March 29, 2017

March 29, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 81 No. 24

Campus closed in advance of potential storms

PHOTO BY ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN

Mason Wilson, management senior, brews a jar of coffee with Loft Roasters grinded coffee. While the business only serves and delivers roasted coffee beans, they allow for brewed samples for people to try on March 22.

LEAH BRYCE MANAGING EDITOR

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t 3:39 p.m. yesterday Patrick Coggins, chief of police, and university officials made the decision to close campus because of the impending tornado.

“We’re erring on the side of caution based on predictions from the National Weather Service,” Coggins said. “The weather may ultimately skirt us, but we have to operate with what information is given by the National Weather Service.”

Although the storm was hours away, the off-campus students and faculty needed the remaining hours before the storm hit to make their way safely back home.

“The last lab gets out at 2:50 p.m. and the National Weather Service indicated the severe weather starting around 4 p.m. We based the decision off of class schedules and the weather report,” Cindy Ashlock, executive assistant to the president, said. Despite the destruction and danger a tornado can cause most students were just relieved that classes were canceled.

In an effort to remind people how to stay safe during a tornado storm, housing and campus police sent out emails to the students and faculty.

“Get inside a building and go to the center, away from windows close to the wall and close to the ground,” Coggins said. “There’s no designated shelter per se, but we don’t want our students and employees out on the streets if the storm hits.”

Additional reporting by Justin Marquart, Kara McIntyre, Stephen Gomez, Bridget Reilly and Arianna Davis.

Students to deliver quality roasted beans ARIANNA DAVIS REPORTER

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hen it comes to business owners, the image of a professional-looking person, suit and all, with the mentality to take on the day and any challenge that crosses them with effortless style comes to mind. Stress, managing executive roles and taking care of unwanted tasks may sound intimidating or too far to reach for some. Match that with being be a full-time student and there’s an extra block that could be preventing one from accomplishing their dreams.

Mason Wilson, management senior, and Ryan Luig, computer science senior, want to test that way of thinking. The idea of being both a full-time student and business owner is a challenge they have both taken on with the help of peers and mentors.

“I have a friend who also started a business.

He’s four years older than us and juggles running a gym while also being a graduate student. We asked him, ‘How do you do it?’, and he said, ‘You just got to embrace the suck.’

We probably complain about it a lot, but you kind of have to do the most that you can,” Luig said. “Maybe school suffers a little bit, maybe the business suffers a little bit, but we do what we can.”

Wilson admitted being in charge of both roles is a lot of work, but the experience is

rewarding nonetheless. in Dillard College of Business Administration.

“We enjoy doing it, it’s something we both The program not only gave them tips on how get a kick out of. Both the business side of it to establish their business name through and making the coffee. We both get a lot out applying for LLC, but also allowed Wilson and of it, “ Wilson said.

Luig to make Loft Roasters official by adopting Wilson and Luig’s business, licenses and through free Loft Roasters, is a coffee roastery counseling. whose mission is to deliver quality “We took advantage of roasted coffee beans to people SBDC. We met with two who are looking for authentic guys named Walter and Dan taste. While they don’t currently who gave us free consulting brew coffee, and don’t plan to and tips on how to do splash make it into a brewery, their pages and other initial main focus is being attentive to advice,” Wilson said. “They their customers, making worthy got us through all the work connections and allowing people that goes into applying for to develop a love for higher-grade our LLC and attaining our coffee. They can hand deliver it or licensing for Loft Roasters. ship outside of Wichita Falls with It’s beneficial for any student RYAN LUIG COMPUTER SCIENCE SENIOR who is interested in starting applied shipping charges.

“We take orders in person, or pursuing a business idea.” we get their phone numbers, roast their While Wilson and Luig’s friendship goes coffee and deliver it in person. Since we don’t back to middle school, the idea of starting actually brew the coffee and serve drinks, a business didn’t fully blossom until their there’s not a lot of competition,” Wilson said. junior year of college, when they began to “If anything, the brewery shops could actually explore their passion for coffee. help us since we are looking to sell our roaster “My passion started in freshman year. in mass quantity.”

That’s when I started making the transition, Wilson stated that their business would slowly, from Folgers to better coffee and not have begun as smoothly as it did without started taking care in how I made and brewed the help of a free, on campus service called the see COFFEE pg. 3 Small Business Development Center, located

“Maybe school suffers a little bit, maybe the business suffers a little bit, but we do what we can.”

2 | March 29, 2017 |

GUEST CO L UM N

S TAF F E DI T O R I A L

It’s time for housing upgrades OUR VIEW: If it’s broke, fix it. Furniture in older residence halls need to be upgraded.

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egacy Hall, our newest residence hall, opened in August of last year and with it came brand new furniture. It’s easily our most contemporary building on campus, and there’s no doubt about it — whether you want to actually live there or not, it’s still a nice place with quality furniture.

Meanwhile, the two apartment complexes and two other residence halls have 80s-style furniture that has been worn down and damaged for years.

While we understand that money doesn’t grow on trees and housing directors can’t just pull money from thin air, replacing the out-of-date, worn-out furniture in Sunwatcher, Sundance, Killingsworth and McCullough-Trigg should be seriously considered.

Part of the attraction of on campus living (and therefore fueling more money to the university through room and board rates and meal plans) comes from the furniture inside the apartments and residence halls. The sooner we update the dingy couches, uncomfortable mattresses and out-of-style chairs, the more people will want to live here.

It doesn’t have to be now, but it should be soon.

wichitan

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Vol. 81 | No. 24

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 • wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com • @wichitanonline

Model UN takes on NYC M y week in New York City with the Model U.N. team is a week I will never forget. Before leaving for The Big Apple, I was more anxious than excited. My major is Kelsey mass communication, Purcell where I study things like social media trends, targets audiences for advertising and how to make short films, so as I’m sure you can imagine, “foreign policy” seemed more like a “foreign language” to me. However, I’m getting ahead of myself here. First, let me explain what exactly Model UN is.

Model U.N. stands for Model United Nations. I’m going to assume, like me prior to joining the team, most people have a knowledge of Model U.N. that extends only to its appearance in an episode of Parks and Recreation (if that). Basically my team and I spent all year studying Peru, the country we

were assigned, and Peru’s viewpoints on various world issues. Like the actual United Nations, our team was divided up into committees.

The week before spring break, most students spent that week daydreaming about their vacations and all of the eyecandy they’d be seeing at the beach — but not me. Instead, I spent that week taking exams early, collecting and completing all of the work I’d be missing, and meeting with all of my professors about how I’d be missing a week of class (yes, an entire week of class. I never miss school. Gosh, that stressed me out). “All of this effort, and I’m just going to go there and make a fool out of myself,” I thought. People already assume I’m an idiot because of my blonde hair and bubbly personality and I felt as though I was about to go prove them right.

However, the conference turned out to be amazing. There were about 6,000 students from 131 different countries participating. There were so many

different cultures coming together in unison to compromise and find common ground, which is the very essence of the United Nations. It was beautiful. I made friends with students from China, Canada, Germany, and Colorado (to name a few).

I spent most of my time with a few people, and each was uniquely special to me.

Overall, the trip was one I will never forget. Experiencing the National Model U.N. Conference, seeing things like Central Park and a Broadway musical and the 9/11 Memorial, and casually sneaking out for some late-night desserts at Carlos’ Bakery were all fantastic memories. However, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that getting to know these beautiful people was my favorite memory. Unlikely friends were brought together by what some would call circumstance, but I’ll call it fate.

Kelsey Purcell is a mass communication junior.

SATIR E

War hero to be new provost

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he provost task force is pleased to announce they have found a “well-rounded and overqualified” candidate to take on the job as provost and vice president of academic affairs. The task force has picked Anakin Skywalker, who prefers to be called the “Lord Vader” by those below him, to fill the vacant position.

Caleb “It pleases me to have the opportunity to Martin bring order to MSU,” Lord Vader said. “I bring with me insurmountable knowledge and experience in organization and leadership.”

Administration has been searching for a new provost since the former provost, Betty Stewart, announced her resignation at the end of the fall semester.

Other professors wonder what academic experience Lord Vader will bring to MSU. “It’s great that he’s been second in command before and

has a lot of conduct and organization experience.” Todd Giles, English professor, said. “The only experience I see that’s remotely credible is when he taught younglings the way of the force, but the retention rate for that class was literally nonexistent.”

While professors ready themselves for the coming of Lord Vader, students don’t appear to be as thrilled with his appointment.

Eric Arumugam, criminal justice senior, said he isn’t too sure about Lord Vader, stating that he finds the future provost to be odd.

“There’s something about that helmet and mask he wears that gives me the creeps,” Arumugam said. “He chokes a lot of people who interrupt him in the middle of sentences, and he breathes really loud and obnoxiously, but I don’t know the guy so who am I to judge?”

Caleb Martin is a mass communication sophomore.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre

Copyright ©2017.

MANAGING EDITOR: Leah Bryce

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

FEATURES EDITOR: Brendan Wynne DESIGN EDITOR: Justin Marquart PHOTOGRAPHERS: Arianna Davis, Timothy Jones, Dakota Mize, Sada Mize

ISSUE STAFF: Arianna Davis, Kelsey Purcell, Caleb

Martin, Tyler Manning, Abby Jetton, Dakota Mize, Cortney Wood, Leah Bryce, Mercy Yermo, Noah Fazekas

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

MOVIE REVIEW

| March 29, 2017 | 3

“It was a matter of trial and error and going around to different shops and seeing how they did it and learning from that.”

MASON WILSON MANAGEMENT SENIOR

from COFFEE pg. 1

Tony Goldwyn and John C. McGinley in The Belko Experiment (2016)

‘The Belko Experiment’ hinders interesting premise

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am a massive fan of James Gunn’s films. He has a distinct writing style and vision that I am really fond of.

Even when tackling a pre-established project (such as Guardians of the Galaxy), he brings his own ideas into the work that enhances the project overall. With that in mind, when I saw the Tyler Manning trailer to his writing and producing project The Belko Experiment, I could not help but be excited.

The Belko Experiment is a film that centers around a company in Columbia. One day, all of the workers of this company are locked in their office and told that they must kill 30 of their coworkers. If they refuse, 60 will die.

When thinking about this movie a week after my viewing, I can honestly say that I have no strong feelings about it either way. To me, it is just an okay movie that could have been great if the film’s writer also directed it.

The positive aspects of the movie were the performances and the premise of the story. The film stars primarily unknown actors, with the possible exceptions of Michael Rooker and John C. McGinley, and for the most part all the cast does a great job. There wasn’t a single performance that felt out of place or bad. The actors interacted with one another in a way that was believable and kept me engaged in the narrative for the most part.

Another aspect I enjoyed of the movie was the premise. I like that the film explored the different reactions that would come out from an incident liked this. The film constantly questioned whether morality is dependent on one’s current situation or is morality something that should be a constant no matter the circumstance. The premise was also great at providing

genuine tension throughout the movie in a way that felt organic. It’s nice to see a movie that is an original idea backed behind someone with a distinct writing style.

As for what I did not like mainly came down to tone. Gunn is known for pairing unconventional tones together and working them in a way that oddly works. In his film Super (a drastically underrated movie), the film’s tone is sad yet darkly funny at the same time. You can even see this Guardians of the Galaxy.

He goes for this again in this film; however, it does not quite work as well for me as it had in his previous work.

The tonal changes were noticeable and pulled me out of the movie.

I noticed this flaw in the film’s opening. It shifts from a grim, unnerving tone to one of levity and then back in the span of five minutes. The moments of levity aren’t placed well in the overall range of the story and consequently it felt awkward and inconsistent.

The film also suffered from focus issues. Certain characters are given screen time for no apparent reason. One of the film’s three main protagonists is completely useless to the point that I questioned why even establish her character at all. This movie could have benefitted greatly from cutting those characters out entirely and just focusing on the two protagonists that actually matter to the story.

Some are saying that this movie is awful and I can see why; however, to me I would be denying myself if I were to say that I did not have some enjoyment out of this film. The original feel to the story, interesting premise, and satisfactory performances lead to me be okay with the film but not so much that I can overlook the film’s apparent flaws.

Rating: 5.5/10 Still out in local theaters

it,” Luig said.

In the beginning, understanding coffee and putting the care they wanted into their own coffee was a series of experimenting and exploring other shops.

“It was a matter of trial and error and going around to different shops and seeing how they did it and learning from that,” Wilson said.

Once the idea began to manifest, Wilson and Luig turned to mentors and outside aid in their journey to starting their business. Addison Roberts, who works as an executive director at the Arc of Wichita County, is close to Wilson and helped to work alongside him in pursuing his passions and ideas.

“His passion and excitement about the ideas they [him and Luig] came up with stood out more than anything. I was automatically interested in what their plans were because of his energy,” Roberts said.

While Roberts didn’t play a huge part in the actual kick starting of their business, she did offer her help in different tasks such as website design and maintaining that direction of passion.

“Always having mentors that you can bounce ideas off of so you don’t lose sight of what you need to focus on is important.

Coming up with that big time dream is great, but you have to be realistic about the steps and goals of getting to that point,” Roberts said.

Roberts also said she was glad to be able to watch the idea manifest and turn into something that is achievable.

“I’ve been blessed to be around talented people that are dreamers and visionaries, but we also have to break down projects realistically. I have vision and have been able to accomplish a lot of things, but now this is

PHOTO BY ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN

Ryan Luig, computer science senior, explains the process of roasting as he takes apart the coffee roaster machines on March 22. somebody that’s at the very beginning and it’s exciting to see that and watch it grow,” Roberts said.

Wilson and Luig are both graduating at the end of the semester. Their plans after graduation? What they know of now includes Ultimate frisbee, working to save money, and continuing to grow the business.

Both want to expand their knowledge and experience with coffee in China.

“If this company in China will take a third intern, my plan is to work for them. So it would be me, Mason, and our other friend Joel studying coffee in China for maybe a year or so. By the time we come back, we’ll have all the information and contacts we need to get a shop going,” Luig said.

As mentioned before — any student aspiring to also become a business owner, Luig and Wilson both gave credit in their transition to the Small Business Development Center. The service is free and readily available to interested students.

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River Bend Nature Center New retail store wants to connect people to replace Hastings to environment ABBY JETTON REPORTER

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ississippi based Dirt Cheap retail store will soon be making its way to Wichita Falls. Dirt Cheap will be taking the spot of the old Hastings location on Southwest Parkway.

Dirt Cheap website describes itself as a “bargainer’s paradise.”

The 18-year-old retail store is known for having private label and brand name merchandise for 30-90 percent off regular retail prices.

With the new store coming in, it is also bringing mixed reactions to the people of Wichita Falls.

Bekah Parker, former Hastings employee, said, “I don’t see the point in another retail store, I was hoping for something more fun and focused around entertainment for the community.”

One concern is that there are enough cheap retail shops already in the area. Some shops include Burlington, TJ Maxx, and Ross.

Melissa Conley, KMOC Christian music station employee, said, “We already have enough warehouse places like this.”

Other people were hoping for a similar entertainment store like Hastings to open up.

Ashley Toler, Sikes Senter mall employee, said, “I was hoping for a Movie Trading Company, or a Half Price Books.”

Hastings closed in Nov. 2016 due to the corporation filing for bankruptcy. Hastings was a Wichita Falls staple for about 20 years.

Some enjoyed the variation of movies, games and books Hastings had on display.

“The only movie place we have in town is Redbox and they have very little choices. If you want anything that’s older you’ll have to order it online,” Parker said.

There are even people who are excited for the new addition.

Jordyn Faukenberry, Kohl’s employee said, “I think it sounds really cool and I’m excited to see what they have to offer.”

According to a Twitter poll of mainly college students, more people would rather have something else come to Wichita Falls.

DAKOTA MIZE REPORTER

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hrough butterflies, lizards and plants, River Bend Nature Center wants to connect people to the natural environment surrounding them.

Jennica Lambert, exhibits curator said, “River Bend Nature Center is private nonprofit and the reason we exist is to connect people to the natural environment of Texas.

Everything here is centered around that, as in environmental education and conservation.”

Lambert said what they do is important to everyone, not just students.

“They’ll come out here and we’ll teach them all about why the environment around them is important and why they should conserve it,” Lambert said. “That includes talking about the different animal species here, the different plant species that live here, the different ecoregions that surround us and what each of those things do.”

Lambert said they also talk about how they contribute, how they work together, how everything is essentially connected and why water conservation is important.

“General admission, like if you were to come in as a student, you would be exposed to all of that,” Lambert said. “You’ll get the chance to see a barred tiger salamander up close and personal, or learn why rat snakes are important and what they eat. There’s a plethora of things here to see and do.”

Ericka Mitchell, docent and graduate student of the biology department said, “We order [butterflies] from a company in Florida, and they get shipped here in their chrysalis.

They usually take about six days to emerge and then we release them.

Mitchell said they have tried to breed the butterflies before, but they are unsure as to why the butterflies won’t mate or lay eggs.

Lambert said the exhibit hall contains more than 150 live exhibits, and everything they have is rescued and non-releasable, giving lots of opportunities for the students to interact with local wildlife.

“As far as opportunities unique to MSU students, there are internship opportunities

PHOTO BY DAKOTA MIZE | THE WICHITAN

Butterfly at the River Bend Nature Center.

that we offer here so you can experience on your resume by helping out a local nonprofit,” Lambert said. “We’ll teach you a variety of different skills depending on what your major is. We have several MSU graduate students out here that work for us.”

Lambert said the Nature Center does educational programing for children including pioneer programs and water conservation programs.

“We also do special events throughout the year, and we’ll do lecture series with professors and specialists in the area,” Lambert said.

Lambert said the Nature Center is funded by grants, individual donations and foundations in the community.

Liz Martin, executive director, said, “Truly to get a job in today’s world, you have to go and build up your resume. If you are truly interested in the sciences, like biology, then this is the perfect place because that is our whole focus. “ “There are many ways to work here,” Martin said. “We have internships and typically for environmental science it’s 140 hours that they have to do. Typically when that person has done their internship, we hire them and then bring them on as a docent.”

“As far as opportunities unique to MSU students, there are internship opportunities that we offer here so you can experience on your resume by helping out a local nonprofit.”

JENNICA LAMBERT EXHIBITS CURATOR

| March 29, 2017 | 5

HONORS SYMPOSIUM

PHOTOS BY ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN

Nathaniel Shawver, cellular biology The three panel presenters Magaly Rincón-Zachary, biology professor, Jeff Hood, associate professor sophomore, discusses colors and how of math, and Salim Azzouz, associate engineering professor, answer questions the audience has for them on March 25. they portray leadership in society.

Diversity drives faculty panel CORTNEY WOOD REPORTER

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ecause of the media attention focused on cultural diversity, honors students chose Salim Azzouz, associate engineering professor, Jeff Hood, associate professor of math, and Magaly Rincón-Zachary, biology professor, to discuss why cultural diversity benefits academic successes and the contributions it holds at the 11th annual Redwine Honors Symposium March 25.

Both Azzouz and Rincón-Zachary are naturalized American citizens and spoke about their travels across the world that let them to Wichita Falls.

Hood, on the other hand as a Texas native grew up less than a half hour away from the Mexican border and said he welcomed diversity into his life early on.

According to Hood, he couldn’t “get enough” of the cultural influences he experienced as a child and wanted to learn everything about other cultures.

“I come from a fairly homogenous background where my family is almost entirely Scottish,” Hood said. “While I am very hubris about my culture, I’m also able to take that hat off and put it on a shelf to accept whatever else is around me culturally like a blank slate.”

While he grew up with a Scottish family, his childhood was spent in a small town in south

Texas just 30-minutes away from the Mexican board where about 80 percent of the population was Mexican.

Rincón-Zachary said she stresses this importance of engaging with different cultures because she learned more about the varying cultures around her, she also gained an appreciation for her own Venezuelan culture she grew desensitized to since she was surrounded by it.

“I became more aware of my own identity because I was exposed to other cultures and I wanted to know who I am,” she said. “It’s a MAGALY RINCÓN-ZACHARY BIOLOGY PROFESSOR comfort to know who I am, and I learned to love my country and how rich and beautiful it is.”

More than anything, Azzouz said that common goals bond people, and to learn about personal identity, people most reach beyond their comfort zones and seek out relationship unlike those familiar to us.

“That right there is something that I can understand, but I will never, ever experience,” Hood said. “I could only experiences that through the empathy and love for my advisers. My exposure to other cultures became more abstract and I had began to empathize with people rather than sympathize.”

“It’s a comfort to know who I am.”

Margaret Greenhalgh, English junior, presents her ideas on children movies and the themes they convey.

Honors students present research at symposium CORTNEY WOOD REPORTER

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ure black attire clothed her body and echoed the eerie tone of the film. While she wanted to appear as a shadow of the character in the movie, English junior Margaret Greenhalgh said she ultimately wanted to weave her presentation between fond memories of childhood and emphasis on leadership, rather than elicit screams from the audience like the Pumpkin King would. As she walked towards the front of the room, she fixed the back of her Jack Skellington earrings one last time before she dissected the twisted Tim Burton film, Nightmare Before Christmas, and explain why exactly Skellington ruled Halloween Town.

Five honors students presented a wide range of research topics at the 11th Annual Redwine Honors Program Symposium March 25.

While Greenhalgh not only opened the presentations with analysis of the character strengths of Jack Skellington in “Spook-tacular Leadership,” she also concluded the presentations with “Honors Music Appreciation” by illuminating various progressions of music masterpieces throughout history that will be presented next week at the Great Plains honors symposium.

“I must have rehearsed both presentations 20 times yesterday while pacing back and forth all day, thinking, ‘what did I get myself into?’”

Greenhalgh said. “The projects were interesting and extremely diverse, so I think the event went very well.”

The symposium allowed honors students to present research topics on a range of interests, and business management sophomore Hanna Gebel focused her presentation on Alfred Hitchcock’s “Objectification of Women in Auteurist Cinematics.”

Along the science presentations, biology senior Cody O’Donnell presented “Low-Intensity Venous Occlusion Training, and Effective Post-Surgical Recovery Exercise” by analyzing a pilot study.

“While the study had fewer participants than preferred, the outcomes produced significant evidence for the training,” O’Donnell said.

Visual aids that allowed the audience to engage in the research were used in each presentation, as well as follow the presentations more effectively.

“I think it’s incredible to see these students talk about their interests in such a way that people who aren’t in their fields can understand.” she said.

6 | March 29, 2017 |

PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY JONES | THE WICHITAN

Sachi Weerasooriya, physics and math junior, dances in traditional wear at Mustangs On Stage Talent Show hosted by the Sri Lankan Students Organization at Akin Auditorium on March 25. | Tharusha Wanigasekera, mechanical engineering senior, and Sandali Chandrasa, biology junior at the University of Maryland, gestures to crowd after traditional dance. | Wanigasekera shares his high school experiences from Sri Lankan to the audience.

SR I LA N KAN STUDENTS ORGANIZATION HOST CAM PU S SH O W

Mustangs show off talents onstage LEAH BRYCE MANAGING EDITOR

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hush falls over the crowd of students as the stage light begins to shine on the choir lined up onstage. A quiet melody plays and the soft stream of the Sri Lankan national anthem graces the ears of the audience. As the anthem finishes, another, more familiar anthem begins to play, The Star Spangled Banner, joining the two cultures.

“This event was to get al the students together and bring all the cultures and all the diversity we have on MSU together,” Thrasha Wanigasekera,senior engineering student and president of Sri Lankan Students Organization, said.

The SLSO hosted Mustangs on Stage, a talent showcase, on March 25 in Akin Auditorium. Bringing together a multitude of cultural diversity, the acts consisted of tribal dances, a fashion show, solo artists and a singa-long with the Baptist Student Ministry. The Sri Lankan cultural dance and the Indian cultural dance were brought to campus from Maryland dancer adn junior biology student Sandali Chandradasa.

“I had a month to rehearse and prepare, but I am a mechanical engineering student, I work full time, I’m doing a EURECA project and I went to a couple conferences during that time, so I didn’t get to rehearse until the Friday before my dance,” mechanical engineering senior Israel Ezeodum said.

Along with the SLSO, several faculty members helped organize the event, including mass communication instructor Sandra Grant.

“Dr. Glean [international services director] was there on Saturday morning on the stage. He came to advise them on how to organize the show,” Sali Azzouz, associate professor of engineering and the SLSO adviser, said.

Through each of the cultures represented came the melting pot culture of America.

“It was definitely hard to teach them the choreography since it was mostly through FaceTime.They were amazing though, and learned the dancing pretty quickly,” Chandradasa said. “My favorite part was coming from such a large city and coming here and seeing such a diversity in such a small town.”

Able Olu-Jordan, computer science sophomore, gives the crowd a glimpse into the hiphop culture with a rap.

Denush Vidanapathirana, theater and mass communications sophomore, dances alongside Sandali Chandrasa, biology junior at the University of Maryland, at the talent show.

| March 29, 2017 | 7 PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SADA MIZE

Painting senior Selena Mize visits Homer, a bulldog and pit bull mix, at the Humane Society of Wichita County, Feb. 20.

Pit bulls have great physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners.

Pit bulls are very responsive to training and eager to please.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Canis lupus familiaris

Pit bulls are prone to distemper and parvo, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or going places that other dogs frequent.

Formal breeds often considered in North America to be of the pit bull type include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

SOURCE: Villalobos Rescue Center

Pit bulls ‘a reflection of their environment’ DAKOTA MIZE REPORTER

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road-chested,ster n-faced, and a body weighing up to 80 pounds, the pit bull can seem frightening. Pit bulls are stereotyped as aggressive and violent.

Mass communication freshman and pit bull owner Chaz Davis said, “I feel as though that stereotype is false because, just as humans, dogs are a direct reflection of their environment.

If they’re surrounded by aggressive behaviors all of the time, then they’re going to be aggressive, and end up being like the stereotype. If you raise it up right and show it love, then it’ll show love back for its whole life.”

Cheryl Miller, director of the Humane Society of Wichita County, said, however, those characteristics go beyond pit bulls. “I believe any dog can be dangerous, anywhere from a Chihuahua to a pit bull. I think the problem lies with inner breeding.

Backyard breeders don’t necessarily know what they’re doing. I like pit bulls, and I don’t have a problem with them personally. They’re not a highly sought after dog at shelters,

so unfortunately they have the highest euthanization. Same with the Chihuahua.”

An animal shelter’s euthanization rate has to be under 10 percent to be considered a no-kill. According to Miller, the Humane Society’s euthanization rate is at about 3 percent.

Davis said, “People see a pit bull and then immediately think that it’s aggressive. The stereotype is already ingrained into people’s heads, and they don’t want to give them a chance.”

Miller said, “[Aggressiveness] comes naturally to them too. A long time ago they put them in pits for fighting, and that’s where they got their name from. Before that they were babysitters for children. It’s just what society has done to them and turned them into. It’s our fault, it’s not the dog’s fault.”

Rosco, a pit bull mix, and Homer, a bulldog and pit bull mix, are both available for adoption at the Humane Society.

Davis said, “It’s definitely something that’s taught, the fighting

part. From the time they’re born to the time they start fighting. When the puppy comes out, it’s happy, it’s prancing around, it’s licking on folks.

Once you start putting it into that training to make it aggressive and fight, that’s when it starts becoming dangerous. When they’re training them, they’re choking them and then throwing them in with other dogs.

They go into a fight or flight stage and feel like that especially around another dog or people.”

Miller said the Humane Society only euthanizes dogs if they become aggressive or sick, regardless of the breed. They will also euthanize older dogs at the request of their owner “If there’s not a need to euthanize them then we sure don’t,” Miller said. “It kind of goes along with the times. For a while, Dalmatians had a really bad rap, like when the movie ‘101 Dalmatians’ came out. They’re known for biting, but you don’t hear that as often as you do a pit bull. Chihuahuas are horrible biters.

They’re like little piranhas, and will come after you in a heartbeat. It goes in stages, but unfortunately the pit

bull carries that around with them more than other breeds.”

Miller said English springer spaniels and Rottweilers have also had bad reputations for biting.

Davis said, “I’ve had a Pomeranian which was more aggressive than any pit bull that I ever had. It has been in fights with just about every breed; it fought Rottweilers, boxers, and even a pit bull.”

Davis said he has had two or three pit bulls himself. He has recently adopted another pit bull named Bonita, and described her as a high dollar dog. However, he decided not to put a price tag on her after seeing her dark blue eyes.

“She was too cute to be sold,” Davis said. “Every time I saw her I thought that she was so beautiful. I didn’t want to name her beautiful, so I used the Spanish word. It kinda stuck, and I feel like it fits her. I’ve realized by being around [pit bulls] that they are real cute, they’re real loving, especially if you raise them right.”

8 | March 29, 2017 |

Cycling team heads to Nationals But not without a few bumps and bruises

MERCY YERMO REPORTER

N

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

BY JOSH BUCHEL

Buchel: “Turns out American tar doesn’t taste that good. A big thanks to all the doctors and nurses, you guys are brilliant! You guys are the absolute best! I will be back on the bike before you know it!”

ot many sports involve blood streaming down third degree burns, collapsing on the ground unable to move, and pain so unbearable paramedics have to assist. According to accounting and finance sophomore Joshua Buchel, March 4 turned into a day he will never forget.

“I was in a lot of shock and the adrenaline was rushing through me.

I don’t really remember the crash, I hit my head kind of hard,” the South African native said. “All I know is that while I was sliding down the road I thought, ‘Man, this burns. I need to stop sliding soon.’”

Buchel’s crash at the Arkansas Classic became another one of the countless crashes cycling has led him to.

“I’ve broken my collarbone six times, my wrist twice, all of my fingers, most of my toes, and dislocated my shoulder,” Buchel said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to not break any vertebrate or ribs.”

Although the crash forced Buchel to use crutches for two weeks, the cyclist does not see himself quitting. Similarly, exercise physiology sophomore Pablo Cruz said cycling reflects who he is and is something he could never give up, regardless of any amount of adversity.

“Cycling has been a big part of my life, it has changed me in more ways I can count,” the Honduran native said.

Cruz begin racing at age 14, and has competed in stages that include the Sub-23 World Championships where he finished 45th out of 80 competitors representing his country.

“That was an experience I’ll never forget. It was one of the most presti-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BRISSIA MONTALVO

Brissia Montalvo (left), exercise physiology grad student, holding her second place trophy at her cycling race this past weekend. gious races, and it was a privilege to compete in it,” Cruz said.

Alongside Cruz, members of the cycling team have accomplished numerous international honors.

Buchel has been crowned South African champion, finished second at the African Continental Games, and has represented his country around the world. Brissia Montalvo, exercise physiology graduate student, finished second to world champion and four-time national champion, Sonya Looney, at the El Paso Puzzler on Jan 26.

“Finishing second to Sonya Looney was an incredible feeling. She’s a world champion. I look up to her in every way, and that race was just awesome,” Montalvo said.

Despite including internationally recognized cyclists in the roster, recognition from the school doesn’t compare to that given to sports like football.

“We are constantly winning national titles for the school and some recognition would be nice,” Buchel said. “It’s a little unfair with the way the football team gets treated when you look at their achievements. Our results speak for themselves.”

The cyclists reached the national podium for the seventh time by racing to the silver medal at the 2016

USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships in the Division One varsity competition, behind Marian University. This achievement followed a silver finish in 2012 and bronze in 2013-2015.

“Cycling is definitely something students should be able to brag about. Instead when I tell people I’m on the cycling team, I get, ‘Oh. We have a cycling team?’” Buchel said.

Jenna Lawrence, biology freshman, proved Buchel right when she was questioned.

“I didn’t know we had a cycling team. I haven’t heard about it since I’ve been here,” Lawrence said.

Head coach Charlie Zamastil said his dream scenario involves the team becoming one of the things people most closely associate with the name Midwestern State.

“I’d like for people to say, ‘That’s the Division One cycling school that also has a great academic reputation,” Zamastil said.

In response to students’ unawareness of the cyclists’ achievements, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity will host a tailgate for the upcoming annual MSU Campus Criterium, a lap circuit race, on April 8.

“We really want to get the cycling team to be known, which is why we’re tailgating. Not many students

know everything they do and the hard work they put in. They truly deserve to get recognition for all their effort,” Garrett Hobbs, interfraternity council finance chair, said.

According to Cruz, being part of the cycling team has proved to be a challenge when it is combined with school.

“I try my hardest to keep it all together. A lot of time it’s super hard to balance all the schoolwork and cycling up to three hours a day. It is pretty time consuming,” Cruz said.

For history senior Coleman Reidling, balancing school with cycling means finishing all his homework and studying during the weekdays.

“We compete over the weekends so I have to get everything I need to get done for class during the week,” Reidling said.

A typical week for the cyclists’ training totals up to 19 hours of riding, as there is no day off. Nevertheless, some members agree they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“My favorite thing about cycling is the freedom it allows me to feel,” Reidling, said. “Overall, it has made me grateful for the ability to ride and compete, along with meeting a lot of awesome people.”

The future in Zamastil’s eyes includes expanding the program by adding three more disciplines: BMX or bicycle motocross, Mountain Bike, and Cyclocross. In addition, he said he hopes to triple the size of the team with more international presence.

T H E U S A CYC LIN G CO LLEG IATE AND PARA- CYCL ING ROAD NATIONAL CHA M PIO NSH IPS F O R CY CL ING WILL B E H ELD ON APRIL 2 7 - 3 0 IN GRAND JUNCTION, COL O RA D O .

PHOTO BY BRADLEY WILSON

Finance sophomore Josh Buchel placed 34th in the Mens 1-2 at the Hotter N Hell race on Aug. 26, 2016.