November 16, 2011

PERKUP

Cars, phones and country club memberships – they come with the territory for some university faculty and staff members.

READ pg.

2-0 4

Matt Gallagher and others lead the MSU basketball team to 2 wins. READ pg.

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November 9, 2011

your campus/your news

Regents discuss housing, investments CHRIS COLLINS FOR THE WICHITAN Drawn-back housing, Internet portal technology and university investments were the focus of the Board of Regents meeting last week.

Administrators also apprised the Board of plans to raise funds through a continued hiring freeze and by offering more courses in nursing and radiology.

HOUSING Administrators revealed that a 4 percent drop in enrollment this fall may stall additional housing plans.

The floundering enrollment may

push back a plan to build a new residence hall on campus slated for 2014.

“Our housing occupancy is very healthy right now, but it is a little below where it was last year at this time,” said Dr. Keith Lamb, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management.

Last year, MSU housing occupancy was 99 percent. This year, it’s at 95.

“I think we need to let our enrollment stabilize a little bit before we go out there with additional housing,” Lamb said. “We need to take a little more conservative an approach with this.”

Administrators have not yet submitted any requests for qualifications for

architects or contractors on the project.

Regent Charles Engelman asked Lamb if he thought raised admission standards at MSU were the culprits behind the enrollment drop. Lamb said he didn’t think so, and if they were, they only contributed to it.

“It could be a number of things,” Lamb said.

“There are so many variables,” President Dr. Jesse Rogers said.

Those variables could be the stunted U.S. economy, the new admissions standards or competition from other institutions, to name a few.

INTERRACIAL DATING: skin color isn’t important to these three MSU couples

by Elascha Davila-Hicks

33 students pocket $1,000 from MSU after graduation MARY CUBA FOR THE WICHITAN According to the U.S. Department of Education, one-third of American college students today graudate in four years.

That is only 31 percent.

MSU gave 33 students $1,000 just for graduating last year.

There was only one catch: the rules.

A statewide rebate program started in fall 1997. To collect, students must graduate within four years and not exceed three hours over the amount required for one’s major.

Since the program began, MSU’s firsttime, full-time graduation rates within four years have increased.

In the fall of 1997, only 7.5 percent of MSU students graduated with a degree in four years.

About 16 percent of students graduated in fours years in the fall of 2006.

The purpose of the program is to give students a finanical incentive to complete a bachelor’s degree with as few courses outside the degree plan as possible.

Despite the hefty reward, only four percent of students qualify annually.

Many exceed the credit hour limit.

“A bachelor’s degree that requires 120 hours to graduate causes a student to take no more than total, 123 hours,” said Bar-

bara Lunce, assistant to the registrar.

Students often withdraw from classes, take developmental courses for credit and repeat courses which count toward the amount of hours attempted.

However, the first nine credit hours via examinations, such as CLEP exams or high SAT/ACT scores, do not count against the student, said Lunce.

College classes taken in high school no longer count either, giving students a little more time to decide a career plan.

A student must be a Texas resident working toward a degree at all times and receive a bachelor’s degree within the four consecutive years as stated with the Texas-B-On-Time financial aid program.

The goal for this $1,000 rebate is to not only minimize the number of courses a student takes but also save the student time and money.

The college itself is responsible for providing the money for the rebate through local funds.

This, in turn, saves the state from having to handle the payouts.

For students who have study abroad, all courses must transfer back successfuly to MSU with each course fulfilling a requirement in a degree program.

Students can register for this rebate through Lunce. She can be contacted on the school website under the registrar tab.

PORTAL TECHNOLOGY

MSU, along with other Texas universities, is making a move to utilize Internet “portal” technology. The university has been courting the idea for several months and now plans to invest $150,000 of technology fee reserves in the project.

At least $60,000 of that money would pay for a full-time employee to implement and operate the new technology.

Juan Sandoval, vice president for business affairs and finance, intimated that it may cost more.

“We need to change the way MSU communicates with the world,” said Dr. Robert Clark, vice president for admin-

istration and institutional effectiveness.

“We need to change the way we connect with students.”

An Internet portal system is a single point of access for students and administrators to share information. Its purpose is to streamline the communication process between the two. Portal systems are part of a rising trend in higher education, said Clark.

In 2001, Merrill Lynch reported that the total corporate market for Internet portal systems was $4.5 billion.

“I don’t think this is a nice-to-have,” Regent Dr. Lynnwood Givens said. “It’s a must-have.”

What’s the color of love?

In the U.S., about 33 percent of people 18 or younger belong to racial minorities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 20 percent of public school students are immigrants or children of immigrants.

An environment of racial diversity in the nation has, understandably, led to an elevated rate of interrracial dating.

In fact, studies show that approval ratings among of mixed race dating among Americans is higher than ever.

The Midwestern community is no differerent.

MSU consists of a multicultural student body: • Hispanics - 9.2 percent • Black or African-American - 12.7 percent • Nonresident aliens - 7.4 percent • American Indian - 1 percent • Asian - 3.2 percent • Two or more races - 1.4 percent • Race or ethnicity unknown - 1.6 percent • White, non-Hispanic - 63.3 percent Three MSU couples shared their perspectives on interracial dating as it becomes more commonplace in today’s society.

Freshmen Victoria Marshall and Jorge Espitia have been dating since they met at age 6, said Espitia.

REGENTS pg. 4

COLOR pg. 3

Though the metroplex has historically been a goldmine for MSU recruiting efforts, enrollment numbers from the area have been waning. Read the story on page 5.

2001 - 2010 enrollment statistics by region*

numbers reflect the enrollment statistics of students who live in Texas. The numbers for 2011 were not included in the graph because they were calculated using the figures for out-of *These state and foreign students, among others. According to documents obtained from the MSU admissions office, the percentage of metroplex students enrolled at MSU rose by 2 percent. The overall number of them, however, dropped.

Graph by Hannah Hofmann

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November 16, 2011

campus voice nour view

States should set aside differences Florida, Texas, Alaska and other opponents of the Affordable Care Act need to get with the program.

The law, funneled through Congress

by Obama’s administration, hinges on an individual health care mandate that would require all American citizens to purchase health insurance or be fined.

But the law has been met with strong opposition from states that generally lean to the right, like Texas.

“There’s a feeling among doctors here that government is crushing them,” said Louis Goodman, chief executive of the Texas Medical Association, in a New York Times story.

Objections from both Democrats and Republicans have in part prompted the U.S. Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the law. The high court said Monday it would convene to hear the case.

But regardless of whether the act

gets past the Supreme Court, insurance and health care providers are already preparing to service a large influx of new patients.

The U.S. governement has given states $516 million already. California alone has received $40 million.

Other states, such as Florida (which has the largest number of uninsured citizens in the U.S.), have turned down federal money. Alaska, like Florida, has been dragging its heels in respect to health care reform.

If the law is ruled unconstitutional, these states will probably be taunting legislators who supported it, saying, “We told you so.”

This is not the right attitude to take when it comes to reform. The entire nation needs to be behind the law for it to really work.

Even if the Supreme Court gives it the go-ahead, state, regional and local

administrators will still have to make sure the the policy is executed correctly.

Though the individual insurance mandate of the bill has garnered the most attention from the public, other provisions are riding on its back. These include requirements that employers provide health coverage to employees and that insurers cannot refuse coverage.

Does that sound a bit like socialism to you? It definitely does to some conservative states that are decrying the law. And socialism has been a fourletter word in American politics for many years. But somewhere, FDR is grinning in his grave.

Insofar as health care, capitalism just isn’t working any more. We have to try something different. To detractors: let’s start working together for once. It just might work.

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editorial board

Editor in Chief: Chris Collins Managing Editor: Brittney Cottingham A&E Editor: Anastasia Reed Op-Ed Editor: Kaja Banas-Salsman Sports Editor: Damian Atamenwan Web/ Photo Editor: Hannah Hofmann Advertising manager: Rachel Bingham Copy editor: Kristina Davidson adviser: Randy Pruitt contributors: Orlando Flores, Josh Hayter, Donace Wilkinson, Tolu Agunbiade, Andre Gonzalez Staff Photographer: Kassie Bruton

Copyright © 2011. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. 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 (350 words or less) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address. The editor retains the right to edit letters.

Perry-fied KAJA BANAS-SALSMAN OP-ED EDITOR

Rick Perry has been throwing a slew of ideas around since the beginning of the presidential debates.

His most recent ideas, however, are not only radical, but also not very believable.

Perry stated that part of his plan would be to cut the president’s salary in half until the federal budget is balanced.

Currently Perry has a salary of $150,000 a year. The presidential salary is currently $400,000. If Perry were elected president he would, if he were to follow his plans, be making only $50,000 more than he is now.

That’s not much of a raise for that big of an office jump.

The question is, would Perry really be willing to take a salary of barely any more than he’s making now while having so many more responsibilities and eyes on him at all times?

To be quite honest, I’m not sure too many people would follow through with such a fantastic salary cut if they were in the position to make the decision.

Not only did Perry propose cutting the presidential salary, he also said that he would cut the salary of Congress and make Congress a part-time job.

Part-time Congress, now that’s a Democracy.

Oh wait...aren’t there thousands of bills in line to be voted on? Isn’t there a plethora of problems to solve right now?

Making Congress part-time will make them work that way...part-time. Bills will take twice as long to go through Congress. The time spent debating and hashing out details will only happen half as often as it does now.

Does America really need a backup like this? It’s a traffic jam waiting to happen.

Perry also stated that he would like to dismantle three federal agencies: the departments of Commerce, Energy and Education.

I guess America doesn’t need education laws now, since everything is running smoothly in the world of teaching.

Where exactly would Perry place the 65,000 employees who would be out of jobs without these departments?

Last I heard, the unemployment rate was still sky-high, but I suppose Perry thinks that displacing the people won’t really make a difference.

That’s not exactly what I was looking forward to with a new president.

Johnny Blevins

Final exams mean skyrocketing stress levels

KAJA BANAS-SALSMAN OP-ED EDITOR

There are twelve school days left before the onset of finals.

Stress levels are steadily rising and those last minute grade-raising assignments are being tentatively offered by lenient professors.

For many students the stress ceases after their last final, but for countless others the stress barely subsides as they know another semester is quickly approaching.

What is it about college that makes our stress levels soar? Is it the deadlines? Is it the pressure of having to memorize so much information for so many different subjects? Or is it just the pressure of getting that high mark?

Stress isn’t always a bad thing. But because college students deal with so much of it at such a constantly high level, it can cause major problems.

If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance, or suffer the awful consequences.

Helpguide.org states that stress is your body’s way of protecting you. You become more alert, more awake and more motivated.

However, college students have gotten so used to stress that many act as though it doesn’t faze them anymore.

Unfortunately ignoring the stress won’t

make it go away.

“Long-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process.

Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.”

So what is a stressed-out student to do? Little things can help alleviate stress and help keep that “good” side of stress intact.

When studying for that huge make-

it or break-it final exam, remember to take breaks. Your brain retains information best if you study in chunks.

Study for 20-50 minutes (depending on how well you can concentrate) and then get up and do a few crunches, eat a snack, take the dog for a quick walk, anything to give your mind a break for five or ten minutes.

Overloading yourself can not only make your stress worse, but can also make all those hours studying worthless.

So, study smart, study hard, but keep those stress levels manageable! Good luck!

For helpful study info: wikihow.com/study

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November 16, 2011

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COLOR continued from page 1

CAMPUS BRIEFS

Wednesday

All Greek Forum 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. CSC Shawnee

Thursday

Hannah Hofmann Marshall is African-American and Espitia is Hispanic.

The racial difference doesn’t seem to pose much of a problem, though – people view them as any other couple and say they are good together.

“It’s not like back in the day where color matters,” Marshall said.

“We are both stubborn, strongheaded, determined, and like to be in charge of things,” Marshall said, laughing. The couple said it’s hard for them to be away from each other.

They do everything together.

“We have our ups and downs just as the rest, but the only thing that separates us from other couples is that she’s African-American and I’m Mexican,” Espitia said. “At first it seemed a little odd because we have been such good friends since we were little. She literally was the girl across the street. Now she’s the girl of my dreams,” said Espitia.

When he told his parents he was dating a black girl they accepted their relationship.

“Sometimes people stare at us, but I don’t care what they think because I love her and I am going to marry her,” Espitia said.

Espitia and Marshall have the same favorite foods.

They love the same TV shows.

All of their classes are scheduled together.

And one day, they hope to make beautiful biracial children.

In 2008, a Gallup annual Minority Rights and Relations poll found that a majority of American people approve of interracial dating.

The approval numbers surged up especially in the younger generation.

In fact, in the 18-29 year-old demographic, approval was almost at 100 percent.

The once frowned-upon idea of interracial dating has become a non issue to most American adults.

People in the 18-19 year-old category are also more prone to having dated someone from a different racial or ethnic background, according to the poll.

In addition to measuring the public’s attitudes toward interracial dating, the poll also measured the extent to which people have dated someone with similar or different racial and ethnic backgrounds from their own.

Torrey Dickey, an African-American, is dating Czechoslovakian Katrina Prehoda.

“People view us as best friends we love laughing together. We don’t see

a color when we are with each other,” said Dickey. “It’s all fun and games with us two. We are both party animals,” Prehoda said.

The two instantly clicked and started dating after meeting at Spirit Days last summer.

“When we started dating and told our parents they were like ‘what the hell, why not?’ it’s a free country,” Dickey said. “Even though she’s blonde sometimes I wonder if she’s blacker than me.”

Freshmen Gio Olvera, who is Hispanic, and Chelsea Beaty, who is Caucasian, have been dating for about 18 months. The couple is from Garland, Texas and attended Garland High School together. The 18-yearolds have been neighbors for most their lives.

“I met Gio in algebra class. He was kind and sweet to me,” Beaty said. “He warned me about a guy that I had previously been dating that had cheated on me,” she said.

The two expected a much different world when they moved to Wichita Falls from the metroplex. It turns out that there is more racial assimilation here than they had anticipated.

“Now that we are here in Wichita we have seen more biracial babies

than ever,” Beaty said.

In Garland, most of their friends were also in interracial relationships.

“Honestly, the only difference between us is our accents really,” Olvera said.

Olvera said he doesn’t view Beaty as being white – he views her as his love.

“Our parents are okay with our relationship as long as we treat each other fairly,” Chelsea said. “We love every single thing about one another, no matter what.”

“We have now started this new chapter in our lives together and we expect to end it together,” Olvera said.

“In Garland, most the population is made up of blacks and Hispanics but I am not intimidated at all,” Beaty said.

Since the couple comes from two different backgrounds, they share a lot of things and end up teaching one another.

“Some people stare at us weird and some guys even ask why I’m not with my own kind. I ignore them,” Beaty said.

UPB: Winter Craft Extravaganza 11:30 a.m. CSC Arrowhead Santa’s Express Train Show 6 & 7 p.m. $4 for adults and children 6 and up. Ages 5 and under free.

Musuem of Art. Citations Help for Undergraduates 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Moffett 212 A TLRC Wine and Cheese Event 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dillard 189. To RSVP, e-mail: crystal.boyle@mwsu. edu Jazz Ensemble Concert 7:30 p.m. Akin Auditorium. Free admission.

Friday

American the Beautiful 2: The Thin Commandments 5:30 p.m. CSC Shawnee.

Bandersnatch 7:30 p.m. Fain Fine Arts Center

Sunday

Bandersnatch 2:30 p.m. Fain Fine Arts Center

Tuesday Thanksgiving Holiday - Classes closed 10 p.m.

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November 16, 2011

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MSU employees receive campus perks BRITTNEY COTTINGHAM MANAGING EDITOR There is more to some jobs than just a salary – there are perks.

Perks are non-wage compensations provided to employees in addition to their normal salaries.

Still, it often adds up to more dollars in their pockets.

MSU is no stranger to employee benefits, spending $143,427.60 a year on perks.

Not everyone gets them, though.

In addition to his $227,998 yearly salary, president Dr. Jesse Rogers gets $45,000 deferred compensation, a $50 cell phone stipend and a membership to the Wichita Falls Country Club costing $3,389.83.

Debbie Barrow, director of board and government relations, said the university also pays for Rogers’ vehicle, a Buick LaCrosse. The lease on the vehicle is $652.61 per month.

“Because Rogers is allowed to use the car for personal use, he is taxed on 37 percent of this cost, which is $240.63 per month,” Barrow said. “Rogers is not taxed on the remaining amount because he uses the car for university business.”

The purpose of the vehicle is to be used during university travels.

Dr. Howard Farrell, vice president of

univeristy gifts, also has a country club membership. His membership costs the university more than Rogers’, at $5,118, because he has golfing priviliges.

Farrell said the membership is important to his job when he is trying to woo donors.

He is also given a cut of $15,000 from the MSU Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was established for the purpose of receiving, holding, investing and dispensing the proceeds of gifts made for the benefit of Midwestern.

Examples are scholarships, faculty research, and faculty and staff development programs.

Farrell has been receiving this $15,000 bonus for the past 10 years, since he has taken over MSU’s university advancement department.

Farrell could receive the money all at once, but is instead granted $7,500 for the fall semester and $7,500 for the spring semester.

Farrell said he uses the $15,000 mostly for travel purposes during the year when promoting MSU and seeking donations.

“Some people will say, ‘That is a lot of money,’ but I do a lot of stuff when people are home enjoying supper.” Farrell said. “The proof is in the pudding.

Raising $80 million in 10 years – that sends a very clear picture to people who are giving us money. I hope we are developing relationships (with donors).”

The week in PHOTOS REGENTS continued from page 1 Lamb heads an ad-hoc committee formed a few months ago that studied technology needs on campus.

Students, faculty and staff told the committee that the university needs to do a better job communicating with them.

About 50 members of the MSU community were interviewed on the subject.

“A portal system is a more effective way for us to communicate with the students, and very effective way for us to communicate with prospective students, which is increasingly important,” Lamb said.

In that vein, the system would serve as an important recruiting tool.

Clark said most prospective students check out a university’s website when choosing an institution.

If they see that a school has a portal system, they may be more inclined to enroll.

“It’s good PR,” Clark said.

With one login, students could check the university calendar of events, open an email from the financial aid office and check their bank accounts.

Other services include checking transcripts and grades, which is now done through WebWorld.

“You create a virtual campus that is open 24/7,” he said.

On a related note, MSU is in talks of purchasing additional administrative bandwidth.

Administrators also said they plan to implement wireless Internet all over campus, but didn’t discuss the project in detail.

INVESTMENTS Three investment managers retained to manage $9.3 million from the Redwine Endownment did not fare well this year.

In early 2011, their numbers were up, but dipped during the third quarter.

As of Aug. 31, the JPMorgan account was down $96, 739, Luther King Capital Management dropped by $182, 229 and Fisher Investments lost $16, 689.

Altogether, that’s $295, 657.

About $54,302 of those losses went to the firms in the form of management fees.

Each firm was awarded $3.1 million late in 2010.

Their goal was to make a 3 percent annual return, which is about $90,000.

Later, the MSU administration, citing a rough financial environment, dropped the goal to $75,000.

“It was not a good summer for investments,” Sandoval said.

At least one of the investment firms, according to Sandoval, has bounced back from low numbers.

He declined to comment on the current status of the firms’ investments.

“What would be the procedure to switch to another manager?” Regent Kenneth Bryant asked after the Investment Committee’s presentation.

Sandoval suggested that Regents give the firms until 2012 before scrutinizing their returns.

“I hate to pay people to lose money for us,” Engelman said.

“I don’t mind paying fees as long as they’re performing.”

Graph by Hannah Hofmann

Farrell does not keep track of mileage he clocks during the year.

The university spends $58,170 annually giving employees cell phone stipends.

Stipends are fixed and regular payments given to employees every month toward their cell phone bills.

A wide range of MSU employees, from department directors to deans of colleges, receive stipends of $17.50 to $50 per month.

Cell phones are assigned to 18 staff

members in the Athletics department through a sponsorship with Verizon Wireless.

Verizon paid MSU $6,750 in the fall semester.

In exchange, the Athletics department gives Verizon one brochure/coupon worth $750 per semester to all faculty and student mailboxes and booth space in the student center. This service is valued at $1,500.

Verizon is also the title sponsor of the Athletic department’s game tracker

mobile and Military Appreciation Day. These sponsorships are worth $1,500 and $3,000 respectively.

Charlie Carr, athletic director, said he does not see the university-owned cell phones as a perk. It is more of a necessity, he said.

“I need to be in contact with my staff at all times,” Carr said.

He also receives $416.67 per month car allowance stipend.

Kristina Davidson

Young and old enjoyed The Santa’s Express train show conducted

by Jim Hughes at The Museum of Art on Thursday. The show is open every Thursday and Friday at 6 and 7 p.m. Saturday at 2, 3, 6 and 7 p.m. Admission is $ 4 and no charge for children younger than five years old.

Kassie Bruton Brandon Self, singer of the band Epic Rescue, performed Thursday at Akin Auditorium. The entire concert was recorded for their first live DVD. The concert also served as a fundraiser, with donations going to a villiage in Haiti.

Hannah Hofmann The men of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity camped out in boxes for their annual box-a-thon fundraiser at the corner of Hampstead and Taft Blvd. this weekend. The group raised an estimated $2,800 between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. All funds raised will go towards the Fisher house, an organization supporting military families.

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Sophomore rises to teaching assistant position BRITTNEY COTTINGHAM MANAGING EDITOR

Hannah Hofmann

The geology department has hired one of the youngest teacher assistant, so young that sophomore Courtney Bartlett can’t legally drink.

“Teaching is my main objective (after college),” Bartlett said. ‘I want to teach geology as a professor at a university.”

Bartlett, from Seattle, ended up at Midwestern after falling in love with the small campus environment.

Her freshman year, Bartlett didn’t suffer from the first year slump.

Geology Professor Dr. Jonathan Price said she was an excellent student, who engaged herself in class and in out-of-class preparations in his physical geology class last fall with distinction.

Summer 2011 Barlett was offered a teaching assistant position.

“It was a big surprise because I was so young,” Bartlett said. “At the same time I intended to apply for a TA position at some point in my time at MSU. It just came up faster than I anticipated.”

Bartlett started as geology professor Jonathan Price’s teaching assistant last summer in physical science.

“A first teaching assignment during spring or fall is a challenge for most,” Price said. “A summer session is doubly so, with its twice-weekly sessions that each cover multiple topics.”

Even with previous teaching experience with younger children, Bartlett remembers being very nervous her first day behind the teacher’s podium.

“I was fine once the class started, but the anticipation was intense,” said Bartlett. “I also remember thinking most of my students were older than I am.”

Bartlett said she found out very quickly how difficult it is for older students to take her seriously as an authority figure.

“I find that once I get to talking with those students that I am confident in my knowledge,” Bartlett said. “I am not out to impress anyone or take charge of students. I find that I am more of a guide in the lab room.”

In that semester, she also experienced her first classroom confrontation with a female student over her teaching style.

“I know that (the student’s) professors that I have who I respect, but I just do not enjoy their teaching style,” Bartlett said. “However, this student was very rude and blatant about her dislike for me, including gossiping about how much she

“Courtney has proved to be a phenomenal instructor despite the intense nature. The geosciences program is fortunate to have such a talented student and instructor.”

- Dr. Jonathan Price Professor of Geology hated me to other students.”

Bartlett has also experienced the joys of teaching where in her first summer class she helped a student who was continually struggling.

She made herself open to the student and became her tutor. By the end of the term Bartlett said the student was no longer struggling and left the class feeling like she had truly succeeded.

“I felt good to watch her succeed,” Bartlett said. “On a lab to lab basis it is nice to see students enjoy themselves. I will admit that while not all labs are a walk in the park, some do have the potential to be fun. When the students enjoy themselves, I do as well.”

Bartlett continued on as a teaching assistant in life/earth science for Dr. Rebecca Dodge second summer term and is currently teaching that course again this fall.

“Courtney has proved to be a phenomenal instructor despite the intense nature,” Price said.

“I am endebted to her skillful teaching and her tireless efforts. The geosciences program is fortunate to have such a talented student and instructor.”

On top of her teaching responsibilities, Bartlett has to balance being a full-time student. The

Courtney Bartlett

double major in geology and chemistry, who is currently taking 16 credit hours, said she sometimes finds it very difficult to balance everything.

Her biggest difficulty being finding enough time to study.

Her teaching assistant position involves around 10 to 15 hours work a week.

She also does research for the chemistry department.

“Being a double major is hard in itself,” Bartlett said. “I spend a lot of time stressing about how to fit in all of my classes and which classes

to spend more time studying for. Once I hit junior and senior status, things will only get more difficult. So needless to say, I have busy week after busy week.”

After college, Bartlett intends on obtaining her masters and doctorate attending graduate school in the Boston area.

She plans on using all the good and bad experiences learned through being a teaching assistant to one day be a geology professor in her own right.

MSU enrollment drops in DFW students DONACE WILKINSON FOR THE WICHITAN One in every five MSU students lives in the metroplex. And until 2008, that number had been rising dramatically.

The metroplex, which is comprised of Dallas, Ft. Worth, Addison, Lewisville and surrounding cities, claims the second most MSU students of any geographic area. Wichita County, where MSU is located, claims the most.

Data collected by MSU Institutional Research and Planning shows that students from the metroplex accounted for 27 percent of the MSU student population in the 2007-2008 academic year.

“That’s a pretty large number,” said Julie Gaynor, MSU director of public information and marketing. “That’s the next largest group outside of local Wichitans.”

MSU President Dr. Jesse Rogers said during the 1960s, roughly 80 percent of MSU students came from the immediate area. Now only half come from here.

“The numbers for the metroplex go up, up, up, and the numbers for the area go down, down, down,” he said.

That was true until 2008, when the

percentage of students from the DFW area dropped from 27 percent to 23 percent. It dropped again in the 2009 year to 18 percent.

“I thought, “This is an indication that something has changed,’” Rogers said.

“This told me that more students are staying home and not going to school.”

Percentages of metroplex students had risen steadily from 16 percent in 2001 to 27 percent in 2007, but dropped by 4 percent in 2008. Those numbers increased to 21 percent in 2010. But the 2011 numbers—the most recent data— show another drop to 19 percent.

Barbara Merkle, MSU director of admissions, said her department is trying to find out where the students they recruited went.

Historically, MSU has found success in recruiting students from the DFW area.

Dr. Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, said marketing to the metroplex is very effective and necessary.

“Midwestern used to be a commuter school. Most people lived off campus.

Most people were local.” He said the high school population has been decreasing so there is less of a traditionalage market in Wichita Falls.

MSU President Dr. Jesse Rogers said the demographics of Wichita Falls are shifting rapidly.

“Wichita Falls is an aging community. Look at the metroplex – there’s just a sea of homes out on the north and west sides. Now we’re seeing way more students from Colleyville and Grapevine.

We’re just far enough away to go away to school,” he said.

Lamb said Midwestern made a decision to market to the metroplex to maintain their enrollment.

“What they found is it can grow the enrollment,” he said. The result was the need for a big increase in housing facilities for students.

“Over the last 10 years, we doubled our housing from 715 to 1400,” he said.

Lamb said geography plays a major role in students choosing MSU. “One of the growth corridors of the metroplex is the northwest. The metroplex is much more accessible now than before,” he said. “Midwestern is within a reasonable traveling distance where (students) can be away from home and get the full college experience.”

“We actively recruit in the metroplex because (MSU) is far enough to have the students gain some independence,

but close enough that if they have to get home quickly, they can do that,” Merkle said.

Gaynor likes to say, “MSU is close enough to take your laundry home.”

She said the public information and marketing department uses a wide variety of media to promote MSU in the metroplex.

“Newspapers are not as effective as they used to be, but we still (use them) to target parents and grandparents who say to their kids: ‘Have you thought about MSU?’” Gaynor said one particular medium always gets prospective students’ attention.

“In the metroplex, billboards are our number one media and most students want to be on the billboards,” she said.

The billboards help to bring prospective students to MSU because they recognize the faces they see in the promotions.

Merkle said MSU recruits students from high schools in Mesquite, Arlington, Fort Worth and Lake Worth.

“Years past, we have targeted specific high schools, our feeder schools— Keller, Flower Mound, Marcus, Southlake Carroll,” Gaynor said.

Merkle said when parents cannot at-

tend the college fairs, MSU activities also help to sell the university as the school of choice.

“The Mustangs Rally helps parents decide whether they want their children to come to MSU.” She said visitors to MSU usually fall in love with the campus.

“People have a perception of Wichita Falls. Luckily, we’re in the country club area so the campus is so beautiful. Once parents can visit the campus, they want their children to apply,” she said.

MSU administrators say the price of an education at MSU is also pretty attractive.

“Midwestern is a mid-size university with small classes at a reasonable cost,” Lamb said. “When you compare Midwestern to other schools in the region, what you get for the dollar, you can’t beat that for a full college experience.

Midwestern is in a unique position as a public liberal arts institution.”

Gaynor said three words describe why MSU draws so much attention from the metroplex, “Location, beauty, affordability: you get an excellent education at an affordable price.”

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November 16, 2011 MCT

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CBS donimates the Fall season; NBC’s prime-time woes continue GAIL PENNINGTON MCT

In November, the leaves are falling from the trees, and the TV networks are shedding shows from their schedules.

This season, CBS is prime time’s mighty oak. NBC, on the “The New Girl” - FOX other hand, feels a bit like a hollow log.

By now, with the World SeMCT ries past and the holidays on the horizon, broadcasters have had a chance to assess their new fall series over the course of almost two months.

Some shows are long gone.

NBC, despite its struggles, still canceled its “Playboy Club” membership after just three episodes, and made “Free Agents” true free agents.

Over on supersuccessful CBS, “How To Be a Gentleman” — whose numbers might have gotten a pass from NBC — was exiled to Saturdays, then dropped entirely.

ABC admitted failure in its “How to be a Gentleman” - CBS attempt to reboot “Charlie’s Angels,” which ended its run ThursMCT day after 13 episodes.

The CW dumped the universally hated “H8R.” Here’s a network-by-network look at the new season to date, including reassessments of some shows I reviewed favorably (or unfavorably) in September.

—CBS The problem for CBS, if it could be considered a problem, is too much success.

So many of its shows are ratings winners (in the most recent week, 10 of the Top 20 nonsports programs were on CBS) that a series that would be a hit on another network may look weak here.

And don’t dismiss CBS as the “geezer network,” either. Those “Modern Family” - ABC

10 shows in the Top 20 were with viewers 18 to 49 years old, those preferred by advertisers.

When total viewers are considered, CBS landed 13 shows in the non-sports Top 20.

“How To Be a Gentleman,” a truly terrible comedy, was an easy cut for CBS, which had “Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. Thursdays) waiting in the wings.

The new “2 Broke Girls” (an edgier comedy than CBS usually programs) is an early hit in the Monday night comedy block (8:30 p.m.).

Not every new show has soared for CBS. Leading off Fridays, “A Gifted Man” (8 p.m.) is struggling, with viewers rejecting the premise of a doctor who talks to his dead ex-wife.

Better writing, and better use of the wonderful Margo Martindale, would help.

“Person of Interest” (9 p.m.

Thursdays) has attracted a following and has been picked up for the full season, but it’s shockingly dull given its pedigree (J.J. Abrams’ shop), and CBS can’t like the fact that it has been coming in fourth in its time period.

“Unforgettable” (10 p.m.

Tuesdays) isn’t getting much buzz, but the routine procedural is doing well enough in a weak time slot, winning over “Body of Proof” and “Parenthood,” and got full-season renewal.

—NBC Poor NBC, which dominated prime time for years, now has only one non-sports show (“The Office”) in the Top 20. In addition to the two shows already canceled, “Harry’s Law” (9 p.m.

Wednesdays) has plunged in the ratings as former fans rejected drastic changes to the cast and premise.

“Prime Suspect” (10 p.m.

Thursdays) has been a disap-

pointment from the start; when the premiere episode was so obnoxious, viewers turned it off midway through. The premise seemed dated, the characters were off-putting, and comparison to the British original was inevitable.

Since then, critics who have stuck with the show say it has improved, but viewers stayed away even when NBC loaded the lineup with repeats to encourage sampling.

But not all is lost. After two episodes, “Grimm” (9 p.m. Fridays) is an early success story and is being promoted as the No. 1 new Friday show. It’s also more involving than expected.

And NBC has hits, if not runaway ones, in the charming “Up All Night” (8 p.m. Wednesdays) and grating “Whitney” (9:30 p.m. Thursdays), both picked up for the full season.

—ABC My happiest surprise of the new season: “Once Upon a Time” (8 p.m. Sundays) is a hit. I love this fairy-tale-meets-”Lost” drama, but I thought viewers might dismiss it as silly.

Not so. On tough Sunday nights, “Once” has become a top-rated series for ABC and has been picked up for the full season.

But “Pan Am” (10 p.m. Sundays), a show I want to like more than I actually do, is struggling, and no wonder. The period setting is fun and the characters have potential, but the storytelling (especially the jumps in time) makes it difficult to engage with them. Given a course correction, it could turn around, and ABC might be prepared to be patient. The network just ordered five more scripts, although those episodes won’t necessarily be produced.

Drama “Revenge” (10 p.m.

Wednesdays), a suspenseful, soapy guilty pleasure, is building a passionate fan base for ABC, and dry comedy “Suburgatory” (8:30 p.m. Wednesdays) is a good fit with “The Middle” and “Modern Family.”

Both have been picked up for the full season.

ABC also gave Tim Allen’s broad “Last Man Standing” (8 p.m. Tuesdays) a full-season pickup, but viewership continues to fall for the annoying “Man Up!” (8:30 p.m. Tuesdays).

—Fox “New Girl” (9 p.m. Tuesdays) is an official hit, picked up for the full season by Fox, but the adorkableness of Zooey Deschanel is growing thin with some viewers, and ratings have declined week to week.

Now it’s time for the writers to step up and discover where else they can take the characters.

At best, Steven Spielberg’s “Terra Nova” (8 p.m. Mondays) has to be considered an expensive disappointment.

Ratings aren’t bad, but only 13 episodes were ordered, and Fox will have to crunch numbers to decide whether to go for more.

Fox’s big splash this fall, of course, is the singing competition “The X Factor” (8 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays), which is doing very well — but not as well as executive producer Simon Cowell promised.

—CW A hit for the CW isn’t the same as a hit for other networks, but witch-themed “The Secret Circle” (10 p.m. Thursdays) is doing well by CW standards, as is Sarah Michelle Gellar’s “Ringer” (9 p.m. Wednesdays).

But “Gilmore Girls”-wannabe “Hart of Dixie” (9 p.m. Mondays) is shedding viewers by the week.

Pattinson finds life after Twilight ROGER MOORE MCT Three years and three films into “The Twilight Saga,” Robert Pattinson can see the finish line for the role that made him famous.

With the release of “Breaking Dawn Part 1,” he knows that the whirlwind surrounding him and his cast mates is about to peak. then subside.

He says he’s relishing the end, and he’s taking it all in: the attention, the career boost and the way his peers have coped with the sudden fame of a film series whose fans are nothing if not fanatical.

“I am constantly amazed that no one has gone totally crazy,” he says, chuckling.

“Everybody has their own way of coping.

We’re all trying to be artists at the same time this whole thing is going on around us.”

The 25-year-old British actor has worked with Oscar winners Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz (“Water for Elephants”) and a former James Bond (Pierce Brosnan (“Remember Me”).

But he says his contemporaries — his “Twilight” cast mates — “have taught me the most.

They’ve grown up in the eye of the storm.

I learn from how they’ve dealt with fame.

For me, that’s obviously the most overwhelming … thing I’ve had to deal with.

You learn a lot about the world and a lot about people when you and they go through something like this.”

That “something like this” has been in evidence since before the first film opened.

Pattinson was an all-but-unknown 21-year-old, best known for a glorified cameo as Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” when he landed the role that would change his life the instant he was cast.

Tim Guinee, one of his co-stars in “Water for Elephants,” recalls the paparazzi in helicopters above that film’s set, the scores of fans hanging around, “hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

What an extraordinary amount of pressure this was for such a young guy to deal with and I was always amazed at the dignity and fortitude with which he dealt with all of it.”

Pattinson knows that he’s in select

company, having come from almost nowhere to star in three spectacularly successful movies — “Twilight” (2008), “New Moon” (2009) and “Eclipse” (2010) — with one more sure-to-be-ahit installment opening this weekend and another opening next year at this time.

“It inevitably skews your idea of what this business should be,” he says.

“But you have to fight against that.

The whole fun, the whole point of being an actor is to keep re-inventing yourself.”

Pattinson has managed that, squeezing in a couple of non-vampire roles amid the run of the saga.

He earned “acquits himself quite nicely” (Leonard Maltin) notices for last spring’s period piece “Water for Elephants.”

He hopes his work will get a fair viewing once “Twilight” ends, that critics and fans won’t make as much of his “brooding beauty” (Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News) as they do now.

“It gets scary.

You worry that this is all they’ll let you Photo Courtesy do.

But I could take chances (with other roles) because I always had another ‘Twilight’ movie coming out.

“At the same time, it’s kind of nice that they’re coming to an end, to know I don’t have that safety net and that I have to really strive to do new things and wholly commit to them because there’s nothing to fall back on.”

Pattinson began the films by feeling he was just playing author Stephenie Meyer’s creation — the simmering, silent vampire dreamboat, Edward Cullen, who wins the fair Bella (Kristen Stewart) with just a furtive glance. But as the films have progressed, he’s taken ownership.

“Things intermingle, and he becomes

more like me, more ‘my character.’”

Pattinson’s take? “Edward spends this whole series trying to catch up to being 17 in today’s society.

Even though he’s 108, his values are more old-fashioned.

He doesn’t know how to have a relationship with a young modern woman his age.

He has to learn.

He’s been hidden away from the world for so long that through the saga he’s had to learn how to love all over again.

“Love makes you both feel you have reason to live, especially if you really needed one.

Edward has the understanding.

He knows what it’s like to live forever without loving.

And Bella hasn’t quite gotten to that understanding, yet. I guess that’s what she learns during the saga.”

He can joke about the new film’s overheated sex scene, which necessitated a re-edit, and not missing “this pale, pale makeup, which is covering more and more wrinkles.

You start to look like a faded clown with fangs, eventually.” But he’s pondered “Twilight’s” imponderables — why this mortal-in-love-with-a-vampire-but-loved-by-a-werewolf romance has become a global sensation.

“I think people are into endlessly impossible relationships.

Maybe everything’s so easy to get these days — love, sex, whatever. People want it to be hard, at least in the movies.”

Pattinson doesn’t know what he’ll do after “Twilight.”

But he isn’t worried, no more than usual, he says with a laugh. “It helps to have tremendous self-doubt. That keeps you humble.

It’s a very English mentality, that glass is always half empty.”

he twichitan Wednesday

November 16, 2011

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Happy feet taps in for the second time ROGER MOORE MCT “Happy Feet Two” is to 2006’s “Happy Feet” what “Babe: Pig in the City” was to “Babe.”

A clever and adorable original film remade with most of the charm wrung out of it.

The conceit — that penguins each have their own special song which they use to woo members of the opposite sex.

Save for one penguin (voiced by Elijah Wood) who can’t sing a lick, but who can dance — is pretty much abandoned for a muddled sequel about trapped penguins and inter-species cooperation, all in the name of “adapt or die.”

Yeah, global warming is still a subtext (over-fishing no longer is).

But now responsibility passes to the critters if they want to survive.

The songs are weaker — classic rock exchanged for generic pop, first-generation hip hop (“Momma Said Knock You Out” freely adapted) and moldy oldies (“Papa Oom Mow Mow”).

The laughs are fewer, most of those coming from the randy Adelie penguin, Ramon, voiced with a broad Latin accent by Robin Williams.

It plays like a cynical attempt to cash in by throwing a lot of halfbaked ideas and far more characters at an elite animation team and expecting them to produce “Toy Story 2.”

They didn’t.

Mumble (Elijah Wood) and Gloria (now voiced by Alecia “Pink” Moore instead of the late Brittany Murphy) are parents, but their little Erik (Ava

Acres) doesn’t seem to be a chip off anybody’s old ice block.

He can’t dance, can’t sing.

So he scampers off with his pals and falls in with the Adelie penguins in Adelieland.

They’re led by “the first penguin to learn to fly.”

Sven (Hank Azaria, slinging a broad Norwegian accent) is a self-help guru and a fraud.

He can fly, all right.

He’s a Puffin passing himself off as a penguin.

“If you want it, you must will it.

If you will it, it will be yours,” he preaches.

It’s prosperity gospel meets Tony Robbins.

Of course penguins can learn to fly.

That “adapt or die” mantra has been taken up by Will the Krill, voiced by Brad Pitt in a funny but almost utterly unrelated story.

Will and his longtime companion Bill (Matt Damon) make scores of Krill and Will rhymes and puns — “I’m one in a krillian.”

“Good-bye, krill world!”

Will has lost the will to swarm and be whale food, which is what krill do.

“I’m moving up the food chain,” he declares.

“I’m gonna chew on something with a face!”

Up on the ice, the Emperor Penguins are land-locked by an iceberg.

Mumble must figure out a way to free them while Erik is expects his puffin false-prophet to save the day.

The opening 20 minutes are a mad, random jumble of characters, situations, voices and song.

The only thread that emerges from this confusion (which extends to the

sound mix) is that Mumble is making the same mistakes his dad made in encouraging his son.

Humans show up (and look rotoscoped, or animated over liveaction images) and may help.

Or not.

Real children’s voices are used for the many penguin chicks (and elephant seal pups) who appear, which is cute.

The animation and color palette (Antarctica has patches of green, as the ice is melting) are a pretty big leap forward from “Happy Feet’s” images, though the penguin faces are as inexpressive as ever.

Which can also be said of filmmaker George Miller, who went from making “Mad Max” sequels to making children’s films — “Babe” and “Happy Feet” — and their sequels. Entertaining and teaching kids is a noble pursuit, but halfhearted sequels aren’t a happy consequence of that.

They’re just an excuse to sell toys and Happy Meals.

2 stars

Cast: The voices of Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Alecia “Pink” Moore, Hank Azaria Directed by: George Miller, written by Miller, Warren Coleman, Paul Livingston and Gary Eck. A Warner Brothers release. Running time 1:30 MPAA Rating: PG for some rude humor.

Photo courtesy

Peace, Love & Lipgloss Christmas presents for every girl

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

- Clement Clarke Moore Christmas is just around the corner, and shelves are filling up with holiday merchandise.

Stockings will soon be overflowing with goodies from various “Santa Clauses”, and perfectly wrapped presents will be picturesquely placed under the Christmas tree.

But with all of the options out there, what gifts should you buy? What is the right gift for the right person? Here are a few options when shopping for all of the people on your list.

GIRLY

‘Qdoba’ and ‘Qdoba Mexican Grill’ are registered trademarksof the Qdoba Restaurant Corporation ©2010.

Jasmine La Belle Lip Gloss Set with Black Sequin Pouch ($9.99 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------bareMinerals High Shine Trio Set ($36 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Ulta Sparkle & Shine 10-pc.

RACHEL BINGHAM AD MANAGER Mini Lip Gloss Set ($14.99 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Pop Tiger Print Clip-In Hair Extensions ($10 each at Ulta)

TOMBOY

Smackers Coca-Cola Party Pack ($9.99 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Burt’s Bees Tint & Treats Box Set ($14.99 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Mary Kay Satin Hands Pampering Set ($34 at marykay.com)

FASHIONISTA

Benefit Ticket to Glossytown ($24 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Cargo Velvet Clutch Set ($39 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Zoe 3-Pack Ultra Soft Socks ($14.99 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Fashion Hair Accessories ($3.75-$13.50 at Ulta - 25% off through December 2)

GLITTER-LOVER

OPI The Muppets Nail Lacquer Mini Pack ($12.50 at Ulta)

---------------------------------------Urban Decay Stardust Sparkling Lip Gloss ($19 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Bath & Body Works SelectA-Shimmer Shimmer & Shea Lotion ($14 at Bath & Body Works)

CLEAN FREAK

Philosophy Ornament - Hands of Hope or Purity Made Simple ($10 at Ulta) ---------------------------------------Ulta Beauty Smoothie 3-in-one Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, and Shampoo ($9.99 each at Ulta - buy two, get two free through December 2) ---------------------------------------Mary Kay Limited-Edition Little Gifts Hand Cream - Vanilla Mint or Vanilla Berry ($10 each at marykay.com)

EVERYONE

5 for $5 mix and match products at Ulta - lip glosses, nail files, pocket mirrors, lotions, nail polish, etc.

---------------------------------------Liplicious All I Want Lip Gloss - Gingerbread Giggle, Peppermint Hug, Snickerdoodle Squeeze, Cranberry Kiss, or Candied Smile ($8 each at Bath & Body Works - buy two, get one free)

vye What makeup tips would you like to read about? E-mail ideas to wichitan@mwsu.edu

8 Wednesday

November 16, 2011

sports

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Dream Team Rituals vary but the game’s the same

N

SKYLER WARRICK FOR THE WICHITAN

oel Johnson, a former Lady Raider at Texas Tech University, performed the same ritual before every basketball game. She would pull up to the gym in her Mustang on game day. Her cassette player blasted Warren G. featuring Nate Dogg’s song Regulate. Wearing her lucky tights, sports bra, and socks, she began to perform her warm-up routine starting with stretching. She would take the same shots, go to the bathroom at the same time, and carry on the same conversations with her teammates before every game.

In 1993, Johnson helped the Lady Raiders clench the NCAA National Championship win by making four free throws in the final 30 seconds of the final game.

Now, she sits behind her desk, one week from the official first day of practice. A large MSU flag hangs behind her. The basketball clock on the wall ticks away. The dry erase board is coated with plays.

The shelves are occupied by plaques, pictures, and autographed basketballs the Lady Mustangs have accumulated during Johnson’s four-year stint as head coach at MSU. Johnson’s pre-game routine is much different now. She lists going over the game plan in her office, writing it in the locker room for the players to see, followed by setting up the game film.

“I usually pace the hallway for 20 minutes before the game because I’m so nervous,” Johnson said. To get focused for the game, Johnson said she watches film on the opponents and during scheduled practices.

Johnson was an associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas State University. Following that position, she became assistant coach at the University of North Texas.

“I wanted to be a head coach,” she said, explaining why she took the position at MSU in 2008.

MSU is like a big family, according to Johnson. A sense of community exists, especially among the coaches, she said.

In Johnson’s fourth year at MSU, the Lady Mustangs today consist of seven returners and eight newcomers. The maturity of the returners, understanding of expectations, as well as leadership are what set this team apart from any other she has coached at MSU, she said.

“If I was to pick talent level, maturity mixed in with inexperience, this is the ideal team,” she said.

Head Women’s Basketball Coach Noel Johnson supervising a practice session.

Planning to prepare the newcomers involves tensity. Offensively, she said any five players can watching film, putting them in situations in prac- be on the court and score. The expectations held tice, and using the experience of the returners to for this team is to win, she said. help them adjust.

Johnson believes the key to winning a conferThe girls on the team are full of personality. Ev- ence championship is consistently having a good eryone can look forward to a fun and exciting year, mentality. according to Johnson.

“In practice or in a game, this team needs to beThe girls have developed chemistry with one lieve they can win always,” she said. That is what another. This year there will be more defensive in- will put the Lady Mustangs ahead of the competi-

tion, according to Johnson.

As a coach and former player, Johnson tries to relate to her girls. When debating on drills, Johnson said she puts herself in positions and asks herself if she would have been able to accomplish the task.

“I saw myself as a mentally tough player,” she said. “What would Coach Marsha Sharp do,” is a question she often asks herself referring to her coach at Tech.

Johnson has incorporated some changes into MSU’s program over the years. She tries to keep her players consistent with upholding expectations made academically and on the court.

The offense has changed to more of a dribbledrive offense. She also believes that she can trust her seniors to drive the team. The seniors have the earned leadership, after being in the program four years, to understand and keep other players focused, according to Johnson.

“I believe in what we are doing more every day because I can see that she (Johnson) truly believes in the system herself,” said senior team captain Savannah Carver.

Communication is a major part of practices everyday with the Lady Mustangs. Normally the team reflects the coach’s personality, according to Johnson. Communication and expectations need to be drilled into players.

“I’ve really worked on becoming a better communicator because of this team,” she said.

Johnson is joined by two former college basketball players, on the Lady Mustang coaching staff.

Assistant coach Christopher Reay was once apart of MSU men’s basketball team. He helped Midwestern win the Lone Star Conference in 2007.

Jillian Samuels, assistant coach, played at Southern Methodist University. There, she helped her team win a Conference USA Championship.

Johnson believes that the success and experience of the coaches will help the girls into a winning season this year. It is important to keep the lines of communication open not only between coaches and players, but between coaches and coaches.

This keeps everyone on the same page, and the girls don’t get confused on what they are supposed to do.

The Lady Mustangs have improved their winning record each year that Johnson has been here.

In the past three years, five players have been named All-LSC South honorable mentions. One player, Nolisha Markham, earned All-LSC South second-team honors.

Johnson intends for the team to grow as a whole and as individual players on the court. The Lady Mustangs intend to meet the expectations set before them and win, she said.

“We want to host Regionals and we want to go to Nationals,” Johnson said.

In the cage with Tolu: UFC-bound from Wichita Falls

TOLU AGUNBIADE FOR THE WICHITAN Hunter Tucker, 25, is an up-and-coming mixed martial artist from Wichita Falls. He has a professional record of 2 wins, no losses and an amateur record of 7-1.

I was a witness to his only loss at a King of the Cage show at the Kiowa Casino in 2008. He had been punishing his opponent for two rounds and got caught in an anaconda choke as he took his opponent down in the third round.

Tucker refused to tap and as a result went unconscious. This goes to show how much heart and dedication he has towards the sport.

“Looking back on it now I think it’s the best thing that ever happened to

me,” he said.

Up until that point he didn’t feel he had the killer instinct he has today. Since the loss he knows no matter how under control he thinks he has everything, his opponent is still dangerous. Now he fights to finish till the end, whether he’s winning or losing.

“Challenging myself and realizing my potential are two of my main motivators along with my family,” he said.

“I fight because it’s my passion and there is nothing in life that is more of a thrill for me. There is nothing like being at your best and testing yourself in the sport you love.”

Tucker graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 2004 and got his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas in 2008.

At the moment he trains at Greg Jackson’s training camp in Albuquerque, NM. He wrestles and spars with fighters who fight for high-level organizations such as the UFC. Carlos “Natural Born Killer” Condit, Clay “The Carpenter” Guida, Diego “The Dream” Sanchez, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine and Jon “Bones” Jones are a few big names he trains with.

The Jackson camp is known for producing monsters in the cage.

“I am blessed to be a part of the best team in the world. The team and coaches are amazing and it’s like a big family,” he said. “It’s pretty tough. The talent level is extremely high. You really have to want it to keep coming back.”

Tucker was a huge fan of MMA in high school. He wanted to learn the things he saw mixed martial artists doing, so he joined a gym shortly after he graduated.

He trained with local mixed martial artists Keith Sutton, Jason Maxwell, Bubba McDaniel and Jason Hobbs.

“I loved training with those guys. I feel like they had a huge part in making me the fighter I am today,” he said. “They gave me a great base and taught me so much. They also showed me how to take a whooping and keep going.”

His first cage fight was for King of the Cage at the Kiowa Casino about 15 minutes from town. He won by TKO in the 1st round. He has been hooked ever since and has come a long way from that point. He won his second professional cage fight last Oct. by guillotine choke in 2:28 of the second round against Freddie Crosby.

With his dedication to the sport and his great training camp there’s nowhere to go but skyward for this young mixed martial artist.

“I would like to take my career as far as possible.

This is my passion and I

have a limited time to pursue it, so I am going all out and letting the chips fall where they may,” he said. “I feel like you get one life so you have to find a dream or something you love and chase

it with all of your being. As long as I still feel like MMA is my passion and I’m healthy enough to compete I’ll be chasing that dream.”

sports

he twichitan Wednesday

November 16, 2011

9 www.thewichitan.com

MSU opens season with 100-63 victory DAMIAN ATAMENWAN SPORTS EDITOR The Midwestern State basketball team opened its season with a 10063 victory over the Evangels of MidAmerican Christian University at D.L. Ligon Coliseum.

Matt Gallagher led the competition with 19 points and also claimed three 3-pointers to lead the double figures contest. JaMichael Rivers made the first points for the hosts, who got up to 11 points before MACU finally got on the scoreboard. He snatched a total of 15 points Friday night as MSU pushed past the Evangels to dominate the season debut.

The first half was remarkable for Midwestern State who had doubled the visitors’ points by the break with a 5427 score. Rivers missed the last shot of the half as he attempted to beat the buzzer with a three-pointer.

The Evangels woke up a little in the second period as they scored nine more than they did in the first and allowed the Mustangs to score eight less.

Nevertheless, MSU had its highest lead of the night in that same period when DeJuan Plummer sent in a threepointer to put the Mustangs an 82-39 ahead. MACU narrowed the gap after as MSU slowly extended its lead.

Colbert Thomas ended the scoring for the Mustangs by burying two freethrows with less than a minute on the clock.

Arcelon Osborne was able to lay up two consolation points after a rebound to conclude MACU’s 63 points as well as the game.

“I feel good about where we are,” Head Basketball Coach Nelson Hag-

Hannah Hofmann Junior Kevin Grayer dribbles past a MACU defender Friday night. gerty said. “We have a lot we can improve on and we get better with every game.”

After outclassing MACU, the Mustangs went ahead to host and defeat the University of Science and Arts 89-71.

Michael Loyd scored an overall 21 while Anthony Harris scored 18 for the MSU. Gallagher, who had the most points in the season opener, came up with 13 Monday night.

“Matt Gallagher is up to a great start,” said Haggerty. “All the players are there when you need them.”

Kyle Hunt and Graham Faulkner led the Drovers’ offense with 15 and 14 points respectively.

The Mustangs concluded their scor-

ing when Gallagher made a free throw with less than two minutes on the clock.

USAO Lewis Zacharias also made two free throws as the Drovers said goodbye to the victorious Mustangs.

Haggerty pointed out an offensive strategy that his team used.

“We try to focus on not shooting as many three-pointers,” he said. “ There’s a higher scoring percentage when we go for twos.”

While MSU improved to 2-0 for the season, their guests fell to 2-2.

The Mustangs will visit Pueblo, Colorado to play New Mexico Highlands Friday at 4 p.m. and then play the hosts on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Hannah Hofmann Anthony Harris goes for a layup against MACU. He notched in nine points.

Mustangs break school record against NSU JOSH HOGGARD FOR THE WICHITAN

File photo by Kassie Bruton Midwestern State football players celebrate a touchdown.

Kelsey didn’t look as sharp through a field goal in the first quarter for the they air, throwing four interceptions early lead. and only 184 yards, he got it done on The Mustangs came marching back, the ground, rushing 15 times for 122 yards and a V er y touchdown.

C l ose And, he’s still a top to S A F candidate for the Harlon Hill trophy, the Division KARAOKE EVERY NIGHT Wednesday is College Night II version of the HeisCollege Night Wednesdays man. at Krankit The Mustangs had to $2 Domestic Beer $2 Well Drinks $5 Pitchers $2 Domestic Beer Well for Drinks 1/2 Price Happy Hour 8-11pm win in an atypical way on Free$2 Drinks Minors Wed & No Cover 21+ Saturday; from behind.

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The Mustangs took a close one on Saturday to end the regular season undefeated for the first time in school history.

Midwestern State played Northeastern State, and came from behind to score with 36 seconds left on the clock in a 37-34 victory.

The Mustangs continued their string of record breaking this week.

Only twice have the Mustangs won ten games in a season; once in 1949 and once in 2006.

However, they have never made it through an entire season without losing a single game, making this so far the most successful season in MSU history.

Furthermore, the Mustangs crushed the old school record of most points scored in a single season. The previous record was 489 set in 2007. This year, the Mustangs scored 504 points.

Sophomore kicker Greg Saladino set a new school record for longest field goal with is 57-yard monster he kicked Saturday afternoon. The previous record was 51 yards.

Running back Kiedrick Jackson had another impressive game, rushing 14 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

Those two touchdowns put Jackson in the ranks with some other greats of MSU past.

The two touchdowns Jackson scored on Saturday bring his total for the season to 18, tied for second best with former running back Dominic Rhodes.

Those touchdowns also put him at 100 points for the season. That’s nearly a fifth of the entire teams points this season, and third place on the all time list, only preceded by the aforementioned Dominic Rhodes and Daniel Polk.

The typical nearly 500 yards total offense and nearly 300 yards rushing attack continued yet again for the Mustangs, as they put up a total of 478 yards of offense, 294 of it coming on the ground.

Although quarterback Brandon

however, when Brandon Kelsey burst through for a 62 yard touchdown run, giving the Mustangs their first lead of the game.

Before the first quarter would close, however, the RiverHawks would put up another field goal, making it 7-6 after one.

However, in the second quarter, Greg Saladino hit his grand slam of a field goal, a 57-yarder to put the Mustangs up by four.

Then, just over a minute later after a three-and-out by the RiverHawks, Jimmy Pipkin ran one in from 41 yards out to put the Mustangs up 17-6.

Each team would score again before the half, bringing the score to 23-13 at halftime.

Just under ten minutes into the third quarter, NSU scored again, bringing it close, 23-20.

The Mustangs would answer, however, on a 32-yard run by Jackson to bring the count to 30-20, a score that would stand until seven minutes into the fourth quarter.

Then, things got more interesting for the players.

Within exactly two minutes of each other, the RiverHawks scored twice to take their first lead of the game since the first quarter and put the pressure on the Mustangs, 34-30.

In an attempt to answer, the Mustangs went to the air.

W i t h little over four minRequired by utes left in

WIC H ITA FALLS ’ #1 NI GH T C LUB KA R AOKE EVE R Y NIG H T

the game, on the ensuing drive, Brandon Kelsey was intercepted by the RiverHawks.

The RiverHawks began driving.

They were rushing, gaining first downs, and running out the clock. All hope seemed lost.

Then, the Mustangs defense forced the biggest turnover of their season.

On first down with 2:35 left to play, NSU ran the ball. Kevin Birdow forced a fumble that was eventually recovered

by Tim McGill in Mustang territory.

The Mustangs had life again, and drove 76 yards in 19 plays and 1:53 to score the game winning touchdown on a Kiedrick Jackson 6-yard rush.

After forcing a fourth-down turnover on downs, the Mustangs walked away with the win and the first perfect regular season in school history.

The Mustangs also moved up to No. 2 in the AFCA polls, receiving 11 firstplace votes.

Who’s ready for some post-season action?!

The Mustangs received a first-round bye and will face the winner of the Missouri Western – Northwest Missouri State game at Memorial Stadium on November 26th.

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