THE STUDENT VOICE OF MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
THE WICHITAN page 5 page 7 Historical Grammys Mustang upset Herbie Hancock takes Album of the Year, Amy Winehouse takes home landmark number of awards.
Mens basketball defeats No. 12 Tarleton State, 79-65, snapping Texans’ winning streak.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008
State’s financial shortcomings may cost students PATRICK JOHNSTON PHOTO EDITOR
Students in love are easy to find on campus, but there are also more than 25 couples at MSU among the faculty.
Graphic by Brittany Norman, Photos by Patrick Johnston
Schoolhouse Crushes
Professors work with husbands, wives on campus, prove romance isn’t just for young ASHLEY CAMPANA FOR THE WICHITAN Home is where the heart is. When it comes to Valentine’s Day, so is the office for more than 25 couples at MSU. That many husbands and wives work on campus. For them, every day is a particularly up close day but Valentine’s Day offers something special. Many volunteered to share their thoughts, suggestions and advice on the occasion. Elizabeth Yarosz-Ash and Richard Ash III, both professors of art, have spent 26 Valentine’s Days together. According to Ms. Yarosz-Ash, her most memorable Valentine’s Day was spending it with a group of couples where the men read poetry and cooked for the wives. It’s actually how she and her husband met. According to Ms. Yarosz-Ash, her future husband was the chair of the department when she first started teaching at Midwestern. “He was the only one who didn’t want to
hire me,” she said with a laugh. “I wanted to quit the first year but by summertime he thought I was OK.” Present at that same Valentine’s Party were James and Lynn Hoggard. Mr. Hoggard, Perkins-Prothro distinguished professor of English, and Dr. Hoggard, professor of English and foreign languages, have shared 33 Valentine’s Days together. Mr. Hoggard was the one who chose the poetry for the men to read to their wives that night. The Hoggards both laughed when the evening was brought up. Many memories and jokes came out of that experience together, they said. Being a professional writer, Mr. Hoggard read his own poetry to his wife while suggesting the works of Shakespeare and ee cummings to the other men. Mr. Hoggard said the most memorable thing about Valentine’s Day is his wife. “Being herself has given me a great deal of pleasure,” he said. Heidi Hakimi-Hood, college coordinator, and her husband Dr. Jeffrey Hood, assistant
professor of mathematics, have shared seven Valentine’s Days together. Hakimi-Hood’s favorite treat on Valentine’s Day was Dr. Hood making her spaghetti and meatballs. According to Hakimi-Hood, her favorite gift was the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Marvin Hambrook, maintenance technician, and his wife, Sue, secretary of respiratory care, have seen 42 Valentine’s Days together. 1996 was Ms. Hambrook’s favorite Valentine’s Day. “My grandson, D.J., was born on Valentine’s Day so that was my most memorable,” she said. Sue Nelson, associate director of financial aid, has a cookbook collection and enjoys sentimental cards and additions to her collection from her husband L.O. Nelson, assistant director of the small business and development center. This year, though, was especially memorable, a combination early Valentine’s
See “Valentine’s” page 3
Job expo gives chance for networking LINDSAY LEMON FOR THE WICHITAN Midwestern State University will host a Career Exploration Day from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Comanche Suites in the Clark Student Center on Thursday, February 21. The career expo will be held for all MSU students looking for information on career opportunities within their major once they graduate. According to Melissa Yip of the Career Management Center, approximately 40 MSU alumni will be on hand to answer any questions students have and offer career advice. Yip said, “All the speakers grad-
uated from MSU with either an undergraduate degree or higher.” Yip said the main reason for holding the conference is to show students the different possible career choices that are available for their degree. According to Dr. Pam Midgett of the MSU Counseling Center, the expo offers students information about possible future careers that is different from the Majors Fair. According to Yip, the expo is a come-and-go event where students come at their convenience and speak to MSU graduates who hold degrees and jobs within the students’ majors. The different speakers will have
their own tables set up so students can move through the Comanche Suites and find graduates with degrees in their major. Dr. Midgett said students can speak to different people and match their major with a specific career. In addition to current MSU students, recent MSU graduates and local and area high school students are also expected to attend the expo. According to Dr. Midgett, students from Rider, Wichita Falls High School, Hirschi, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Henrietta, and Archer City have also been invited. Although high school students have been invited, Midgett said,
“The Career Management Center and the Counseling Center have MSU students at the heart of their mission.” Midgett and Yip both agree that making contacts with people in the workforce is always beneficial. “Every person you meet has the potential to influence your career down the line,” said Midgett. The expo is being co-sponsored by the MSU Career Management Center and the Counseling Center and this is the first year it is being held. For any additional information students are encouraged to call the Career Management Center at 397HIRE or the Counseling Center at 397-4618.
MSU administrators will propose an increase in local tuition, course fees and the student service fee to combat the lack of state appropriations. The recommendations will be made at the MSU Board of Regents meeting on Thursday and Friday. If the measure passes, students taking 12 hours next fall would be paying $1,663.20, compared to $1,584 currently. Local tuition would be increased by $6.60 per credit hour (5 percent of total tuition). The administration is also recommending raising the student service fee by $1.40, increasing it to $15.65 per credit hour ($250 maximum). This increase would raise the fee to $187.80 for a student taking 12 hours, compared to $171 currently. The increased student service fee is in addition to the $10-per-credithour athletic fee ($120 maximum) that recently passed by student vote. The athletic fee is pending approval by the Board and the Texas Legislature and would go into affect Fall 2009. Almost all course fees, with the exception of those raised in Fall 2007, were raised by $2 per credit hour for Spring 2008. Nursing, which was increased in Fall 2007, also increased by an additional $10 per credit hour. The administration is proposing to increase course fees per credit hour in English from $5 to $6, kinesiology from $10 to $15, management information systems from $7 to $15, and nursing from $25 to $30. The sharp increase in course fees
for nursing is to help fund the Simulation Center at United Regional Health Care Center, which lost a $325,000 grant. According to Juan Sandoval, vice president for administration and finance, most public colleges and universities in Texas are facing increases in tuition and fees due to a lack of funding from the state government. MSU has received $5 million less in funding from the state government in 2007 than it did in 2000. In addition, the school must deal with rising costs in everything from energy to supplies. To help offset the $1 million increase in utilities between 2006 and 2007 alone, the university initiated an energy surcharge of $6.50 per credit hour in Spring 2008. The university also had to use reserves in order to satisfy the current budget. The reserves were nearly $15 million in 2006 but were depleted to $11.6 million in 2007. Reserves are considered “rainy day” funds. The monies allow the university to run temporarily if the state government does not approve the budget before a school year begins. According to Sandoval, it takes approximately $10 million to run the campus for a two-month period. “There is a dependence on reserves and the president (of MSU) is trying to end this,” Sandoval said. “Savings was not intended to be an operations budget. It is meant for an emergency.” The Board of Regents meeting is open to the public and will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. and Friday at 9 a.m. in the Hardin Board Room next to the President’s Office.
New residence hall proposed for MSU CHRIS COLLINS MANAGING EDITOR
Construction of a new campus residence hall is under consideration. The proposal to build a threestory, 264-bed structure will be presented to the MSU Board of Regents when it meets on campus Thursday and Friday. The project, estimated to cost about $21 million, will be built in 2009 if approved by the Board. The facility will be constructed on the corner of Louis J. Rodriguez and Midwestern Parkway, where the Mercantile Building currently stands. The dormitory will be selffunded, meaning that the mortgage will be paid by residents, not student service fees. The residence hall will have all the amenities of Sunwatcher Village and will be modeled after the popular upperclassmen apartments. Collegiate Development will be designing the structure and overseeing construction.
Kyle Owen, associate director of the physical plant, said 150 students were put on a waiting list to be placed in dorms last year. In past years, MSU has contracted with French Quarter and Colonial Heights apartments to handle the student overflow. “It’s imperative to give students the opportunity to live on campus,” said Dr. Howard Farrell, vice president of university advancement and student affairs. “Students who live on campus graduate faster and make better grades.” Administrators are also discussing plans to build new fraternity and sorority housing to accommodate Greek students. “We’ve talked about putting in a Greek row,” Farrell said. “Some of them can afford it. Others can’t.” In other Board action, the possible purchase of property on Hampstead Boulevard will be discussed along with the installation of new fiber optic cable for the Clark Student Center.
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THE WICHITAN
Staff Editorial
Housing progress After years of overcrowded housing on the MSU campus, the Board of Regents is finally taking a vote to erect a new residence hall on campus. Unlike some current construction projects, such as the wellness center, this is one undertaking that the campus truly needs. At the beginning of the fall semester, students who couldn’t fit in regular university housing were placed in off-campus apartments. Many of these students were freshmen living away from home for the first time. Parents and students count on the security and community aspect of residence halls, to ease students into living on their own. Even though MSU took measures to ensure student safety in the apartments, the environment is simply not the same. Midwestern does a good job of maintaining the residence halls that are available to students. Compared to many other universities, the facilities are cleaner and nicer. The problem is, there simply aren’t enough rooms to accomodate the growing number of students who want to live on campus. A new residence hall, even with the inevitable hike in tuition and fees, is a necessity at this point. As a student body, we’re already dropping heavier and heavier checks to pay new fees every semester. Why not put our money toward something that would make a tangible difference? The apartment-style residence hall that the Board of Regents will discuss this week would also eliminate some of the need for upperclassmen to find off-campus housing, when they’ve outgrown the desire to live in a dorm and Sunwatcher is packed. Those few students who bothered to vote for the athletic fee were overwhelmingly in favor of spending more money on sports. This time, let’s advocate something that could benefit more of the campus than just the athletes.
THE WICHITAN 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 • Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 News Desk (940) 397-4704 • Advertising Desk (940) 397-4705 Fax (940) 397-4025 • E-mail WICHITAN@mwsu.edu Web site: http://www.mwsu.edu/~wichitan Copyright © 2007. 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. First copy of the paper is free of charge; additional copies are $1. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address for verification purposes. The editor retains the right to edit letters.
Native Americans dealt a bad hand
I am amazed and saddened by the crimes of humanity that the forefathers CHRISTIAN MCPHATE of America OP-ED EDITOR committed against the Native Americans to forge this great democratic nation. It is a crime that many people in this country will never fully understand, even if the government actually forces them to give up their homes and land for the betterment of society. The Native Americans moved their families to small sections of desolate land and then had to accept handouts from the government because they were unable to feed their families with the limited opportunities for agriculture or hunting available in the forgotten
wastelands of America; the reservations. Of course, it wasn’t just the loss of land and culture that conquered the Native Americans. It was the breaking of their spirits. And sadly, it is something that our government excels at accomplishing—even in the 21st century. The beautiful ideas that the forefathers of America initiated when they first declared freedom from the British Crown were ingenious. However, it was the way that they and future generations of Americans initiated the dream that makes a rationale person scratch their head. It was hypocrisy of disillusionment, to say the least. During my travels, I have seen that many of the surviving Indian nations seem to be doing quite well for themselves with their
enormous and extravagant casinos littering the outskirts of their reservation lands. Although, it does help many of them place food on the table and forego some of the government handouts. It is not a salvation or prosperity that my family’s ancestors would smile upon. It is hypocrisy in its grandest form. White men and corrupt members of the tribal councils control many of the casinos, and the enormous amounts of money garnered from the blackjack tables and slot machines are dividing the tribes with the constant bickering over how the money should be spent. And, in most cases, many of the members of the tribal communities do not receive any money from the casinos that the partnerships of white men and tribal councils promised would help bring prosperity to the “Rez.”
And, of course, all a person has to do is drive to the nearest reservation to see that nothing has changed. Many of the communities still suffer from inadequate health care opportunities, poor education, drug abuse and violence. The nations of one of the most spiritual people on Earth have fallen under the sway of the demons of greed and capitalism, losing the path of enlightenment that our ancestors had followed for centuries—in part due to their broken spirits. It is the greatest hypocrisy of our history, and it is something that sends shivers of regret and sadness through my soul as I pass by the blatant reminders of the sins of America’s ancestors, as I drive down the lonely highways of Oklahoma to go home and visit my family. And it is something that is not likely to change in the near future.
Reptilian lesson in resilience
I once went for an evening drive and spotted a turtle strugg l i n g alongside HALEY CUNNINGHAM the road. FOR THE WICHITAN There had been a heavy rain recently, and it was common to see turtles on the road. Poor things, the rain had forced from their dens and they were just trying to find a new home. I stopped, carefully picked up the turtle, and placed him on the opposite side of the road. I figured that is where he was ultimately headed, and I did not want him to be stuck in the middle of the road, where he would surely be struck by an oncoming car. Without another thought, I got back in my car and continued on
my way. Country drives inspire me. I began thinking about the turtle, who I had comically dubbed “Fred.” Fred was displaying very admirable behavior: perseverance and resolve. He had lost his home, he was solving his problem and he was going strong. Do humans display this behavior? I thought of all those whose lives were unfortunately uprooted, those who lost jobs, or those who were going through personal trial and tribulation. Some of those people are humble and accept their duties and destiny. They carry on just like Fred the turtle: not speaking a word of complaint, not throwing in the towel and cursing God for this bad luck. Those are the people who rise above their adversity. At the same time, there are those who complain about their misfortune. They grumble and gripe about changing plans, about
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Brittany Norman Managing Editor Chris Collins Entertainment Editor Position Open Op-Ed Editor Christian McPhate Sports Editor Bobby Morris Photo Editor Patrick Johnston
having a streak of hard luck, calamity or hardship. Instead of accepting the fact that they must persevere, they only prolong their discomfort by complaining about it. They should learn a lesson from my newfound friend, Fred. Fred the turtle was on his way to do something. Although it was laborious and stressful for him to go somewhere, he still persisted through the struggle. The heavy rain had sadly driven him from his comfort zone, and he was forced to find a new one. Although the journey would be risky and tiresome, onward he went. I was now making a U-turn in my car, turning around to find Fred and maybe take him home as a pet. I had always wanted a pet turtle and this little guy had significance to me now. Maybe I could give him a comfortable home and save him the trouble of searching for one. When I returned to the spot
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where I left him, he was not there. Instead, he was about one-hundred yards ahead of where I had first found him, on his original path. He had not let my interference change his course. He was one determined turtle. I decided to let him be. People should stop and think: are things really as bad as they seem? There are those who face true hardships and still take it in stride. Then, there are those who overreact and complain, and get nowhere. Think your problems through. There is an answer to everything, albeit an easy one, or no, all problems have a solution. Take the time and figure it out. Do not complain about your difficulties. Hardships are what make the human spirit persevere. Fred the turtle wasn’t complaining. He kept on trucking through that tall grass, carrying a heavy shell with tired legs; determined to take himself home.
Copy Editor Kimberly Stiles Adviser Randy Pruitt
Primary losses stall Clinton campaign KIMBERLY STILES FOR THE WICHITAN A week after Super Tuesday, the Republican Party seems to have established a front-runner for their nomination. Sen. John McCain has received 812 delegates, more than double that of any other candidate. Despite opposition from conservative coalitions, he is well on his way to securing the necessary 1,191 delegates needed to win the nomination. The Republican delegate count includes pledged delegates and unpledged Republican National Committee member delegates. However, the remaining Democratic candidates Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton continue to push through a competitive primary season. In order to win the Democratic nomination a candidate must receive 2,025 delegates. Obama currently has 1,208 delegates. Clinton is trailing slightly in the count, as she has acquired 1,185 delegates. The Democratic delegate totals include pledged delegates and super delegates. Engaged in a virtual delegate deadlock, both Obama and Clinton have remained confident in their ability to win the nomination this summer at the convention. However, overwhelming victories for the Obama camp in Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and Maine last weekend and sweeping wins in the Potomac primaries Tuesday may prove to be the momentum swing both campaigns were hoping to secure. “We have now won on the Atlantic coast, we’ve won in the Gulf Coast,
Senior staff members from a number of presidential campaigns have worked without pay, or reduced salary through the primary season, in order to save money. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani’s senior campaign staff worked without pay for most of 2008. Reports also circulated from the McCain camp that staffers were working on reduced salaries, at various points in the campaign. The Clinton campaign machine has chosen to employ this penny-pinching tactic. Republican frontrunner Sen. John McCain won primaries in Maryland, Senior campaign ofVirgina and District of Columbia Tuesday. ficials agreed to forego pay through the month we won on the Pacific Coast and since the Super Tuesday contests. of February, in an effort to focus we won in between those coasts”, Although, both Obama and Clinfunds on campaign related expensObama told the excited crowd, ton have proven to be prolific fundes. raisers – raising more than $100 Monday. Sunday, Clinton announced the Tuesday evening, Obama spoke million in 2007, recent reports sugresignation of her campaign manto supporters as results of his over- gest the Clinton campaign is strugager Patti Solis Doyle. Clinton’s whelming victories in Maryland, gling to keep pace with a flourishlong time advisor Maggie Williams Virginia, and Washington, D.C. ing Obama campaign. replaced Sollis Doyle. Sen. Hillary Clinton recently diswere confirmed. Williams was the Clinton’s chief “We won the state of Maryland. closed that she contributed personal of staff while she was first lady. We won the Commonwealth of Vir- money to fund her campaign. She joined the campaign team after ginia. And we won in Washington, Clinton lent her campaign $5 a disappointing finish in the Iowa D.C., this movement won’t stop million to boost funds ahead of Sucaucus. until there is change in Washing- per Tuesday. Despite the recent loses and news ton D.C., and tonight we are on our “We had a great month fundraisof personnel and financial trouble ing in January – broke all records”, way,” he said within the campaign, Clinton reAs the Obama campaign con- Clinton told reporters following the mains focused on the March 4 pritinues to pick up speed post Super Super Tuesday contests. “But my maries in what her campaign has Tuesday, they have raised $7.2 mil- opponent was able to raise more call the “big states”. lion – on pace to maintain the re- money, and we intended to be comTexas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and cord breaking $32 million raised in petitive, and we were, and I think Vermont all hold their Democratic January. the results prove the wisdom of my primaries on March 4. Clinton has raised $6.4 million investment”, she said.
Valentine’s.....................................................................................................continued from p. 1 live in Indiana. This month her husband called her into the hallway, saying a student needed assistance. When Ms. Nelson came out of her office, she was met by her sister and niece. “I’m a talker so everyone was taken back that I was speechless,” Ms. Nelson said. Naoma Clark, director of the Academic Support Center, has spent 33 Valentine’s Days with her husband Dr. Robert Clark, vice president of Institutional Effectiveness and Enrollment Management. “I can’t separate one Valentine’s from another,” said Ms. Clark. “That one day isn’t what stands out, it’s all of the days.” Another campus couple went to the local symphony followed by a romantic dinner. Becky Green, English Instructor and her husband Daniel Green, an adjunct instructor of English shared that
evening one Valentine’s Day. “It was snowing and it was beautiful,” said Ms. Green. Dr. Grant Simpson, dean of the West College of Education and professor of Educational Leadership and Technology, and his wife, Karen, have been together 33 Valentine’s Days. Dr. Simpson spoke of their Valentine’s tradition. “Karen has a firm tradition. Every holiday is a present for her...Easter...it’s always a good reason,” Dr. Simpson said, laughing. According to Dr. Simpson, there is a whole category of gifts a man shouldn’t buy. “Appliances are at the top of that list,” he said. The nine couples share 223 years of marriage combined. They freely gave their opinions on how to make a marriage work. Dr. Hoggard said she and her husband share Type A personalities.
According to Dr. Hoggard, they are “highly sensitive and deeply contemplative” so they are in their own worlds when they are working on something. “It’s like nothing else exists,” Dr. Hoggard said. She said they have learned how to overcome that with time and patience. “Communication and fundamental affirming of the realtionship,” are tools that Dr. Hoggard believes make a marriage successful. “When you’re both in language, dialogue is incredibly rich,” she said. Heidi Hakimi-Hood believes a relationship shouldn’t be rushed. “Find somebody you can live, love and laugh with,” she said. Sue Hambrook looks in retrospect. “I would give my life to have what my mom and dad had,” she said. According to Ms. Hambrook, they never once argued. “Your father and I are best friends. If anything
bothered me, he loved me enough to leave it alone,” her mother told her. Ms. Hambrook believes making your spouse your best friend is important. Carol Collins, assistant professor in Wilson School of Nursing, believes that “you have to be friends, communicate and know it’s a lot of work on both sides.” She and her husband Dr. Michael Collins, interim chair and regents professor, have been married for 34 years. Becky Green believes that Valentine’s Day is super but “you shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket,” she said. “Except for childbirth and illness,” they set the time aside and date weekly, Mrs. Green said. Dr. Simpson said it is easy to give up when there are bumps in the road but it takes commitment.
Enrollment down for second semester Nearly 300 MSU students have dropped out of school since the fall semester. A total of 6,021 students were enrolled during the fall semester. This spring 5,736 returned. Janus Buss, director of the office of public information and marketing, said the decline in enrollment is typical. “Major enrollment is in the fall,” Buss said. “It’s a trend nationwide to have lower enrollment in the spring.” The fall semester of 2003 was the last time MSU saw an increase
in enrollment. Since then it has been steadily waning. “Enrollment has leveled out,” Buss said. “MSU is getting more well-known.” She credits recruiters for the improvement in student population. People from the Dallas-Fort Worth area have been growing more interested in MSU because of its small-town atmosphere and affordable tuition. “They want to get out of town,” Buss said. “It’s just far enough away, but it’s also close to home.” Enrollment levels also tend to mimic the economy, she said. When the economy is doing well, people work. If the economy is
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going down, people go to school. With the threats of an upcoming recession, an increase in enrollment is expected in the coming years. The freshman dropout rate, however, continues to grow. While 1,309 freshmen stepped into classrooms last fall, only 974 – 75 percent – came back this semester. Buss doesn’t think that MSU leads the state in first-year dropouts by any means, but she expressed concerns for improving
the numbers. Is the small-town atmosphere to blame in this case? If a close friend can’t cut it come finals, another student may be more inclined to give up too. “It’s the snowball effect,” Buss said. “One of the main reasons for coming to MSU is because of a friend or family member.” Despite any apprehension in administrators’ offices, the large pull from the Metroplex may be what MSU needs to boost its numbers next fall.
Feb 13, 2008
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Campus briefs - Board of Regents vote on various campus changes. First meeting Thursday 1:30 p.m. in Hardin Administrative Building; second meeting Friday 9:00 a.m. (open meeting). - Athletics luncheon every Tuesday and Thursday at Pelican’s on Midwestern Parkway at noon; video replays, coach updates; Cost $8. - UPB presents open mic night; Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in CSC Shawnee Theatre - Thinkfast Interactive AudienceResponse trivia game; Wednesday, 8:00 p.m. in CSC Comanche - Chi Omega and Sigma Nu can food drive; donations go to Wichita Falls Food Bank; collection box in CSC; boxes picked up Saturday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m.
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THE WICHITAN Feb. 13, 2008
Entertainment
‘Fools Gold’ a gem, for what it’s worth
If viewers aren’t looking for cinematic treasure, romantic comedy doesn’t disappoint BRITTANY NORMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF
While reading through a Google list of reviews touting how absolutely awful the movie “Fools Gold” was, how absolutely un-thought-provoking, how unintelligent, the thought came to mind that somewhere along the line, reviewers are missing the point. “Fools Gold,” starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, is a romantic comedy. Most viewers went into the theater with the expectation of viewing a treasure-hunting version of “How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” At least, that’s the impression the previews gave off. For the most part, it rang true. Some of the lines even sounded the same. Sure, the characters were different, at least marginally. McConaughey, playing Finn, isn’t portraying nearly as successful a person. Instead he’s playing a deadbeat treasure hunter and semi-successful con-man who has a knack for pissing off everyone he convinces to fund his operation. Kate Hudson’s character, Tess, married him “for the sex” and has decided she wants her life back. So after a fiasco of a divorce (which Finn is late for), she heads back out to sea as the stewardess on a rich man’s yacht, thinking she can restart her life. Wrong. Finn shows up on said yacht after rescuing the rich man’s daughter’s hat. Long story short, he
gets in a lot of fights, gets a few black eyes, gets into all kinds of trouble, and walks around with his shirt off. A lot. Tess tries to ignore him, but their mutual passion for hunting down sunken Spanish treasure ships (even though this does lead to about ten minutes of an extremely boring history lesson in the middle of the movie) as well as close quarters on the boat draw them closer. The film takes place at sea, against the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean. The supporting cast includes such eccentric figures as the ominous villian, rabbit loving rapper “Bigg Bunny,” as well as the wealthy yacht owner’s daughter, Gemma, who is just so ridiculously blond that her brown hair must have been dyed that way. There’s also a healthy dose of James Bondesque bad-ass moves, such as Finn hanging from the pontoon on an airborne sea plane, and Tess showing off underwater survival skills sans scuba tank. Not to mention the leaping from moving jetskis and being blown out of the ocean by explosives, but that’s beside the point. In short, the movie might not have it all, but it has enough. It’s got a healthy dose of comedy, a little bit of romance, enough intelligence to keep the audience from losing brain cells at the very least, and enough action to keep the male half of the moviegoing population engaged. It’s not going to win any Academy Awards, but it is worth the price of a ticket and a tub of popcorn. Just don’t expect too much.
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Ryan Reynolds abandons role of funny guy to play single dad in new release ‘Definitely, Maybe’ BY RACHEL LEIBROCK (MCT)
For Ryan Reynolds it’s a timing thing. With the starring role in three major films this year, including “Definitely, Maybe” in theaters, Thursday. the 31-year-old Vancouver native says he’s happy to shift from playing
the quirky funny guy to being a leading man. Not that he was in any sort of hurry for the change, mind you. Reynolds, relaxing over a bottled water in the bar inside San Francisco’s Four Seasons hotel, insists he wasn’t rushing toward this particular marquee moment. “You see that happen to (some) guys–they wake up and one day they’re on the cover of GQ and then the expectations and the bar have been set so high,” Reynolds says. “I’m so glad this wasn’t an overnight success sort of thing.” Later this year, filmgoers will see Reynolds in “Chaos Theory” with Emily Mortimer and “Fireflies in the
Garden” with Julia Roberts. In 2009, he’ll star in “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock. Although Reynolds has acted for nearly two decades, playing everything from an FBI agent (“Smokin’ Aces”) to a murderous, possessed dad (“Amityville Horror,”), the actor says he tried not to rely on his experience for “Definitely, Maybe.” Instead, he explains, his character needed to be vulnerable and naive. “Definitely, Maybe” is the story of Will, a 30something political consultant on the verge of a divorce, who tries to explain to his 10year-old daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) how he came to meet and marry her mother. Told mostly in flashback, the film becomes something of a romantic whodunit as Maya tries to guess which of her father’s loves – played by Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Banks and Rachel Weisz – ended up as his soon-to-be ex-wife. And because “romance is often a blood sport,” Reynolds decided to tap into his character’s youth and naivete. “I saw Will as someone who was genuinely open, vulnerable – qualities I thought were really beautiful,” he says. Still, Reynolds adds, the film’s romantic storyline is just part of “Definitely, Maybe’s” appeal. “It’s also this love letter to broken homes,” he says. “I was so moved by the journey Will takes with his daughter – not just to heal himself but to prepare for what’s going to be a pretty rough road ahead. It brought
me to tears when I was reading the script.” Digging into Will and his motivations proved to be challenging in ways Reynolds says he never even expected. “I have a tendency to want to play around a lot – to spin a line or throw in a funny jab,” he says. “But if I start doing that then suddenly (Will) seems incredibly knowing and sarcastic when he’s really supposed to be idealistic. “I really just had to bite my tongue and allow myself to rely on a time when I was that naive.” This exercise in restraint, he adds, allowed him to step out of the spotlight for the better of the film. “I’ll let the girls be funny,” he says. “Isla Fisher is Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin star in ‘Definitely, Maybe.’ Breslin is best known for her role in hilarious, (she) can steal the “Little Miss Sunshine” and Reynolds has been in such movies as “Smokin’ Aces” and “Blade Trinmovie, I’m just here to tell she loathed me.” Until then, he continues to wind tent with his current spot in the Holthe story.” Luckily, Reynolds says, the pair through the movie publicity ma- lywood star system. Reynolds calls the Australiangot along just fine with a relationship chine, for “Definitely, Maybe.” “I feel like a newcomer again born actress, best known as Vince built on a solid foundation of goofing It’s possible, Reynolds muses, that (but) it hit me the other day that I’ve Vaughn’s sex-crazed love interest in off. this Hollywood acting thing might been doing this for a long time,” he “Wedding Crashers” (and, perhaps, “There was always a subtle com- finally stick, surely a relief after ear- says. also as Sacha Baron Cohen’s realpetition. Abigail loves to compete to lier, hardscrabble days when he lived Ultimately, he says, it’s not so life fiancee), “incredible” and a “joy see who can tell the best joke or who in a cheap L.A. motel with a friend much about marquee value or box to work with.” could win in a dance competition. and drove his Jeep around town, office sales. “People think of her as just being doorless, after the car was stripped “I’m just ready for the challenge this wacky and insane comedian but It’s just totally adorable.” Reynolds hopes to ignite onscreen by thieves. of taking on more dynamic roles,” he she’s so touching and there’s a depth chemistry in his upcoming films with The actor, who’s admitted to says. “If I surprise a viewer, fantasto her that’s bottomless,” he says. Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and nearly quitting the business out of tic. If I surprise myself, that’s even “I’d love to do every movie with penniless frustration, says he’s con- better.” her for the rest of my life; we just hit Emily Mortimer. it off and it was like fireworks.” Reynolds calls such chemistry “impossible” to fake. Whatever happens off screen carries over onto film, he says, and it’s better to work with it than against it. That same philosophy applied to his relationship with Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine”). “I decided early on that whatever our dynamic was (off screen) would go into the film, even if that meant
Entertainment
THE WICHITAN Feb. 13, 2008
5
Passion of Civil Rights hero lost in translation
mZuri’s retelling of moments in black history proves to be emotionally disappointing CHRIS COLLINS MANAGING EDITOR
Lorraine Pop is a woman driven by passion. Less than 10 years ago, she was a nurse. Helping people, she said, was rewarding, but it wasn’t her passion. Since then, Pop has used theater and music to affect social change at college campuses worldwide. The only problem is Pop’s passion alone wasn’t enough to drive the play home. Pop, using the stage name mZuri (pronounced “em-zoo-ree”), performed her original musical homage to Fannie Lou Hamer – a little-known Civil Rights activist – at MSU Monday evening. The show was visceral and emotional, but most of the feeling was left on the stage. Disguised as Hamer, mZuri alternated between singing traditional songs like “Amazing Grace” and “We Shall Overcome” and giving an account of an impressive woman’s life. The play’s downfall, however, is the passion that created it. Pop’s acting is at times overdone and melodramatic. It made the retelling of Hamer’s life feel like just that – a retelling. The emotion and fiery purpose Hamer exhibited was inexplicably lost in translation.
mZuri gave a passioned performance about the life of Fannie Lou Hamer on Monday. Photo by Patrick Johnston
when Pop moved from uplifting, traditional songs directly to grisly narratives about blood, torture and human inequality. Without proper transition, the play lost its poignancy and believability. The final impression was closer to Jekyll and Hyde than Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Problems also arose in Pop’s singing. Some high notes were offkey and overbearing, though the majority of the tunes were impeccably sung. Pop, during the play, urged black students to “change the world.” She opened the show by asking the crowd to chant, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” – the epitaph on Hamer’s grave. The audience, most of whom were black, responded docilely. The truth is this is not Hamer’s black community of the 1960s. This group of students didn’t seem particularly oppressed, discontented or disgruntled. They just seemed mildly interested. It’s disappointing that a play with such emotion and social significance was so tamely viewed. Pop appeared to almost cry numerous times during the show, undoubtedly Hamer’s own tears. Like Hamer, Pop’s performance was emotional and passionate, but ultimately forgettable.
A crowd that should have been worked into a fervor was biting back yawns. The show, which would have thrived from student participation, disintegrated for lack of it. “I wanted more student participation, but college is so quick in and out that it’s hard,” Pop said
after the performance. The play’s main weakness, however, may have been its transitions. Each facet of the show, music, monologue and commentary, was well researched and generally well implemented. Problems occurred mainly
night at Staples Center in Los Angeles. In the end, she didn’t. The last award of the night, the coveted Grammy for album of the year, went to Herbie Hancock for his collaborative Joni Mitchell tribute, “River: The Joni Letters,” a somewhat safe but also legend-heavy choice for such a prestigious occasion. Yet Winehouse’s haul, including trophies for record and song of the year (both for her prescient smash “Rehab”) and best new artist, was an unexpected and encouraging show of support for the recovering performer, who watched in astonishment via satellite from a London studio as her name was announced as winner of record of the year. What’s more, her two other prizes – for best female pop vocal performance and best pop vocal album, for “Back to Black” – added her to the list of women who share the record for most wins in a single night by a female artist. Winehouse now keeps company with Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and, if a trio may be counted, Dixie Chicks. Winehouse was a winner of few words, however, giving her all instead to a powerful, deliciously kittenish performance of the fitting “You Know I’m No Good” and her Grammy-grabbing hit. She thanked her record company, “my mum and dad ... for my (husband) Blake (Fielder-Civil), incarcerated. And for London – this is for London!” She wasn’t the only performer to make Grammy history, though. Hancock’s album of the year win marks the first time the award has gone to a jazz performer since Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto’s classic “Getz/Gilberto” took the trophy in 1964. “I’d like to thank the academy for courageously breaking the mold this time,” he said, his acceptance speech falling out of his jacket, “and in doing so honor the giants upon whose shoulders I stand, some of whom _ like Miles Davis, John Coltrane – unquestionably deserved this award in the past. But this is a new day that proves that the impossible can be made possible. “Yes we can, to coin a phrase!” The night’s other big winner, racking up another four statuettes, was Kanye West – who can’t have been pleased that Hancock took the top prize. It’s the third time in a row that Grammy voters have denied the hip-hop star an award in one of the top categories, relegating him to the rap field instead, where his nods included best rap solo performance and best rap song (both for “Stronger”), best rap performance by a duo or group (for “Southside,” with Common). West certainly thought it was his year to win, though. When his disc “Graduation” predictably won for best rap album, he was his typical immodest self. “Definitely feels good to be home, here at the Grammys,” said the dude dressed more than ever like Michael Jackson circa “Thriller.” (His performance of “Stronger,” with a surprise appearance from Daft Punk, was another of many telecast highlights.) “We snuck in about four or five years ago, and now we basically made this our new place of residence.” Then came the swelling music, a cue to wrap it up. “Cmon, you gonna play music on me?” Then a wild boast: “For Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse, if I don’t get to get up here for album of
the year, you deserve it as much as me. I deserve it, too.” Fellow nominee Vince Gill had choice words in response to that when he took the stage to accept the award for best country album, for his four-disc set “These Days.” Ringo Starr announced his uniformly win. strong. “I just had an award The standard was set high early on, handed to me by a Beaafter a virtual duet between Alicia Keys and Frank tle,” Gill said. “Have y o u Sinatra, some hearty belting from Underwood on “Behad that happen yet, Kanye?” fore He Cheats” and a lively pairing of Rihanna and the Bruce Springsteen, who wasn’t in attendance, took Time, who served up a medley of “Jungle Love” and home three Grammys – best solo rock vocal perfor- “Umbrella.” The first hour alone, during which even mance and best rock song, both for “Radio Nowhere,” Fergie sounded sharp, was enough to make this one of plus best rock instrumental performance, for his re- the better Grammy telecasts in many years. make of Ennio Morricone’s “Once Upon a Time in the Beyonce’s sung introduction of Tina Turner was West” theme. rather lame, as was the enervated start to the Hall of Hancock’s “River” also nabbed the prize for best con- Famer’s three-song performance. But the duo turned temporary jazz album, which made him one of a hand- the heat up with “Proud Mary” – and from then on out ful of acts to take home a pair of Grammys. Also in that the star turns were increasingly memorable. group: Foo Fighters (best hard rock performance and Foo Fighters were stormy as usual, performing outbest rock album), Alicia Keys (best R&B song and best side on Chick Hearn Court, between Staples Center female R&B vocal performance), Chaka Khan (best and Nokia Theatre. Feist was simply elegant singing R&B album and best R&B vocal performance by a duo “1234.” And Hancock and classical pianist Lang Lang or group, with Mary J. Blige), Justin Timberlake (best wowed the crowd with a dueling-pianos rendition of pop male vocal performance and best dance record- Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” ing), the White Stripes (best rock vocal performance by a duo or group and best alternative music album) and the soundtrack to Cirque du Soleil’s “LOVE” (best compilation soundtrack, best surround-sound recording). Where Everybody is somebody Other stars who scored a statuette: and Jesus is LORD Carrie Underwood, Prince, Beastie Boys, the Chemical Brothers, Eric Reverend B. J. Robinson Clapton, Eagles, Maroon 5, Ne-Yo, Pastor Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Slayer, producer of the year 1318 Harding St. Sunday School: 9:45 am Mark Ronson and, garnering his Wichita Falls,TX 76301 Morning Worship: 11:15 a.m. second Grammy, presidential hopeOffice: (940) 767-2545 Bible Study, Wed 7:00 p.m. ful Barack Obama, who bested his Church: (940) 767-2011 Come Join us! opponent’s husband Bill Clinton for best spoken-word recording. Lifetime achievement awards Casas Grandes Pottery - Turquoise & Sterling - Original & Collectible Art were given to master songwriter ��������Southwest Decor and Gifts Galore ������� Burt Bacharach, Americana pioneers the Band, jazz drummer Max Roach, violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, swing legend Cab Calloway, 711 Indiana beloved entertainer Doris Day and banjo innovator Earl Scruggs. downtown Wichita Falls Yet, despite the evening’s history(940) 716-0015 or (940) 781-1181 making tallies and wins, Grammy’s See our Virtual Tour at wichitafalls360.com golden anniversary will surely be remembered more for its performancLeather Apparel - Hats - Rugs - Collectibles & Antiques es, which, for a change, were almost
Grammy Awards make history on 50th anniversary BY BEN WENER THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER (MCT)
It wasn’t unthinkable, given her recent well-publicized troubles, that Amy Winehouse would simply be shut out this year. But it was positively unimaginable that the British soul singer would make a clean sweep of the top categories during the Grammy’s 50th anniversary Sunday
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News
THE WICHITAN Feb. 13, 2008
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M c C l a t c h y - Tr i b u n e
THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
From the debates to the TV ads, information about this year’s presidential candidates is coming from all sides. Wading through it all can be overwhelming. Here we give you a quick snapshot of who the candidates — Democrat and Republican — are and what they’re about. Compiled by Scott Canon | The Kansas City Star
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton New York
Sen. Barack Obama Illinois
Mike Huckabee Former Ark. governor
Sen. John McCain Arizona
Rep. Ron Paul Texas
Yale-educated lawyer, advised Children’s Defense Fund, former first lady, U.S. senator from New York.
Lawyer, community organizer, former Illinois state senator, keynote speaker 2004 Democratic National Convention, U.S. senator from Illinois.
Baptist pastor, president of Arkansas Baptist Convention, 10 years as Arkansas governor.
Former Navy pilot and Vietnam-era prisoner of war, U.S. senator from Arizona.
Obstetrician-gynecologist, longtime U.S. representative from Texas, one-time Libertarian Party presidential nominee.
“Living History,” “It Takes A Village,” “Dear Socks, Dear Buddy”
“The Audacity of Hope,” “Dreams From My Father”
“Character Is the Issue,” “Kids Who Kill,” “Living Beyond Your Lifetime,” “Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork”
“Character Is Destiny,” “Faith of My Fathers,” “Why Courage Matters”
“The Case for Gold: A Minority Report of the U.S. Gold Commission”
IRAQ WAR
Phased withdrawal within 60 days of inauguration, aiming to remove most U.S. troops by 2014. Would leave small force to support Iraqi government, deter aggression from neighbors and protect Kurds.
Pull out one to two brigades per month in 16 months, leaving forces to protect U.S. Embassy, redeploy some troops to Afghanistan, aid Iraqi troops only after internal reconciliation.
Opposes timetable for pull-out or withdrawing without endorsement of top U.S. military command. Says he is “focused on winning.”
Was early advocate of the war and of the 2006 of troop surge, although often criticized administration’s handling of the war. Wants troops to stay until Iraq is stable, secure.
Opposed invasion. Would immediately withdraw all troops from Iraq.
HEALTH CARE
Require all to get health insurance. Demand that large employers provide coverage or contribute to the cost. Offer tax credit to small firms and subsidies for low-income people.
Require that all children have health insurance and that employers offer coverage or contribute to the cost. Exempt small businesses. Create purchasing pool with choice of competing private plans. Expand Medicaid eligibility.
Looks to states as laboratories for solutions, opposing mandated coverage for all. Invest in prevention to cut costs and rely on free-market, consumer-based incentives.
Suggests $2,500-$5,000 tax credit to make health insurance affordable. Opposes mandated insurance. Would expand health savings accounts.
Opposes mandated coverage. Would make all medical expenses deductible and create $500-per-child tax credit for prescription drugs and costs not covered by insurance.
IMMIGRATION
Supports path to legalization that includes learning English and paying fines. Increased penalties for employers of illegal immigrants. Opposes guest worker programs.
Supports path to legalization that includes learning English and paying fines. Increased penalties for employers of illegal immigrants. Would create system to verify worker eligibility. Supports guest worker programs. Voted for Mexican border fence.
Give illegal immigrants 120 days to register and leave before applying to return. Increase skilled worker visas. Tougher penalties for employers of illegal immigrants. As governor, supported in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants.
Supports path to legalization that includes learning English and paying fines. Co-sponsored 2006 bill calling for guest-worker program and setting up path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. Supports Mexican border fence.
No path to legalization. Supports Mexican border fence. Opposes government services, including hospitals and schools, for illegal immigrants. End birthright citizenship.
Allow Bush tax cuts to expire for those earning $250,000 or more, use revenues to pay for health care. Reform Alternative Minimum Tax, freeze estate tax at 2009 levels to pay for universal 401(k) plan.
Replace Bush tax cuts with new breaks worth $500 to $1,500 yearly for people making less than $50,000. Create $4,000 annual college tuition tax credit. Raise taxes on dividends and capital gains.
End all federal income and payroll taxes, to be replaced by “fair tax” — national sales tax.
Extend Bush tax cuts. Simplify tax code. Reform Alternative Minimum Tax.
Eliminate income taxes and all taxes not “expressly authorized by the Constitution,” including payroll and estate taxes.
Cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions. Reduce electricity use 20 percent from projected levels by 2020. Increase auto mileage standards to 55 mpg by 2030.
Cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Make energy companies pay for emissions.
Cites spiritual obligation as steward of the Earth. Supports some environmental cap-and-trade policies.
Supports cap-and-trade policy for carbon emissions.
Enforce private property rights to prohibit anyone from polluting.
“The energy bill that passed in 2005 was larded with all kinds of special interest breaks ...I knew that it was going to be an absolute nightmare.”
“I do provide universal health care. ... (W)e’ve put forward a plan that makes sure that it is affordable to get health care that is as good as the health care that I have as a member of Congress.”
“I did something that had not been done in my state in 160 years. I cut taxes, with the legislature working with me, and we continued to do that 94 times.”
“The fact is the tax cuts have dramatically increased revenues.”
“Both the WTO and CAFTA could force Americans to get a doctor’s prescription to take herbs and vitamins. Alternative treatments could be banned.”
… BUT ON CLOSER EXAMINATION
The $2.6 billion in tax breaks for oil companies was offset by $2.9 billion in tax increases. The net was a $300 million tax increase over 11 years.
His proposals only require that children have coverage and be covered under their parents’ insurance up to age 25. Of about 46.5 million uninsured, most are adults. Details of his plan are not specific enough to tell how many might be left uninsured.
Actually, Bill Clinton also cut Arkansas taxes, just not as broadly as Huckabee. Still, although Huckabee cut taxes 94 times as governor, his term finished with a $500 million net increase in taxes.
The Congressional Budget Office, Treasury and White House’s Council of Economic Advisers agree that the tax cuts lead to revenues that are lower than they otherwise would have been — even if they spurred some economic growth.
Few legal scholars agree that the World Trade Organization or the Central American Free Trade Agreement would give international groups any power to impose such restrictions on Americans.
ENDORSEMENTS INCLUDE
New York Times, Jack Nicholson, Pa. Gov. Ed Rendell, former Rep. Richard Gephardt, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland
Baltimore Sun, Oprah Winfrey, Sen. Edward Kennedy (Mass.), Sen. Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Wis. Gov. Jim Doyle
Dallas Morning News, Jerry Falwell Jr., Chuck Norris, U.S. Rep. John Linder (Ga.), S.D. Gov. Mike Rounds
The Kansas City Star, former Sen. Phil Gramm (Texas), Steve Forbes, Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.), Utah Gov. John Huntsman
American Conservative Magazine, Arlo Guthrie, investment advisor/financial commentator Don Luskin, former N.M. Gov. Gary Johnson
BIO
BOOKS THEY’VE WRITTEN
TAXES
CLIMATE
LIKES TO SAY …
S O U R C E S : N E W YO R K T I M E S , M C C L AT C H Y- T R I B U N E , FA C T C H E C K . O R G , C A M PA I G N W E B S I T E S
MCT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ONEPAGE MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE
Sports
THE WICHITAN Feb. 13, 2008
Softball team takes first place at tourney BOBBY MORRIS SPORTS EDITOR Coming off of last weekend’s disappointing set of games MSU coach Brady Tigert led his team to Denton to compete in the Texas Women’s Tournament and hopefully get the team back on the right track. Midwestern State’s experience in the lineup finally reared its head and showed why the Mustangs were picked to take the LSC North division championship, again. Seniors Kristen Stonecipher and Lindsey Voigt had a solid showing last weekend, but just didn’t sparkle like they did for most of last year in the batter’s box. Well, that was all forgotten this weekend as the duo combined to go 13-30 (.302) at the plate, score fourteen of the team’s 37 runs, drive in seventeen runs, and slam four combined homeruns, including an opening game grand slam from Stonecipher. The Mustangs opened up the TWU Tournament last Saturday looking to get back into the win column. Their opening game was against a young Henderson States squad, and they didn’t even look
like the same squad from last week. Stonecipher blasted her second career grand slam in as many weeks to highlight a six-run second inning that led to the 13-0 five-inning run-ruled game. Katie Peterson didn’t need near as much offense as the Mustangs put up, as she dominated the Reddies only allowing three hits in the five-inning shutout win. Peterson struck out five batters while walking only one for her first win of the young season. The offense continued its onslaught in their second game against St. Edward’s. The Hilltoppers weren’t going to get shutout like the Reddies, though, eventually running up the score to hand MSU the loss, 11-7. Freshman starter, Brittany Tanner, didn’t get settled in until it was too late, giving up three runs on two hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning. Tanner settled in for the second inning, but got lit up again in the third inning, giving up five runs, including a three-run homerun to Hilltopper’s third baseman Melissa McSheffery. Peterson came in relief of Tan-
ner to start the fifth inning and provided enough stability to give MSU a comeback opportunity, but the Mustangs’ offense was held in check by the stellar relief pitching from St Edward’s freshman Diana Cezeaux. Cezeaux pitched the last four and one-third innings, recorded six strikeouts, and allowed no runs on just two hits, to hold off the Mustangs in the waning innings. This would be the only loss of the tournament for the Mustangs as Stonecipher and Voigt led the way to three impressive wins to finish out the TWU Tournament. The Mustangs’ final game last Saturday pitted them against the host-team. Senior left hander Ashley Kuchenski led the way, pitching a complete-game gem, striking out one batter, and giving up only one earned run on eight hits. After spending much of the young season in a hitting slump, Voigt’s hot bat led the way to the 5-2 victory. Voigt connected on 3-of-4 atbats, including a 2-2, two out solo homerun in the top of the fourth inning. Stonecipher, Maranda Bishop, and Jessica Rodriguez also
chipped in from the batter’s box for the Mustangs towards their thirdconsecutive double-digit hit game. In Midwestern State’s fourth game of the tourney, MSU took on the Central Missouri Jennies in a game that was decided more on errors than runs actually scored. Tanner got the start inside the circle and seemed to pitch much better than her earlier start in the tournament. She pitched four complete innings only giving up one earned run while striking out three batters. Peterson came in and dominated in three innings of hitless relief, striking out five batters, and claiming her second win of the season. It was tied 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning where things seemed to turn towards the Mustangs and the Jennies seemed to unravel. Stonecipher scored the final run of the game in the top of the sixth inning after UCM first baseman Whitney Sandberg dropped a throw from the shortstop and allowing Amanda Potysman to reach base safely. The Mustangs had their fate in their own hands entering the final game of the tournament at 2 p.m.
last Sunday. They had a one-game lead on Henderson State and St. Edward’s, and only had to win against archrival West Texas A&M to take the solo-first place finish. The Mustangs not only won their final game, they run-ruled the Lady Buffs riding the hot pitching of Peterson. Peterson got the start and pitched all five innings, and only allowed three base runners the entire contest. Peterson struck out four batters, while only walking one on her way to her third victory of the tournament and of the season. Voigt went up to bat three times in the game, reaching base each time. She was given a free pass on her first at-bat of the game, and then connected on her next two offerings for two hits. Voigt drove in a team-high three RBIs, while the Mustangs improved their record to 6-4 on the season and took the first-place prize at the TWU Tournament. The Mustangs will finally play their first home games this Saturday afternoon against the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas. First pitch of the double-header from Mustangs’ Park is slated for 1 p.m.
TexAnns pull away from Mustangs late 77-66 JOSH MUJICA SPORTS WRITER
Patrick Johnston THE WICHITAN Sophomore forward Andrea Buben (30) shown here going to the rack for a rebound against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Buben finished last week’s game with fifteen points after leading a second half charge that came up just short against Tarleton State.
The MSU women’s basketball team gave everything they had against Tarleton State on Saturday . It wasn’t good enough, as the Mustangs fell to the TexAnns, 77-66, at Wisdom Gym in Stephenville. The Mustangs shot 1-of-11 from 3-point land in the first half compiling a 35.5 percentage from the floor and giving the sharp-shooting TexAnns a 41-27 lead going into intermission. Brittni Morrison and Andrea Buben stepped up for the Mustangs in the second half as they combined for seven 3-pointers to cut an 18-point TexAnn lead to five points with four minutes left to play. Tarleton State’s Sonya Sundberg responded with a key 3-point basket that gave the TexAnn’s a 69-60 lead with 3:10 to go. MSU countered with a 3-point shot but at the 1:44 mark, TSU’s D’Anna Dingler hit one of the most amazing shots the conference has ever seen to increase the lead to 73-63. Dingler ran past her bench and launched a shot from over her head
as the shot clock was expiring that tickled the twine and brought the crowd to its feet. Momentum played a part and MSU was unable to catch up. “They battled hard,” said MSU coach Shannon Burks, “Their effort hasn’t been something I’ve had a problem with. They are making very fundamental mistakes and that beat us tonight. You can’t make fundamental mistakes like that and expect to beat good people, especially on the road.” Buben finished with fifteen points including 3-of-5 from behind the arc and Morrison posted all of her twelve points in the second half, shooting 4-of-4 from behind the 3-point line. Rosy Ofoegbu and Tiffany Cook contributed twelve points each for the Mustangs. TSU’s Krystal Cole and Sundberg tallied 21 points each and the TexAnns finished 7-of-17 as a team in the 3-point category. Tarleton State improves to 15-6 overall and 6-1 in Lone Star Conference South competition. While, the Mustangs fell to 9-12 on the season and 3-5 in conference play. MSU will host the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs tonight at D.L.
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Mustangs Player Profile Kristen Stonecipher
Softball I #5 Senior - Third Baseman Birthdate : May 3, 1986 Hometown : Flower Mound Major : Exercise Physiology Kristen is arguably the most prolific hitter in MSU history. Since the softball program has been revived Stonecipher has led the offensive attack for the Mustangs, recording 60 multiple hit games, and a .371 career batting average. Kristen was an all-state first baseman as a senior at Flower Mound HS, before being named a third-team All-American two years ago as a sophomore at MSU. Did you know?! “Stoney”’s primary hobby is sleeping.
Ligon Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live via 100.9 BOB FM, bobradio.fm and msumustangs.com. Preview of the game will begin at 5:45 p.m. and continue until following the men’s game.
Mustangs pull off major upset over No. 12 Texans 79-65 JOSH MUJICA SPORTS WRITER After struggling early in the conference season, to a 2-4 conference record, the MSU Mustangs looked to come out of the gate on the right foot for the second half of Lone Star Conference South competition, beginning last Saturday. The men’s basketball team did just that as they defeated No. 12 Tarleton State, 79-65, at Wisdom Gym in Stephenville, snapping the Texans fourth longest win streak in school history and handing them their first in LSC South loss. The Mustangs ended TSU’s 31game win streak last year and it took a complete team effort to do it again. Senior Jeremy Ford and Nolan Richardson IV controlled both
halves of the game as they both contributed eighteen points. Richardson was the star of the first half as he netted 3-of-4 from behind the arc in the last five minutes, before intermission to put the Mustangs up 33-23. Ford earned LSC South Division Player of the Week honors after his performance in the second half. Ford poured in fifteen points to propel the Mustangs to victory. The 6-2 guard scored nine points in a MSU 11-3 run that pulled them away from TSU. The Texans cut the Mustangs ten-point halftime lead to a 3-point lead with 16:25 left in regulation. Ford came through in the clutch situations, as he went 5-of-7 from the field in the second half including 4-of-4 from 3-point land. Tarleton State had great play in-
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side the paint as center, Terrence Gamble, posted fifteen points and twelve rebounds. Forward Eric Williams also threw in fourteen points, six rebounds and four assists. Gamble, 6-11, and Williams, 66, gave the Mustangs problems in the post but Trajinski Grigsby and freshman Charlie Logan sacrificed their bodies to effectively slow the big men down just enough. Both Grigsby and Logan fouled out of the game after playing just seventeen minutes. “We knew going into the game that we were going to have to foul, “ MSU coach Jeff Ray said. “We wanted to be real physical and not give them any easy lay-ups.” The win moves the Mustangs into a tie with Angelo State for fourth place in the LSC South with a 3-4 record. The Mustangs also improve to 11-10 on the season. Tarleton State fell to 6-1 in conference play and 19-3 overall. The Mustangs return home to take on archrival West Texas A&M tonight under the dome of D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m., or 25 minutes following the end of the women’s basketball game. The game can be heard live on 100.9 BOB FM, bobradio.fm or msumustangs.com. The broadcast will begin at 5:45 p.m., with the women’s game preview followed directly by men’s coverage.
Patrick Johnston THE WICHITAN LSC South Division Player of the Week Jeremy Ford shown here guarded the imbound pass from a UTPB player. Ford lit it up from behind the arc, eventually scoring eighteen points on the way to the upset victory.
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THE WICHITAN Feb. 13, 2008
Sports