. After all, I’m pretty sure our planet’s sustainability is more important than our overall comfort. Nick Glunt is a senior magazine journalism major and columnist for Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at nglunt@kent.edu.
their
VIEW
China’s atheist rulers plot endgame for Tibet
March is typically a tense month for Tibetans under the yoke of their Chinese rulers. It marks the anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s 1959 flight into exile. Protests, like ones in 2008, typically erupt this month. If any unrest occurs this year, few foreigners will be present. As in past years, China has shut the door to foreign tourism to Tibet this month, keeping the world’s eyes away. It wants no witnesses. In reality, something more sinister is unfolding. China’s ruling party quietly plots the endgame for Tibet, scheming to handpick a docile reincarnation to the actual Dalai Lama and crush any hopes for greater freedom. The current Dalai Lama, whom Tibetans believe is 14th in a line of reincarnations, will be 76 this year. He enjoys good health. His physicians tell him he has the body of a man in his 60s. Yet the Dalai Lama is entering the twilight of a life of extraordinary achievement — and a measure of failure. From humble beginnings in a nomadic home, the Dalai Lama has arisen as a universal moral figure transcending Tibetan Buddhism. He encourages interfaith harmony, preaching a message of warm-hearted, loving compassion for family and community. Millions of people flock to hear him speak. His charisma unsettles China’s leaders. Despite his renown, and the publicity he has brought to the plight of the world’s 5.5 million Tibetans, the Dalai Lama has failed to improve the lives of Tibetans under China’s stranglehold, living in conditions that ensure their identity will grow evermore diluted and weak.
China’s communist leaders struggle to block the revolutions shaking the Arab world from infecting their own restive minorities, particularly the Tibetans, whose high-mountain homeland holds precious water in the form of glaciers that feed Asia’s mightiest rivers. And they patiently await the Dalai Lama’s death. Once he dies, their plan is to dictate the terms of reincarnation, handpicking a youngster as a reincarnated Dalai Lama compliant to their interests. Party leaders announced in mid-2007 that they held sole power to approve any reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. They offered no religious basis, saying only that it was important to halt the influence of people from “outside the country.” Clearly they do not want Tibetan exiles, including the Dalai Lama, to have a say in his own reincarnation or for a future Dalai Lama to be born outside of China’s borders. For his part, the Dalai Lama says Tibetans are free to break with tradition. They may decide if a reincarnation should occur, even if it might be a girl. In another twist, he says an obscure esoteric practice might allow a reincarnation to be found before he himself dies. The only condition is that the reincarnation must be born in freedom outside China. On March 7, the party’s governor in Tibet, Padma Choling, shed new light on Beijing’s plans. During the annual meeting of the Chinese legislature, he said the Dalai Lama would not be allowed to break with tradition or single-handedly abolish the institution of reincarnation. “It’s impossible, that’s what I think,”
Choling said, according to Reuters. “We must respect the historical institutions and religious rituals of Tibetan Buddhism.” Party leaders claim that one of those rituals involves drawing lots from a golden urn with the names of candidates to serve as the 15th Dalai Lama. Some versions say the names will be held in sealed silk purses. Others suggest that the names will be on slips of paper inside molded balls of roasted barley. How easy will it be to ensure that China’s favored candidate is selected? China is a space-faring nation, and it won’t be rocket science. When Padma Choling says Tibetans must “respect ... religious rituals,” what he means is that China must be allowed to rig the process. China’s atheist communist leaders now view themselves as arbiters of religious rituals as esoteric as reincarnation — as if they had meditated on Buddhist texts while reading Marx’s “Das Kapital” and Mao’s “Little Red Book.” In the end, it’s all about control. The party wants to dilute Tibetan culture, and ensure that all Tibetan high lamas, particularly the Dalai Lama, no longer represent a threat to its monopoly on power. You can bet a molded ball of roasted barley on that.
Tim Johnson, a former Beijing bureau chief for McClatchy Newspapers, is the author of the recently released “Tragedy in Crimson: How the Dalai Lama Conquered the World but Lost the Battle with China.”
Page 4 | Friday, March 11, 2011 From Page 1
DANCE Festival features student dancing “I wanted to leave the piece open-ended because it can relate to any couples facing different paths,” Naso said. “The lighting director I was assigned was telling me how he can relate to the piece since his wife is in the military in New York, and he is here.” After the seniors present, the festival will follow. The 13 students are split into two programs. LaRonica Southerland, junior dance performance and choreog-
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O’BRIEN Spending ‘An Evening With Soledad O’Brien’ O’Brien closed the evening by taking questions from the audience and spoke about the importance of standing for what is right. “We have an opportunity to do the same thing that (Dr. Martin
Daily Kent Stater raphy major, dedicated the piece she choreographed to her brother Ronald Southerland Jr. She said he was killed in a car accident seven months ago and wanted to create her piece, “A Dream for You,” in his memory. “The piece is dreams put together with symbols of crying, sorrow and pain,” Southerland said. “In the piece you want a release from the dream, which is really reality. You want to escape it, but you can’t.” She said the original music for “A Dream for You” is created by Alexis Sobleski, her friend and a sophomore music major. Southerland said the music is like a lullaby, but in the middle there is
a hard string section “that helps indicate facing reality is the nightmare.” “It’s like my baby,” Southerland said. “It’s been a rough process full of tears and happiness, but my cast has helped me get through it. I’m just really happy I had the opportunity to let my voice be heard.” Meggitt said there is a depth of emotion that you can see in the “beautiful line and sense of flow” in “A Dream for You.” She said there is a lot of contrast between Southerland’s piece and the humorous piece Sabatino Verlezza, junior dance performance and choreography major, choreographed. Verlezza, who is also the stu-
dent director of the Student Dance Festival, said his piece is about growing up with two parents who are dancers. He said he uses seven dancers to “poke fun at growing up in the studio.” He said his piece was chosen by the faculty to be presented at the American College Dance Festival at the University of Akron next week. “I’ve seen some great dancing, and the students have worked remarkably hard,” Meggitt said. They have some very impressive work to show for it.” Brooke Bower is the performing arts reporter.
The program requires faculty who choose Flat World digital learning materials for their courses to first participate in a research project about student learning. “Skyrocketing textbook prices are a major contributor to the cost of higher education,” said Eric Frank, president and co-founder of Flat World Knowledge. “This new partnership creates a frame-
Luther King, Jr.) did,” O’Brien said. “We need to ask ourselves, ‘What do we stand up for? What are we standing for?’ There are people who say Dr. King was like Jesus coming to Earth, and I would say no — and that’s the point, he was not — he was much more powerful being a regular man.” Alascia Jones, president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and senior business management major, pre-
sented O’Brien with a gift following the presentation and inducted her as an honorary sister. “I feel like it’s really important nowadays for people to be aware of things that happen in society culturally, especially being that there are so many cultures at Kent State University,” Jones said. “People are very quick to go to entertaining programs or parties or comedy shows, and people don’t want to come and
hear an educational speaker, but it’s like, you came here to become educated, so why would you not want to be here?” Eugene Shelton, professor of journalism and mass communication, said having speakers like O’Brien come to campus helps to make people aware of important issues. “Most people think, ‘I don’t care about this; this doesn’t relate to me; I can’t identify with that,’ and
therefore, they do not support it,” Shelton said. “But anyone sitting in this audience tonight gained some insight into what it is to understand media, to understand the importance of difference and certainly, as a broadcast journalist, the importance of telling a story.” O’Brien said the most rewarding part of speaking with college students is knowing they have the ability to affect change.
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BOOKS Ohio college students offered free textbooks
work for reducing college costs and improving learning outcomes. Everybody benefits from equal access and choice of educational materials.” The Kent State Bookstore was not immediately available for comment. Libby Goetz, a senior nutrition and food major, said she spent about $200 on books last semester by renting three online and buying one. She said the state’s purchase of the licenses was a nice thing to do. “I would join the class just for the teacher if they (accepted the free books),” she said. Daniel Moore is the diversity reporter.
“I think college students have a really great energy,” O’Brien said. “You’re at a time in your life where you’re actually in a position to think about changing the world, and really, the next step you take will impact your future steps in life.” Leighann McGivern is the student finance and College of Business reporter.
Daily Kent Stater
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Friday, March 11, 2011 | Page 5
Classified ads can be placed by FAX at ( 330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ksuads@yahoo.com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.
www.KentWired.com
Rent
horoscope
Frankinstein was 1st published in 1818 on this day — Ray’s Place is located on Franklin Ave — You get MoFo your money at RAY’S
Parasson’s Italian Restaurant Hiring All Positions, All Shifts, Starting at $8-$10/hr. Apply in person 11AM9PM, no phone calls please. 3983 Darrow Rd., Stow The Pour House Pub is Looking for Bartenders 4033 State Route 43. Ask for Sarah. 330-406-6324 Lawn Fertilization Company seeks employee. Must have valid Ohio drivers license 4 points or less, please call 330-688-3389 Landscape assistant needed. Male/ Female. Morning/early afternoon hours. $8/Hour. Must have own car. 330-208-8226 Experienced lawn care technician Immediate part-time openings in a Hudson/Stow based company. Must be motivated, reliable and experienced with commercial equipment. Flexible hours, regular bonuses. Starting at $10-$13 per hour. Call 330-472-1378. Barrington Golf Club Seasonal servers/cooks, meals and uniforms provided, competitive wages, apply in person 350 N Aurora Rd Aurora EOE Landscape design/construction company in Hudson seeking fulltime laborers. $8/hour. Call 330-6504337. Now Hiring! Make $12 or more per hour. Need at least 10 people! Work afternoons and evenings. Cuyahoga Falls 330-926-0499 Club Energy dance music bar needs bartenders: 21 and over. Part-time. No experience. Apply 289 Darrow Rd. Route 91. Or call 330-733-6863 after 3 PM. Or 330-338-6934. Minutes from KSU. Club Energy dance music bar needs security/bouncers 21 and over. Part time apply 289 Darrow Rd., or call 330-7336863 or 330-338-6934 after 3pm
Buyer Beware! We make every effort to screen for fraudulent advertising, however, we cannot guarantee the veracity of the advertisers and their messages in this section. It is important for consumers to respond to any advertisement with the utmost caution.
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.
1BR $451 2BR $584 3BR $656 -On Busline -Laundry Facility -Secured Buildings -Appliances included -Free Gas, Heat & Water
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NO WATER BILL! NO GAS BILL! 4&5 bedroom duplex available for Fall 2011 Near campus and bus route Starting at $350/month per bedroom Call Sweeney: 330-267-9336 Efficiency and 1 bdrm apartments available now. Heat included! Call 330-678-0746 Hurry!!! Efficiency apartments still left. Call 330-678-0123 $100 OFF 1ST MONTH’S RENT Kent: 2-3 bdrm spacious apt. move in now Call 330-678-0823 $495.00 FIRST 3 MONTHS. 2BD 1BTH TOWNHOME. LAUNDRY, CARPORT. jlcasto.com 330-688-7040 Last unit @ $295/month/$1180 For 2011-2012, 4 bedroom apartment, big yard and porch, excellent parking, discounts avail. 330-626-3957
Today’s Birthday (03/11/11) Celebrate your birthday and that of Italian poet Torquato Tasso. His words resonate all the way back from the 16th century to define your year ahead: “All time is truly lost and gone / which is not spent in serving love.” To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7. A friend shows you a different way. Be open to change, which may bring pleasant surprises. Revisit your goals and dreams today. Trust your intuition first. Then rely on a solid plan.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an 8. Partnership is key, at home and at work. The collaboration goes both ways. Be ready to listen and to recognize other’s ideas. They may be right.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is an 8. It doesn’t always have to be “me, me, me.” Practice random acts of kindness, like putting spare change in someone’s parking meter or volunteering at a soup kitchen.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8. Believe in your dreams. New career possibilities open. Did you always want to be an astronaut? What’s stopping you? Woody Allen says, “90 percent of success is just showing up.”
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 9. It’s a good time to write and reflect on nature. What can you do that would involve both activities? Fix a picnic lunch and escape for a journal session outside.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is an 8. Give a grin. Wavy Gravy, the Woodstock clown master of ceremonies, has the word “smile” painted on the ceiling above his bed as a waking reminder. It’s contagious.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7. Adventure time! Let go of limitations and discover new territories within. You find new ways to express yourself that you never considered possible.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is an 8. Consider a creative activity with children. Volunteer at your local school, if you can. Or just spend time reading to a younger family member. They teach you.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is an 8. If you believe everything you think, you’d drive yourself crazy. Sometimes it’s good to tell the voice in your head that you need a break and won’t pay attention.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8. If you say there’s gold at the end of the rainbow, then there must be. Be true to yourself and follow your path to joy. Enjoy the ride. The destination can wait.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8. The day could be a roller coaster, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. After you get used to the thrill of the ride, you might even enjoy it. Lift up your arms as you scream.
NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call 330-554-8353 KENT RENTALS 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. Call Rich 330-221-0030. Spacious 4&5 bedrooms houses with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage. Several units available: -Deluxe 4/5 bedroom units. $360 per room. -All inclusive, $350 per room. 330-808-4045 Hurry In 2BR Apts available for Fall Free Heat and Water, Pets Welcome, Outdoor Pool 330-673-5364 1 & 2 bed apartments. All utilities included except electric. Call to schedule your tour today (330)6780972 Buckeye Parks Mgmt. Serving Kent for over 30 years 2011-2012 Leases 1,2,3,4 bdrm apts 3&4 bdrm townhomes Some include utilities Prices starting at $375 per room 330-678-3047 BuckeyeParksMgmt.com Available Now Single Rooms Starting at $275 includes some utilities, 330678-3047. HIDDEN PINES Town homes 4 bedrooms 2 bath. W/D. ALL utilities included. $365/mo/bdrm www.hidden-pines.com 440-708-2372
FREE HEAT Affordable Housing!
By Nancy Black
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8. Words come easily. People want to hear, even when you let your imagination go wild. Just make sure that you speak to what they’re listening for.
Large 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/month + deposit & electric. Heat, water and trash included. 330312-0066 or 330-968-4930 Downtown Kent:1 & 2 bedroom apartments starting at $500. Free Cable & Internet. No Pets. Call (330)673-2110. AVAILABLE FALL: UNIVERSITY TOWNHOUSE. 5 BDS, 2.5 BATHS, STOVE REFRIG, DISHWASHER, WASHER/DRYER, A/C. $250.00 PER PERSON ; WWW.JLCASTO.COM CALL 330-688-7040. Apartments for Rent: 1 bedroom apartment in a house. Kitchen, living room, bath. Separate entrance. No pets. One year lease. Available in August. 330-673-8505 or 330-221-8218 KENT- Large 4-bedroom 2 bath, new kitchen, baths, windows. Clean and quiet, large fenced yard. $425 w/ utilities, washer/dryer. 5 minutes to KSU 330-906-2525 1&3 Bedroom Apartments Close to Campus Joe (330)310-1494. University Townhomes 4/5 bedroom townhomes available for Fall 2011. All utilities included, starting at $340. 440-336-6761 www.kenttownhomes.com.
4 bedroom student duplex, $1300/month. Website: http://web.me.com/ allen291/ Cell: 216-536-3958. E-mail: allen291@me.com Kent- Quiet 1, 2&3 bedroom. $525, $590, $780. 330-677-5577
Rent
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3 Bedroom, 2 full bath house available Fall. Great Condition Full appliances, $350 bedroom 1, $325 per bedroom 2 and 3. Close to Campus www.kentstudentrentals. com 330-673-1225
UNIVERSITY TOWNHOMES, 4/5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, A/C, W/D, $290 per bedroom.440-552-5840. djerina@blmrentalproperties.com
Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 7-8 bedroom house. Close to campus. 330-626-5910. Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330) 676-9440 For Fall: 4 bedroom apartments $400/month per room, security deposit required. Heat included, laundry room. No pets. Across from KSU. (330) 554-3024 Fall: Free Heat 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo. No Pets. $700. 330-678-3557 FALL: NEAR KSU 3 bedroom house, 1 block from campus. Large living room/dining room. Off street parking plus garage. Call Drew 330-328-1084. Now Leasing for Fall, Beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath duplex, attached garage, 1 Block from KSU, $350/person. 330-6876122. 4-5 bedroom house for rent. 319 East Summit. 1-block to campus. $350/month. 1-year lease starting in July. 330-2120992. Call for open house details. Open house on 03/21 at 6pm. Fall: 3 bedroom house. 528 South Depeyster. $315/room plus utilities. 330-903-0987 Kent: 2 bedroom Twin. $625 plus security and utilities. No Pets. 330352-7995
5 bedroom / 2.5 bath town homes Start at $300/month/resident Call 330-990-4019 tahays-management.com Available For Fall. 4 bedroom units in great condition. Deck, garage, large yard, washer/dryer hook up. $1160 includes water and trash. Why pay more? 330-612-4057 Fall: Near KSU. 2 bedroom condo, 3 blocks from campus. Living room, dining room, 1.5 bath, central air, balcony, laundry facilities in building, call Drew 330-328-1084. Whitehall East Town Homes AKA “The New Town Homes” Whitehall Blvd. off Summit Now taking apps for Fall 2011 *5b/3ba *All Appliances Included *Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer *Lighted Parking *Many units with all newer flooring Rent plans starting at $290/person/ month Ask about the all-inclusive plans Call or text 330-990-4019 www.whitehall-east.com
Summer sublet: Entire third floor of house, 111 Sherman Street directly across from campus. Room includes private sink, large closets, sitting area and bedroom. $360/month. 724-866-1507
Page 6 | Friday, March 11, 2011
Daily Kent Stater
SPORTS Sports editor: Cody Erbacher • E-mail: cerbache@kent.edu
You can be a March Madness expert, too By the time March Madness rolls around, everyone is all of a sudden an “expert” at something. Everywhere you look, whether it’s in magazines, newspapers, on ESPN or your local paper (even right here in the Daily Kent Stater), people’s “expert picks” are advertised. Year in and year out, these experts prove to be no better than the girl sitting next to you in Basket Weaving 101. Nobody is an expert when it comes to predicting the NCAA Tournament bracket. I used to spend hours on Selection Sunday, watching ESPN and filling out handfuls of brackets. I used to study the past records of IUPUI and Wichita State. Checking out if there was a chance that littleknown George Mason could pull off an opening-round upset. Then contemplating if they could go past that. “No way,” I thought. And so did the rest of the nation. Yep, I considered myself an expert. The fact of the matter is, this is pure entertainment. These ESPN anchors can say that they have been to every game in the Big East this season, watched every Pac-10 game on television and have a subscription to DIRECTV’s Full Court. Still, they will barely get half of their tournament picks right. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at the numbers behind the so-called “experts” and their predictions for last year’s NCAA Tournament: Jay Bilas, the world’s dorkiest Blue Devil, predicted just three of last year’s Elite Eight teams. Only one of his teams advanced to the Final Four. As for the national championship game, he failed to pick his own alma mater (a No. 1 seed?) and obviously missed penciling in the Butler Bulldogs. Not too impressive, Bilas. Or what about Hubert Davis, ESPN college basketball analyst? He went a respectable 5/8 with his Elite Eight picks. By the time the national championship ended, though, he was tied with Bilas at just one correct team within the final two rounds. Dick Vitale and Digger Phelps have been around the game long enough to know a thing or two about talent. But they sure didn’t know anything about it last year. Both ESPN analysts went 0-for-4
Michael Moses
with their Final Four picks, and 0-for2 with their national championship picks. Not too awesome, baby! And finally, who could forget about the one and only Joe Lunardi, the mastermind behind ESPN’s “Bracketology” Selection Sunday special. He may be able to predict the correct seeds for the tournament itself, but I hope you didn’t go with his predictions last year. Lunardi correctly selected just eight of the Sweet Sixteen teams, three of the Elite Eight teams, and went 0-for-6 the rest of the way through the tournament. As you can see, if these guys are considered experts, you probably are, too. When you’re filling out your brackets this Sunday, make it fun. Don’t kill yourself over selecting an 8-9 seeded matchup — just pick a strategy and stick with it. Go with who has the stronger team mascot (would a boilermaker crush a buckeye?), or pick by the alphabetical order (Kent State beats Michigan State). Whoever has the older coach, or which school has the larger enrollment — maybe the smaller enrollment? You’ll be surprised how it turns out. I did it last year and my numbers were around the ballpark of the ESPN “experts.” The bottom line is that no one could ever know who will beat whom. No expert will predict a perfect bracket. You always hear about the girl winning your office poll who knew nothing about basketball. You never hear about the victorious ex-jock who took it seriously and studied film leading up to tipoff of the first game. If you want my expert analysis, it’s simple: Don’t take expert advice.
tgoddar1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The No. 20 Kent State gymnastics team concluded its home season Sunday with a win against Ball State. It was the final time seniors Christina Lenny, Christine AbouMitri and Danielle Durbin competed in front of a M.A.C. Center home crowd. Abou-Mitri said everything sunk in after she finished her floor exercise event. “I realized that was the last time I was ever going to step foot in there and compete so I cried,” she said. “All the emotions I felt of being a senior and it being the last year all hit me right then and there.” Durbin said she didn’t feel any different, and it was just like any other meet. “It definitely hit us at the end of the meet when the juniors came up to us and just said they loved us,” she said. Durbin said her fondest memory of performing at the M.A.C. Center would be how loud the crowd gets. “There’s nothing like performing at the M.A.C.,” Durbin said. Lenny said she tried not to think about how it was her last meet at home because she loves competing at the M.A.C. Center. “The meet didn’t go exactly how I wanted because I fell on beam, but overall I think the meet went very well for myself as well as the team,” Lenny said. “It was nice ending on a really good note.” Kent State coach Brice Biggin said he and the coaches spoke to the whole team before the meet about the importance of sending the
Flashes: Step up your defense
Michael Moses is a sports columnist.
Senior gymnasts compete in final meet for season Tyler Goddard
HANNAH POTES | DAILY KENT STATER
Junior guard Michael Porrini reaches for the ball during the first round of the MAC tournament Thursday. The Flashes will face Ball State at 9:30 p.m.
seniors out on a good note. “They’ve (the seniors) spent a lot of hours and have really been instrumental in a lot of the success of this team, and it’s a special day for them, and it’s an emotional day for them,” he said. “It was the team’s opportunity to really pick them up and show them what they’ve meant to the program.” With the home schedule behind them, the Flashes are looking to continue to achieve goals they have set. Abou-Mitri said her first goal is to try to win a Mid-American Conference Championship for the team and to place in the top two as a team at regionals. Lenny said winning the MAC Championship would be a great send-off for her senior year and be great for the team as well. “Hopefully becoming the first team in Kent State history to make it to nationals,” Lenny said. “I would love to make it nationals individually. That has been a goal of mine all season and something that I have been thinking about, so that would definitely be a great ending to my senior year.” Reflecting back on her home career, Abou-Mitri said the thing she will remember most is “looking out into the crowd and seeing people you know.” “It makes you feel safe and just having the support of people that are familiar to you,” she said. Before the Flashes get a chance to compete for the MAC Championship, they will travel to Eastern Michigan for the final meet of the regular season Saturday. Tyler Goddard is the gymnastics reporter.
An offensive post presence is generally the highlight of a Kent State game because of the powerful authority that junior Justin Greene brings to the court. In Thursday’s Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinal game it was no different, as Greene finished with 16 points shooting 7-for-12 from the field en route to Kent State’s 73-62 victory over Buffalo. But Greene, who was awarded the MAC Player of the Year honor following Kent State’s second straight regular season championship, was non-existent in the defensive post. Greene has never shied away from an offensive bout against the opposition’s big men. Against Buffalo, though, the forward was distant from the defensive post action. When Buffalo’s Javon McCrea got hot, Greene wasn’t anywhere near the 6-foot 6-inch tall forward. “He’s (McCrea) going to be great,” Greene said. “I’m glad I’m going to be gone after next year.” “He’s going to be really good in this league, he’s dominant down there,” senior guard Rod
Cody Erbacher Sherman said. “I told him after the game when we were shaking hands, ‘you’re going to be great in this league. Just keep working.’” The job to guard McCrea was left to junior guard Michael Porrini for a majority of the game. Porrini, who is a solid four inches shorter than McCrea, used his strength and physicality in attempting to keep McCrea, who finished with a game-high 28 points, from scoring. It worked fairly well for the MAC Defensive Player of the Year at times, but at others, McCrea used his bigger build to toss Porrini aside and hit an easy basket. “You don’t have to be a genius to figure out
when they see that we’ve got a 6’2’’ guy on him that that’s probably where the ball is going to go every time,” Kent State coach Geno Ford said. “But he scored on our big guys too.” For Kent State to continue winning in the MAC Tournament, Greene will need to provide more of a presence on the defensive side of the floor instead of straying away from the action. When players like McCrea go up for a shot, Greene is going to need to give some defensive help, especially when a smaller teammate is attempting to put pressure on a taller forward. Greene has the build to pose a physical threat to any post player in the MAC. He just has to use it. At times Greene, who finished with three blocks, played like a deserving MAC Player of the Year on defense, throwing shots from the Bulls into the crowd. But at others he was gazing at the play waiting on a teammate to fix the defensive problem. That’s unacceptable defensive game play from the MAC Player of the Year. Cody Erbacher is the sports editor.
Baseball team looks to end losing streak A.J. Atkinson
aatkins2@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater The Kent State baseball team has used a week of practice scenario hitting and fielding in hopes of fixing its uncharacteristic struggles against Louisville, as the team faces Coastal Carolina, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Notre Dame this weekend in the Caravelle Resort Classic. The Flashes, who generally finish at the top of the Mid-American Conference in fielding percentage, committed a total of six errors in three games against the Cardinals. The worst was Saturday, when only one of the five runs senior pitcher Kyle Hallock surrendered was earned. “We worked a lot on defense,” Hallock said of this week’s practice. “Fielding ground balls, catching pop-ups, pitchers working on throwing strikes when they’re playing catch. You have to execute in practice before you can execute in the game.” The team hopes its defensive struggles were a fluke because
Coastal Carolina will provide quite the test. The Chanticleers like to place constant pressure on the defense. “They put the ball in play, and they put pressure on the defense with bunts and steals,” said Kent State coach Scott Stricklin. “They have a guy (Scott Woodward) who already has 11 stolen bases.” The team prepared the defense for Coastal Carolina this week by placing more bunts and stealing more in practice. Stricklin hopes this also benefits the Flashes’ offense that struggled along with the defense last weekend. “We’ve got to do a better job of executing,” Stricklin said. “We had some chances of doing it at Louisville, and we didn’t execute. If we call on to bunt, we have to bunt. If we call on to hit and run, we need to put the ball in play. We didn’t do a great job at that this weekend, and Louisville did. Louisville cued the little things and we didn’t.” Professional scouts are expected to attend Friday’s game to see the pitching showdown between the Chanticleers’ Josh Conway and the Flashes’ sophomore Andrew Chafin.
“The guy we’re seeing Friday night from Coastal Carolina is a projected first-round pick,” Stricklin said. “Great arm. Ninety-six to 97 mph. There will be a lot of pro scouts there watching him as well as our guy, Andrew Chafin. It’ll be a face off Friday night.” Chafin is currently 1-0 on the year and has not given up a run in 12.2 innings. He has struck out 13, walked three and has only given up four hits. Opponents only hit .105 off him. Conway is 3-0 with a 1.06 earned run average in 17 innings pitched. His strikeout to walks ratio is 25-6 and holds opponent batters to a .138 average. Saturday, the team faces one of the best-coached teams in the nation, UAB. Head coach Brian Shoop leads the team with volunteer coach Ron Polk. “UAB is a very well-coached team,” Stricklin said. “Shoop is a legendary coach, and his volunteer coach is Ron Pope, who is the alltime winningest coach at Mississippi State.” The Flashes will have to be aware of UAB’s outfielder Jamal Austin. The junior currently leads
the team with a .488 batting average, 10 runs scored and 21 hits. Kent State wraps up its road trip Sunday against the weak-hitting Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish post a mere .242 team batting average; however, Notre Dame’s pitchers hold their opponents’ batting average to only .263. “They’ve pitched pretty well and have pretty good defense,” Stricklin said. “They’re going to pitch well, and we just have to do a good job continuing to pitch the way we’ve pitched and play good defense.” Chafin gets the start against Coastal Carolina at 4 p.m. Friday, followed Saturday by Hallock at 6 p.m. against UAB. Junior David Starn closes out the weekend action against Notre Dame 11 a.m. Sunday. Senior right fielder Ben Klafczynski is confident the team is ready to pick up a couple wins this weekend. “Just a couple timely hits here and there, play solid defense, and we should be able to win all three this weekend,” Klafczynski said. A.J. Atkinson is a sports reporter.