The student voice of Midwestern State University
The Wichitan page 4 Red Dirt Rebels
Up-and-comers Whiskey Myers played unique brand of Texas Music at Crazy Horse Saloon
page 5 Super Surprise Cardinals unexpectedly reach Super Bowl LXIII to battle Steelers for first-ever Super Bowl title
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009
Rogers makes plans for a greener campus Brittany Norman Editor in Chief
MSU will soon be a greener place if Dr. Jesse Rogers’ hopes come to fruition. The university president has been discussing recycling and sustainability efforts as a jumping-off point to making Midwestern more eco-friendly. Last fall, Rogers put these goals in writing when he signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. The first undertaking will be
the development of an effective recycling program. Currently, Midwestern recycles some paper and aluminum through the State Hospital. “(Wichita Falls) is discussing setting up recycling systems so that we can take certain plastics to the transfer station,” Rogers said. “We will get into recycling on campus.” This will mean investing in a means to pick up and transport recyclables, as well as containers. “We want to be a leader in sustainability,” Rogers said.
Last summer, Rogers and other university administrators met at South Oregon University, a school that has been designated by that state as a sustainable campus. “Every pen they gave us was made from recycled paper,” Rogers said. “Their cafeteria is operated by a company that serves foods grown locally and organically without hormones or fertilizer.” At the moment, Rogers’ plans for MSU are more focused on getting an effective recycling program in place. However, he
said he would like to see the campus use products from more small farms to reduce MSU’s carbon emissions. “Transportation of food has become a major carbon footprint,” Rogers said. “We use a tremendous amount of petroleum for transportation.” Rogers has other concerns as well. “I have another issue and it is really in conflict with a problem we have right now on campus,” Rogers said. He was talking about parking. “We have a beautiful cam-
pus,” he said, “but there is very little green space.” He said he would like for students to have more natural areas to take advantage of and less concrete, but he said he understands the need for convenient parking as well. Environmental issues are not just a campus problem, he noted. Rogers said he believes everyone is going to have to make sacrifices and come together to find any real solution. “The major problem we have in solving (environmental issues) is a lack of education about
the economics, politics and the science of sustainability,” Rogers said. “They seem in conflict, and we’ve got to make rational decisions.” As far as alternative energy sources and greener lifestyles, Rogers believes that the first step is to spend money on research. “The environment will become good business and create jobs,” he said. A former chemistry professor, Rogers said MSU is a good place to start educating people See GREEN page 3
Photo Courtesy A student reads on the steps at the Abbey in Pontlevoy, France.
Abroad studies flourish despite economy woes Jamie Monroe Entertainment Editor
Jenny Oliver For the Wichitan
Jeff Johnson plans to dedicate his life to helping people in South America. He’s off to a good start. Johnson left Wichita Falls Dec. 31, 2007. He spent New Year’s Eve in an airport in Lima, Peru, unsure of what was ahead of him. Right now, the 2007 sociology major is in Bolivia, South America. “I’ve decided to dedicate myself to missions in the summer of 2005 when I went on a short-term mission trip to Sri Lanka to help out with the tsunami that occurred there Dec. 2004,” he said. Johnson, 23, had a few years of Spanish under his belt from high school and two years at MSU. He decided to put it to good use. “I really didn’t have a preference for countries other than in South America. Peru is where our team is based so I started there and then got transferred to our Bolivian mountain team.” Now he is in the town of Sucre, population 250,000. He uses the city as a base camp in between trips. Johnson is not alone in this journey. Accompanying him is Javier, a Peruvian guide. They live in Sucre with two others, an American named Graham and a Colombian named Efraín. “Our routine depends on where we are,” Johnson said. “In Sucre, we study the language we will need in the communities as often as we can and meet at the church at least three times
a week. In the communities, we work from sunrise to sunset with the men in the communities in their fields, trying to build relationships with them.” He also shares stories from the Bible with them when he can so they can learn about Jesus” One of the greatest challenges was learning another language called Quechua, he said. Johnson gave some background on the language. The Incas used it when the Spanish arrived more than 500 years ago. It is still used in the villages far away from the cities. “It is nothing like Spanish or English so it’s been very challenging,” he said. While in Bolivia, the fear of disease is See BOLIVIA page 3
Despite increasing costs both on and off campus, enrollment and interest in Midwestern State University study abroad programs in France and London have increased this year, according to the international student office. Dr. Larry Williams, director of the International Education program, said that the current economy has had no negative impact on student interest. “We have record numbers for our semester abroad programs,” he said, adding that the dollar has gained against both the British pound and the Euro, and that students’ money would go further this year than in previous semesters. Williams said students and parents are looking at the overall experience of studying abroad as an investment, rather than in terms of costs. “There is this illusion that college consists of only direct costs,” he said. “What we overlook is that all the money we spend in college is a collegerelated cost.” Tuition and fees for the France program are $7,400, and tuition and fees for the London program are $5,500. The international student office estimates that students in France will spend $12,500 total, including airfare and travel expenses. Students studying in London are estimated to spend $7,000 or more. MSU students studying abroad receive a scholarship from the university to help offset the difference in tuition. The scholarship money comes from student fees. The amount awarded var-
ies each year, but it is usually about $1,000 per student. Williams said that students set on studying abroad have been inventive in finding ways to cover the cost. Along with scholarships, financial aid and student loans, Williams said that more and more students are asking parents, family, and friends for trip money in lieu of birthday or Christmas presents. He also said that students have funded trips through their own initiative and saving money from part- or full-time jobs. “Students can save a lot more money than they think,” Williams said. Alyssa Inman, a junior English major, attended the Spring Abbey program in 2008. Inman said she spent about $15,000 for her semester in France and funded her trip mostly through student loans. Inman said that she had expected to come home and have money left over, but that wasn’t the case. “Fifteen thousand seems like a lot, but it’s really not,” said Inman, stressing the importance of planning in traveling abroad. “Budget. Know where you want to go, and budget for it,” she said. “And be careful about dollars to Euros. It’s easy to get mixed up.” Jordan Jacob, a senior art major who attended the London program last summer, said she also spent more than she intended. “Oh, it was way more expensive than I expected,” said Jacob, who was able to study abroad through saving and a gift from her grandmother. “Everything was priced like things are in dolSee INTERNATIONAL page 3
Sweepstakes Winner 2006 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
Viewpoints
Finalist 2004 Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award
The Wichitan
Staff Editorial
Helping others
Okay, let’s be honest. The campus has a lot of wide spaces in the sidewalks, sudden drops in the grassy areas and marble stairs which tend to get very slippery when it rains or ices. Basically, if you don’t have, say, the perfect equilibrium, you’re going to fall a few times on your rush to get to a class. We’re not trying to say that it’s the school’s fault that some of us are balance-challenged, but if you’re walking by someone who bites it while carrying a pile of books, maybe you should help out. It just seems like the right thing to do. One would think that if you saw someone lying on his or her back (in a spot that they generally would not be taking a nap) with books, a backpack, a shoe and a cell phone scattered around them, it would be a good idea not to literally step over them and comment on how it looked like that hurt. Thank
Inauguration sparks hope, concern Alyssa Edson Op-Ed Editor
As of last Tuesday, Barrack Obama of-
ficially is the 44th president of the United States. The 47-year-old former Illinois senator was sworn into office after vice president Joe Biden took his oath at the inauguration ceremony. Before the ceremony took place, the media threw around terms like “historical” to describe how they believed the inauguration would go. Historical seems to be an understatement. The inauguration of the first black president of the United States was an event unlike any other, an event that cannot simply be described by the same word used to modify events like the invention of bread. No, the 56th inauguration ceremony was indescribably powerful. Right when I tuned in to Channel 8 to watch the live coverage, a picture of the estimated 1.4 million people crowding the National Mall and parade route flashed across the screen. It was a truly unbeliev-
you, Captain Obvious. It doesn’t even matter if you laugh. Who hasn’t in a movie scene where the waiter trips? After you’ve had your chuckle why not lend a hand? Help them to their feet then help them pick up their belongings. Just remember that person could just as easily be you.
able sight, but the man about to become President was proving that nothing is impossible. The message rang true for more than just citizens of the United States as the station interviewed Canadians and other foreigners who traveled to the Capitol and stood for hours among hours just to be a part of history. In my opinion, Obama’s speech was worth the wait those who had stood since dawn endured. During the speech, the President stated that, “We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America.” The memorable line was a bridge between Obama calling out the unfinished business the Bush administration left and his vision for the future of the United States. His confidence that he would be able to turn America around and get the country out of its economic crisis made his speech more moving than any to date. Obama’s inauguration was different than past ceremonies in many ways, and the theme of Abraham Lincoln that was
carried throughout the four-day celebration made this ceremony stand out even more than the rest. The ceremony’s differences from past inaugurations made it a memorable one, but also made it the most expensive inauguration in history. The price tag for the festivities is estimated by nydailynews. com to be right under $160 million, a grand total that calls for taxpayers’ dollars. So, my question is, if we are supposed to be entering a “new era of responsibility” and leaving our economic crisis behind us, why are the American people paying three times the amount we gave for Bush’s inauguration? I’m not sure that this was the best way to start off Obama’s presidency, but I do hope that the actions that did not ring true for what he has promised up to this point are not a reflection of the next four years. Despite a few concerns that I had while I watched the live coverage, I do think that Obama’s speech was truly inspiring and definitely sparked hope that things will be changing for the better in the near future.
Something to say?
The Wichitan is seeking guest columnists. If you have something you’d like to write about, e-mail an opinion piece to wichitan@mwsu.edu. We welcome opinions from students, faculty and staff.
Use your voice!
THINK GREEN: Please recycle The Wichitan after reading.
Bins are located in Clark Student Center and Bolin Hall
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://wichitan.mwsu.edu Copyright © 2008. 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.
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Brittany Norman
Managing Editor Chris Collins
Entertainment Editor Jamie Monroe
Reporters Richard Carter Josh Mujica Lauren Wood
Op-Ed Editor Alyssa Edson
Photographers Loren Eggenschwiler
Photo Editor Patrick Johnston
Advertising Manager Jody Smith
Sports Editor Bobby Morris
Copy Editor Patrick Johnston Adviser Randy Pruitt
News
The Wichitan Jan. 28, 2009
BOLIVIA.....................................................................................................continued from page 1 They had less than one liter of water for each of them, and had to walk more than six hours and climb a 2,000-foot mountain. Beyond the internal struggles there are external obstacles, such as the Peruvian government. Asked about his thoughts on the restrictive Bolivian government, Johnson said, “Lately, the government has been harassing Americans because the President has said we are trying to cause dissention among the people. “So there has been tension, especially whenever there are
anti-American protests throughout the country. Right now we are laying low and trying to wait it out before we head into the communities another time.” Johnson said leaving the United States was one of the hardest things he ever did. Having a support system behind him made the journey much easier. Johnson admitted it has been quite an adjustment. “I have been able to keep in contact with my family and loved ones back home, so that has helped immensely,” he said. “My parents have been my greatest support system. They
send me letters, and that has been a great help for me to finish my term here. Also, my pastor at Colonial Baptist Church has been a great help as well since I’ve been here. The best part of missions is seeing people respond to the Gospel for the first time. “I would really like to go to Africa after I finish my term here (I have 13 more months) and finish seminary when I return to the states. Many have never heard of Jesus before and their eyes light up with hope. It is an amazing transformation to behold.”
Campus Wednesday
• Theatre production: The Rivals in Fain Fine Arts Theatre at 11 a.m. • Student Success Series: ‘Drunk Sex or Date Rape?’ in CSC Comanche at 7 p.m.
Thursday
INTERNATIONAL.......................................................................................continued from page 1 lars, but with the pound conversion, you paid double.” Williams said that students abroad also typically spend more than students staying at home because they go out and experience the city they’re in. “I guarantee they’re not sitting at home at night, or on the weekends. They’re out and about,” he said. “It’s their one chance to be in Europe for a month.” Despite the cost, Inman insisted that the ultimate experience was worth it. “I’d do it again. I want to do it again,” she said. Jacob called her experience in London “once in a lifetime,” and said that she never expected to be able to attend. Williams agreed that the opportunity to study abroad is a phenomenal experience.
• Theatre production: The Rivals; Fain Fine Arts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
“I had one woman, about fifteen, eighteen years ago, who said, ‘Well, I didn’t think it was that great,’” Williams said. “I’ve taken probably 700 Midwestern students. So I’d say that’s a pretty good ratio.” Williams said that students hoping to study abroad should explore within reason all financial possibilities open to them. “There’s never a perfect time to go,” Williams said. “But if students seriously want to go, we are going to do everything within reason that we can to facilitate that.”
Tuesday, Feb. 3 • Athletics luncheon at Wichita Falls Museum of Art at noon to 1 p.m. • Faculty Forum: Dr. Stuart McClintock in CSC Shawnee Theatre at 7 p.m. • Study abroad: London information by Dr. Larry Williams in CSC Wichita I and II at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at noon.
photo courtesy MSU students in the London Summer Program look out of a phone booth in London. Potential candidates for the abroad program will meet this week.
GREEN.......................................................................................................continued from page 1 about the science, economics and policy of the environment. “We should do more than produce degrees,” he said. According to Rogers, a university should educate students on health, service and living a good and prosperous lifestyle “consis-
tent with maintaining our atmosphere.” “I fully intend to support doing that.” Once an effective means of recycling is found, Rogers plans to take bigger steps in the future. “I think that the next building
we build will be a green building,” he said. “It will use alternative energies and be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.” Rogers said the extra cost of building eco-friendly will pay off in the end.
“There’s just one wall,” he said. “Cost. Ultimately, it will pay its way. I hope the administration puts significant funds into science and health for alternative energy and sustainability. It would stimulate the economy, to put that money into research.”
COMING SOON TO A CAMPUS NEAR YOU…
New Jerusalem Baptist Church Rev. Angus Thompson, Pastor
We Welcome Our New Neighbors
Sunday, Feb. 1st 5:00pm, CSC Shawnee
Superbowl Party: Steelers vs. Cardinals Free Food and Prizes! Sponsored by UPB & RHA.
Monday, Feb. 2nd 6:00pm, CSC Shawnee
University Programming Board Meeting Open to all MSU Students.
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd 7:15pm, CSC Comanche
Student Government Association Meeting Don’t miss the first meeting of the spring semester!
Wednesday, Feb. 4th 11:30am-1pm, CSC Atrium
Student Organization Fair There will also be a Part-time Job and Volunteer Fair from 12-3pm.
Thursday, Feb. 5th 6:00pm, CSC Shawnee
Greek Roundtable Discussion All Greek students are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, Feb. 5th 7:00pm, CSC Comanche
The Real Deal Crazy Game Show—Win $400 in Cash & Prizes! Featuring Black History Month Questions!
Friday, Feb. 6th 5:00pm, CSC 194
Spirit Days Peer Counselor Applications Due Help welcome new students and their families to MSU!
Saturday, Feb. 7th 3:30pm, Meet at the CSC
Student Trip to MSU vs. Tarleton State Basketball Games Sign up at the CSC Information Desk.
Tuesday, Feb. 10th 1:30pm, CSC Kiowa
Multicultural Services Discussion Series Is Black History Month Relevant?
Spotlight
Has your organization done something worthy of recognition in the Spotlight? (performed community service, presented a program, traveled to a conference, received an award, etc.) Let us know! Call 397-4500 so your organization can be featured in a future issue. Are you interested in joining a new student organization for transfer students? This organization could welcome new transfer students to MSU and provide important information about the campus as well as serve as a resource to the University in organizing transfer student services and programs. Email matthew.park@mwsu.edu or call 397-4500 if interested.
“The Church That Reminds You of Home”
the
Student Success Series presents Brett Sokolow Drunk Sex or Date Rape: Can You Tell the Difference?
Want to be a Peer Counselor for Spirit Days 2009? The Office of Student Development and Orientation is now accepting applications for Spirit Days Peer Counselors. Peer Counselors welcome new students to campus and assist in their successful transition to the University. Applications are available in the Clark Student Center and various locations around campus. Completed applications are due February 6, 2009.
1400 Borton Lane Wichita Falls, TX 76305
Lively music and down home Sunday School 9:30 A.M. preaching and Morning Worship 10:45 A.M. Bible Study Wednesday Evening 7:00 P.M. teachings.
Wednesday, Jan. 28th 7:00pm, CSC Comanche
Attention Transfer Students...
briefs
A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS... -To the women of Sigma Lambda Alpha sorority for having the highest G.P.A. of all Greek chapters for the Fall 2008 semester. -To the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity for being approved for colonization at Midwestern State University. -To the Caribbean Student Organization (CSO) Good Neighbor Scholars for recently volunteering at the Kirby IB World Academy Math and Science Meet. -To the three newest registered student organizations at MSU: ASME, In and Out, & the Student Nurses Christian Fellowship.
Risk Management Workshops
Any registered student organizations which have not yet attended a risk management workshop this year must attend one of the following: Wednesday, January 28th 2:00pm or 5:30pm CSC Shawnee Theater For more information, including a list of organizations that must still complete the risk management requirement, please call 397-4500.
The Spotlight is brought to you by The Office of Student Development & Orientation Endless Opportunities. Lifelong Connections. Clark Student Center, Room 194 (940) 397-4500 http://activities.mwsu.edu
Look for the next Spotlight on Wednesday, February 11th!
58613
ever so present. “There are many diseases prevalent here – yellow fever, typhoid, and I have heard cases of the Black Plague too,” Johnson said. He also faces the danger of malnutrition and dehydration from all the hiking. They eat potatoes for all three meals. “There is no fresh water between the villages so we have to stock up beforehand,” he said. Stocking up came as a learning experience. Johnson said the scariest thing was when he and his partner, Javier, almost died of dehydration.
3
4
The Wichitan Jan. 28, 2009
Entertainment
Red Dirt Rebellion
Whiskey Myers plays country with a Southern Rock edge Brittany Norman Editor in Chief
You probably haven’t heard of Whiskey Myers yet, but if you’ve got an ear for Red Dirt country music, it won’t be long until you do. The up-and-coming Texas country band has had two singles, Road of Life and Lonely East Texas Nights, break high enough on the Texas music charts to gain them notice. They played last Thursday at The Crazy Horse Saloon in Wichita Falls. At first glance, it seemed like the five man band from Tyler, Texas wouldn’t draw much of a crowd at all, but as show time ap-
proached the joint started filling up with country fans. According to the band, the farthest they’ve ever traveled is Chicago, a trip they made with no trailer lights (they only got pulled over once), but the home-state crowds seem to appreciate the music they’re playing. Audience members two-stepped around the dance floor to Thief of Hearts and twirled their partners to the sound of the southern rock/ off-beat country hybrid. Whiskey Myers is unique in a few ways. The band is listed as having not one but three lead guitarists, and when listening to their album or watching them perform
it quickly becomes evident that there are two lead singers as well, Cody Cannon and Cody Tate. Cannon says he sings the songs that he writes, and Tate sings the lyrics that he pens. Maybe it’s not conventional, but whatever they’re doing is working. The lyrics run the spectrum from emotive and thoughtful to brash and rockin’, but unlike far too many songwriters, Whiskey Myers doesn’t sacrifice good writing. Just when it seems like you’ve got their style figured out, they throw an unexpected element out that keeps everyone guessing.
Photo by Brittany Norman Cody Cannon and Whiskey Myers played a show last Thursday at the Crazy Horse Saloon.
‘Bride Wars’ not quite war, not quite entertaining Lauren Wood For The Wichitan
In a nutshell, “Bride Wars” is a comedic chick flick with a bit of a mean streak. If you put “27 Dresses” and “Mean Girls” in a blender and mixed it, I think you would get something similar to this film. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good chick flick. Notice the key word being “good.” Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) are best friends who have the same dream: to have June weddings at the Plaza. Friends since childhood, this fantasy started when their mothers took them for lunch at the Plaza’s Palm Court, where a wedding was taking place. Years and years later, the two
Photo Courtesy Bride Wars, starring Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson
women get engaged and happily plan their dream weddings. But, due to a scheduling conflict, they end up having their weddings scheduled for the same date, time and place. Instead of changing venues
or days, the two friends declare war. Round one. Hathaway, a mellow school teacher who has always been good at taking care of others, transforms into a Bridezilla and sends Liv chocolates
and candies so she won’t fit into her wedding dress. Round two. Hudson, a powerhungry lawyer who is used to getting everything she wants, won’t settle for anything less than her perfect wedding, even if that means spiking Emma’s tanning salon formula so she turns the shade of a Dorito. Round three. Still a furious bride, Hathaway also crashes Liv’s bachelorette party at a male strip club and switches Liv’s hair color mix to blue at the salon. And so on and so on. Overall, I would rate this movie a C. The film makes women seem like self-absorbed monsters who will do anything for their perfect day and has little believability about the whole concept. Do little girls dream about their weddings down to the last detail? And if they do,
Best Supporting Actor: Downey vs. Ledger Jamie Monroe Entertainment Editor
Months before “Dark Knight” opened in theaters and shattered box office sales, people were already talking about Heath Ledger’s role as the Joker. Fans called for Ledger’s Oscar before they’d even seen the filmand they especially called for it once they had. Perhaps because of Ledger’s death, for once, every major awards show listened to what fans were saying, and nominated Ledger in the Best Supporting Actor slot. The buzz about Ledger’s Joker wasn’t unjustified; for the first time in Batman movie history, the Joker wasn’t a campy, clown-faced maniac with bad puns. Ledger’s Joker was unpredictable, sadistic, and truly horrifying. Ledger’s final, completed role was certainly done well. Next to that, it’s easy to forget that there are other actors up for
the Best Supporting Actor nodall of whom were extraordinary in their roles. Josh Brolin in “Milk,” Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt,” Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road.” And not to forget Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder”- who I’m going to jump out and say deserves the win. Downey received the nomination for playing the part of Kirk Lazarus, a brilliant but troubled (white) Australian method actor who completely immerses himself in his latest role as an African American sergeant in the Vietnam War. At one point in the film, Downey, as the Australian playing an African American soldier, dresses in drag to play an elderly Chinese woman that speaks Mandarin. Later, Lazarus experiences a mental breakdown, because he cannot identify the particular “dude” that he is supposed to be. “I know what dude I am,” he insists. “I’m the dude playin’
the dude, disguised as another dude!” And that line sums up why he should take home an Academy Award. Before his comeback role in “Ironman,” Downey was another tabloid story of a big star that fell hard. This year, he starred in two blockbusters and scored SAG, Golden Globe, and Oscar nominations for his role as Kirk Lazarus. Not to mention that “Tropic Thunder” was not only a comedy, it was directed by Ben Stiller. It’s unfortunate that Ledger and Downey are pitted against each other this year. Downey, just now making his return to A-list acting, and Ledger, under-recognized during his lifetime, are both talented actors who deserve the win. But, there really may be no point in discussing it. The Academy has a knack for selecting winners out of a hat, and it may be a complete surprise on Oscar night.
do they keep those dreams until they are 26 years old? The acting is decent, but there is little chemistry between Hudson and Hathaway. They are completely opposite characters who do a poor job of making the audience believe they are really friends. When all is said and done, “Bride Wars” is a romantic tale between two straight girlfriends, instead of the usual man and women. It has the typical initial love and happiness, then the conflict and fight and lastly, the
2,050 109
happy ending. However, this love story is about two women who only love themselves. The men they are marrying play little role in the story. Some men can be dragged to chick flicks and actually enjoy them. This is not one of them. Women, leave your man at home or in another theater. As a matter of fact, leave yourselves at home. Or at least until it comes to the dollar theater or available on T.V.
Weight in pounds of MSU’s Liberty Bell.
Number of parking spaces added to campus since September.
When You Donate Plasma You Help Create Life Saving Therapies for: Newborns and their mothers Children and adults with hemophila Burn, shock, and trauma victims Vaccine development ' Surgical patients ' Hepatitis patients Bone-marrow transplant adult recipients Immunedeficient children and adults Research and development in medical testing Name: Kevin Lloyd Occupation: Student Hobbies: Playing music and surfing the internet Why I donate plasma: Donating plasma is a worthy cause. Name: Lua Augustin Occupation: ISM lead at Sears Hobbies: Reading and dancing Why I donate plasma: A simple way to contribute to medical advances. My mother is a nurse and I always wanted to do something to help other people. 3114082
1908 9th Street www.dciplasma.com
Sports
The Wichitan Jan. 28, 2009
5
Cardinals look to make history with Super Bowl win For a while it seemed like a cruel joke. A franchise that had gone 61 years since its last NFL title needed less than 20 minutes to blow an 18-point lead. But these are Bizarro times in the Valley of the Sun, a paralleluniverse that Sunday announced itself to the world. The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. Really and truly. Ageless Kurt Warner threw four touchdown passes, three to unstoppable wideout Larry Fitzgerald, and the last an 8-yard shovel to rookie tailback Tim Hightower with 2:53 remaining that pushed the Cardinals to a 32-25 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game before a sold-out and success-starved University of Phoenix Stadium crowd of 70,650. One of the most shocking postseason runs in NFL history was eight decades in the making. The franchise - whether in Chicago, St. Louis or the Phoenix suburbs - had won just one playoff game since capturing the 1947 NFL Championship and earned its reputation as one of the most dysfunctional organizations in pro sports. MCT Campus
“I always thought this day would come,” said Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill, whose father bought the team in 1932. “I just didn’t know when.” But with Sunday’s thrilling comeback, which answered a game rally by the visitors, the Cardinals (12-7) won a third straight postseason game as an underdog and now will head to Tampa to face AFC champion Pittsburgh (14-4) in Super Bowl XLIII on Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium. “I’m having a hard time even saying it right now . . . much less thinking about,” said safety Adrian Wilson, at eight seasons the longest-tenured starter of the NFL’s longest-tenured loser. “The Cardinals changed their stripes today.” Funny. Just eight weeks ago, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb and friends carved up the Cards 48-20 on Thanksgiving night. “And everyone thought they were going to do exactly the same thing,” Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett said. “But this wasn’t the same team that played that night.” Apparently nothing about the Cardinals is the same as before. “I want to say ‘Arizona Cardinals’ and ‘Super Bowl’ in the same sentence,” Warner crowed
afterward. “I like the way that sounds. How ‘bout it?” Warner, 37, completed 21of-28 passes for 279 yards and didn’t turn the ball over. His first three touchdowns went to Fitzgerald, who continued his all-world postseason by hauling in nine balls for 152 yards, including touchdowns of 9, 62 and 1 yard to help Arizona open a 24-6 halftime lead. But McNabb, playing in his fifth NFC title game in eight years (and losing his fourth), rebounded from an ineffective first half to hit on 17-of-28 secondhalf throws for 266 yards and three touchdowns. His 62-yard scoring bomb to rookie DeSean Jackson (despite decent coverage by rookie first-round pick Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie) gave Philly a 25-24 lead and silenced the crowd with 10:45 to go in the game. At that point, the Eagles had outgained the Cards in total offense 251-29 in the second half. “The next seven minutes made the difference,” Arizona Coach Ken Whisenhunt said. Despite just one first down since intermission, the Cards marched with confidence, starting at their 28 and driving deep into Philly territory, converting a critical fourth-and-1 from the Eagles 49 along the way and a
MCT Campus Photo
Cardinals’ star wideout Larry Fitzgerald (11) sparked the team’s emergence into the national spotlight. In Super Bowl XLIII Arizona will be fighting for the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl title against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
third-and-1 at the 14. On third-and-goal at the 8, Warner played it safe – a field goal would have given Arizona the lead – dumping a short, middle-like screen to Hightower, who bobbed, weaved and slammed his way into the end zone to put the Cards up 30-25. Warner’s two-point conversion pass to tight end Ben Patrick assured that a Philadelphia touchdown and point-after
would only tie the game. McNabb, facing a deafening din, moved his team to the Cards 47, but three straight incompletions set up a dramatic and very loud fourth-and-10. His sideline pass to Kevin Curtis was high and wide, caroming off the receiver’s hands, sending the Cards into ecstasy and the Eagles home with another disappointing title-game finish.
“You never want it to end,” McNabb said. The Cardinals and their fans were saying the same thing Sunday night. Whatever happens next, it will end in Tampa. In the Super Bowl. “Anyone who doesn’t believe it,” Dockett beamed, “just wake up and read the newspapers.”
Richardson, Green carry squad during record-breaking streak After sputtering to a 3-3 start, it seemed that all the MSU Mustangs and Nolan Richardson needed was the sound of Jingle Bells and sight of Christmas wreaths during the holiday break. Then, after dropping a 56-55 nail-biter at Northeastern State on Dec. 15, the Mustangs reeled off 10-straight wins, including winning 11 of 13 games since the holiday break. Richardson led the Mustangs throughout the break taking in three Lone Star Conference South Player of the Week honors during the five-week schedule. After the fifth game of their 10-game winning streak Richardson and the Mustangs looked as in-tune as possible. The shooting guard and the
rest of the squad took no break with East Central as they dismantled them by 37, 106-69. Richardson poured in 10 3-pointers while putting up a game-high 32 points. The onslaught of treys broke Midwestern State’s previous school record of nine set by Damion McKinney on Nov. 30, 1996. Then 10 3-pointers led the way for breaking another school-record of team treys in a game with 19 total long-range shots made. Craig Green put in four 3-pointers, Trajinski Grigsby tallied three and both Marcus Anderson and Melvin Clark put another try in. Green finished with 22 points to help propel the Mustangs to the overwhelming LSC crossover game. The team finished shooting 50 percent overall from the field, while racking up
her career-best seventh trey as the buzzer rang to tie the game and place the game in the hands of Rosy Ofoegbu. Ofoegbu poured in eight of her 13 points in the extra period to help the Mustangs claim the 79-77 victory. Cierra Thompson and Katiya Jackson both helped MSU take the win with 18 and 10 points, respectively. The efforts overshadowed the performance of Camille Perkins who tallied up 23 points to go alongside Lauren Weishuhn’s eight points, rebounds and assists. Buben’s late-game heroics led to her garnering LSC South
Player of the Week honors for the first time this season. Thompson and Araujo helped key a second half run January 24 for the Mustangs’ second divisional win over the Eastern New Mexico Zias. The win marked the fourthstraight victory on Gerald Stockton floor in D.L. Ligon Coliseum and improved their overall record to 7-11, including 2-2 in LSC South play. The Mustangs will look to continue their home winning streak this Saturday against Abilene Christian. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and will be followed by the men’s basketball game.
Bobby Morris Sports Editor
Patrick Johnston | The Wichitan Nolan Richardson IV eyes his opponent during last Saturday’s game against ENM. MSU whalloped ENM 83-44.
Midwestern State Men’s Basketball During the Holiday Break
Dec. 15 - @ Northeastern State L 56-55 Dec. 17 - Texas A&M-Commerce W 70-67 (OT) Dec. 20 - Northwest Missouri State W 84-78 Dec. 21 - Ouachita Baptist W 77-72 Dec. 30 - Texas-Permian Basin W 67-60 Jan. 3 - Southeastern Oklahoma W 74-48 Jan. 5 - East Central W 106-69 Jan. 8 - @ Cameron W 85-56 Jan. 10 - @ Southwestern Oklahoma W 77-67 Jan. 14 - Angelo State W 95-82 Jan. 17 - @ Texas A&M-Kingsville W 68-65 (OT) Jan. 21 - @ West Texas A&M L 61-67 Jan. 24 - Eastern New Mexico W 83-44
33 assists on the evening. Richardson dropped at least 30 points in three-consecutive games during the break to tie a record set nearly 55 years ago when MSU competed in the
NAIA. The Mustangs return to action this Saturday where they will host the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.
Holiday break brings winning into minds of young Mustangs team Bobby Morris Sports Editor
When Noel Johnson and her Mustangs squad went on the Christmas break, all that they could hope for was a sense of consistency. Five games into the season MSU had seen only one victory, and the extremely young team, led by a first-time head coach was still looking for what could spark them come conference competition. Led by a pair of some of the few experienced upperclassmen on the team, Andrea Buben and Regiane Araujo, the Mustangs
were able to piece together a few wins in a row and ultimately place themselves right into the middle of the conference tournament picture. From Dec. 15 through the New Year and until last Saturday, Jan. 24, the Mustangs won six out of seven, including two Lone Star Conference South division victories against Angelo State and Eastern New Mexico. Buben propelled the Mustangs to their first divisional win January 14 against the Angelo State Rambelles with a game tying three-pointer that led to the 79-77 overtime period. Andrea “Ace” Buben nailed
2731 Southwest Parkway Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Corner of Kemp & Southwest Parkway
940-692-1002
Your Party Headquarters for: Discount Specials posted weekly on
www.localboysliquor.com Catering for Hospitality Suites, Holiday , Graduation and other Large Parties
Domestic and Specialty Beers Liquor Wine Kegs Cigars Lottery
ATM on site!
GREAT SELECTION, GREAT PRICES AND BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE IN WICHITA FALLS!
Midwestern State Women’s Basketball During the Holiday Break
Dec. 15 - @ Northeastern State L 54-58 Dec. 17 - Texas A&M-Commerce L 72-79 Dec. 18 - Texas-Permian Basin W 73-67 Dec. 20 - Texas Woman’s L 60-63 Dec. 30 - @ St. Edward’s L 51-65 Jan. 3 - Southeastern Oklahoma W 76-71 Jan. 5 - East Central W 68-66 Jan. 8 - @ Cameron W 71-54 Jan. 10 - @ Southwestern Oklahoma L 52-53 Jan. 14 - Angelo State W 79-77 (OT) Jan. 17 - @ Texas A&M-Kingsville L 57-63 Jan. 21 - @ West Texas A&M L 56-69 Jan. 24 - Eastern New Mexico W 66-58
Kelsey Fund in need of donations MSUMustangs.com For the Wichitan
Donations to the Brandon Kelsey Fund are being accepted at the Midwestern State University Athletics Main Office. Kelsey’s father, Kevin, died early Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle just south of the University of Texas at Arlington campus while attempting to cross the street in the 1300 block of South Cooper Street about 6:20 p.m. Friday
night. “The purpose of the fund is to offset funeral costs and living expenses he’s going to incur,” MSU coach Bill Maskill said. “He’s going to have no home after this and will be living on his own.” Brandon Kelsey served a redshirt season after completing a stellar prep career as a quarterback at Arlington High School. “Brandon is a good kid who is very mentally strong,” Maskill
said. “He’s a well-liked leader and a tough kid. His family has meant a lot to him.” Checks, which must be made payable to the Brandon Kelsey Fund, can be hand delivered to the main athletics office or mailed to the following address: Brandon Kelsey Fund 3410 Taft Blvd. Wichita Falls, Texas 76308
6
The Wichitan Jan. 28, 2009
On Deck around msu Saturday
January 31 Women’s Hoops
Abilene Christian University at 6 p.m. Men’s Hoops
Abilene Christian University at 8 p.m. (following Women’s game)
Obama brings hope to college football playoff system
Here’s a look at the possible adjustments to the BCS format: Playoff system The pros: President-elect Barack Obama is the highest-profile advocate for a playoff system to crown a college football champion. The likely format would be an eight-team playoff, allowing the top eight teams in the BCS standings to play for a national championship. Most playoff scenarios preserve bowl games for teams that do not qualify for the tournament. John Swofford, ACC commissioner and coordinator of the BCS, says a playoff would be more lucrative than the current BCS format. MCT Campus
February 28... MSU 6th Man Club Autographed Troy Aikman jersey is to be raffled off at the Feb. 28 game against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Tickets can be purchased at any home basketball game.
The cons: University presidents are adamant about not playing football games during the spring semester, and the current 12-game regular season and conference championship games make it difficult to squeeze in a playoff. The Big Ten and Pac-10 do not want to let go of their lucrative Rose Bowl contract. The BCS schools would likely have to give up automatic bids and share more of the profits generated by the BCS bowl games. Plus-one system The pros: A mini-four team playoff is backed by SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. Teams are selected to play in the Fiesta, Sugar, Orange and Rose bowls. They are ranked again after those
games and the top teams play for the title. The cons: The format eliminates two teams from the current BCS format unless a fifth bowl game is added to the lineup. Any changes might alter the lucrative television contract with ESPN that runs through the 2013 season. Conference commissioners and the Notre Dame athletic director rejected this plan last year. Lineup change The pros: The BCS agreement allows all conferences to be evaluated every four years to determine whether they should receive lucrative automatic BCS bowl berths. This is the first of a four-year review of all confer-
ences for inclusion in the BCS. The formula for being added or retained is based on the highest ranked team in a conference, the number of teams a conference places in the Top 25 and the rankings of every team in a conference. The formula is designed to evaluate the strength of the entire conference, not just standout teams. The cons: Critics argue this is a convenient way to keep conferences without an automatic bid voting to keep the current system because they hope to one day join the power conferences. Sports law expert Gary Roberts said it is extremely unlikely a conference without an automatic bid could sustain that level for
Lone Star Conference
Men’s Basketball
Central Okla. (17-2) SW Oklahoma (11-7) Cameron (7-10) Northeastern State (7-12) Texas A&M-Comm (10-8) East Central (6-13) SE Oklahoma (3-15)
Fashion conscious. Budget conscious. NEW! Samsung Omnia™
TouchWiz Touchscreen South West Texas A&M (13-5) Midwestern State (14-5) Angelo State (14-4) TAMU-Kingsville (12-6) Tarleton State (13-6) Abilene Christian (7-10) Eastern New Mexico (4-14)
> 5 Megapixel Camera/Video Camera > Media Player with FM Radio
$19999
$269.99 2-yr. price –$70 mail-in rebate debit card. New 2-yr. activation on voice plan with email feature or email plan.
Women’s Basketball
enV®2 by LG
Mini Messaging Center
February 21-22 Volleyball MSU will host open tryouts from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Physical examinations must be complete before applying.
Home Events are Bolded
four years to gain a bid. No change The pros: The BCS generates millions for all Division I football conferences despite the disparity in favor of the six power conferences and Notre Dame. Conferences without automatic bids also recognize they would face a backlash, including possibly struggling to schedule games against power conferences in all sports, if they filed a lawsuit or used other means to force major changes to the current format. The cons: College football continues to take a beating in public perception and BCS leaders open the door to legislative oversight.
Mustangs Conference Standings
North
Until
Sports
> Full QWERTY Keyboard > Fast email and Web access
North
$4999
Central Okla. (14-3) Northeastern State (11-6) Texas A&M-Comm (11-6) SE Oklahoma (11-6) SW Oklahoma (6-11) Texas Woman’s (10-7) East Central (7-11) Cameron (5-12)
South West Texas A&M (15-3) Abilene Christian (11-7) TAMU-Kingsville (12-6) Midwestern State (7-11) Angelo State (10-8) Tarleton State (10-9) Eastern New Mexico (9-12)
High-Speed Wireless Internet USB175 Modem
Surf, check email and more!
FREE
$49.99 2-yr. price –$50 mail-in rebate debit card. New 2-yr. activation on Mobile Broadband Plan.
$99.99 2-yr. price –$50 mail-in rebate debit card with 2-yr. activation.
Switch to America’s Most Reliable Wireless Network.® Call 1.888.640.8776
Click verizonwireless.com
Visit any store
VERIZON WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS STORES Open 7 days a week. Technicians available at select locations. WICHITA FALLS 3210 Midwestern Pkwy. 940-692-8080
MA TRÍCULA
CONSULAR
BUSINESS CUSTOMERS
1-800-899-4249
Activation fee/line: $35. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agmt, Calling Plan, rebate form & credit approval. Up to $175 early termination fee/line & other charges. Offers and coverage, varying by service, not available everywhere. Device capabilities: Add’l charges & conditions apply. Rebate debit card takes up to 6 weeks & expires in 12 months. Limited-time offers. While supplies last. Network details and coverage maps at verizonwireless.com. © 2009 Verizon Wireless. FCBC