Alpha Phi sisters walk a mile – in heels – for cardiac research npage 4
Wednesday n March 3, 2010
SPLIT: MSU tennis truimphs over Newman, falls to Incarnate Word npage 8
thewichitan
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Freshman Laura Gilbert spends her time in the Mustang suit horsing around in the name of school spirit Ashley Nesbitt For the Wichitan
Many Midwestern State University students enjoy finding ways to express their school spirit. Freshman Laura Gilbert does it by horsing around. She dresses up as Maverick, the Mustang mascot. Gilbert said the greatest thing about being the mascot is: “Being in the middle of the action, up close, and being a part of the experience.” She shows up to the games early to get dressed, then mix and mingle with fans. Gilbert said many young children enjoy the attention, while others “run away and cry.” Some of the fans jump on her in excitement. She said there is a sense of freedom in what she does. “Only a small percentage of students know I am the mascot. So I am able to goof off. If I choose to bust out and do the stanky leg it’s okay,” she said, laughing. Most of her friends are surprised when they find out she’s the mascot. Many
people typically think of it being a male, rather than a female. n On average, mascot costumes Gilbert has been weigh somewhere between entertaining Mustang fans since the 15-30 lbs. The head is the heaviest part. beginning of the football season. Last fall she worked alongside sophomore Anna Brogan. The two would trade places throughout the games. She now works alone at every home basketball game. “An occasional break is needed,” Gilbert said. “Being inside the costume gets extremely hot.” Not only is it hot, it’s hard to see from inside the horse’s head. On occasion, she’s run into people. The only way to see out of the costume is through two small holes on the end of the Mustang’s nose.
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Career Fair draws fewer employers Brittany Norman Editor in Chief
A lower-than-usual turnout among potential employers has forced Friday’s Career Fair to change venue from D.L. Ligon Coliseum to the smaller Comanche Suites in Clark Student Center, but the Career Management Center urges students to take the opportunity to meet with future employers seriously nonetheless. Sarah Ward, the CMC’s employer relations coordinator, said a sparser sampling of employers was somewhat expected due to the struggling economy. “We all watch TV and read the news,” Ward said, referring to the pervasive presence of the recession in the media. “Employers just aren’t hiring like they did in the past.”
See CAREER on page 5
See MAVERICK on page 4
The cast, crew and other individuals involved in the MSU Theatre production of “And the Rain Came to Mayfield” received a Directors Choice Award at the Region IV American College Theatre Festival. (Photo courtesy)
Theatre dept. earns honors Chris Collins Managing Editor
When it rains, it pours. And the Rain Came to Mayfield, a production put on by the MSU theatre department, has garnered award after award since it debuted last semester. The play won the Directors’ Choice Award at the Region IV American College Theatre Festival in Amarillo Feb 22 – Feb. 27. Five other plays, from Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and New Mexico, were in consideration for the award. Mayfield was also awarded with the Meritorious Achievement in Scenic Design and Best Load-In
See THEATRE on page 5
Governor Perry announces jobs Chris Collins Managing Editor
Freshman Laura Gilbert is the woman behind the Mustang mask. Gilbert has been playing the part of MSU’s mascot “Maverick” all of this year. (Photo by Julia Raymond)
When Gov. Rick Perry visited MSU Friday to discuss new jobs created in Wichita Falls, he delivered a message of hope in an otherwise bleak economic climate. He said there is still a land of opportunity in America, even today. It’s called Texas, a place where everything’s bigger – especially the chance to succeed. Natura World, Inc., an organic mattress company headquartered in Canada, is opening a plant in Wichita Falls. Perry said this will create about 400 new jobs and produce $25 million more in capital investment for the city. The state has invested $1.5 million to get the company up-and-running in the states.
See PERRY on page 5