Alpha Phi sisters walk a mile – in heels – for cardiac research npage 4
Wednesday n March 3, 2010
SPLIT: MSU tennis truimphs over Newman, falls to Incarnate Word npage 8
thewichitan
your university n your voice
Freshman Laura Gilbert spends her time in the Mustang suit horsing around in the name of school spirit Ashley Nesbitt For the Wichitan
Many Midwestern State University students enjoy finding ways to express their school spirit. Freshman Laura Gilbert does it by horsing around. She dresses up as Maverick, the Mustang mascot. Gilbert said the greatest thing about being the mascot is: “Being in the middle of the action, up close, and being a part of the experience.” She shows up to the games early to get dressed, then mix and mingle with fans. Gilbert said many young children enjoy the attention, while others “run away and cry.” Some of the fans jump on her in excitement. She said there is a sense of freedom in what she does. “Only a small percentage of students know I am the mascot. So I am able to goof off. If I choose to bust out and do the stanky leg it’s okay,” she said, laughing. Most of her friends are surprised when they find out she’s the mascot. Many
people typically think of it being a male, rather than a female. n On average, mascot costumes Gilbert has been weigh somewhere between entertaining Mustang fans since the 15-30 lbs. The head is the heaviest part. beginning of the football season. Last fall she worked alongside sophomore Anna Brogan. The two would trade places throughout the games. She now works alone at every home basketball game. “An occasional break is needed,” Gilbert said. “Being inside the costume gets extremely hot.” Not only is it hot, it’s hard to see from inside the horse’s head. On occasion, she’s run into people. The only way to see out of the costume is through two small holes on the end of the Mustang’s nose.
did you know?
Career Fair draws fewer employers Brittany Norman Editor in Chief
A lower-than-usual turnout among potential employers has forced Friday’s Career Fair to change venue from D.L. Ligon Coliseum to the smaller Comanche Suites in Clark Student Center, but the Career Management Center urges students to take the opportunity to meet with future employers seriously nonetheless. Sarah Ward, the CMC’s employer relations coordinator, said a sparser sampling of employers was somewhat expected due to the struggling economy. “We all watch TV and read the news,” Ward said, referring to the pervasive presence of the recession in the media. “Employers just aren’t hiring like they did in the past.”
See CAREER on page 5
See MAVERICK on page 4
The cast, crew and other individuals involved in the MSU Theatre production of “And the Rain Came to Mayfield” received a Directors Choice Award at the Region IV American College Theatre Festival. (Photo courtesy)
Theatre dept. earns honors Chris Collins Managing Editor
When it rains, it pours. And the Rain Came to Mayfield, a production put on by the MSU theatre department, has garnered award after award since it debuted last semester. The play won the Directors’ Choice Award at the Region IV American College Theatre Festival in Amarillo Feb 22 – Feb. 27. Five other plays, from Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and New Mexico, were in consideration for the award. Mayfield was also awarded with the Meritorious Achievement in Scenic Design and Best Load-In
See THEATRE on page 5
Governor Perry announces jobs Chris Collins Managing Editor
Freshman Laura Gilbert is the woman behind the Mustang mask. Gilbert has been playing the part of MSU’s mascot “Maverick” all of this year. (Photo by Julia Raymond)
When Gov. Rick Perry visited MSU Friday to discuss new jobs created in Wichita Falls, he delivered a message of hope in an otherwise bleak economic climate. He said there is still a land of opportunity in America, even today. It’s called Texas, a place where everything’s bigger – especially the chance to succeed. Natura World, Inc., an organic mattress company headquartered in Canada, is opening a plant in Wichita Falls. Perry said this will create about 400 new jobs and produce $25 million more in capital investment for the city. The state has invested $1.5 million to get the company up-and-running in the states.
See PERRY on page 5
2 n
The Wichitan
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May I be excused?
Everyone has heard (and probably used) excuses. Your car had a flat. Your cousin’s boyfriend was in the hospital because he crashed his bicycle into a tree. Your dog ran out the front door chasing after a skunk – you’re pretty sure it was rabid, too – so you had to catch your pup, de-skunkify him AND take him to the vet to make sure he wasn’t going to go “Old Yeller” on you. Your grandma has had six surgeries, five heart attacks, eighteen doctor’s visits and two instances where not only has she died and had a funeral out of town only to miraculously come back to life the next week and need you to drive her to the rheumatologist. Come on, now. Zombie grandmas? Really? Of course, if your granny dearest really does join the legion of the shambling undead, then by all means take a day off class and use that excuse. Otherwise, we’re curious – just how stupid do you think your professors are? It’s time to lay off of the excuses in a really big way. If you oversleep one day and miss class, instead of blaming it on a power outage or a fire, try saying: “Sorry I was late. I forgot to turn on my alarm last night.” If you’re a generally punctual student, most of your professors will probably respond with some level of understanding. Here’s a secret – they’ve probably overslept once or twice in their lives as well. They are, contrary to what some students believe, human beings. If you’re late or absent two out of three class periods a week, though, even the truth might
get a little bit old. You might even be tempted to spice it up a little and invent stories to deflect the blame for your overuse of the snooze button onto someone or something else. Our advice? Don’t. Either start waking up on time or just shut up about it. Yeah, you’ll probably get away with playing sick a couple of times in a semester. After all, some people really do have the migraines everyone else pretends to have, and out of compassion and/or an inability to ignore a condition that truly does affect students, professors try to be understanding. However, if in a single semester you have sixteen headaches, three stomach viruses, various allergic reactions that leave your face too swollen and hideous to even CONSIDER coming to school, various colds and sinus infections and thirty-three instances of the Swine Flu (different mutations, of course), don’t be surprised when no one believes you if you really do come down with something. You also might want to consider the fact that a classmate might report you to the health department for being a constant oozing source of contagious viral nastiness. If you leave your homework in the car, ask (politely) if you can get it after class and drop it by the professor’s office. If you just didn’t do your homework, don’t claim it’s in your car lest your benevolent professor suggests you retrieve it. That situation will require another good story for why, after you made the trek to the parking lot, you returned without your assignment. Maybe you can get a phone call from zombie grandma’s Bingo friends while you’re walking to your vehicle and have to immediately zoom
March 3, 2010
3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 n Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 News Desk: (940) 397-4704 n Ads: (940) 397-4705 Fax (940) 397-4025 n E-mail WICHITAN@mwsu.edu
off superman-style to stop granny from eating their old lady brains. Yeah, that would work. Basically, if you didn’t do your assignment, take your “F” and say you’re sorry. Don’t share a story about how, no, you weren’t at Toby’s and on Facebook all weekend, the reason you didn’t have time to write your midterm was because you were teaching inner-city third graders about Jesus at an overnight church camp! Let’s just be real. Excuses are dumb. Your professor might let them slide, but if you’re one of those constantly late/absent/homeworkless folks, they are going to catch on. Maybe you’ve never been called on your BS before, but trust us, they know your car hasn’t been hit in the parking lot of your apartment complex fortyseven times. It’s also highly unlikely that your uncle’s girlfriend’s sister doesn’t suddenly need you to babysit her kids because the daycare has been closed down due to a salmonella outbreak three different times, all on days where there just happened to be exams. Ever wonder why your instructors look at you like a criminal when you legitimately were sick and missed a quiz? You need to cast the blame no farther than the clown four seats in front of you who (mistakenly) thinks he’s getting away with something when everyone knows he’s full of crap. Excuse-overusers: you are ruining it for the honest people. We’re all adults(ish) around here. It’s about time to take responsibility for our own screwups. Who knows, you might just gain a little more respect in the process.
editorial board
nEditor in Chief: Brittany Norman nManaging Editor: Chris Collins nEntertainment Editor: Lauren Wood nOp-Ed Editor: Position open nSports Editor: Josh Hoggard nPhoto Editor: Julia Raymond nAdvertising manager: Jamie Monroe nCopy editor: Phoebe Kurmi and Amaka Oguchi nadviser: Randy Pruitt nReporters: Leah Roberts, Jaleesa Bealom, Ashley Nesbitt, Matt Ledesma, Loren Eggenschwiler nPhotographers: Loren Eggenschwiler, Patrick Johnston, Kassie Bruton
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.
Quake hammers Chile, inspires new outreach
Mother Nature tion of law and order. strikes again. That is Looting has become a the harsh reality facing significant crisis in the Chile this week after wake of devastation and an earthquake measurthe Chilean military is ing 8.8 on the Richter in place in Concepcion, scale hit the country on where looters have filled Saturday. shopping carts with The quake was trigplasma TVs and other gered by the country’s electrical appliances. geography; it lies on the They also face problems border of two tectonic with prisoners esacping. plates. The earthquake More than 200 escaped brought with it a tsunain Chillan and although Leah Roberts mi that swept across the some have been caught For the Wichitan pacific, hitting islands more than 100 are still off the coast of Chile, at large while the counincluding Easter Island. try deals with the clean up. Twelve-foot waves also swept across Tonight tens of thousands of ChilFrench Polynesia and the Chatham eans prepare to spend another night Islands in New Zealand. Hawaii was in tents as they fear the effects of an hit by 6ft waves that washed over low after shock that could bring down lands in Hilo but caused little or no more buildings. Some have not eaten damage elsewhere. for days and as they make their way Chilean president Michelle Bache- to grocery stores to loot food they are let stated that the forces of nature had met with resistance by the military “once again put to the test our ability who are armed with tear gas in order to deal with adversity and get back on to prevent riots. our feet. And we are examining every The government has imposed a way to restore all the basic services in dawn to dusk curfew in order to limit the country. But there’s still a lot to the crime in city areas. Regional Milido”. tary Commander, Guillermo Ramirez, The death toll from the quake cur- issued a severe warning to would-be rently stands at 711 but has contin- looters: “I would advise criminals not ued to rise in the aftermath as power to mess with the armed forces. Our shortages continue to hamper rescue response will be severe, but within the affects in the rubble. Although the context of the law,” he said. effects of this quake are devastating, The Chilean government has sought Chile has been applauded on its pre- emergency assistance from the United paredness and quick action in the face Nations. of crisis. The country sits on the paPresident Obama offered U.S. help cific ‘Ring of Fire,’ and although roads as soon as the Chilean government reand buildings have been damaged, no quired it. significant devastation has occurred, Foreign aid from other countries at least compared to what we saw in has already begun to arrive on the Haiti. mainland. The European Union has On Jan. 12 a 7.0 magnitude pledged $4 million in emergency aid earthquake hit Haiti, killing around for Chile. Japan said it was providing 230,000 people and almost completely an emergency grant of $3 million, as wiping out the nation’s capital, Port- well as sending tents, generators, waAu-Prince. ter cleaners and other emergency gear, The reason that Haiti suffered so while China has pledged $1 million. catastrophically was due to poverty The rescue operation is expected to and building codes. continue for the next couple of days After a devastiting earth quake hit as rescue teams arrive to search under in 1960 the Chilean Government the rubble as well as moving into reimplemented a ‘seismic’ construction mote parts of the country. code meaning they are better prepared Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is to withstand an earthquake. scheduled to arrive in Chile this week The problems facing Chile now are to meet President Bachelet and dismore closely related to the restora- cuss rescue operations.
nJust Joshin’
Not think, you should. Only do.
Jedi, of course, are or do not. There is no known for their wisdom. try.” One Jedi, however, was How many times the wisest of them all. have we said a nonAnd somehow, he’s committal, “I’ll try” evaded this column for rather than a “yes” or six weeks. “no”, so we don’t have What column series to feel the weight of on Jedi wisdom would be failure? complete without a nugI know I use the “try” get of wisdom from the cop-out so many times wisest, greenest, smallest, it isn’t even funny. most powerful Jedi of all? When we say, “I’ll The great Master Yoda. try”, we’re giving ourJosh Hoggard During Order 66, all selves a safety net. If Jedi guru Jedi were to be executed. we fail, it’s okay, beThe few Jedi who escaped cause we didn’t exactly went into exile. commit, and if we succeed, then it’s as While Obi-Wan fled to Tatooine, if we did say “yes”. Yoda went into hiding in the far-off We “try” to study for that big swamp planet of Degobah. test. We “try” to break that bad habit. And so, we find ourselves in Epi- We “try” to make that relationship sode 5 of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes work. We “try” to handle that differBack. ence we have with someone. We “try” As Luke is beginning to discover and we “try” and we “try”. how sensitive he really is to the Force, Shall we quit “trying” and start “dohe is left stranded on the freezing ice ing”? planet Hoth. As he begins to lose conThink about it. sciousness, he sees Obi-Wan’s Force How crazy would living a life of acpresence. Obi-Wan tells Luke tion be? to go to the Degobah system and train Not just passive phrases with no with Yoda. commitment, but real, passionate, acAfter Luke lands on Degobah, dis- tion? covers the true identity of Yoda, and Taking risks, being vulnerable, living begins his training, Yoda begins to pour without a safety net. Stop trying. Start out nine hundred years of wisdom. doing. In one particular instance, Yoda tells And, guess what, readers? You get a Luke to stack a pile of rocks using only double dose of Yoda wisdom today! the Force. Luke tries to lift his crashed X-Wing Luke responds, “I’ll give it a try.” out of the boggy lake he crashed it into “No. Try not,” Yoda replies. “Do, on Degobah, but he can’t.
He tries again. And fails again. The little green Yoda goes over to the X-Wing, sticks his hand out, closes his eyes, and effortlessly lifts the X-Wing out of the water. Flabbergasted, Luke exclaims, “I don’t… I don’t believe it!” Yoda replies, “That is why you fail.” What a thought… The reason why we fail, the reason we don’t succeed when we “try”, is because we don’t believe. We don’t believe we can succeed. So, we don’t. The two Yoda-ism’s go hand-inhand. We are so afraid to fail that we eventually stop trying and cut our lives short of what they were intended to be. Nelson Mandella said it best. “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?” We have a limitless amount of potential! Yet, we sit on it. We let it rot without ever putting it to use. This week,I want you to try something. That risk you’ve been waiting to take… Take it. That guy or girl you’ve been waiting to admit you like… Tell him or her. That part you want to try out for… Try out for it! Take a leap into the unknown. Because the only real failure is not trying.
op/ed
March 3, 2010
The Wichitan n 3
COME TOGETHER
(again)
Student is upset that apathy, infighting caused divisions, distractions from the truth behind Black History Month Twelve percent! Twelve percent of How many of this students at MSU are 12 percent know of Af r ic an-Amer ic ans. the first black students And how many are who attended MSU? willing to participate Or do we have to in a Black History prowait until next Febgram? ruary when the bookEasy, ZERO. store posts their picI can’t stand back tures and stories? and shake my head This was truly a because I know I am moment to shine as a part of the issue as black community for well. I could give A to Jaleesa Bealom the university, but coZ of excuses, but what For the Wichitan operation simply flatdoes that matter? lined. I’m one of the people For as long as I’ve been here, I’ve who didn’t contribute to MSU’s first wondered why there wasn’t anyBlack History program, too. This might be because Black His- thing special done for Black History tory Month, according to MSU, is Month. This year, Jessica Jones, president nothing but fried chicken in the dining hall and showcasing the Oscar of the MSU chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of nominated-film “Precious.” I found out the showing was can- Colored People (NAACP), Member celled through word of mouth and Karmen Simmons and others were Facebook. I wasn’t in the Black His- willing to do something special for tory program, but I was curious to this time of year. But they didn’t get to because it see what it entailed. Discovering the real reason behind seemed like nobody else was. It’s understandable that some stuthe cancellation is heartbreaking: dents have other priorities to attend lack of cooperation. As African-Americans and college to. But to be so ignorant to protest students, we can’t come together to work collectively and educate for the the movie’s importance, or to deny the importance of Black History vitality of our history?
Month itself, is pure foolishness and buffoonery. As Blacks, we’ve come from having a national week to the shortest month of the year. To only celebrate a month is a joke. We should consistently, vocally, and proudly express our heritage relentlessly. To complain about not creating a program is one thing, but to cancel it is another one altogether. I dare anyone who moans and groans over this flop of a program to ask themselves what they’ve contributed. What seems to be the issue is unity. I have never seen a school with such a small population be so divided and forgo the bigger issue: coming together. If we all reached the same goal of producing an excellent program, that would have been done. I take this incident as a call of action. As a university, African-Americans and other multi-cultural organizations, we should come together and work effectively, sufficiently, professionally and creatively to showcase the significance of our respective, individual heritages.
COMING SOON TO A CAMPUS NEAR YOU… Friday, March 5 10am-1pm, CSC Atrium
MSU Career Fair Meet employers and learn about careers and internships.
Sunday, March 7 1-4pm, Don Flatt Gym
MSU Cheerleaders: College Prep Stunt Clinic Learn the skills needed for college cheerleading.
Monday, March 8 5:00pm, CSC Shawnee
University Programming Board (UPB) Meeting Become a new member and help plan programs for MSU!
Monday, March 8 7:00pm, Akin Auditorium
Artist-Lecture Series: Sloane Crosley Hear the best-selling, witty, urbane, and madcap writer.
Tuesday, March 9 7:00pm, CSC Shawnee
Women With a Voice: A Night of Music & Poetry Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and UPB.
March 10 and 11 11am-6pm, CSC Comanche
Imagine Graduation For all May 2010 graduates. Congratulation to all spring grads!
Friday, March 12 7-10pm, CSC Comanche
Yule Ball (sponsored by the Harry Potter Alliance) Put on your wizardly robes or gowns and dance the night away.
March 13-21, 2010 All Day
Spring Break Stay safe and enjoy your well-deserved vacation!
Tuesday, March 23 11am-2pm, SW Plaza
Pre-Greek Week Kick Off BBQ Join MSU Greeks for their upcoming service and unity events.
Saturday, March 27 10:00am, Wellness Center
SpikeFest 2010 (sponsored by IFC and WE-Rec) A 4-on-4 sand volleyball tournament benefiting SEEK Camp.
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.
Dome Theater
Like IMAX, but on campus... Join University Programming Board (UPB) on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 1:00-7:00pm in the Clark Student Center Atrium to experience this 360 degree spectacle of light and sound. To learn more about Dome Theater, contact Cammie Dean in the Office of Student Development and Orientation at 397-4500 or email upb@mwsu.edu.
March is Women’s History Month!
Be on the lookout for different programs and educational opportunities during the month of March 2010 as various Midwestern State University organizations recognize the contributions of outstanding women and importance of the female gender. Programs will be offered by University Programming Board, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Multicultural Services, and more.
the
A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS... -To the ladies of Alpha Phi sorority for hosting their annual High Heel Walk and raising funds and awareness to prevent heart disease in women. -To the men of Interfraternity Council (IFC) for coordinating MSU Night at the Wildcats to benefit Children’s Miracle Network. -To all of the students, faculty, and staff who have contributed nearly 400 service hours towards the House that Midwestern Built project with Habitat for Humanity.
Risk Management Workshops The 2009-10 mandatory Student Organization Risk Management Trainings have been scheduled. Every registered student organization at MSU must have a representative attend one workshop. Workshops will be held in CSC Shawnee Theater. Wednesday, March 3 from 5:30-7:30pm Thursday, March 4 from 5:30-7:30pm
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, March 24, 2010!
4 n
feature Trading in sneakers for
March 3, 2010
The Wichitan
stilettos
Alpha Phi’s annual walk pushes participants to greater heights – at least as far as their footwear goes
MSU’s Alpha Phi sorority held a one-mile high heel walk to benefit cardiac research. On Saturday, members of the community put on their favorite high heels (some stuck with tennis shoes) and made a milelong trek. The High Heel Walk is Alpha Phi’s primary philanthropy project. (Photos by Kassie Bruton)
MAVERICK....................................................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 Besides being the mascot, Gilbert is a typical college freshman. A kinesiology major, she stays busy trying to balance school work and her social life. Gilbert has always been involved with school athletics. She’s been a cheerleader since 7th grade. She graduated from Rhine High School in Denton and then moved to Wichita Falls to continue her education. Gilbert said being the university’s mascot is a great way to take pride in the school and get involved. She recommends the job to anybody who is committed and can really get excited about things. She earned her place as mascot by speaking with cheerleading sponsor, Sue Witherspoon. All tryouts for the fall are usually held at the end of April or early May. Any student is eligible, but it helps to have previous cheerleading or mascot experience, she said. Each participant is critiqued based off of his or her skill level in ability to do tricks and be entertaining. They are required to do a skit with the cheerleaders and are judged by their performance. Witherspoon said she wants people to know that becoming the university’s mascot is not easy. They must go through a series of vigorous tryouts just like the cheerleaders. Each potential mascot is also sent to cheer camp. During Gilbert’s experience at camp she won All American, the award for the all-around best performer in a category. The mascot is given a scholarship, the amount based on skill level. Witherspoon is hoping to get more people interested in trying out. “It is a fun job. It does take time though,” Gilbert said. Having the Mustang symbolize the university is a young tradition. It began the spring semester of 2006. MSU was formally known for being the “Indians.” This changed after the NCAA forced the university to adopt a new mascot. MSU was one of 19 colleges told to do so. The NCAA said all universities were prohibited from displaying hostile and abusive or ra-
Maverick the Mustang (Photos by Patrick Johnston)
cial origin mascots, claiming Indian was a racial nickname. If the schools failed to comply, they would not be allowed to host any future NCAA championship competitions. Since then, fans have fallen in love with the Mustang. Gilbert does not know how long she plans on working as mascot. Until then, she will continue to put smiles on faces and support her school. One day she’ll pass the costume on to the next student.
March 3, 2010
campus briefs
news
The Wichitan n 5
n today:
Resumania Days in CSC Wichita I and II at 10 a.m.
n tHURSDAY:
From Sweats to Suits in CSC Comanche Suites at 6:30 p.m.
Foreign Film Series: The Closet at the Kemp Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.
n Friday:
MSU Career Fair at D.L. Coliseum at 10 a.m.
Opening Reception: Kit Reisch and Continuing Education in the Juanita Harvey Art Gallery at 6 p.m.
n Saturday:
Graduate and Professional School prtactice exam day in Dillard at 9 a.m.
n Monday: Artist Lecture series:
Sloane Crosby in Akin Au - ditorium at 7 p.m.
n Tuesday:
Imagine Graduation in CSC Comanche at 11 a.m.
Faculty Forum Series: Dr. Nathan Jun in the CSC Shawnee at 7 p.m. Academic Recovery Group in CSC Apache at 3:30 p.m.
CAREER...............................................................................................................................continued from page 1 Still, about 50 companies and organizations seeking new hires have agreed to set up booths at the Career Fair. Ward said the employers who are coming should not be overlooked. “We’ve got local, state and national employers coming,” Ward said. Representatives will be on hand from the FBI, accounting firms, local police, hospitals from the Texas and Oklahoma areas, and various other businesses that would appeal to those not in the business, criminal justice or health sciences fields. “There are a lot of businesses looking for a wide range of players,” Ward said. There will be ample opportunities to hone job hunting skills as well. “We try to tell students that even if you’re a freshman or sophomore, get a resume done,” Ward said. “Go to these events and see what it’s all about. You’ll be better prepared (than those who don’t take advantage of the learning experience).” In fact, events correlating with the Career Fair will be taking place all week long. The festivities kicked off Monday with “Where’s The Tent,” which made job-seeking advice easier to swallow by washing it down with free pizza and drinks. Tuesday and today brought the chance to have resumes critiqued and corrected at “Resumania.” Tomorrow night, Career Fair sponsors will be on hand to meet
with students and give them tips on what employers are really looking for during “From Sweats to Suits” in CSC Comanche at 6:30 p.m. Ward said she also hopes to work a fashion show into this event. She said Joseph A. Bank and Dillards will be providing mannequins wearing appropriate attire, and she hopes students will pay attention to this “What Not to Wear” presentation for job-seeking college students. Those attending the Career Fair should come prepared, Ward said. “Students should bring at least 10 copies of their resume,” she said, adding that it helps to arrive early. It’s also not a bad idea to pick up business cards from the employers you speak with so you can send them a note afterward as a followup. This is also one of those opportunities where you can, and probably will, be judged on how you look. “We suggest professional attire,” Ward said. A business suit is best, but she is aware that many college students don’t have a suit and tie hanging in their closets, and presented acceptable alternatives. “We know not all college students can afford a new suit, but they probably have a pair of nice khakis and a button-down shirt,” she said. She also urged students to pay attention to accessories. To bring your outfit up to a professional level, she said sometimes all you need is a new
tie or a pair of nice earrings. Also, if you wouldn’t wear it to visit your grandn Bring along at least 10 ma, you probably copies of your resume shouldn’t wear it to the Career Fair. Ward n Dress professionally – wear said there have been instances where stua business suit if you have dents have showed one up for the career fair and made a strong n Practice your handshake. A impression for all the firm handshake gives a better wrong reasons. She advised stayfirst impression ing away from shirts n SHOW UP! Even if you’re that are too low cut (ladies) or that come not currently looking for a up too high, shorts in general, or sagging, job, you will be someday. Use baggy pants. this year’s Career Fair to gain It also pays to treat the Career Fair as a experience in communicating professional event with potential employers rather than a buffet for free pens and other swag. “Some students This year, some of the usual career treat it as a trick or treat,” Ward said. fair attendees just can’t afford new “They’re not really taking advantage hires or simply lack the travel budof the Career Fair.” get to make the trip to MSU. As for the employer shortage, Whether you’re looking for a Ward said it’s a problem, but it won’t post-graduation career or just atlast forever. tending for experience, Ward said it “Things will turn around,” she pays to remember that you’re there said. The CMC is maintaining posi- to impress. tive relationships with employers. “First impressions count,” she “They’re still interested in us,” she said. said.
what to do
PERRY...........................................................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 “These 400 jobs are a big deal,” Perry said. “It’s good news.” “I’m sure there are communities all across the country that would dearly love to be in your position,” he said. “We have some great challenges across the country and in Texas as well. We’ve done well, relatively speaking, in this economic crisis. But our work is not done.” Perry said the fact that the company chose to set up shop in Texas is significant. “When they make their products, I want the tags to say ‘Made in Texas,’” he said. “Fact is, that’s becoming a symbol across the world of quality.” He said the project is the culmination of collaboration between the Texas Enterprise Fund, the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and city civic leaders. “It’s efforts like this that keep jobs coming to Texas,” he said. “It’s important because the paychecks come along with that. On behalf of the 24 million people who call this state home, I congratulate Natura World on their expansion.” “We’re very excited about today’s announcement,” said Scott Miller, senior vice president of U.S. sales for Natura World, Inc. “This company was founded on the premise of making products that are healthy for you to sleep on, using natural organic components. He said that for the company based in Cam-
bridge, Ontario, the growth has been unprecedented. Last year Natura World acquired two companies in Utah that specialize in making gel-based sleeping products. One of the companies, Gelsolutions, will be relocating to Wichita Falls as part of the project. “This will help us continue on our growth efforts,” said Miller, who grew up in Dallas. Perry said that although stories like this shed some light on the country’s lengthening economic shadow, the battle is far from over. “Until every Texan that wants a job has a job, we’ve got a job,” Perry said. The governor said this job is to implement policies that will allow job creators to risk capital with the promise of success. “We work hard in the legislature to create a climate where innovation can be rewarded,” Perry said. “Our employers have a better chance to succeed here than anywhere else in America. He said the unemployment rate in Texas is two percent less than the rest of nation, on average. Out of the 10 most populated states, unemployment is lowest in the Lone Star State. Texas also produces the highest number of private-sector jobs than any other state. “This indicates that at the core of our economy, there is strength,” Perry said. He said the success of our economy is due to a hardworkTHEATRE..........................continued from page 1 ing populace. and Load-Out accolades at the stage-managed the play. The cast “The success of our state is festival. included Trinton Williams, Wil- built primarily on the efforts MSU was not selected to ad- liam Palmer, Matthew Griffin, of the men and women in this vance to the Kennedy Center Sydney Stockton, Kelcie Bush, audience,” Perry said. “GovAmerican College Festival. The Samantha Pecor, Kristi Mil- ernment does not create jobs. go-ahead was given to Parking lis, Adam Granberry and David Government creates the enviLot Babies, a student-written pro- Henne. ronment where the jobs can be duction from Southeastern LouiThis is the sixth consecutive created.” siana University. time MSU has been considered He said the principles of Brandon Smith, theatre tech- for the Regional Festival. It’s also government are very simple: nical assistant, directed the play. the fourth consecutive time MSU Don’t spend all the money. Props were designed by Wil- has been on the list of advancing Have a tax and regulatory liam Palmer. Sydney Stockton plays. policy in place that is fair. designed costumes, lighting was This is only the second year the A legal system that does not designed by Ben McKinney and theatre department has advanced allow over-suing. Ryne Easen. Christie Hoang to the regional competition. A public education system that’s appropriately funded.
“This company would not have come to Wichita Falls, Texas, if there was any doubt about those four points,” he said. “When you combine those four things with the legendary work ethic found in this state, those principals continue to attract employers. They know they will have the opportunity to succeed.” Perry said that since 2003 the state has received thousands of inquiries from other companies trying to get the same hook-up as Natura World. All of the candidates who have been chosen, which are few, were selected painstakingly. “A very small percentage actually get funded,” he said. “You look for community involvement and the opportunity for job creation. But this company was one of those where the return on the investment for the state is going to be great. Particularly at this juncture where an economic crisis is going around.” He said some small- to middle-sized cities in Texas are succeeding because of focus and discipline. “They have the work force, and they know that in this state they get to keep more of what they work hard for,” Perry said. “We are at the top of everybody’s list when they’re looking for a place to expand or relocate to.” “We have a city that says, ‘We can figure out
Governor Rick Perry (Photo Courtesy)
how to make this happen,’ instead of one that says, ‘Gee, we can’t do that,’” said Tim Chase, president of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. Chase said economic development is a team sport in Texas. “There’s no question about it – we’ve got a lot of players on this team,” he said. “We think regionally here,” Mayor Laham Lyne said. “We know that what happens in Wichita Falls happens because of all the outlying areas: Iowa Park, Electra, Burkburnett, Clay county, Archer county.” Lyne said Burkburnett contributed $600,000 to bringing Natura World to Wichita Falls. “That type of effort says, ‘We’re in this together. We’re North Texas,’” he said. “It’s not just one single person – it’s a whole group of people that make things happen. This is what makes our community unique. We pull together and say, ‘We can do it.’”
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March 3, 2010
Bowls of Bliss
New Mongolian restaurant mixes up build-your-own stir-fry Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor
Wichita Falls has gotten a new genre of cuisine, Mongolian stir-fry. Genghis Grill is a build-yourown bowl, fast, casual, Asian stir-fry concept that is catching on quickly. I had been to a GG before in another city, so I was thrilled when one was built in town. I went on Saturday night, and we only had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated. Once we got our bowls and were able to put our orders in, the chefs informed us it would be about 30 minutes till we received our food, which dampened my mood. But I’m getting ahead of myself. When you arrive at Genghis Grill, you are immediately submersed into a colorful and lively atmosphere. Once seated, your waiter will give you
a silver bowl and ask you if you have ever been to Genghis before. Since everyone at my party had, we skipped the introduction and headed right toward the lines. However, if you have never been to Genghis before, I suggest admitting that to the waiter. It will help you avoid the dumbfounded look you will get when you get up to stand in line. The lines consist of five small stations. The first is Choose Your Protein. You can load your bowl up with any combination or amount of chicken, sliced beef, turkey, sausage, ham, marinated white fish, Khan’s Krab, calamari, shrimp, scallops, tofu, pork, marinated steak or pepperoni. The second station is Season Your Protein. You select which of the 12 seasonings you want. You can stay simple with salt and pepper, go wild with Dragon Salt, or just experiment with lemon pepper
Zombies and Austen, a new classic Jamie Monroe Advertising Manager
Jane Austen has long been revered as one of the greatest English writers of our time. Her stories of love, heartbreak and the hilarity of societal manners have warmed the hearts of many, and generations of nerds have quivered with excitement at the very name. Austen. Generations of high school students and college freshmen, however, have groaned at the name. Austen is a name associated with assigned readings and forking over eight bucks to your local bookstore. Pages and pages of women quibbling over which rich handsome man to marry. What would possibly make Jane Austen’s classic relevant, interesting, and not mindnumbingly boring? Easy. Add zombies. In Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, all the boring parts are replaced with intense zombie action and ninja moves, while all the witty dialogue and banter remain unchanged. The beloved Elizabeth Bennett is no longer just an oddball of society. She remains a freethinking, hike-loving, poor man’s daughter with four sisters. But she is also expertly trained in the arts of martial skill and zombie killing. The basic plot is as follows: Elizabeth Bennett is the second eldest of five daughters. Since the family has no heir, it is up to the daughters to secure their futures through marriage. Easier said than done, seeing as the family is poor (by society standards), Mrs. Bennett is a raging harpy, and of the three youngest girls, one is perpetually crying, another perpetually ugly, and the other insatiably slutty (again, by societal standards). Elizabeth finds this super handsome rich guy named Mr. Darcy, but he’s arrogant and just knows how good he is with a musket. He falls in love with her and proposes. She answers with a roundhouse kick to the face, but then later realizes her love for him. The two battle it out (literally and figuratively) and discover love amidst all the pride and prejudice. Oh, also, the countryside is plagued by zombies. It’s actually kind of scary how well Austen’s classic and Grahame-Smith’s crack fiction mesh together. Austen’s characters often take long walks or carriage rides to neighboring towns, leaving ample opportunity for zombie attacks.
The main problem with this restaurant is the wait to get your food. It took about 30 minutes to get ours mainly because it was packed that evening. So if you are in a rush and short on time, this wouldn’t be my first pick. However, it is well worth the wait if you have the time. It is $9.99 for one bowl and dinner and an extra $4 if you want an endless bowl. An endless bowl is where you can get as many bowls as you want, kind of like an all you can eat buffet. But I was stuffed just after my one bowl. Overall, it was delicious food; however the wait was a disappointment. But I would still recommend it to all who have not experienced this unique cuisine. Genghis Grill is located on the corner of Midwestern Parkway and Kemp Avenue, next to the Verizon store.
Gorillaz feel good with ‘Plastic Beach’ Devan Gill For the Wichitan
“Pride Prejudice and Zombies” is a new introduction to Jane Austen’s work. (Photo Courtesy)
Long conversations are way more interesting when you throw in katana-wielding, musketry, and hand-to-hand combat. Likewise, the balls and parties go from hum-drum to awesome when interrupted by graphic depictions of zombies busting in and munching on the kitchen staff. I actually had never read Pride and Prejudice before reading this book. I bought it only because I thought the title was epic. What I found was that the contents, too, were epic. Austen’s work is abridged and the story preserved, with zombies thrown in just enough to keep things spicy. But the driving element is never the zombies or the fighting or carriages being overtaken on the road. It’s the love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth that carries the novel, and it, for the most part, stays exactly the way Austen wrote it in 1813. That’s why this book is so cool. It made me go out and rent the A&E adaptation of Austen’s classic, and I sat there for five hours, riveted by the dialogue and the expressions and the characters. And there wasn’t a zombie in sight. If you’re new to Austen, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a fantastic introduction to her work. If you love anything zombie-related, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is still fantastic. Oh, and if you’re an English teacher? Assign this version to your students.
$385
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and yellow curry salt. The third station is Pick Your Veggies and it is just that: you choose which vegetables you want in your concoction. There are 30 different things to choose from and you are free to load up your bowl with whatever you choose. Now you’re almost done. You can pick a sauce, if you want. There are 15 different kinds you can choose from. I stayed simple with the Honey Soy, but you can be bold and go for the Red Curry Peanut Sauce or the Chili Garlic Sauce. They do have small spoons so you can sample the sauce before you make your decision, which is extremely helpful since most of us have no idea what Dragon Sauce tastes like. Lastly, you take your bowl to the grill counter where you Call Your Starch. You can choose from steamed rice, brown rice, fried rice, udon noodles, spiral pasta or tortillas. They will give you a number and you place it on your table and shortly (hopefully) your bowl will arrive hot and steaming for your enjoyment. The upside to this style of cuisine is that it is up to you what you put in your bowl, however that is the downside. You kind of just have to cross your fingers and hope you like how it comes out. It will take a couple attempts to get it exactly how you want it, but it usually turns out amazing no matter how you mix it.
The key to understanding the grandiose concept behind the Gorillaz’ third album is to explore the island that the title is derived from (conveniently located on the band’s website). Before venturing into the confines of the Swiss Family Robinson-esque construct pictured on the cover, the viewer may choose to speak to a pelican with a spanner stuck in its throat, or a morose seagull. When asked what the Plastic Beach is, the seagull aptly explains that it’s the gathering ground of all the world’s garbage, and from the outset, it looks like a paradise. Of course, once you get closer, it belies something far more sinister. The website allows you to explore the construct for yourself, and it’s easy to see how the seagull’s explanation reflects on the album you’re about to hear. While all of these songs sound fit for a day of lying in the sun with a Mai Tai in hand (which they are), a second or third listen will undoubtedly yield darker undercurrents. Even before a single note is played, it’s apparent that Plastic Beach is a gargantuan effort. Everything about this album, from the cover art and elaborate back story to the website itself, towers over the listener in such a way that it’s almost impossible to remember the last time a major band has exploited the concept album so thoroughly; even Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band knew when to stop running with its own idea and let the music speak for itself. However, that’s not to say the Gorillaz’ ambitious campaign is detrimental to how good Plastic Beach is. As with all their albums, the story (which involves one of the band members holding the rest of his cohorts and a slew of collaborators hostage on the island to record said album) rests outside the boundaries of the whatever’s being played. Regardless, Plastic Beach is an outstanding album. At a time when most bands have been unable to measure up to past successes, Gor il laz has not only managed to go against the grain and release an album that surpasses their last (Demon Days), but they’ve also set
Number of students in Greek fraternities or sororities who received perfect 4.0 grade point averages during either the spring or fall semesters of 2009.
* Free Wi-Fi
“Plastic Beach” is the Gorillaz’s first release in five years. (Photo Courtesy)
the bar much higher for their contemporaries. There are over 15 guest musicians on this record, ranging from rock legends like Lou Reed to contemporary powerhouses like Mos Def and Snoop Dogg. With a number that high, it would seem certain that an album like this would collapse under the weight of its own ambitions, but thankfully that’s not the case here. Each track segues into the next with two or three guests at a time sliding in to trade vocals, whether they’re droning in the background or wailing at the forefront. The lead-off single (Stylo) is an excellent example of this—Bobby Womack sings his heart out while Mos Def ’s nearly inaudible rhymes trail off in a blanket of 80’s electro. The same goes for White Flag, whose musical backing (provided by The National Orchestra For Arabic Music) compliments Bashy and Kano’s vocals in an unlikely yet exciting way. Some songs are silly and rife with imagery (Superfast Jellyfish, Some Kind of Nature) while others are tranquil meditations on humanity and ecology. The collaborative process that drove this album must be applauded because most of the guests put forth a lot of effort, particularly Bobby Womack. Lou Reed’s turn was a little disappointing, but his presence offered an enjoyable contrast nonetheless. It makes one wonder what the Barry Gibb sessions would’ve sounded like had they made it onto the album. Hands down, Plastic Beach is the Gorillaz’ best album yet. The band really shot for the moon this time; there’s no telling what they’re going to do after this. If this is the last we hear from them on the musical front for the next few years (apparently they want to continue expanding their influence into stage and screen), albums like Plastic Beach will remain a shining testament to their theatricality and ingenuity.
March 3, 2010
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Countdown to Oscars Predictions and possibilites for the Academy Awards Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor The red carpet is set and the biggest movie event of the year is only days away. The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will air Sunday on ABC, hosted by actors Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. The usual awards have been selected and the nominees are crossing their fingers till the results are revealed and they hear those magical words: “And the Oscar goes to…” In case you haven’t had a chance to see the nominations, or can’t make up your mind, I am here to provide you with a little insight in hopes you can better make your decision on who you think should win. In the category of Best Picture, there are ten nominations. This one will be the most difficult to predict because there are so many choices that differ greatly in their genre. I think that Avatar will win Best picture honestly because it was a huge film. The film is not up for any other major awards, so I think it has a chance. However I would like to see The Blind Side take home the Oscar. I feel like this was a great movie all around, meaning the cast was superb, the fact that it was based on a true story was a bonus and did extremely well in box offices. In the category of Best Director, I think James
Cameron who directed Avatar will win the award. It has been so long since he has done anything this extreme (think back to Titanic) and for it to come out so amazing, I think he deserves it. However, Kathryn Bigelow, who directed The Hurt Locker and Lee Daniels, Precious, also have a shot at grabbing this award. But, the director I am really rooting for but I know won’t win is Quentin Tarantino. I thought Inglourious Basterds was a phenomenal film that should be recognized, but Tarantino is not for everyone and probably will not get recognized for his brilliance. The Best Actor nominees are all excellent this year, however I believe either Jeff Bridges for his role in Crazy Heart, or Morgan Freeman in Invictus, will take home the trophy. Bridges did a great job and the movie wasn’t half bad either. Invictus wasn’t as strong as a film but Freeman fit his role perfectly. If either wins, I would be pleased. As stated previously, I have a thing for The Blind Side, so it shouldn’t come as a shock when I pick Sandra Bullock to win Best Actress. I think she is so accomplished and such an amazing actress. She definitely deserves this award, even though it will be a close race against Gabourey Sidibe (Precious). Meryl Streep is nominated but since Julie & Julia didn’t do so well, I’m not sure she would be the
Goodwin Band gives a big phat performance Chris Collins Managing Editor
Akin Auditorium has rarely been as full as it was Thursday evening. It was packed. Like jam-packed. Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band, part of the Artist Lecture series, must have been ecstatic to see the sold-out venue. Really, you wouldn’t think Goodwin – who writes songs in the big band/ 1930s swing vein – would draw much of an audience besides decrepit old people reminiscing of flapper girl and cheap gasoline. And sure, there were some oldies there. God bless them. But filling most of the seats were students. Rowdy, excited students, at that! It was they who showed up in big numbers to experience the music popularized more than half a century before they were born. And it seemed like they loved it. Goodwin kicked off the show by running onstage excitedly and introducing his players one by one. He gave each one a bro-grab as they ran past him, dancing and goofing off. The band seemed like an energetic bunch – especially considering they were mostly comprised of white 40- and 50-somethings (in stark contrast to the audience). During the set Goodwin sounded just like, well, Goodwin. Every song had a flavor that was ubiquitously him. The trumpets were loud, the pacing was fast and there were more solos than you could shake a trombone at.
Goodwin’s arranging sensibility was quick and to-the-point. Entrances were snappy and well defined with a lot of variety between rhythm, brass and woodwinds. This was to his benefit. There was very little abstraction, noodling around, stuff like that. At one point early in the show, however, the interplay between Goodwin’s piano and the guitarist was very Chick Corea. The subtlety and note selection in this section – which was eventually punctuated by some very interesting drum patterns and percussion work – said to the audience, “Yeah, I can do that, too.” Whole-toned, off-time sections were sprinkled into other songs during the set, which also added some variety to the show. The musicianship during the show was quite impressive, even for professional studio musicians from. L.A. No notes were flubbed, transitions were clear and syncopation was dead-on. It’s good the group operated with such musical professionalism – the pacing of the show stayed pretty much the same throughout. Not that it was a bad thing. It’s just Goodwin’s style. But it was refreshing to hear the band switch gears once in a while. One example of this was during an arrangement of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which was obviously the group’s best effort of the night. The arrangement was marvelously creative. It’s hard to redo a classic like that – especially a Gershwin – but they pulled it off. The woodwinds in particular came into the forefront during this one, namely the piccolo, clarinet and soprano sax work. On the other hand, Goodwin’s rendition of Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man, sounded rather uninspired. He tried to take the 80’s cult hit and give it his own singular flair, but it just came out too much like all of Goodwin’s other songs. It was barely recognizable, really. But other than that, the show was very tight. Goodwin ordered up more sax solos than any other instrument during the show, but it wasn’t surprising. Goodwin, who earned a doctorate in saxophone performance, killed a solo himself. But he really wasn’t too biased. He arranged a piece for the trombone section and the trumpet section – earning him woos and cheers from the band geeks in the audience. Goodwin’s band members were super-cheeky and playful during the set, but it was hard to tell if they were actually playful characters or if it was just scripted. The Big Phat Band trivia game near the end of the set was pretty funny, if only because of the audience members Goodwin hauled onstage. Also funny was the white, 50-year-old Goodwin instructing the audience to scream, ‘That’s how we roll!’ during one song. The band finished up with Play That Funky Music White Boy and played Jazz Police as an encore. Goodwin rocked MSU last week, proving that he truly is the sultan of swing.
winner of this category. As far as Best Supporting Actor goes, I think Stanley Tucci deserves a shot. He is rarely the leading man, and I think he pulled off his role in The Lovely Bones quite well. Matt Damon did well in Invictus, but I wouldn’t consider his role to be Oscar-worthy. Woody Harrelson (The Messenger) and Christopher Plummer (The Last Station) might have a chance since they were smaller, indie films, but unfortunately I have not gotten to see the films. And finally, the Best Supporting Actress category is full of promising talent. I had a tough time picking who I liked most. I have narrowed it down to Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart) and Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air). I thought both actress are wonderful in these films as well as plenty others and deserves a shot at the award. I would be thrilled if Anna Kendrick (from Up in the Air) got the award, especially since she is so young, but also because it proves that she is bigger than just her small role in the teenage sensation Twilight. So there you have it. Those are my predictions and possibilities. Tune into the Oscars on Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC and decide for yourself who you are hoping gets the golden statue.
You can always watch the red carpet action that is aired before the event and see what the actors are wearing.
The red carpet affair will be held on Sunday, March 7. (Photo Courtesy)
Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band performed last week in Akin Auditorium. Goodwin is a Grammy award-winning jazz pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and conductor. Under Goodwin’s direction, the Big Phat Band has released five albums: “Swingin’ For the Fences”, which received two Grammy nominations, and “XXL”, which received three. (Photos by: Brittany Norman)
J.Lo splits from Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor
After more than a decade, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez has confirmed she has split from Sony’s Epic Records. The label put out her first CD, On The 6, in 1999 and since then, she’s sold millions. Her newest album called Love? was due to be released by the label in April but in a statement released last Tuesday, Lopez said, “At this point, I have fulfilled all my contractual obligations to Sony/Epic (and) we have come to an amicable decision.” Lopez says she has a new label home and her album will be out in the summer, but she did not specify the label. Epic Records is an American record label. It is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. The label was founded in 1953 as a jazz label, and was eventually expanded to several genres of music. Lopez is still expected to release her new film, The Back-Up Plan, a romantic comedy, April 23. Lopez has starred in multiple films, starting her acting career in Selena, then starred along side Matthew McConaughey in The Wedding Planner and played opposite Jane Fonda in
Jennifer Lopez is expected to release her newest album in the summer of 2010. (Photo Courtesy)
Monster-In-Law. Love? will be Lopez’s seventh studio album. She released her first album, On The 6, in 1999, followed by J. Lo in 2001. Her album This Is Me…Then was released a year later and then Rebirth hit the stores in 2005. Her first full Spanish-language album Como Ama una Mujer was released in 2007 and a short six months later, her sixth studio album Brave was released.
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march 3, 2010
off into the post-season
Mustangs finish strong on the road to the post season
WOMEN MEN
MSU’s women’s basketball team cheers on their team from the bench as the Lady Mustangs beat Angelo State (Photo courtesy Patrick Johnson)
Matt Ledesma For The Wichitan
p.m. The Mustangs had already clinched a berth in the tournaThe Midwestern State men’s ment, but the race for the No. basketball team could finally 1 seed was still up for grabs break out the victory cigars last when they hosted Angelo State weekend. Wednesday night at D.L. Ligon With a 10-2 mark in Lone Coliseum. Star Conference South DiviSenior guard Craig Green, sion play, the No. 7 Mustangs who was also named LSC South claimed their second-consec- Offensive Player of the Week utive division championship for the third time this season, outright after Angelo State scored eight of his team-high took down Tarleton State last 27 points in the OT to help the Saturday night. Mustangs pull out the victory. MSU, which ended the year Junior forward Charlie Logan with a program best 25-2 record, posted one of his best games of had previously downed Angelo the year with an 18 point, seven State in a 105-100 overtime rebound, five block effort. thriller earlier on Wednesday Teammate Jason Ebie also to close out the regular season. contributed 18 points and seven With the title also comes the assists, while Michael Godwin top seed in the LSC Champion- recorded a double-double with ship tournament which starts 13 points and 10 rebounds. today at the Bruin Field House Junior guard Chris Hagan in Bartlesville, Okla. rounded out the double-digit MSU begins tournament scorers with 11 points, four play in the quarterfinals versus rebounds, four assists and six Southwestern Oklahoma. steals. Tip off is scheduled for 2:30 The Mustangs trailed 91-88
with just a little more than 30 seconds remaining in the second half. Logan cut the deficit to one after finishing off a nice alleyoop pass from Ebie with a monstrous dunk. Hagan came up with a steal on the next possession, and dropped in one of two free throws after being fouled to knot up the scoreboard. After forcing yet another Rams’ turnover, MSU had the last shot of regulation but was unable to get a shot off before time expired. That’s when Green took over in the extra minutes, hitting a pair of free throws to give the Mustangs a 99-98 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. MSU overcame a 31-point night by Angelo State’s LeMarshall Corbett and 23 point, 15 rebound effort from Johnny Barnes. The win gave MSU its sixthstraight season without a home loss, and the first since the 1998-99 campaign.
The Mustangs were firing on all cylinders as the team’s 2010 season drew to a close last Saturday afternoon in San Antonio. MSU (9-17, 2-10) reeled off its third-straight win in a narrow 67-66 victory over Incarnate Word. But that was just the team’s second nail-bitter of the week, after downing Lone Star Conference South Division rival Angelo State, 69-67, earlier on Wednesday. “This win gives us great momentum going into next season,” head coach Noel Johnson said after the victory on Saturday. “I can’t say enough about the effort over the past three games.” Sophomore forward Cierra Thompson paced the Mustangs’ offense with a career-high 19 points versus Incarnate Word. She also hit the go-ahead free throw with 18 seconds left in the game, as MSU got a defensive stop on the final possession to hold on for the win. Teammate Savannah Carver,
also a sophomore forward, added 14 points while junior forward Breeanna Brown contributed four points, six rebounds and four steals. MSU led 36-35 at the intermission, and kept the margin about the same until the Cardinals took their only lead of the second half with six minutes remaining on the clock. But that lead would be short lived as Brown hit a jumper about thirty-seconds later to put the Mustangs back in control. w MSU will be seeing plenty of Incarnate Word (19-8, 13-1) in the near future. This season’s Heartland Conference regularseason champions will join the LSC South next year. The Mustangs squeezed out their second conference win in close fashion against the Angelo State Rambelles at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. Junior forward Nolisha Markham continued her run of big games recently, scoring 15 of her team-high 21 points in the second half Wednesday night. That performance, along
goes to 6-7. Sophomore third baseman Mallory Mooney had the big bat Midwestern State got off to a for the Mustangs Thursday, gorough start Thursday in the first ing a combined 4-for-6 at the plate game of a double-header with while extending her hitting streak to five games. Abilene Christian. Mooney, who posts a team best But the Mustangs shook off that early 7-2 loss to finish the day in .462 batting average, really made dominating fashion with a 14-2 her mark in Game 2. She highshellacking of ACU in the second lighted a seven-run third inning with a three-run homer over the match up. MSU improves to 9-3 on the center field wall. That was followed by junior year after the split, while ACU
McKenzie Sickler’s two RBI long ball later in the same inning, pushing the lead at the point to 14-1. MSU got all over ACU starter Jacque Gregoire in the top of the first inning. The Mustangs piled on six-earned runs on the junior hurler, and ended her night after only 1 2/3 innings. Freshman Natalie Rodriquez came up with a double to lead off the game, while teammates Elena Bennett and Courtney Bingham both found their way on base to
load up the bags a short while later. Mooney brought in one run with a single to centerfield, and then Lauren Craig’s two-run double helped put MSU up early 5-0. Senior pitcher Katie Petersen (4-2) allowed just nine hits and two runs in five innings for the Mustangs. The win came just days after she was named both LSC North Pitcher of the Week and Louisville/National Fastpitch Coaches’
Association National Pitcher of the Week. She now also needs only 10 more strikeouts to become MSU’s all-time leader in the category. The roles were reversed in Game 1, as ACU put up three runs in the first inning against the Mustangs’ Brittany Tanner (3-1). In three innings, she allowed four earned runs on seven hits, while striking out three and walking one. Junior Kristina Gutierrez came
Midwestern State’s men’s basketball team prepares to take the court against Angelo State for their season finale. (Photo courtesy Julia Raymond)
Matt Ledesma For The Wichitan
with Thompson’s 15 points and Carver’s 11 points, would be just enough to hold off Angelo State’s Camille Perkins. The junior guard matched a career high 35-point night, but even that wouldn’t be enough to prevent the Rambelles from falling to 5-6 in conference play. Angelo State (12-14, 5-7) would go on to miss the postseason altogether due in large part to this loss. MSU held a double-digit advantage to start the second half, and were still up 66-58 with just a little more than two and half minutes left in the game. But two big Angelo State 3-pointers quickly cut the deficit to within a basket. Perkins nailed another trey with 27 ticks left on the clock to put the Rambelles in striking distance of taking the lead. But that’s as close as they would get, as MSU put the brakes on the Angelo State’s offense by forcing two big turnovers down the stretch. The Mustangs finished seventh in the LSC South.
in relief for the final three innings and held ACU to one more run and four more hits. The Mustangs notched their only two runs of the game in the seventh inning on an Alyson Reynolds RBI double and Rodriguez RBI single. MSU gets its chance to host a double-header with ACU with two games at Mustangs Park this Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Mooney, Mustangs split Abilene Christian double header Matt Ledesma For The Wichitan
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sports
March 3, 2010
WIN SOME, LOSE SOME
The Wichitan n 9
On Deck This Week n
WEDNESDAY, march 3 BASKETBALL
Men @ lone star conference Championships Bartlesville, ok
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THURSDAY, march 4 BASKETBALL
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ABOVE: Octavian Dinuta serves in the Colin County Community College tournament RIGHT: Bo Zaputovic prepares to serve to opponent in CCCC Tournament. He fell in his singles match but won in doubles. (Photos courtesy Brittany Norman)
Men, women split tournament Matt Ledesma For The Wichitan
MSU tennis coach Larry Wiggins wasn’t too thrilled with some of his team’s performance last Saturday at the Colin County Community College Tournament. The Mustangs managed a split for the day, with the women beating Newman 9-0 and dropping a match to Incarnate Word 5-2. The men also blasted Newman 9-0 before falling to Incarnate Word 5-1. “The girls were shorthanded
due to a lot of injuries, so they played as well as they could have,” Wiggins said. “But the boys could have stepped up the intensity against Incarnate Word. “There are just certain days when you don’t play as well, and sometimes that happens.” The Cardinals built an early cushion by taking all three sets in mens doubles action. They then went up 4-0 when Fransico Segura beat MSU’s Bo Zaputovic 6-4, 6-1. “We just have to get better at playing doubles,” Wiggins said. “When you go down 3-0 like that it makes it hard to come
back. But that’s something we’ll work on this week.” The Mustangs had no trouble in that area earlier in the day versus Newman. The duos of Zaputovic and Carlos Bataller, Vjekoslav Stipanic and Ocatavian Dinuta, and Chad Meeks and Daniel McMullen all swept their respective doubles matches. Zaputovic, Stipanic, Bataller, McMullen, Meeks and Luke Joyce all also added singles wins in a dominating victory. It was much the same story for the women, as MSU breezed through matches with Newman
in perfect fashion. The Mustangs then took a 2-1 lead over Incarnate Word, but the Cardinals rallied back by winning the first four singles matches. Wiggins praised the efforts of sophomore Alex Odell-Michaels, who recorded two doubles wins and one singles victory Saturday. The men (6-5) will next travel to Cameron Quad on Saturday to take on Southwest Baptist. The women (6-3) face their first Lone Star Conference match against Central Oklahoma on Tuesday.
Cycling season opens big for Mustangs Loren Eggenschwiler For The Wichitan
Opening weekend for the MSU Cycling Team started at Texas Tech in Lubbock. A shuttle bus with 20 students left Friday. The team started off with Saturday morning with a road race. 6 men started the A category which was won by Josh Carter in a sprint with Jason Short taking 4th and Alexi Martinez taking 5th. Due to a shortage of women racers, the 7 MSU category A women raced alongside the 7 category B men. For the men, Roy Bracey was able to take 1st in the
sprint finish with Sean brown in 3rd and Fidel Goytia in 4th. Unfortunately category B man, Reynolds Shaffer was unable to finish the race due to a mishap causing him to break two bones. For the women, Jennifer Purcell snagged 1st with Marilyn Cullinane in 2nd, Claire Routledge in 3rd, Loren Eggenschwiler in 4th and Tiffany Stewart in 5th. After a brief lunch break, it was back to the Race course for the time trail, a 6 mile timed event with technical turns and a few hill climbs including a finishing climb. The women began the trek.
Purcell was able to yet again take first with a time of 14:09.45, even after a wrong turn. Stewart took 2nd, Eggenschwiler 3rd, Cullinane in 4th and Natalie Klemko in 5th. The women were followed by the category B men were Bracey was able to take 1st again with 13:50:08. In the category A men, Short took 2nd with 12:34.66 after Texas A&Ms Chad Haga. Todd Elenz came in 4th. After much need rest from the winds of Lubbock, the women started the races for MSU Sunday morning. Routledge took 1st followed by Stewart Cullinane, Purcell and Klemko. The category B men followed
shortly after. The high winds caused the group to scatter but Brown was able to take 1st with Tyler Matthies in 2nd. Category A men were able to take the lead again with Carter taking the sprint followed by A&Ms Cody Foster, then MSUs Short in 3rd, Elenz in 4th, and Martinez in 5th. It was a good start for MSU in the South Central Collegiate Conference. MSU will be taking the road again March 5-7 to Texas A&M then Dallas for the DFW Collegiate Race Spring Break opening weekend.
Rawson named assistant coach for MSU volleyball team MSUMustangs.com For The Wichitan
Natalie Rawson was named assistant volleyball coach at Midwestern State University Tuesday as announced by Venera Flores-Stafford. “Coach Rawson brings quality playing and coaching experience to the program while broadening our recruiting base with her previous position at a junior college,” said Flores-Stafford, who will enter her seventh season at the helm of the MSU volleyball program. Rawson spent the past season serving in the same capacity at
the University of LouisianaMonroe, an NCAA Division I program that competes in the Sun Belt Conference. She served as interim head coach of the program after John Schmidt resigned in late November. “It’s great to come into a supportive atmosphere where everyone wants to win and it’s set up to succeed,” Rawson said. “That goes from the players to the team and all the way through the athletic department. “I’m in a great position to learn from (coach Flores-Stafford’s) success.” The California native spent the previous two years as the
assistant coach at Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College where she was instrumental in helping the team to a 54-44 overall record. Rawson mentored two NJCAA All-Americans at Marshalltown as the Tigers soared to a No. 11 national ranking during her two-year stint (2007-08). Prior to working as an assistant at Marshalltown CC, she worked as an assistant coach for the Fusion Volleyball program in Valencia, Calif. Her technical expertise helped numerous players sign with Division I programs from across the country. Rawson was a standout vol-
leyball and softball student-athlete at Colgate University from 2001-05. She earned all-conference first-team recognition along with being named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year in volleyball. Rawson twice led the Patriot League in digs along with earning her way on to the Patriot League Honor Roll on two occasions. Midwestern State returns all but one starter off of a squad that advanced to the Lone Star Conference Championships for the third straight season.
Men & Women @ lone star conference Championships Bartlesville, ok
Friday, March 5 BASKETBALL
Men & Women @ lone star conference Championships Bartlesville, ok
Men @ Cameron quad
TEnnis
Softball
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1 PM vs. Pittsburg State* 3 PM @ Missouri southern* 5 PM vs. emporia state*
Saturday, march 6 BASKETBALL
Men & Women @ lone star conference Championships Bartlesville, ok
TEnnis
Softball
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Men @ Cameron quad
9 AM vs. Nebraska - Omaha 11 AM vs. Northwest Missouri
Sunday, march 7 basketball
women @ Lone Star Conference championships Bartlesville, ok
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Monday, march 8 Golf
Men and women @ east Central tournament
tuesday, march 9 Golf
Men and women @ east Central tournament
TEnnis
Softball
Women vs. Central Oklahoma 2:00 PM 1 pm Vs. Southwestern Oklahoma
bold denotes home game * denotes Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial Tournament game - Joplin, MO
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The Wichitan
sports
March 3, 2010
Olympics come to a close, pay off for U.S., Canada Brian Gomez MCT Campus
Olympics that started with tragedy, controversy and talk of the host country dominating the podium ended Sunday with a comical Closing Ceremony poking fun at the glitches during the Vancouver Games and celebrating all things Canadian. On a festive night in which Canada basked in the glory of a runaway victory in the goldmedal count, capped by an overtime win against the U.S. in the men’s ice hockey finals, standup comedy from top-notch actors and riveting performances from big-name singers put a cheerful touch on a 17-day run widely considered more of a failure than a success. It was a fitting conclusion for Vancouver, since there were so many problems, from a bad icemaking machine at the venue for long-track speedskating to a tripped-out cauldron to continual weather woes, and there was no shortage of partying the past 2 weeks in this city, way before Sidney Crosby’s goal in one of the greatest games in Olympic history. The fourth leg of the cauldron finally rose at BC Place Stadium it never left the floor at the Opening Ceremony, denying retired Canadian speedskater Catriona Le May Doan an opportunity to light the flame. Doan brought the heat Sunday in front of 60,000 fans after a handyman took center stage and realized the cauldron’s extension cord was unplugged. Nordic combined skier Billy Demong, who won a gold medal Thursday in the individual large hill and catapulted the U.S. to a silver Tuesday in the 20-kilometer relay, carried the American flag, then ice hockey player Angela Ruggiero was sworn in as a member of the International Olympic Committee athletes’ commission, a full-fledged IOC spot. After a flag handover from Vancouver to Sochi, Russia, the 2014 Olympic host, the fun began, with William Shatner saying “two Canadians minus 30 degrees is just another sign of global warming.” Catherine O’Hara made light of the lack of snow that hampered the Olympics, saying Vancouver is “sorry if you thought Canada was one big frozen tundra.” Vancouver 2010 chief John Furlong elicited the biggest applause donning felt antlers by declaring that Canada’s hockey triumph over the U.S. “will be remembered for generations.” Michael J. Fox later joined the fray with, “If I’m watching the U.S. and Canada play hockey, I’m sorry, I’m wearing a maple leaf on my sweater.” In a brief speech, IOC president Jacques Rogge said the sporting world “shared the grief of an Olympic dream cut short,” a reference to the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili, a luger from
the nation of Georgia who was killed in practice the day of the Opening Ceremony. Rogge also said Olympic followers “witnessed extraordinary acts of courage,” a probable reference to Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette, who won a bronze after her mother died last week of a massive heart attack. Rochette was Canada’s flag bearer. No mention was made of the slew of problems in Canada’s third Olympics, a collapsed bar-
ricade that injured 19 people, timing issues in biathlon, refunded snowboarding tickets and weather delays in Alpine skiing. And few noticed protesters who marched Sunday in Vancouver with signs reading “Homes Not Games” and “2010 Corporate Circus.” Then again, maybe nobody cared. The flame was extinguished, the cauldron was brought down and a stage the size of two football fields was filled with gigantic hockey play-
ers, beavers on wheels, floating moose, dancing canoes and frolicking lumberjacks as banners of grizzly bears and police officers unfurled and paper leaves fell from the roof. In a white tuxedo, Michael Buble rocked the joint before handing over the microphone to Avril Lavigne. Nickelback and Alanis Morissette closed the show while Vail Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn flashed her antlers and Olympic Training Center bobsledder Steven Holcomb
proudly displayed his gold from the four-man event. The 37 medals - nine golds, 15 silvers and 13 bronzes - by the U.S. were a record for the most at a Winter Games. That’s 12 more than the Americans won in 2006, when their 25 was their record for a non-U.S. Winter Games. Winning 14 golds - the most Canada has claimed at any Olympics - enabled Canada to break the previous mark for Winter Games golds, 13 by the
Soviets in 1976 and Norway in 2002. Canada grabbed 26 total, four less than Germany, which had 10 golds. Norway took fourth with 23 medals. “It says our athletes were well prepared, that they had a fantastic Games,” U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive officer Scott Blackmun said. “We really don’t view this as a competition between nations as much as a competition between athletes, and our athletes have done a phenomenal job.”