Oct. 29, 2008 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

The student voice of Midwestern State University

The Wichitan page 7 Cultural celebration

Indian students share heritage during traditional festival of Diwali.

page 8 Conference champs Cross country team dominates and takes home first conference championship in school history.

WEDNESDAY, October 29, 2008

Pledge drinking leads to probe of Kappa Alpha Brittany Norman Editor in Chief

Illustrations by Traci Lowe

Two Kappa Alpha pledges spent the night in Nocona General Hospital with alcohol poisoning on Oct. 4 after they attended what one parent described as a “pledge retreat” on Cottonwood Creek Road about nine miles east of Nocona. One of the pledges, freshman Nicholas Aycock, of Red Oak, was admitted to Nocona General with a blood alcohol level of .48 after drinking whiskey out of some sort of funnel, said his mother Helen Aycock. This is six times over the legal limit. Nocona patrol sergeant Larry Hostetter said he was called to

No matter which candidate captures the most votes Tuesday, the 2008 presidential election is shaping up to be a historic event. In less than one week, Americans will have elected either the first African American president and first Catholic vice president or the oldest first-term president and the first female vice president. It is also the first time since 1928 that an incumbent president or vice president is not a candidate. For many MSU students, it is the first election in their lifetime that a Clinton or a Bush is not in the running for the White House. Senator John McCain and Senator

Chris Collins Managing Editor

If 875 college students are correct, Barack Obama will be the next president. A recent survey conducted by Florida A&M University showed Obama capturing 69 percent of student votes, compared to 28 percent for John McCain. However, students at MSU, one of 86 schools that participated, put McCain in the lead, 51-44 percent. The Web-based poll was administered Sept. 27-Oct. 22. “It’s important for everybody to vote,” said Mitzi Lewis, mass communication instructor. “We’re determining our future.” Lewis decided to involve MSU in the survey after discussing the idea with a mass communication instructor at Florida A&M who had used the poll during the summer. Lewis refined the project and updated

Barack Obama have distinctly different views of America as well as dramatically different plans for the future of the country. The proposed policies of each candidate will have an effect on Americans, even student voters who often feel exempt from the effects of government decisions. The 18-25 age group has historically had a low voter turnout. “Many of them (young people) don’t know or don’t understand yet how much all of this affects them,” said Jeremy Duff, assistant professor of political science. “Politics affects everybody in important ways. When it comes to taxing and spending and how much money comes out of your paycheck, who is in office is going to affect you in a big way whether it’s McCain or Obama.”

it to keep the issues current. Of the 875 respondents, 119 attend MSU. The survey was publicized in emails, Facebook invitations, press releases and the MSU Web site. Because not all students had an equal opportunity to participate in the poll – respondents weren’t chosen at random, but volunteered – the survey isn’t representative of the general population. More white students, 477, completed the survey than any other race. Black students, however, voted overwhelmingly for Obama, giving the Republican McCain less than five percent of votes. A large minority of respondents, 40 percent, described themselves as moderates. Conservatives and liberals were fairly evenly split. Only 32 percent of respondents were male. This may have skewed results, Lewis said.

Political science professor Michael Preda believes younger Americans are beginning to realize the gravity of the decisions they can make at the polls. “I think young people have begun to realize that their personal future is important,” Preda said. “They’re more interested this year. I think we will see an increase in the youth vote.” College-aged voters have a choice between relative opposites next week, each of whom has a differing perspective on important issues. Obama has struck a chord with the demographic because of his own youth, but Preda said there’s more to him as a candidate than his age. “Youth is not just his chronological See CHOICE page 3

A rash of thefts in Moffett Library this semester has led library officials to discuss installing security cameras in the building. Currently there are no cameras in the facility. Four incidents of theft in the library were reported in September and October, according to MSU police department case reports. The stolen property – a backpack, two books, a digital camera and two laptops – totals almost $5,000. MSU police have confronted a “person of interest” who might have been responsible for the thefts, Police Chief Michael

Hagy confirmed Tuesday. “There was a person who has been suspicious and hanging out at the library,” Hagy said. No one has been arrested or taken into custody, but one nonstudent has been banned from the university, he said. Witnesses of thefts of a digital camera on Oct. 4 and a laptop on Oct. 18 fingered two possible suspects, implicating two different men. One is a 5’ 10”, 195pound white male with black hair and hazel eyes. The other is a 6’, 160-pound white male with blonde hair. Hagy didn’t comment about whether either of these potential suspects – if they are two differSee LOOTERS page 3

20% fail writing proficiency test Chris Collins Managing Editor

Graphics courtesy “College Student Election Survey”

See DRINKING page 3

Library looters steal equipment Chris Collins Managing Editor

Brittany Norman Editor in Chief

the hospital early that morning. Hostetter said he cited a second student, Matthew Cain, also a freshman, for public intoxication. Cain was sitting in his pickup at the time. “He was highly intoxicated,” Hostetter said. Hostetter performed a field sobriety test and detained Cain, a resident of Wichita Falls. “After speaking with him, I decided to have hospital staff look at him for possible alcohol poisoning,” Hostetter said. He said Aycock was already in the hospital being treated. “He was not responsive when I was there,” Hostetter said.

Twenty percent of MSU students don’t have the English skills required to graduate. Passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, a two-hour persuasive essay test, is a requirement for all students seeking a bachelor’s degree at MSU, according to the WPE Web page. Only 80 percent of students pass the exam, said Dana Barnett, coordinator of the writing proficiency office. Most students who take the test are juniors who have already have two English courses under their belts. The WPE, formerly the English Usage Exam, has been in place at MSU since 1983. The test was moved from the English department to the office of the provost earlier this year. This

measure was taken to ensure the whole university stays involved with the test, said Provost Frederike Weidemann. “This is a university exam and not an English department exam,” Weidemann said. The exam administered in October was graded by four professors, she said. Every paper is read twice. If the professors disagree on a score, a third is consulted to settle the issue. For the first time, full-time instructors from departments other than English were asked to grade the most recent test. “Since this is a university test, we wanted faculty from other areas to be involved in the grading process,” Weidemann said. The test is given in the fall, spring and summer each year.

See WRITING page 7

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Viewpoints

Finalist 2004 Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award

The Wichitan

Staff Editorial

Time to rock the vote Election day is quickly approaching and no matter whom your presidential candidate of choice is, it’s time to get out there and vote. The last day of early voting in Texas is Halloween, this Friday, so rush to the voting booths to avoid the election-day congestion. A lot of students claim they don’t care about politics at the moment, but we are the generation that will be affected by the decisions made today. Many pollsters and statisticians have been claiming they can predict who the winner is going to be, which could deter potential voters. However, if you don’t let your voice be heard just because some “prophets” are declaring they know the outcome, you’re only playing into these hucksters’ hands. The election can go either way. The truth is: We decide. It doesn’t matter whether you are democratic or republican. It doesn’t even matter what you think about the cost of candidates’ wardrobes. It’s time to prove the stereotype wrong. Let’s show everyone that young voters 18-25

Gossip, gossip, and more Gossip Girl Alyssa Edson Opinion Editor

Every Monday night at exactly 6:55, I follow the same routine. I turn my TV to channel 5, the local CW, and I sit in anticipation for five minutes. The last few scenes of That ’70s Show are a guarantee that I won’t miss the beginning of this week’s episode. Gossip Girl is a fairly new addition to my life, but is an addiction nonetheless. The show has already become a weekly event in my dorm. More than that, it’s an obsession. I’m pretty sure my Monday nights are booked for quite some time. In the past few months I’ve learned a few things from the show: incredibly intense drama in a New York private school is about as common as breathing, acting completely inappropriate

in front of your parents will go entirely unnoticed if you land “page five” of the newspaper, and creeper guys talk only in whispers (yes, this would be Chuck Bass). I guess I should have known what I was in for with a show whose advertising slogan is “O.M.F.G.G.,” but the storylines never cease to amaze me. This week’s episode pretty much blew my mind with all the new developments that it entailed, and I don’t think I can contain my excitement for next week’s episode. After watching Blaire and the creeper that is Chuck Bass play mind game after mind game on each other, and a few unknowing victims, I have decided they are destined to be together. Even though they are not my

Whether you’re voting early or get to the voting booths on Nov. 4, let’s get out there and rock the vote.

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 © 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.

No. This is not acceptable. I do agree that her boss was taking advantage of her, as well as the photography dude, but it’s just not in her character to quit everything she worked so hard for and exchange it for a sketchy party scene. Maybe her “Prince in Armani,” Nate, will be able to pull her out of this stupid rut. As far as Serena and the artist, I’m pretty sure that with Serena’s track record, she’ll soon be getting what she wants – a date with the boy from her childhood. Whatever happens next week, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be amazing. So for now, I’m just going to be looking forward to Monday at 6:55 p.m. when I get to begin the whole routine again.

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!

are actively involved in the political system. Let’s demonstrate that we care.

favorite characters on the show (I refer to Chuck as a creeper if you haven’t caught on) this past episode actually made me feel as though the two have more than ice in their chests when it comes to each other. It is painfully evident that even though “those three words” have never been said by either of the stubborn characters, something big is on its way between the two. I don’t think that Dan ruined anything in their relationship, despite constant talk around kdub that he was a jerk to Blaire. Yes, he joined the mind-game fad that Blaire and Chuck started, but I was really glad that he actually stood up for Vanessa. Also, Jenny, what the heck? In just one episode, the innocent, career-driven 15-year-old makes a complete 180?

THINK GREEN: Please recycle The Wichitan after reading.

Bins are located in Clark Student Center and Bolin Hall Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Brittany Norman

Managing Editor Chris Collins

Entertainment Editor Courtney Foreman

Reporters Richard Carter Josh Mujica Lauren Wood

Op-Ed Editor Alyssa Edson

Photographers Loren Eggenschwiler

Photo Editor Patrick Johnston

Advertising Manager Ayesha Dorsey

Sports Editor Bobby Morris

Copy Editor Patrick Johnston Adviser Randy Pruitt

News

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

ELECTION.................................................................................................... continued from pg. 1 age,” Preda said of Obama. “He is the first candidate since Reagan who is appealing to some young people. Young voters since 1980 tended to lean toward conservatives and Republican presidential candidates.” Preda said Obama has demonstrated personal stability throughout the campaign, while the press has often portrayed McCain as “jumping all around, going from one issue to the next.” “He says he’s a maverick,” Preda said. “I think that he is no longer a maverick. The maverick label that he talks about was the previous John McCain before he began his presidential quest.” Obama also wants to end the war in Iraq and emphasizes positive social change, such as his plan to guarantee health insurance for all Americans. Duff has a more favorable view of McCain. “There’s one key difference between Obama and McCain and it has to do with their world views,” Duff said. “They have starkly different world views and it’s rooted partly in the difference between liberals and conservatives in general.” Duff said that McCain sees the world from a relatively moderate conservative point of view where if you work hard you can succeed and achieve the American Dream, while Obama subscribes to the “typical liberal world view” where there are roadblocks that prevent people from attaining that dream and the government should step in and remove those roadblocks. “Obama’s world view is that people who are more fortunate and who have more money should give back to people who are less fortunate,” Duff said. “And if they aren’t going to do that, the government should come and take their money and redistribute it.” Duff considers Obama’s strength as his ability to inspire people. Obama also represents the opinions of many antiwar Americans. But he has his weaknesses. “His number one weakness is that he’s inexperienced,” Duff said. “He has had absolutely no executive experience whatsoever. He hasn’t even served a whole term in the senate yet. He’s never really had any test.” His number two weakness,

according to Duff, is that he’s “by far the most liberal of the Senate.” “It makes his claim that he’s reaching across the aisle rather unconvincing,” Duff said. “I think that’s a rather considerable weakness.” The country’s recent economic troubles will factor greatly into how people vote. “There is no way to predict how the economy will be different under each one as president,” Preda said. “Presidents like to take credit when the economy is good. Presidents say ‘don’t blame me’ when the economy is bad. But they don’t control the economy.” Duff isn’t sure that the economic policies would be too different, regardless of which candidate takes office. “McCain’s economic stances are a little bit left of Bush’s,” Duff said. “He’s not as die-hard into the ‘cut taxes’ world as the Bush administration was. He believes in providing incentives like tax cuts to businesses to spur economic growth.” When it comes to climate change issues, however, McCain supports putting caps on carbon emissions, which Duff says is different from Bush policies. The candidates differ on the war in Iraq as well. Obama supports a definite timetable to withdraw troops, while McCain refuses to set an end date. Selection of a running mate has been a topic of contention between the two parties throughout the campaign, particularly McCain’s choice of Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Preda doesn’t see Palin as qualified to be president. “I just see her as a liability to McCain,” Preda said. “She doesn’t seem to pass the test. I think that Palin was pushed on him by the party base and he accepted her without sufficient vetting.” Preda considers Senator Joe Biden a stronger choice. “Biden has strong foreign policy credentials,” Preda said. “He has the knowledge, the experience of having had contact with leaders in this government and in other governments in other countries. (Obama) picked Biden because he couldn’t pick Hilary (Clinton).” Duff thinks that Palin was chosen because of her appeal to

the voters on the far right, who might have seen McCain as too moderate. “She appeals to the ‘Joe Six Pack’ conservative base,” Duff said. “She hunts and she fishes and rides snowmobiles. She’s pro-life and pro-traditional marriage and I think that’s why he picked her. In that way, she’s been an asset.” Duff said Palin draws more people to her rallies than McCain, but at the same time the media has ridiculed her. “They make fun of her being stupid and that she’d unprepared and not experienced enough to be president, and I think she’s hurt him in many ways in his dealings with the press,” Duff said. “Based on just experience alone, I’d say that Palin is probably not qualified to be president – yet,” Duff said. “Biden’s been in Congress since dinosaurs walked the earth, so I would say that if that was the only factor, yeah, he’s probably more qualified than she is. The irony of this is both of them are more qualified than Obama.” The country is currently divided almost equally between the two candidates, and Preda said that there are several lines along which the country splits. “The country is divided, but it’s really divided between central city vs. suburb and rural,” Preda said. “It’s still divided geographically, sociologically, economically by income—the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer.” Duff has a different perspective on the country’s political divisions. “Some would argue that it is in fact divided between red states and blue states, liberals vs. conservatives and red and blue states fighting it out every year,” Duff said. However, he cites a book called Culture Wars by Morris Fiorina, which concludes that the political views of Americans on individual issues tend to be more moderate. “When we poll people on major issues that you think would split people, like abortion and gay marriage, people pretty much fall along a bell curve, where you have some people on the extreme ends and most everybody else distributed in the middle,” Duff said.

He said the division that seems so evident is really created by the media and politicians who see that splitting people up benefits them. The country is, however, clearly split on which candidate to vote for. Polls are pretty evenly split between McCain and Obama, though Obama has maintained a slight lead. “It’s going to be a close race,” Duff said. “It’s close right now. If you average the poll numbers, it’s pretty clear that it’s getting closer.” Duff said that the narrow distance between the candidates is surprising. “Usually when a president of a particular party has considerably low approval ratings, his party doesn’t do well in the next election,” Duff said. Duff mentioned that the Bradley Effect, which states that voters will often respond to polls in favor of a non-white candidate in order to avoid being perceived as racist. This might skew the numbers in favor of Obama. Preda doesn’t think that the Bradley Effect will be a factor in this election. “As political scientists, we base our judgment on statistics, and the numbers are in Obama’s favor at the present time,” Preda said. “From everything I’ve read lately, it seems like (The Bradley Effect) is probably over. Over time there are more whites who have publicly stated that they are supportive of him.” According to Preda, Obama has also garnered significant international support, and is preferred by many other countries over McCain. Whichever candidate is elected will have a significant impact on the future of the United States – an impact college students will feel, if not immediately, then upon graduation. “Politics affects everyone in important ways,” Duff said. “When it comes to taxes and spending and how much money comes out of your paycheck, who is in office is going to affect you in a big way, whether it’s McCain or Obama.” Duff said the decision comes down to whether or not you agree with how Obama’s or McCain’s plans are going to affect you. “Either way, they are going to affect you in your pocketbook, in your home, in your ability

Campus briefs •

Oct. 29

The Juanita Harvey

Art Gallery Dedication; Fain Fine Arts Main Gallery; Wed. 3:30 p.m. • Honorary Art Fraternity Reception; Juanita Harvey Art Gallery; Wed. 6 p.m. •

Oct. 30

Athletics luncheon;

Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU; video replays, coach updates; Thurs. 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.; cost $6 • Phi Alpha Theta Bake Sale; CSC; Thurs. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. • Multicultural Services: Gay Marriage; CSC Wichita I & II; Thurs. 11:30 a.m. •

Oct. 31

Opening Reception:

30 Year Selective Retrospective; Fain Fine Arts Main Gallery; Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. •

Nov. 1

Priority Application for

Spring Admission Deadline •

Nov. 3

Residence Hall Associ-

ation Blood Drive; CSC; Mon. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. •

Nov. 4

SSS & CMC; Ultimate

Money Skills; CSC Shawnee; Tues. 7 p.m. to do certain things,” Duff said. He cited the economic bailout as an example of the pervasiveness of politics. “It’s going to affect getting car loans and mortgages.” “College students are the ones in five or six years who are

going to be starting families and jobs and buying homes,” Duff said. “The next four years of the presidency while they’re in college will have a vast effect on what happens when they’re out of college.”

THEFTS..................................................................................................................................................................................... continued from pg. 1 ent men, that is – was the person of interest. Head Librarian Dr. Clara Latham and Hagy have been discussing installing a security camera system to dissuade would-be robbers. The two are consulting a contractor about pricing for the system. An eight-camera system, such as the one in Clark Student Center, costs about $9,000, Hagy said. A system with four cameras, which is usually the smallest, would be about half that price. “The price really depends on what you’re looking for,” he said. While one camera might be used to monitor a whole room, a different camera might be required to properly capture a suspect’s face. Latham is currently considering installing two cameras inside the library, but none outside. She said she doesn’t think students will feel that their privacy is

being violated by this measure. “Most of the students are appreciative that we’re being cautious,” she said. “There are people who will try to take advantage of other people when they aren’t looking.” Latham said the library has formerly had problems with thefts of textbooks and calculators, but nothing like this. When the first laptop was stolen Sept. 28, library workers searched the bags of the people who were in the library. The search – in which participation was voluntary – turned up nothing. “They’re not forced to show their possessions,” Latham said. That would require a search warrant. “But they’ll feel more protected that we’re monitoring who’s coming and going.” Latham said she doesn’t plan on conducting any more random searches. It’s too easy for a thief to just claim that a stolen item

is actually his, she said. It’s also hard to find evidence of thefts without video proof. Students are becoming more wary about where they leave their things in the library, Latham said. Sometimes students can be careless with their possessions. “They’re aware there may be a problem,” she said. “Students are being more cautious.” Chris Henderson, electronic media access librarian, said this is the worst series of thefts he’s seen at Moffett since he started in 2002. “It’s a nightmare,” he said. “You get up to go to the bathroom or to get a book and when you come back, your stuff’s gone.” Henderson said the robberies hurt not only the victims, but the library too. If people are worried about their personal effects being taken, they might stop coming to Moffett. “That’s the stuff that makes you feel unsafe,” he said. “It

starts eroding your confidence. You start looking at people like, ‘is it him?’ or ‘is it her?’ We want to rebuild that trust.” Until the cameras are installed, library staff will walk the floor more often to increase what Henderson calls “physical presence.” The fastest way to nab the crook is by catching him in the act, he said. Moffett Library isn’t the only MSU building struggling to keep theft at bay, however. According to the MSU police, six robberies have been reported since the semester began. Three cases, involving a cell phone and two backpacks, were in the Dillard building. One vehicle was stolen in September in the Sunwatcher parking lot. Another was burglarized on Nocona Trail two weeks later. A bank bag and teller sheet were taken from the business office in the Hardin building

Sept. 30. The felony theft case is still active. These incidents – and the fact that all the cases are still unsolved – might lead some students to question their security on campus. About 25 percent of MSU is currently monitored by surveillance cameras, Hagy said in an email to The Wichitan in March. The Dillard building, where nearly half of the thefts have occurred, uses 29 cameras. This is more than any other building. Killingsworth dorm is equipped with 12 video cameras. Pierce Hall has 11. Sunwatcher Village uses 10 cameras, but four of those are in the office. Clark Student Center has eight cameras. “Cameras are not required or mandated; however, I believe that they serve a major role in the perception of safety,” Hagy said. “A video surveillance system

goal is to allow you to have video in the event of an incident so that you can re-construct the incident and determine what might have taken place.” Hagy said MSU is trying to include the cost of installing video cameras in all new construction projects, but the cost of retrofitting old buildings is more. “The cost of a single camera is anywhere from $49 to $2,500, depending on the camera” he said. “Some cameras are designed to take pictures in total darkness, while others require a good amount of light. Some cameras have a zoom capability and others are fixed.” Each location with a camera system is responsible for maintaining its own surveillance equipment, Hagy said. “I disagree with providing bad guys with the exact locations as it will not make our student body any safer,” he said.

DRINKING................................................................................................................................................................................. continued from pg. 1 Helen Aycock told The Wichitan she got a call from the hospital later that morning about her son. “The last thing my son remembers, he was drinking whiskey,” she said. “Someone dropped him off at the hospital. When he arrived, he had absolutely no gag reflex and he was not breathing on his own.” She said an ambulance was not summoned. Nurses told her that her son would have died if he hadn’t been taken to the hospital. “He would not have survived

it,” she said. Nicholas was discharged from the hospital the following morning. Hostetter said that Cain was discharged as well. Later that week, Helen Aycock said she contacted the dean’s office at MSU. “They said they were investigating,” she said. “The fraternity has been at least temporarily suspended.” She said she also contacted the administrative offices of Kappa Alpha. “They told me everything they

thought I wanted to know,” she said. Dean of Students Dail Neely said he would not comment on an ongoing investigation. The MSU police incident report listed what happened as “hazing by ritual act only.” Texas law forbids hazing. According to the statute, “Hazing means any intentional knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or

safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are students at an educational institution. The term includes but is not limited to: any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity; any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure of the elements, confine-

ment in a small space, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk or harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; any activity involving the consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or which adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism that subjects the student to

extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, or that adversely affects the student from entering or remaining registered in an educational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organization or the institution rather than submit to acts described in this subsection; any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the Penal Code. Sec. 4.52.

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

Entertainment

Trick or treat? Halloween costume ideas Lauren Wood & Vanessa Raymond For The Wichitan

Halloween. The one time of the year that people can dress up as something completely ridiculous and no one can say anything about it. For those of you who aren’t going as a nudist or a girl in lingerie, but try to pass it off as a “costume,” there are many new popular costumes this year. For those students who are

“WHERE IT PAYS TO SAVE A LIFE” EARN MONEY WHILE HELPING PEOPLE

hooked on the Disney channel, there are High School Musical costumes, as well as Hannah Montana outfits, that include the microphone and fake hair. Pirate costumes are always popular with the Captain Jack Sparrow hat and dreads. Just smear some dirt on your face and insert your gold teeth, and you’re good to hobble your way around. With the latest release of the Indiana Jones movie, Indiana costumes are popular on the shelves this year. Most costumes include the famous hat and whip, just don’t use it on anyone. Of course there is bound to be at least one person at each party sporting the make-up of the Joker from the newest Batman movie and saying the infamous line, “Let’s put a smile on that face.” Sure enough to scare any small child, the clown mask from the Saw films are sure to be on the streets as well as any other type of clown mask. Kids don’t like those. If you have a sense of humor shop at Spencers to get your costume or at the Halloween Bootique, both in Sikes Senter Mall off of Midwestern Parkway. There is always Walmart and Target with plenty of costumes and Halloween accessories too. The Card and Party Factory on Southwest Parkway also carry an abun-

dance of costumes as well. For those of you who want to save a penny or two, get creative! Take a white sheet and poke holes for eyes and go as an old fashioned ghost. Or, if you have a humorous side, cut a slot for your head and arms in a white trash bag and go as “white trash.” Appearing in costume as couple only adds to the fun of Halloween. Here are some couples costume ideas to help you celebrate Halloween a deux. Dressing as an already wellknown couple is an easy place to start since their iconic status does some of the legwork for you: Because people know what to expect, they fill in the blanks themselves. Be sure to know your audience: John and Lorena Bobbitt might go over well with your co-workers and less well with the in-laws. Think Homer and Marge, Shrek and Fiona, Aus-

tin Powers and Felicity Shagwell. Then there are the couples that aren’t really couples: Alex Rodriguez and Madonna or David Duchovny and a blow-up doll. Playing with people’s expectations in this particular costume category can give your costumes some extra oomph: Have the woman dress as the hot dog and the man as the bun. And though we’re trying very hard to stick to tame combinations for the sake of this article, you can range from the vaguely suggestive to the downright dirty. I have to admit to liking the brazen extremes that some people will go to when dressing for Halloween. It’s Halloween after all, a day made for the grotesque. Remember that pairs don’t have to be male-female or even romantically involved. Think Harry Potter and Hermione. Or Mary-Kate and Ashley Ol-

sen. Nor does the pairing have to exclude inanimate objects. Think Emeril Lagasse and garlic or Lance Armstrong and a bike. Current events provide plenty of costume ideas. Election season suggests John and Cindy McCain or Barack and Michelle Obama. And political figures often make good targets, i.e. Larry Craig and his stall mate. A humorous twist can breathe new life into a hackneyed theme. For example, if a man is dressed as a magician, then his female assistant could dress with stitch marks through her middle. Or if you’re dressing as priest and nun, have the male member of the duo dress as the nun, and make him pregnant. Of course couples costumes can be conceptual: ball and chain, rock star and groupie, lock and key. One of the best couples costumes I ever saw was pure concept: A man and a woman each wore plain black pants. The left leg of one was tied to the right leg of the other, as in the game, “Three-Legged Race.” Together they wore a giant oversized t-shirt that provided the punch line: “Co” read her side; “Dependent” read his. If you want something truly original, you’ll probably have to think of it yourself. But hopefully these ideas have jump-started your creative thinking so that you can

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41 45

Number of states represented by the MSU student body. Number of countries represented by the MSU student body.

create couples Halloween costumes that suit you and your better half (wait, that just gave me an idea).

The Wichitan needs writers: wichitan@ mwsu.edu

Entertainment

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

It’s vampire season: Hollywood’s favorite bloodsuckers Denise Neil MCT

Stock up on garlic and sharpen the stakes: It’s vampire season. And I’m not just talking about Halloween. Vampires _ always the most stylish of the undead set _ have long been pop culture fixtures, from Grandpa Munster to Buffy’s numerous slay-ees. And lately, there’s been a new wave of big- and small-screen bloodsuckers. HBO’s new show “True Blood,” follows the romantic travails of a small-town, vampire-loving waitress played by Anna Paquin. In it, the Japanese have invented synthetic blood, allowing vampires to “come out of the coffin” and safely (?) mix with the population. Then there’s the success of author Stephenie Meyer’s “Twi-

light” series of young adult books, which are earning Meyer a reputation as the new J.K. Rowling. Centered on high schooler Bella Swan and the boy of her dreams who happens to be a dangerous vampire, the books have sold millions of copies and are New York Times best-sellers. The first book of the series, “Twilight,” has been turned into a movie that will be released on Nov. 21. Though I’ve never been a fan of sci-fi or ghouls in general, I’ve occasionally made an exception for vampires. It seems like the wise thing to do. So in honor of Halloween (and of “Twilight,” which my book club is gathering today to discuss), I’m offering this list of my favorite pop culture vampires. Of course, I don’t care for

blood, ghouls or the horror genre in general, so my list is pretty quick and cuddly. Count von Count: This “Sesame Street” character was always one of my favorites, despite the fact that he knew a lot more about math than I ever did. Guess I’m a sucker for those fangs and that laugh. Bwa-ah-ah-ah-ah!!!!!!!!!! Count Chocula: As a child, my mother smartly would not let me eat chocolate and marshmallow breakfast cereal. As an adult, I smartly would not allow myself. Maybe that’s why I’ve always yearned for this forbidden vamp. “The Lost Boys:” I’ve probably watched this 1987 flick 20 times. Not only does it star The Coreys (Haim and Feldman), but Kiefer Sutherland made for a pretty persuasive bloodsucker. “Interview With the Vampire” vampires: This 1994 film is way

too scary for my blood. But who can resist a film starring Brad Pitt, Christian Slater and Tom Cruise back when Tom Cruise was cool? Buffy the Vampire Slayer: I was never a devoted watcher of this acclaimed television series, which aired from 1997 to 2003 and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar. But when flipping channels, I always have to indulge in a few minutes of Buffy’s toughgirl moves. “Rocky Horror Picture Show’s” Dr. Frank-N-Furter: Wait. Is he a vampire or just a vamp? Either way, I love him.

Seth Rogan at it again with porno flick Pillow talk with director Kevin Smith about ‘Zach and Miri’

John Anderson MCT

Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks in ‘Zach and Miri Make a Porno” in theaters this Friday

the income it derives from erectile dysfunction relief, made the film’s distributor, The Weinstein Co., delete the last three words of the title. Smith, father of a 9-year-old girl, thinks the hubbub is overblown. “My kid asks me what a porno is, and I say, ‘It doesn’t have Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana or Zac Efron in it, so you don’t care,’” he said, referring to stars of the Disney Channel. “But my kid’s smart, ‘cause at one point, she said the whole title out loud, and I said, “Do you know what a porno is?’ And she said ‘Yeah, it’s what you do for a living.’” Smith laughs. “But she has no interest in my movies ‘cause they’re about a bunch of adults standing around talking. And they’re not talking about stuff she likes, like elephants. And flowers. And Zack and Cody.”

“I don’t have kids,” said Smith’s longtime producer, Scott Mosier, “but I have gone to my friends who have kids and asked a bunch of them about the ‘porno’-on-a-poster thing, and 99 percent said, ‘What about all the posters that say ‘death,’ ‘slaughter’ and ‘murder’ and have images that are a lot more frightening?’ “They also say, ‘Of all the stuff I have to deal with, that is not one of the big problems.’” Mosier and Smith have had public run-ins with public censors before, on “Clerks,” in 1994, the irreverent “Dogma” in 1999 and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” (2001). In a slightly different brand of contretemps, Smith feuded with the late TV reviewer Joel Siegel after Siegel stormed out of a “Clerks II” screening. His talents _ which are showcased

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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. And “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” by any other name, would still be the raunchiest comedy of the year. But it’s not the subject, or the story, or the often lewd goingson that had everyone with their knickers in a knot, a week before the movie opens Friday. Although shamelessly vulgar and sexual, “Zack and Miri” is far less lascivious than any Pussycat Dolls video; it’s less coyly suggestive than any one of the 20-odd Viagra ads that run during “Monday Night Football” (which, by the way, declined to run an unedited ad for “Zack and Miri”). But it does have the word “porno” in the title. And there’s the rub. Looking like a bearded bag of laundry concealing a sofa, director Kevin Smith the first man ever to receive an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America based solely on language, for “Clerks” welcomes his visitor. His hotel room is drape-shuttered against the California morning; it is redolent with deceased Marlboros. His movie, which stars Seth Rogen (“Knocked Up”) and Elizabeth Banks (“W.”), concerns longtime friends and roommates who fall into a financial hole and try to get out of it by making a pornographic movie. That they are utterly inept at putting sex on celluloid provides the comedy. That they happen to be in love with each other provides the winsome romance. Other folks have provided the controversy. “There are some people in the country, I’ve discovered over the last two weeks, who think this really is a porno,” Smith said, with ironic exasperation. “They say, ‘I can’t believe they’re advertising porn in the mainstream.” I go, ‘Are you retarded? When was the last porno you saw that had ‘porno’ in the title?’” Regardless, “the word” has led Boston city fathers to take ads off their buses; Philadelphia has reacted similarly; and “Monday Night Football,” despite all

on screen, on Web sites and in comic books _ are primarily as a writer. Something that can give actors pause. “When you go into a situation with a writer/director, you’re always a little nervous that they’re going to be precious about their words,” said Banks, currently appearing as Laura Bush in Oli-

ver Stone’s “W.” and teamed in “Zack and Miri” with her “40-Year-Old Virgin” colleague Rogen and former adult film star Traci Lords. “I mean, they take a long time writing these things,” she smiled. “But the pleasant surprise about Kevin is that he’s not precious about it at all, and while I had no problem at all with the script, when you’re making comedy _ Seth and I both agree _ you’re doing the same joke over and over. And by take five, you’re asking, ‘Does it still have any freshness to it?’ So you start to improv.” Smith was open to that, she said, calling her director “a huge romantic.” “This movie reminds me of ‘Chasing Amy,’” she said, referring to the 1997 Smith film starring Joey Lauren Adams, Jason Lee and Ben Affleck. “Kevin’s a genius at mixing the sweet and the spicy. If this was just romance, we would have made ‘Bridges of Madison County.’ You have to cut the romance with something funny, otherwise you’re watching ‘The Notebook.’” No one will be mistaking “Zack and Miri” for “The Notebook.” In the era of director-produc-

er Judd Apatow (“40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked up,’ “Superbad,” “Pineapple Express”) and the rise of the R-rated comedy, what they will find is a movie that goes for broke. (Mosier: “Nobody gets killed. Nobody gets their skin peeled off. It’s generally all natural stuff. But you don’t necessarily want to take your kid and say, ‘OK, this is going to be the basis for your sex education for the rest of your life ...”). “All the Judd stuff doesn’t make me step up my game, in terms of ‘I’m gonna be more vulgar,’” Smith said. “But the Judd stuff was a real revelation, because for years I felt that if you’re going to mix raunch and sweetness you’re never going to make more than 30 million bucks.” Which is what they grossed, he said, on their biggest hits, “Dogma” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” “And that’s a formula that I’ve been making since ‘94,” he said. “Suddenly Judd and company shatter that ceiling and prove you can make the kind of movie I make, and it can make a lot of money. So I was like, ‘Oh man, I was wrong all this time. It’s not them. It’s me!’”

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The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

News

Feature

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

Festival of lights

Indian students share Diwali celebration with Midwestern Russ Lawrenz For the Wichitan

If anyone has been in the mood for Basundi, Kheer or Gulab Jamun lately you could have had your fix at this week’s Diwali festival. These are the three customary sweets that were on taste display for Diwali, an Indian celebration that the Midwestern Indian Students Association (MISA) is putting on this week. Diwali is a festival of lights equivalent in popularity to the American Christmas and New Year season. “We selected to celebrate the Diwali (Dee-vah-Lee) festival of all our festivals because it is the most prominent and awaited one that we have,” said MISA President Rati Gandhale. It is the first time we are doing it here at MSU and we are trying to spread the word. All Indians celebrate it, even those who are not Hindu.” Diwali represents the vic-

tory of good over evil. The literal translation is “row of clay lamps,” to symbolize victory of light over darkness within each human. The god of money in Hinduism, Lakshmi, is worshipped during this time. “It is a celebration of the Indian New Year, where we would like to forget the bad things from the old year and start a new beginning.” MISA treasurer Vatsal Ladia said. Much work went into the preparation for the Diwali display. “On the three sweets, each one took about four-and-a-half hours to prepare,” Ladia said. “ We are used to making them on open flame stoves. All we had in our apartments were the coil stoves.” Basundi is made with milk, cardomom, saffron and dried fruits, it thickens as it boils. Kheer has a sweet, wheaty texture. It is made with rice, seviya noodles, sugar and dried fruits.

Gulab Jamun contains flour, sugar, cardamom, milk and butter. It is fried, then combined with a rosewater syrup. MISA is funding the Diwali festival themselves. “We have a membership fund that is $20 for a new member and $10 each semester for returning members. This year we had 45 new members sign up, so this also helped us in our funding,” Ladia said. Along with the sweets, there was also a Rangoli present. Rangoli is a vibrant art display made with colored chalk powder. “Everyone puts a Rangoli on their doorstep with burning candles to represent color and light,” Ladia said. During Diwali all of the members of their families participate in decorating their houses with many lamps. They pop fireworks and share fellowship with their loved ones. “During the celebration it is our hope that all bad things and bad vibes will go away,” MISA

member Shruti Shastri said. To those celebrating, the lamps represent the belief that through light the beauty of this world is revealed. To Hindus, darkness represents ignorance and negativity. The lighting of the lamps symbolizes destruction of the negative forces and replacing them with positive ones. “It is a reason for celebration and enjoyment for us, a time for us all to come together,” Gandhale said. “We wanted to have Diwali here to represent ourselves in the community and to show people what we do. We also desire to have two cultures combine, so people can experience something they would not have experienced otherwise.”

A member of the Midwestern Indian Student Association performs a prayer dance during Diwali celebrations on Tuesday.

Theatre department production earns honors The Theatre Department at Midwestern State can claim bragging rights after its showing at last week’s Texas State American College Theatre Festival at San Jacinto College in Houston. In competition with nine other Texas colleges and universities, the MSU Theatre’s production of Doubt was one of four recommended by the evaluators for consideration for the six-state regional festival in February. Moreover, Doubt was voted the outstanding production at the festival by the directors of the other nine productions. The play was directed by Dr. Ron Fischli. In addition to those prestigious recognitions, other “Awards of Excellence” went to Haley Moore for costume design, Christopher Shoemake for lighting design, Don Henschel for scene design, and Brandon Smith for sound design. MSU actors Matt Griffin, Shannon Dietz, and Lauren Loskot were selected to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition at the Regional Festival, and Mary Okonkwo received a singular award for Excellence in Acting. Finally, the entire company was honored with one of two awards for “Best Load-In” in bringing the play to the stage.

Photos courtesy MSU theatre

WRITING......................................................................................................................................................................................continued from p. 1 Two topics are chosen at random from a bank of about 70, Barnett said in an April Wichitan. In fall 2007, 519 students took the writing test. Spring 2008 saw 389 juniors taking the exam. Only 133 took the test this summer, said Jacqueline Arroyo-Fields, assistant in the writing proficiency office. No information could be given on the tests administered this October because they haven’t been graded yet. Students who fail the WPE may not appeal their grades. Instead, they are required to enroll in ENGL 2113, a class intended to improve writing

mechanics. Students with more than 90 credit hours not enrolled in composition skills will be dropped from all classes, according to the exam’s Web page. There are currently five sections of ENGL 2113 at MSU. There are two Internet courses available for distance students. English instructor Becky Green teaches two sections of the composition skills course. She’s taught it since 2005. A majority of students in the course have failed the WPE, Green said. Some students attend the mandatory class begrudgingly, especially on the

first day, she said. “There are some who are upset on the first day,” Green said. “Some are already taking 15 hours and they see this as an extra class.” The class addresses common writing problems like vagueness, lack of a thesis statement and incoherence. One out-ofclass writing assignment is given to students in addition to bookwork and grammar practice. “Most students will avoid writing at all costs because they know it’s not their strength,” Green said. This isn’t a class meant to

show students how to pass a writing test, Green said, but to build confidence in writing. Students should be capable of writing reports for employers and performing other writing tasks when they get into the job market. Not every student enrolled in ENGL 2113 has failed the WPE, however. Some choose to take the course instead of the exam, while others want to improve their writing. All social work majors are required to pass the course, Green said. David Lowell, senior physics majors, opted to take compositions skills instead of complet-

ing the WPE. The class has helped his writing and grammar, he said. “It’s a good class,” Lowell said. Lowell chose to take the class because he thought his English was weak. He’ll graduate next semester. Masaru Kamada, a junior accounting major, is currently enrolled in ENGL 2113. Kamada, who came to MSU from Japan in 2005, failed the WPE this summer. “If I write something, the sentences are awkward,” Kamada said. “I want to correct it.”

He had a ‘B’ average in both of his English classes, he said. Junior Jason Baber said he thought the WPE was pretty easy. “I just basically ranted the whole time,” Baber said. “It was a topic I was pretty interested in, so that made it easy.” Baber chose to write about limiting government surveillance in the U.S. He said he’s not sure why 20 percent of students fail the test. “It’s probably because the public education system fails kids in areas of creative development and free thinking,” he said.

Sports

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

Lone Star Conference Champs!

Bobby Morris Sports Editor

Courtesy of the Lone Star Conference

Bobby Morris Sports Editor

The Midwestern State cross country team is headed to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Meet after claiming the 2008 Lone Star Conference Championship Saturday morning at the L.E. Ramey Golf Course in Kingsville, Texas. The Mustangs’ top five runners all finished in the top 20 at the meet, led by Katie Stepp,

Lindsey Pate and Kayla Hendrix who were all garnered with AllLone Star Conference honors. “We went out fast and just dominated the race,” MSU head coach Koby Styles said. “They ran with a lot of heart today and I couldn’t be more proud.” Stepp fell short of breaking her own school record for a 6,000-meter course, finishing fourth overall with a 22:35. LSC Freshman Runner of the

Year Pate finished seventh with a time of 23:13, while Hendrix capped the top-10 with a 23:36 time. Andrea Borgman finished 17th, running a 24:14, while freshman Brittany Barrington finished off the scoring for the Mustangs with a 20th place finish of 24:21. “They’ve earned it,” Styles said. “This is one of the goals we set from the very beginning.

MSU Rugby Club MSU 15 OKC 26 The MSU Rugby team competed at home for the first time this season against the reigning TRU Men’s Division III runner-ups, Oklahoma City Crusaders. It was a tight game throughout the match as most sources with the team were pleased with the play against an established team.

Bobby Morris | The Wichitan

Mustangs offense returns to form Josh Mujica Staff Reporter

The Midwestern State volleyball team took on Eastern New Mexico in Portales on Saturday morning in Lone Star Conference competition. Although the Greyhounds came out fast, the Mustangs proved to be up to the challenge as they manhandled ENMU, 25-18, 25-17, 25-20. Credit the victory to the offense as MSU looked like the dominant powerhouse it was earlier in the season when it won 18 consecutive games to begin the season. Senior Jessica Ransom racked up a .300 hitting percentage while tallying eight kills.

But it was Whitney Maxwell that led the Mustangs with an errorless performance and posted a .583 hitting percentage to go along with seven kills. Junior middle blocker Alysha Pritt added 12 kills while setter Allison Schreiber had 44 assists to go with seven digs and lead the Mustangs to a .388 team hitting percentage. Freshman sensation Miranda Byrd and junior Sesley Graves pitched in six kills each, while Shay Velasquez led the team defensively with 18 digs. “It was one of our best offensive games in a while,” MSU head coach Venera FloresStafford said. “It’s good to see the offense coming together again.”

MSU improved to 22-7 on the season and 5-3 in LSC competition. The Mustangs return to action Thursday as they battle Angelo State at D. L. Coliseum. The first set is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Last Thursday, MSU fell victim to No. 6 West Texas A&M as the Lady Buffs trampled the Mustangs, 25-20, 25-17, 25-22. Graves had 10 kills and only one error for MSU as she maintained a .429 hitting percentage for the game. Schreiber accounted for 31 assists, and Velasquez shoveled in 13 digs to lead the back row. Pritt finished with eight kills and six digs while Ransom helped out with nine kills and 11 digs of her own.

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The next goal is to make nationals.” Kourtney Aylor (21st/24:35) and LSC All-Academic team honoree Hassie Sutton (37th/25:47) finished the day for MSU. The Mustangs compete at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Meet on Nov. 9 in San Antonio. This is the school’s first ever cross country conference cham-

pionship, coming in Styles’ first year with the team. The championship keeps them steady in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association South Central Region rankings Tuesday morning, staying at No. 5 and tops in the LSC. “I’m really excited and couldn’t be more proud,” Styles said. “They couldn’t be a better group.”

(Above) Head coach Koby Styles and the rest of the MSU cross country lifting the LSC Championship trophy after dominating the run Saturday morning. From left to right, Styles, Kourtney Aylor, Brittany Barrington, Andrea Borgman, Malory Ammerman, Katie Stepp, Lindsey Pate, Kayla Hendrix and Hassie Sutton.

Sports

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

Streaking to the finish line Women’s socer team extends winning streak to five as postseason competition nears Bobby Morris Sports Editor

Patrick Johnston | The Wichitan

The Midwestern State women’s soccer team has seemingly hit their stride in Lone Star Conference competition with a pair of last-second wins over the weekend to extend their winning streak to five. MSU first disposed of the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs Friday night in a 3-2 overtime victory, before holding off a resurgent Eastern New Mexico squad in the final minutes to take the 2-1 win. Kari Bristow converted a crucial penalty kick in the 87th minute to send Friday’s match into overtime. Three other times on the season MSU has had to rely on goals in the final minute of regulation, at least this time they had a couple of minutes to spare. “When it happens once or

twice, it’s kind of nifty and nice,” MSU head coach Jeff Trimble said. “We’ve consistently done it and it’s not what we enjoy, but it says a lot about how hard the girls work.” The key to the game came in the 83rd minute, when junior Brittany O’Neal took a seat on the bench after receiving a yellow card during a scrum. O’Neal’s lip was busted during the altercation but Trimble and the coaching staff tried to keep her calm and channel her emotions into a positive for the team. “We get emotional and sometimes we lose our cool, but it does show our emotion,” Trimble said. With the game heading into overtime, O’Neal went back into the game focused and determined. After Kelsey Hill and Kendra Clemons had shots blocked

(Above) Kari Bristow (9) is clearing a ball in a Sept. 21 match against the Texas A&M-International Dustdevils. Bristow scored and had an assist in the 2-1 victory over Eastern New Mexico on Sunday afternoon. (Right) Brittany Subia (12) races after a loose ball during a match against Texas A&M-International. Subia has played well at the midfielder position during the team’s winning streak. She’s been able to get a shot off in the past four games, striking twice in the Sept . 21 contest against TAMIU. Patrick Johnston | The Wichitan

by WTAMU goalkeeper Lisha Jungmann, O’Neal corralled the loose ball and buried a shot in the back of the net. “It deflected off of one of the defenders and I just put it in,” O’Neal said about the game-winning goal. Elisabeth Markussen scored her 17th goal of the season for the Lady Buffs, giving WTAMU an early 1-0 lead. But, again showing a flair for the dramatic, Lindsay Pritchard knocked in her second goal of the season less than 15 seconds before the halftime buzzer. Lindsay McHorse answered back with a goal in the second minute of the second half for WTAMU to give them a 2-1 advantage until Bristow’s penalty kick to knot the game. Midwestern State moved on to take on Eastern New Mexico in a much different type of game Sunday afternoon. Bristow continued her stellar play as she sparked both of MSU’s scoring plays in the 2-1 match. The Mustangs overcame a sluggish 0-0 opening half with a scoring spurt midway through the second half. Bristow found Hill cutting down the field during the 69th minute and Hill was able to gather and cross the ball into the box. Brandy O’Neal was there to slam her third goal of the season into the net and give them the opening edge. Bristow then went unassisted in the 78th minute, as she

gathered in a loose ball from a shot of hers that was deflected off of a ENMU defender. The junior midfielder was able to gather in the loose ball and blast it by the Zias’ goalkeeper Sierra Cardenas. But, with less than two minutes remaining and still firmly a hold of a 2-0 lead, the Mustangs found themselves on the opposite end of the thrilling come-from-behind ending. MSU goalkeeper Heather Primavera had a shot bounce off of her gloves and Christie Nylaan headed in a goal with 1:30 remaining on the clock and the score now cut to 2-1. Sophomore forward Alicia Cunningham then made the game very interesting with a breakaway one-on-one goal opportunity with 20 seconds remaining. But Primavera made a sliding stop in the box to halt any comeback effort and seal the game for the Mustangs. “I was scared this would happen and, to be honest, we are really banged up,” Trimble said. “Eastern New Mexico played very well and worked hard. We didn’t work hard.” The Mustangs will finish up their regular season and make their final bid for postseason contention this weekend with a pair of games at the MSU Soccer Field. They will open a doubleheader against Central Oklahoma at 5 p.m., before battling against Southwestern Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. in the season finale.

Can a new coach make that big of a difference? I say, yes

ust two years ago, the Dallas Mavericks were coming off their best regular season, ever. Bobby Morris 67 wins Sports Editor and, despite the early postseason exit to the hands of the Golden State Warriors, the Mavs looked like a well-oiled machine. And everyone was pointing to

the new, young head coach Avery Johnson. Oh, how the fast the times can change. Now, as the 2008-09 NBA season tipped off Tuesday night, the Mavs are coming off of a “disappointing” 51-win season. The fact that 51 wins is disappointing to Mavericks fans, and most importantly owner Mark Cuban, shows the evolution of a franchise that was in shambles just a decade ago. So, two years removed from that record-breaking season, the Mavs are gearing up for another playoff berth in the Western

Conference. Now with a new head coach, again. Rick Carlisle is making his third stop on the NBA carousel after stints with the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. After resigning at the end of the 2006-07, Carlisle decided to go into the booth and joined the ESPN analysts for a season. Then, when Cuban went looking for a more offensive-orientated head coach (similar to the coach Johnson fired, Don Nelson) the same name had to keep coming to mind.

Rick Carlisle. He’s offensive minded, a “player’s coach” and, most importantly, he’s just another voice. Not to poke jokes at Avery’s peculiar voice, but it was obvious that Dallas needed a change of pace in the locker room. The defensive presence that Johnson tried to bring every game wasn’t wrong. Neither was the offensive flow that his predecesor, Nelson, tried to bring. It’s finding a middle ground that is the key for the Mavericks and Carlisle’s been known as a well-balanced coach his entire

career. Every team Carllisle has taken has experienced a dramatic turnaround and won their division. So, do I think the Mavs are going to automatically turn back into their 67-win team? No. But do I think the team will have a more successful season with a better offense? Definitely. Get ready Dallas fans. Get ready to see Jason Kidd leading the fast break and Dirk Nowitzki making the most of his “prime.” Welcome to the Mavs, Rick.

14-point lead after the first quarter, following a couple of possessions that started in MSU’s territory. Eskridge found Marlon Haynes on a 25-yard touchdown pitch-and-catch early in the second quarter, before connecting with wideout Brandon Frazier on a 45-yard touchdown to help bring the Mustangs back from their first-quarter deficit. But, in between the touchdown tosses, UCO linebacker Terry Hardeman picked off an Eskridge attempt and took it 69 yards back to paydirt. It was the Bronchos’ only touchdown of the second quarter but combined with a Chad Susman field goal, UCO took a 24-13 lead into the intermission. After halftime, the Mustangs got the best field position possible after an errant snap by the Bronchos. After getting the ball on the one-yard line, the Mustangs lost eight yards and had to settle for a 26-yard field goal by Jose Martinez after being stuffed twice and committing a crucial false start penalty on

third down. “We had three bad plays in a row,” Maskill said. “We got to have our offense step up and say, ‘I’m a man, I’m going to step up and get in there,’ but they didn’t.” The field goal cut the Mustangs’ deficit to 24-16, but a pair of quarterback Brandon Noohi touchdown runs gave the Broncho’s all the breathing room they needed to scrape-out the five-point victory. Noohi finished with 225 yards through the air and accounted for three of UCO’s four offensive touchdowns. Hardeman led the Broncho’s defense, stifling the MSU rushing attack with a game-high 16

tackles. The Mustangs ground game gained just 65 yards on 33 carries for a mere two yards percarry average. Frazier was all over the field for the Mustangs, hauling in 10 passes for 111 yards and a TD. While, Eskridge spread the ball around to 10 different receivers in the game, showing his evolution into the Mustangs’ offense.

With the loss the Mustangs fell out of the American Football Coaches’ Association Top 25 Poll, but have still received votes in the poll for the 31ststraight week. The Mustangs fell to 5-3 on the season and 2-2 in Lone Star Conference competition, while UCO improved to 5-4 by win-

Rick Carlisle

MCT

Costly mistakes ground Mustangs’ air attack against UCO, 38-33 Bobby Morris Sports Editor

Despite almost 400 yards of total offense, Midwestern State dropped their first game to an Oklahoma school in over seven years with a 38-33 loss to the Central Oklahoma Bronchos at Wantland Stadium Saturday afternoon. Three turnovers and 15 penalties was the only thing holding back the vaunted Mustangs’ offense from putting any more lights on the scoreboard. The Bronchos were able to capitalize on the turnovers, eventually scoring 14 points off of them, which ultimately killed any potential comeback effort for the Mustangs. “It was ugly for coaches and players,” MSU head coach Bill Maskill said. “We aren’t good enough to play below par. Their will was stronger and their production was better.” Zack Eskridge continued to evolve under center for the Mustangs, passing for 325 yards and four touchdowns while throwing only one pick. The Bronchos got out to a

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ning their fifth-straight contest. MSU will play their final game at Memorial Stadium this weekend as they host Eastern New Mexico this Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff. The Mustangs will be celebrating Military Appreciation Day throughout the game, as well.

Sports

The Wichitan Oct. 29, 2008

No. 1 Mustangs overcome odds in overtime win, 2-1 Ahmad Ihmeidan got the Mustangs on the scoreboard in the 36th minute, when he converted a penalty kick after last week’s SSC Offensive Player of the Week Craig Sutherland was taken down in the box. But five minutes before the half, Jorge Vega scored his sixth goal of the season for the Hilltoppers to knot the match at 1-1. The Mustangs persevered through the match, despite getting outshot by St. Edward’s 14-13, they landed seven of their shots on goal, while the Hilltoppers only had four land onframe. “Some of the calls went against us and the guys just stuck with it,” Elder said. “We picked it up and just played hard

Bobby Morris Sports Editor

No. 1 Midwestern State overcame a raucous crowd and impossible odds Friday night as last week’s Southwest Soccer Conference Defensive Player of the Week Robert Swann scored his second goal of the season in the third minute of overtime to topple No. 14 St. Edward’s, 2-1. The Mustangs had a goal waved off midway through the first half and received six yellow cards, while the Hilltoppers were only carded one time in the exhausting match. “I was proud of the guys for overcoming the odds and a very hostile crowd,” MSU head coach Doug Elder said.

defensively.” The Hilltoppers achieved a feat that no team has achieved against the Mustangs while Shawn Carr has minded the net, since Sept. 28. They scored the first goal on Carr in over 450 minutes. The Mustangs improved to 13-1 on the season, while winning their 11th-straight contest. They return home this week to play host to a trio of opponents at the MSU Soccer Field. St. Mary’s (Texas) visits as part of a doubleheader Wednesday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff, while Missouri Southern State comes to town on Halloween for a 7 p.m. kickoff and Northeastern State competes against the Mustangs Sunday at 1 p.m.

Wednesday October 29

6 Patrick Johnston | The Wichitan Rob Humphrey (6) attempts to center a pass past an Eastern New Mexico defender in a match last Sunday. Humphrey has played a key role on the Mustangs’ squad, including playing all 90 minutes in their match against St. Edward’s.

Mustangs Conference Standings Lone Star Conference

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Football North W-L Central Okla. (5-4) 3-0 Texas A&M-Comm (4-4) 2-1 SE Oklahoma (4-5) 2-1 East Central (3-6) 2-1 SW Oklahoma (2-7) 1-3 Northeastern State (1-8) 0-4

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Mens Soccer St. Mary’s at 7 p.m. Thursday October 30 Volleyball Angelo State at 7 p.m. Friday October 31 Mens Soccer Missouri Southern State at 7 p.m.

Volleyball

Football

W-L-T #24 TAMCU (12-2-1) 6-1-0 WTAMU (12-3-1) 6-2-0 Central Okla. (11-4-3) 5-2-1 MSU (11-6) 5-3-0 Angelo St (10-5-3) 4-2-2 ACU (8-6-2) 4-3-1 NE State (6-7-3) 3-3-2 TWU (8-7-1) 3-3-1 Eastern NM (8-9) 2-6 East Central (5-9-2) 1-6-1 SW Oklahoma (2-15) 0-8 Southwest Soccer Conference

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Central Oklahoma at 5 p.m.

Saturday November 1

W-L #6 WTAMU (24-4) 8-0 Tarleton State (19-7) 9-2 MSU (22-7) 6-3 TAMU-Comm (14-8) 6-3 Abilene Christian (18-8) 5-4 Texas Woman’s (16-11) 5-4 Angelo State (17-12) 5-4 Central Okla. (12-17) 5-5 Cameron (12-10) 4-5 SE Oklahoma (17-11) 3-5 East Central (10-18) 3-5 TAMU-Kingsville (8-16) 3-8 SW Oklahoma (11-16) 2-8 Eastern NM (6-23) 0-8

Womens Soccer

South W-L #2 ACU (8-0) 4-0 #10 WTAMU (8-1) 4-1 #20 Tarleton State (7-2) 2-2 TAMU-Kingsville (6-3) 2-2 MSU (5-3) 2-2 Angelo State (3-6) 1-3 Eastern NM (1-8) 0-4

Women’s Soccer

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On Deck this week...

Men’s Soccer W-L-T #1 MSU (13-1) 4-0-0 #24 WTAMU (10-5) 4-2 Eastern NM (5-7-2) 3-2-1 NE State (3-12-1) 2-5 MO Southern (1-13-1) 1-5-1

Eastern New Mexico at 1 p.m. Volleyball Abilene Christian at 6 p.m. Sunday November 2 Mens Soccer Northeastern State at 1 p.m. Womens Soccer SW Okla. at 3:30 p.m. Womens Basketball Oklahoma Flyers at 2 p.m. Home Events are Bold