FRIGHTFUL FILMS: From old favorites to new releases, count down the movies most likely to make you scream this Halloween.
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Wednesday n October 27, 2010
JOB HUNT: MSU career fairs give students a chance to check out future employment prospects.
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WEATHERING THE STORM: Mustangs Cross Country team fights to overcome high winds, heavy rainfall to take first place in weekend race.
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thewichitan
your university n your voice
Forum fights back against religious ignorance Chris Collins Managing Editor
of Jacob Synagogue and Rev. Troy Sims of First United Methodist Church joined the Imam in the talk. They were Students at MSU don’t know much invited to provide context and religious about the religion of Islam, one of the comparison for the Muslim speaker. world’s fastest growing faiths, said Dr. Jun said the discussion was held Nathan Jun. The philosophy professor partly in response to the ‘Ground Zero feels like it’s his job to educate students mosque’ forum held by Multicultural about the faith. Student Services last month. His solution: let students talk it out “I thought it would make for a nice with an Imam, an Islamic spiritual lead- follow-up to the discussion,” Jun said. er. He invited Abdullah Shamsid-Deen “It became clear at that event that a lot – from Islamic Society of Wichita Falls of folks in the audience were operat– to speak at MSU Wednesday. ing under some erroneous assumptions “There’s a great deal of misunder- about Islam. I thought we had a responstandings about Muslim people and sibility to educate the campus commutheir religion in circulation right now,” nity.” Jun said. “That a primary cause of this The discussion, which was co-sponanti-Muslim hysteria that’s been sweep- sored by the Office of Student Developing the country.” ment and Orientation, was held in an Rabbi Danny Kislin from the House auditorium in Dillard.
The event drew a huge crowd. Every seat was filled and at least 15 people stood in the back. Jun thinks many audience members showed not because they were earnestly interested in the subject, but because they were scared. “A lot of people are afraid,” he said. “A lot of people were there because they wanted to confront their fear. Even people who aren’t explicitly afraid are suspicious. They wanted to see whether those suspicions are warranted or whether they’re fueled by propaganda.” The program began with each spiritual leader giving an overview of their respective faiths. Shamsid-Deen went last and spoke the longest. Islam, like Christianity and Judaism,
See RELIGION on page 3
viewpoints on faith
Rev. Troy Sims, First United Methodist Church
n Christians believe Jesus of Nazareth was the son of God and that he died to forgive their sins. Most believe he was a teacher, one who taught man to love his enemy and turn the other cheek when confronted with violence.
Gay, bisexual students struggle to come out, find acceptance Brittney Cottingham Features Editor “That’s so gay.” Brandon, an MSU sophomore, hears those three words at least a few times a week. Each time he slips into a memory. He was in the sixth grade when conflicted feelings about his sexuality led him to stand in front of his family’s gun case with every intention of picking up a gun and turning it on himself.
“
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The only choices are to lie (about your sexuality) and be depressed or just be yourself and be happy. -Jackey, MSU Junior
Now, he is thankful that a childhood friend knocked on the door before he had the chance. It’s what saved his life. He says now he knows he wouldn’t have gone through with it, but at that time he felt as though there was nothing left to lose. “Being gay is not a choice,” Brandon said. “I feel that if it were a choice, I wouldn’t have had suicidal thoughts about it. All of my suicidal thoughts growing up came from the fear of not pleasing my parents.”
See SEXUALITY on page 4
(Photo by Kassie Bruton, photo illustration by Brittany Norman)
Course examines relevance of New Deal Dimery Michaels For the Wichitan
Last semester, three instructors from different academic backgrounds came together to teach an honors course that related the Great Depression and Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies to today’s economic climate. Dr. John Martinez taught economics of the Great Depression, Dr. Jeremy Duff zeroed in on political science and Dr. Nathan Jun delved into philosophy of the era. The purpose of the class was to create an economic connection between America then and now. During the Great Depression, the government had to help its struggling people. Roosevelt’s New Deal
was a series of acts and reforms that allowed the government to regulate wages, hours and production of goods. This was the first period in American history where government had such an influence over its citizens’ work lives. The professors teaching the class believe it is important to learn about the New Deal because today’s economy is in need of help as well. Dr. Sam Watson, dean of the Liberal Arts College, and Dr. Lynn Hoggard, coordinator of the humanities department, brainstormed the idea behind the course. Martinez said teaching the class was difficult because some students had never taken an economics course. He said economics should be a prerequisite for the New Deal
course. Martinez views the New Deal as “an economic event” that deserves the attention of a semester-long class. Today, the economy may be in need of some government help, Martinez said. He views the New Deal as a positive government action and feels that the U.S. needs some kind of relief effort today. He said people during the Great Depression were resilient, but Americans today may not be as willing to work with the government if they are offered help. Martinez told of how his father, during the Depression, contracted scarlet fever but refused to stay home. He knew if he did not go into work, someone else would take his
job. He believes that is the kind of action necessary to get the economy back on its feet. Looking back, Martinez said the course could have been better. In future semesters, he said he will try to draw a stronger connection between today’s economy and the economy of the 1930s. The focus of future classes will be less on economic jargon and more on abstract economic ideas of those who have studied the period. Duff centered his portion of the class on two of Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, the Agricultural Adjustment Act and the National Recovery Act. The AAA focused on aid to farmers. The problem in the agricultural
See NEW DEAL on page 3
Imam Abdullah ShamsidDeen – Islamic Society of Wichita Falls n Unlike the holy texts of Christianity and Judaism, Muslims believe the Quran was handed to them directly by Allah -- this means they believe it was not written by men, just revealed to them.
Rabbi Danny Kislin, House of Jacob Synagogue
n The Jewish faith teaches that after God created Adam and Eve, the world did not progress the way He wanted. People worshipped idols instead of a monotheistic God. Abraham, the son of Ishmael, showed people the way through kindness and generosity.
Online voting for fee increase begins Tuesday Alyssa Johnston Copy Editor
Attempts to educate students about a proposed $20 fee increase n The proposed to fix electrical wiring student center fee and a leaky roof on the increase will raise the Clark Student Center, existing fee from $35 have fallen short. per semester to $55. As of Tuesday, three The fee for summer informational sessions, sessions will not held by Dail Neely, increase. dean of students, have been empty. n The extra revenue The repairs will cost will fund repairs to approximately $1 milthe student center’s lion. School adminisroof and electrical trators, claiming a fisystem. nancial shortfall, have n In order for the fee asked the students to increase to pass, 2/3 foot the bill. of the students who Dr. Keith Lamb, asvote must cast their sociate vice president ballots in favor. of student affairs, said n Students can vote the student center is on Tuesday and losing $120,000 per Wednesday at year because a loan for renovations on http://vote.mwsu.edu. the building was refinanced at a lower interest rate but for a shorter term. One more informational session will be held Thurs-
fast facts
See VOTE on page 4
Students attempt to reveal reality of modern slavery Jared Vann For the Wichitan
A group of MSU students have decided to bring awareness to human trafficking. Since the documentary film Call + Response brought light to the hidden issue throughout the world in 2008, a small group of students at MSU have sought to educate other people on the facts behind modern human slavery. On Nov. 9, Call + Response will be shown on the MSU campus. Prior to showing of the film, Fight The Good Fight, a local band comprised of MSU students, will perform. Logan Draper is one of the students involved in planning the screening of Call + Response at MSU. According to Draper, there are 27 million slaves in the world today, more than ever before in human history. “My mind can’t even comprehend the fact that there are more slaves than ever before. It just doesn’t even make sense to me,” Draper said. Draper feels driven to reveal the ugly truth and educate people on the issue. “Slave traders made $32 billion last year alone, which is more than the porn industry annually makes. Why is
See SLAVERY on page 3
2 n The Wichitan
campusvoice
thewichitan
nour view
Failure to communicate
Last Tuesday, the SGA voted to let the student body decide whether or not to approve increasing the student center fee, but voters won’t have enough time to weigh their options. In an effort to inform students before they head to the polls, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Lamb sent a mass e-mail informing the university community about the referendum and inviting them to attend general information sessions. So far, students have opted to remain uninformed. No one attended the first three sessions. The administration deserves recognition for at least making the effort, and student apathy is partially to blame for the empty information sessions. But there are other factors to consider, as well. The SGA got the ball rolling by approving a student referendum election, and now that ball is rolling way too fast. If policy dictates that an election must be held within two weeks after SGA approves it, policies need to change. SGA members are supposed to serve as representatives for the student body, but unlike career politicians, they lack the means (and sometimes the desire)
to communicate effectively with their “constituents.” Students who don’t attend SGA meetings, read The Wichitan, tune into Campus Watch or open every e-mail sent out by the MSU postmaster – and let’s be honest, most students don’t – are left pretty clueless. These individuals will remain uninformed about the proposed fee increase, the reasons behind it and their ability to vote. The result? Just like in student elections past, a small percentage of students will make a decision that impacts all of their peers, who will wait until after the policy goes into effect to protest. There’s no way to fix apathy. Sadly, many students won’t educate themselves or head to the polls no matter what changes we enact – but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make the effort anyway. Allow more time between the SGA decision and the student election. Advertise information sessions with more than just an e-mail directed to oftenunused “@students.mwsu.edu” addresses. Maybe offer snacks to lure people in the door. Sadly, the prospect of free food might get more people in the door
October 27, 2010
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than information alone. If the information is important, the sessions shouldn’t take place during homecoming week, either. Even when there are no scheduled homecoming activities, many students who are involved in the university community are busy with their respective organizations. Asking professors to spread the word is a step in the right direction, but class time comes at a premium and many instructors fail to pass the information along. And in the obligatory e-mail messages, get the numbers right. According to the current MSU student handbook and information given to the SGA at recent meetings, the current student center fee is $35 per semester, not $15, which is what Keith Lamb’s Oct. 20 email stated. Misinformation like that further ensures that students will remain uninformed. Until communication improves, student elections will never be anything more than meaningless formalities.
editorial board
nEditor in Chief: Brittany Norman nManaging Editor: Chris Collins nEntertainment Editor: Lauren Wood nOp-Ed Editor: Cameron Shaffer nSports Editor: Andre Gonzales nFeatures editor: Brittney Cottingham nPhoto Editor: Hannah Hofmann nAdvertising manager: Rachel Bingham nCopy editors: Alyssa Johnston nadviser: Randy Pruitt nReporters: Dimery Michaels, Josh Hoggard, Damian Atamenwan, Orlando Flores nPhotographers: Kassie Bruton, Damian Atamenwan
Copyright © 2010. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (300 words or less) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address for verification purposes. The editor retains the right to edit letters.
nSocietal Floss
SGA takes action, students should, too
The most unfortunate drought in the student body has been broken. For the first time since the spring of 2009, the Student Government Association voted on something. And more importantly, they voted on something that passed after it consumed three meetings. Last year’s senate was incapable of getting anything done and was mired in indecisiveness. When Chris Stolarzyk ran for SGA president, he promised to get work done and he has delivered. All the credit cannot go to Stolarzyk, who cannot voice his opinion. The senators who debated, discussed, altered, and ultimately voted on the legislation deserve a lot of credit. This is an important victory for students. Knowing that their student government can actually get stuff done builds faith in the SGA, making it more effective. What is more important for the moment, however, is not that the senate voted on and passed something, but what they passed. Most students are now aware of the financial problems plaguing the Clark Student Center. The student center is paid for with $35 in fees per student per semester, but these fees still do not cover yearly debt payments of around $115,000. That debt will be paid off in five years. The debt is paid out of a savings account that has run out of money. Now the student center is about to run out of time. On top of all of that, the electrical hardwiring in CSC is 50 years old. If the system goes down, the entire student center will be shut down for several months. Because of the age of the electric system it needs to be totally replaced, which will cost around $500,000. Some students may not have noticed last spring, but the roof leaks in CSC as well. While the holes were temporarily patched, the roof is going to need to be replaced in the next five years. That will cost about $1.2 million dollars. Dail Neely, dean of students, and Dr. Keith Lamb, associate vice president of student affairs, have led the effort to cut costs in
Cameron Shaffer Opinion Editor the student center without cutting personnel or services. The solution to this dilemma is something that will probably not sit well with most students – a fee increase of $20 per semester to a total of $55. That increase would pay for the debt, ensure that the student center remains open and deal with the infrastructure issues. The SGA refused to rubber stamp this when it came to them last Tuesday. Originally, the policy would allow for the Board of Regents to raise the fee by 10% a year if they felt it was needed. The senate rejected that and cut it out of the legislation. The senate also ensured that a sunset clause was included explicitly in the legislation. The sunset clause dictates that the fee would go back to $35 when the student center debt is paid off. Many critics of the SGA over the past couple years have thought of the senate as nothing but a puppet of the administration. The SGA has just proven that they are anything but that. The next step is a student body referendum. Any fee increase needs to be voted on by the student body. The SGA has done its part to make sure that student pocketbooks are protected as much as possible. Now it is the students’ turn. For the fee to be put in place, two-thirds of the vote is required to be cast in favor of the referendum. Of course, if past votes are any indication, that will be around 400 people (or around 7% of
While I appreciate that you printed the letter I submitted to The Wichitan, I would prefer that you had not run it at all. The last communication which I received from your Managing Editor stated that if I could edit the letter down to 250-300 words, it would be published. I did not edit it any further, and so I assumed, according to the last communication which I received from your staff member, that the letter would not be printed. I specifically attributed what the student body) who vote and make the decision for the campus. Students need to vote on the fee, and they should be informed when they do it. The potential fee increase is a big deal, and students have the power to implement or reject it. This is the biggest opportunity for students to impact what happens on campus. If they do not take the time to get informed and vote they should not get frustrated with the results. The school has put on five information sessions, the last one being on Thursday at 12:30 in CSC Shawnee Theater. No one showed up to the first two sessions on Friday and Monday. Students, as of this writing, will have one more chance to lis-
nLetters to the editor
I had gleaned from Jane Mayer’s article in the August 30th, 2010 edition of The New Yorker to Ms. Mayer and to her article “Covert Operations,” and I mentioned her name several times. You neglected to print that part. I don’t know who specifically edited the letter which I submitted, but I would appreciate it, in the future, if you did not change my language, grammar, or any attributions which I have made in a letter to the editor. Editing what I had originally
ten to a public discussion. So far those chances have been ignored. They should not be. Students need to know what is going on, and they need to take advantage of this last meeting. What happens if the fee is not passed? First, a massive reduction in the services offered in CSC. That could go anywhere from shutting down the student center on weeke n d s , limiting the hours of the computer lab and charging groups to use the
written changes the content of the letter which I submitted and makes it a letter that is not only my own but now has the touch of another writer. I do not agree with the choice to remove the attribution to Jane Mayer specifically or the removal of the title of the article in The New Yorker, nor do I agree with the editing of my own writing. If this is your standard procedure, please print a disclaimer with the letters to the editor that you publish stating that the submitted letter(s) printed are student center. Cutting back on employment would also be in order. Student workers would most likely be the first to go. There is no painless fix without the fee. If the referendum is passed, the Board of Regents would have to adopt it and then state legislature would have to accept
edited by a staff member of The Wichitan prior to publication. Thank you, Abigail Scott Editor’s Note: The disclaimer printed on the masthead in the upper right hand corner of this page has always said: “The editor retains the right to edit letters.” To avoid this problem in the future, however, we have added an official word limit to our statement.
it in the spring. If all of those hurdles clear, the fee would go into place in the fall of 2011 and would end in the spring of 2016. Voting is online at the MSU webpage on Nov. 2 and 3. Students need to take the time to get informed and make a decision.
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October 27, 2010
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RELIGION......................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 is an Abrahamic religion, meaning it traces its roots back to Abraham, a significant figure in all three faiths. “Islam is a religion of love, mercy, forgiveness, passion,” Shamsid-Deen said. “That being the case, I would like to say Islam as a religion has nothing to do with the violence and atrocities that are associated with it.” Followers of Islam are called Muslims. The Imam said Muslims sometimes commit violent acts in the name of their religion. This is not the fault of the religion, just misguided worshippers. “The religion does not do bad things,” Shamsid-Deen said. “It’s the people who do bad things. There are bad people of every faith, but the religion doesn’t tell you to be that way.” Muslims pray five times a day, once early in the morning, twice in the afternoon, once at sunset and again before falling asleep. “Muslims are everyday people, just like you,” he said. Shamsid-Deen is a father, husband, and a U.S. Air Force retiree. He served for 26 years. “I fought for our country just like our other soldiers are doing,” he said. “We have Muslim students at MSU who are trying a get a degree so they can get married and raise a family, just like you.” The Imam said more people in the world subscribe to Islamic faith than any other. This isn’t because of the numbers, however. It’s because more Muslims are practicing and devout. “Christianity is see to be larger, but as (the Imam) pointed out, there’s a lot of folks who call themselves Christians who don’t really practice,” Sims said. “That’s where the gray area arises in that statistic.” Shamsid-Deen said that although men and women are equals in Islamic society, they have different roles. “By nature, the man is the maintainer and provider of the family,” he said. “That means the man has to take care of the wife and the children. So if my wife works, all the money she makes is hers. She has the freedom to work if she wants to work.” A female audience member asked the Imam to address certain aspects of Islam. She asked if wife battering and polygamy are encouraged by the Quran (the Islamic holy book). The text does permit polygamy, he said, but he doesn’t know any Muslims with more than one wife. Shamsid-Deen dismissed the idea that Muslim men are allowed to beat their wives, but said it’s acceptable within the faith to ‘strike her lightly.’
Imam Abdullah Shamsid-Deen discussed the Muslim faith of Islam with MSU students Wednesday as part of an interfaith conversation. The program, spearheaded by Dr. Nathan Jun, was intended to raise awareness of Islamic beliefs. (Photo by Chris Collins)
Subdued (and some not so subdued) whispers flurried up through the auditorium at the response. “We are allowed to have up to four wives,” he said. “But the Quran says one is best for you. Every Muslim man I know has one wife.”
The Imam continued with his response, forced to talk over an audience member who seemed to be getting agitated. He explained the issue from a historical standpoint. “When men would go out to war
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campus briefs
and get killed, there were a lot of women without any kind of support,” Shamsidn today: Deen said. “There was no Homecoming activities welfare, no social security. So men were allowed to take an additional wife to pro- n tHURSDAY: vide for those women and Homecoming activities children.” Athletic Luncheon: Wichita Women are only allowed falls Museum of Art at MSU to marry once in Islam to at noon preserve the dignity of the children, he said. Even for men, there are n FRIDAY: Homecoming Activities: limitations to polygamy. Homecoming Fish Fry: Sikes “There are restrictions,” Lake at 5 p.m. he said. “If you take on more than one wife, you have to Class reunion of 1960: treat them equally. Most Alumni House at 7 p.m. men cannot do that. If I had a second wife – which I don’t n Saturday: – I couldn’t buy a house for Homecoming activites: one wife and bring my other Alumni Awards Ceremony: wife into that home. I have CSC Comache at 10 a.m. to get a house for the second wife which is equal to the house of the first wife. I n Monday: can’t get a mansion for one a Priority application for shack for the other. God set Spring semester such strict rules behind this that it made it almost imn tuesday: possible for people to have Journey of Hope Grief Supmore than one wife.” port Group: Counseling Cen“How can you be passionter Group Room at noon ate about your convictions without being disrespectful Speakers and Issues: Darwin of each other’s ideas?” one and the Future of Biology: In audience member asked. Akin Auditorium at 7 p.m. “It’s very hard today to find people who cross faith that we’re out to kill and destroy evlines,” Kislin said. “The world of TV erybody. But that is not the case. We and media has been hijacked by exare taught to recognize the goodness treme views because those are the in all people. The people who don’t things that make news. Someone want to interact with other people who’s moderate, respects other peoples’ probably have something wrong with views – that doesn’t make the news. them internally. They would do that if But if you don’t have respect for the they were in a religious setting or if other person as a person of faith, then they were a gangster.” you’re never going to reach across culHe also explained that the ‘jihad’ tural lines. The path you need to take is not a religion-fueled death squad. is a middle path instead of an extreme It is just an Islamic word that means, path.” ‘struggle.’ This biggest jihad, he said, is Kislin’s answer received the only the struggle within each person. ovation of the day. Although some audience members “Christianity works for me,” Sims exhibited hostility toward the imam said. “What I’ve realized through induring the discussion, Jun said it could terfaith discussions is the similarihave been worse. ties. We always want to focus on the “I’m actually surprised there wasn’t differences, but quite often there are more antagonism directed toward the similarities in theology, practice and Imam,” Jun said. “There was a great scripture.” deal of anti-Muslim sentiment being The Imam used his answer to dispel expressed at the Ground Zero mosque myths about violent Muslims. (discussion). That wasn’t as apparent, “For the most part, we get along with at least not explicitly, at this interfaith all people,” Shamsid-Deen said. “The event. People were there in an attitude things presented to people through of open-mindedness and respect.” the news media would lead them to believe we’re enemies of everyone and
NEW DEAL....................................................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 industry was overproduction, he said. During World War I, the market for American agricultural goods expanded and produce was being shipped overseas in huge quantities. Once the war ended, however, so did the high demand for produce. To make up for the loss of foreign markets, farmers tried to sell more at home. This overproduction led to falling prices. Farmers produced even more to make up for the now falling prices. The AAA set out to control crop production with the hopes of stabilizing prices and raising the financial power of farmers. The National Recovery Act was one
of the first put in place by Roosevelt as part of his New Deal. Roosevelt believed it would be the most important and helpful of all his programs. Companies were being asked to collaborate and set prices so consumers would be able to afford goods. Also, hours and wages were regulated so employees were sure to have jobs and get paid. Finally, the act allowed organized labor, for the first time, to bargain with employers. Duff shares Martinez’s view that the Great Depression deserves this type of class structure because it was a “more complicated time in history.” Duff agreed that the class can be im-
proved. He said there were some days when he would go back to his office and say, “Man I need to improve on this area.” He said he was not fond of the book used to teach the class, because it did not connect the 1930s with today very well. Jun spoke about labor unions and different types of political theory like socialism, communism, and fascism, what people thought of the government and some things they were willing to do to change it. During the Great Depression, many people were willing to change the role of government or replace it completely.
Today, Jun said, no such movement exists. Today, many citizens lack a strong political belief of any kind. “Unfortunately, many, if not most, of these opinions are not grounded in reality or, worse, are just expressions of blind, unfocused rage,” Jun said. He pointed to the rise of far-right political ideologies recently. There will be a resurface of a left wing movement at some point, but it may not be as strong as before, he said. Jun said his favorite part of the class was teaching socialist theory. “It is one of my main areas of research, but sometimes I don’t get to teach it very often,”
he said. Irene Spaziani, a junior who took the class, said the professors could have done a better job connecting the two time periods. “They failed to recognize that there are considerations of today’s economic recession that were totally out of the picture in the 1930s,” Spaziani said. Martinez, Duff and Jun said the class should continue to be offered every spring. They also agree that with more planning, the class will be much better.
that not on the news?” asked Draper. Devon Robertson is working on putting together a worship set featuring different musicians after the film is shown. According to Robertson, the screening won’t be affiliated with any one
church, but rather it represents a body of believers who hope to bring awareness to the campus. “No tags, no branding, just Christ,” said Robertson. But he also doesn’t want the showing to be exclusive to churchgoers. The
event is open to anyone who wants to be educated on what Robertson considers one of the most important issues facing the world today. Call + Response is the first feature documentary film to tackle the subject of human trafficking. The filmmakers went undercover to depict that slavery is thriving in child brothels in Cambodia and India. Celebrities, political leaders, and cultural leaders offer first-hand accounts of the trade throughout the documentary. Draper recalled learning about the Atlantic Slave Trade in school, and said, “It would break my heart to think how humans could be treated that way. I always knew that it was still going on, but not anywhere close to what it is now.” Draper believes that by presenting the issue before students on
campus, awareness will spread throughout the university through conversation. He also believes that the first step to stopping the problem is letting people know that it exists today. The children who are involved in the sex trade caught Draper’s attention. “Over 2.2 million children are sold into sex trade every year. We are talking children that can be anywhere as young as 7 and 8 years old,” he said. “The children are tricked and sold to brothels where they are raped. In India children cost less than cattle.” Draper and Robertson have put together a leadership team that has been praying for the screening of Call + Response on campus. They believe a team that is devoted to praying for the event is necessary in order for everything to go well. They aren’t taking the screening lightly because of the significance of the issue.
They both said this is a great opportunity to have an impact in bringing awareness to sex trafficking. Ultimately, they hope to unite the student body against the sex trade, and hope that the screening’s impact will have a domino effect, spreading awareness throughout the community. “We obviously have a serious problem here, one that needs to be fixed,” Draper said. “My heart breaks for these people and their families.” I also can’t help but hurt and pray for those in power over this, the slave traders, and the owners of the brothels.” Draper hopes the film will be received well and will touch students’ hearts. “I know that I live in a safe country, but I think that with 27 million people in slavery as we speak, we should hear way more cries for help,” said Draper.
SLAVERY.......................................................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1
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The Wichitan
October 27, 2010
Career fairs open students to surprising opportunities attended the Career Expo to attract advertising and marketing students. She said that new students or graduates could have a fresh perspective, ideas and a focus on the radio industry. “Career Expos give us the opportunity to explain our industry, what we are looking for and the ability to actually meet aspiring young executives,” James said. “A simple meet-and-greet can determine if the candidate would be a great salesperson. It also gives the student enough information so that they can determine if advertising sales is a career option for their future.” Albert Moving and Storage has several MSU students as employees, according to Don Swift, director of business process improvement. Swift said that his company has found no better educational institute than MSU from which to recruit.
to our everyday lives.” Senior education majors Elise Madzia and Kara Loftin were surprised by the amount of The D.L. Ligon Coliseum had school districts represented at the over 15 school districts and 40 education career fair. While both local, regional and national busisaid that the event didn’t narrow nesses on Friday in hopes of redown their choices, Madzia said cruiting full-time and internship that she is now more comfortpositions. able. West College of Education “You just have to be open to and the Career Management the different opportunities,” Center hosted the Education Loftin said. “You have to be willCareer Fair and the Career Expo ing to go out and find a job. You to help students and alumni like can’t just sit at home and e-mail Management Information Sysin resumes.” tems (MIS) major Sonya Boddie, The Killeen Independent who didn’t find a lot of InformaSchool District needs to actively tion Technology (IT) positions recruit recent college graduates but enjoyed the experience. in order to fill their vacancies. “I love these events because Killeen ISD personnel coordinainstead of having to deal with tor, John Paradice, said that they websites, you actually get to see don’t want just bodies but qualisomebody in person,” Boddie fied candidates who have a heart said. “It’s better to be able to for teaching. speak with them and find out “Midwestern State University is a wonderful place for us and we have hired many alumni as teachers,” Paradice said. “We want passionate educators who can inspire lifelong learning in our students.” Nebraska Book Company was one of the few national businesses at the career expo, who were looking for students with leadership potential, attention to detail, customer service skills, strong work ethic and a perLocal, regional and national businesses greeted students with gift bags, sonable, positive attitude. candy, prizes and loads of information on their company at the Career “Nebraska Book Expo. (Photo by: Hannah Hofmann) Company is a grow“We believe we should support ing company with more than exactly what the position entails. our local educational system,” 280 retail college bookstores,” This is better than just reading it Swift said. “MSU graduates can said Sue Riedman, vice presionline.” help us bring the latest in busi- dent of corporate communicaColleen James, general sales ness administration techniques tions. “We are always looking to manager at 100.9 BOB.FM,
build our talent base and events like the Career Expo offer a unique opportunity to meet with a large group of students.” Business manager at KAUZ-TV, Laura MacDonald, said that dedication to a job is a must and they are looking for employees who want to be part of a fast-paced environment. “The broadcasting industry is a very exciting field and it is important to get that message out to the public,” MacDonald said. “There are many opportunities for a lifelong career in a business that offers a diverse range of job descriptions.” Senior Samantha Hart found a lot of possible job prospects in the nursing field. Indian Territory Home Health and Hospice was one of the businesses that Hart had in mind. Employee recruiter Shane Bowers came to the expo to build relationships with not only students, but also other companies. “Indian Territory is always recruiting for potential staff, whether it is nursing, sales, physical, occupational, speech therapies, administrative and information technology staff,” Bowers Students, alumni, faculty attended West College of Education and the Career Management Center’s Education Career Fair, where they had said. Miranda Harvey, staff the opportunity to visit with school districts from around the state. accountant at Mathis, (Photo by: Hannah Hofmann) West, Huffins & CO, said it was important to counting major, Nicole Blow relocate instead of working in keep in touch with MSU and to said. “I’ve stopped at a few tables the local area.” be exposed to the brightest and that I had never heard of which The Career Management best accounting talent. were really good. I got a lot of Center holds a career expo and “I’ve learned that there are a good information. There are a education career fair every selot of companies out there that lot of jobs out there. It’s just you mester. The next one will be I wasn’t aware of,” senior ac- sometimes have to be willing to held in March.
When Brandon came to grips with his sexuality, one of the first people he told was his pastor. Brandon, who considers himself fairly religious, remembers the worry and insecurity he felt. “I ate myself up about it because church says one thing, the Bible says one thing and then you feel (different),” Brandon said. “When I told my pastor, she went over things with me. She said that it was OK because if they want to pinpoint that being gay is such a bad thing, then they have forgotten about the other bad things that people do on a regular basis.” But Brandon still struggles to find a place of worship in Wichita Falls that he feels fully comfortable attending. “I want to go to church, but everyone looks at you like you have a problem or you need help,” Brandon said. “There is a primarily gay church in town, but I don’t want to be forced to go to that church. I want to be able to go to whatever church I want to and feel welcomed.” Brandon said coming out to his sister was the worst experience. It took him months to gather the courage. “In and Out” has been re-launched at MSU. The student organi“She just said, ‘you could’ve zation is currently looking for new members. made a girl happy one day. (Photo by: Kassie Bruton) Now it’s like you’re a waste. You would’ve been a great father,’” Brandon said. “I don’t think she was thinking that I will make a man happy one day ,and
I can still be a great father.” He admits that the experience was traumatic, which is why he has yet to tell his parents that he is gay. “I know that my parents know,” Brandon said. “I think it’s hard because my family is so close. We do everything together. We never fight. It’s almost like the ideal family. I am afraid being gay might ruin that. I might not be that ideal son anymore.” Brandon believes that the real struggle isn’t actually being gay,but announcing it to people. He said people in Wichita Falls don’t seem to dislike him because of his sexuality, but admitting that he’s gay is still difficult. “I think what sucks about living where we do is that it’s hard to come out,” Brandon said. “But once you do, people realize that it isn’t really that big of a deal. I didn’t know how people would react, and that’s what scared me.” Lucy, not her real name, an MSU senior, has been bisexual for two years. Even though she isn’t open with her sexuality, she knows the struggles of constantly having to defend herself. “A lot of people think bisexuals just want attention,” Lucy said. “They think that bisexuals are (really) either straight or gay, but they just don’t want to admit it, so they pretend that they
Brittney Cottingham Features Editor
SEXUALITY...................................................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 like both. But if you like both, then you like both. The door can swing both ways.” Lucy isn’t from the Wichita Falls area, but says she can see how the lack of diversity throughout the city contrasts with the variety on campus. “I think people from a small town are definitely less openminded because they are not exposed to as much diversity as people in (a big) city,” Lucy said. Jackey, an MSU junior, said growing up in a religious family meant she heard a lot of negative things about gay people. She became depressed while trying to come to terms with her homosexuality. Jackey started telling close friends she was a lesbian during her sophomore year of high school, but she waited much later to tell her family. Her mother, who Jackey said was struggling with a drug problem at the time, snapped when she heard the news. Now, her family is a lot more accepting of her lifestyle. “It’s not really a choice, because if I could be the whole ‘social norm’ with a husband and two and a half children, (I would) – but I can’t. Why would someone put themselves through the looks you get when you hold your girlfriend’s hand or the whole nerve racking thing of
VOTE...................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 day at 12:30 p.m. in the Clark Student Center Shawnee Theatre. Students will vote next Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 2 and 3, to decide whether or not the increase will pass. Two-thirds of voters will have to approve the measure for it to be put into effect. If approved, the fee would begin in Fall 2011 and end in
Spring 2016. Voting will take place on-line, from any available computer. Students can log-on to http:// vote.mwsu.edu and cast their vote. The fee increase would be $20 per student per semester, not per credit hour. The combined Student Center and Student Union Fees that currently total
$35 would increase to $55 per semester. Summer session fees will not increase. The Clark Student Center was built in 1961. Students may not have noticed any of these problems, and that’s what is concerning Lamb. “I want to make sure we’re transparent in the process and…
understand why we feel we have to increase this fee,” Lamb said. In 2002, the Student Center Fee was $15 per student per semester and was raised sometime that year to the combined Student Center/Student Union fee of $35 that the university currently charges. The fee has reached its cap and cannot be raised without student
approval. The Student Government Association has already voted to pass the proposition to referendum, in other words, let the students decide what to do. If student approve the fee increase, the Board of Regents would have to approve it, too. It would then have to go to the Texas Legislature in the spring for approval.
coming out to your entire family? I think the only choices are to live and lie (about your sexuality) and be depressed, or just be yourself and be happy.” Last year, MSU’s Gay Straight Alliance disbanded. The organization re-registered in late September under the name “In and Out.” The student-led organization is currently looking for new members. For more information, contact advisors Dr. Beverly Stiles and Dr. Julie Wood. “I feel like our school doesn’t have a problem with gay people, but I feel like (the issue) is brushed under the rug,” Brandon said. “[Gay organizations] will get people to see what the gay community is like – what gay people are actually like – and draw the line between what we are stereotyped as and who we really are. I just think it would be really good for MSU and Wichita Falls as a whole to open everyone’s eyes.” Brandon has faith that a lot of MSU students feel the same way that he does. He says that being gay is normal to him and it’s just something that comes naturally. Names have been changed.
a&e
October 27, 2010
the feed
Orlando Flores, Jr For the Wichitan
The best way to discover what’s new in music. “Down There” - Avey Tare: One-third of the “freak-folk” group, Animal Collective, takes a new approach, harmonizing dreamy vocals over bubbly, brooding, electronic beats. The Verdict – Deserves a listen, 3/4
“Flockaveli” – Waka Flocka Flame: Gucci Mane’s estranged protégé yells about guns & drugs ferociously over trunk-rattling beats with half the swagger and talent of his boss. The Verdict – Questionable, 2/4
“The Band Perry” – The Band Perry: Rising stars deliver a debut album full of more honesty and sincerity than country music has seen in years, while staying true to its roots. The Verdict – Must have, 4/4
“Write About Love” – Belle and Sebastian: Indie rock god Stuart Murdoch allows a band to share the spotlight, harmonizing over familiar melodies while producing a solid return to form. The Verdict – Deserves a listen, 3/4
“The Naked Soul of Sweet Jones” – Pimp C: Heavy guest support proves to be the only flaw on this Houston legend’s “debut” posthumous album, providing a decent ending to his legacy. (Photo Courtesy)
The Verdict – Deserves a listen, 3/4
The Wichitan n 5
New on DVD: ‘Sex and the City 2’ The fun, the fashion, the friendship: “Sex and the City 2” brings it all back and more as Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda take another bite out of The Big Apple-and beyond--carrying on with their busy lives and loves. This sequel focuses on what happens after you say “I do.” Life is everything the ladies ever wished it to be, but it wouldn’t be “Sex and the City” if life didn’t hold a few more surprises. This time in the form of a glamorous, sun-drenched adventure that whisks the women away from New York to one of the most luxurious, exotic and vivid places on earth, Abu Dhabi. It’s an escape that comes exactly at the right moment for the four friends, who are finding themselves in-and fighting against--the traditional roles of marriage, motherhood and more. Two years have passed since Carrie finally bagged John “Mr. Big” Preston, the man she was always meant to be with. Just as her friend Charlotte must deal with her young daughter’s “terrible two’s,” Carrie must deal with her relationship taking a turn for the worse - Big likes to watch old black-and-white movies on TV and eat takeout food, which prevents Carrie from feeling like the free-wheeling party girl she used to be. Meanwhile, Miranda copes with a new boss that can’t handle an intelligent, powerful woman.
DVD released: October 26, 2010 Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sequel Running Time: 2 hours 27 minutes Rating: R for some strong sexual content and language Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nizon, Kim Cattrall, Chris Noth
“Sex and the City 2” was released this May and grossed almost $100 million. (Photo Courtesy)
Audiences and fans can get an even closer look into “Sex and the City 2” with the Blu-ray/DVD features which include: - A conversation with Sarah Jessica Parker and director Michael Patrick King. - A segment on the men of “Sex and the City” - Michael Patrick King and Mario Cantone look back on the girls and their men. - Styling “Sex and the City 2” - it’s glam galore and more as designer extraordinaire,
Patricia Field gives an exclusive look at the stunning fashions of the film. - Marry me, Liza! - Visit the set of one wild wedding with the incomparable Liza Minnelli - Commentary by director Michael Patrick King - Plus revisiting the ‘80s inspirations for the stylish period looks of the fabulous foursome in the movie’s flashback prologue - Sex and the City 2 soundtrack: in the recording studio with Alicia Keys.
The best of the best: Top 10 classic horror films Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor
For the best of gore, suspense and thrills take your pick from our classics. To help with picking the perfect horror movie for your Halloween night viewing, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 classic horror flicks of all time. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” For the ultimate Halloween experience, catch a late-night showing of the raunchy musical about a couple who get lost and stumble into an alien transvestite’s castle. Try not to ruin it and watch it live instead of on video. This film is all about audience participation. “The Shining” Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel could quite possibly be one of the scariest films of all time. The bone-chilling movie is based in an isolated hotel where Jack Nicholson and his family have moved in as caretakers for the winter. What follows is a ghostly encounter with a former hotel custodian who murdered his wife and two daughters. Beware: The eerie silence of the movie will
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haunt you long after you’ve hit the stop button. “The Silence of the Lambs” Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter the cannibal will scare you into numbness. Not for the weak-hearted, the psychological thriller is a two-hour-long hair raiser about FBI agent Clarice Starling, who tries to gain insight into a murderer’s mind by interviewing psychopath Hannibal. After watching this film, you will never see Hopkins in the same way again. “Halloween” A Halloween night turns deadly when a former child murderer escapes from the mental hospital and returns to his small hometown to terrorize a babysitter. Soon her friends start disappearing one by one. Be sure to watch this original before taking a crack at the remakes and sequels. “Poltergeist” Watch this before you go haunted house hunting this Halloween. A suburban family is visited by ghosts who play odd tricks on them, and soon the events build up to a frightening climax when the ghosts kidnap the youngest daughter. “A Nightmare on Elm Street” The film that spawned six sequels and made Freddy Krueger into a household monster is still a must-watch horror flick. A group of teenagers start having dreams about a scarred man with razor fingers and soon they are brutally murdered in their sleep. The remaining teen, Nancy, realizes that she has to stay awake to survive. Good luck going to bed after this one. “Night of the Living Dead” This black-and-white film can still disturb you to death. You’ll cross your fingers for the group of people who hide in a farmhouse, trying to avoid being killed by the dead who have come back to life. “The Exorcist” You’ll know why “The Exorcist” is the most bloodcurdling movie ever made when you watch the brutal depiction of a 12-year-old girl possessed by an evil spirit as the exorcist tries to save her. “Se7en” Shock, nausea and utter fright, you’ll feel it all at the pit of your stomach while watching this frightful flick. The intense psychological drama follows two detectives, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan
We Welcome Students
Jack Nicholson stars in novel-adaptation “The Shining.” Despite the many remakes and sequels, the orignial “Exorcist” is a classic horror film. (Photo Courtesy)
Freeman, as they try to catch a maniac who plans to kill seven people, one for each of the seven deadly sins. “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” The original was released in 1974 and is just as frightening as the remake that haunted audiences in 2003. The film follows a group of friends passing through that are stalked and hunted down by a deformed killer with a chainsaw in order to sustain his poor family who can only afford to eat what they kill.
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sports
The Wichitan
October 27, 2010
WTAMU puts down Mustangs, 42-29 Andre Gonzalez Sports Editor
The Buffalo of West Texas A&M stomped down the Midwestern State Mustangs this past Saturday night 4229. The Mustangs held onto just three points for over half of the game, which came from senior placekicker Jose Martinez landing a 40-yard field goal early in the first quarter. Meanwhile, WTAMU’s Taylor Harris passed for 410 yards and four touchdowns before MSU scored again. “We started strong, but didn’t move the ball for awhile, stopped them on the three series, got a personal foul, then they put the ball in the end zone,” football coach Bill Maskill said. “Two interceptions and a touchdown, next thing we know we’re behind 14-3.” In the last seconds of the first quarter Harris completed a six yard pass to Tyson Williams. Twice in the second quarter to Curtis Jefferson, with 12:11 left to File photo from the Oct. 16th game against Angelo State University, where Midwestern State won 35-21. (Photo by play and a 59-yard interception return Kassie Bruton) to Tommy Hampton at 6:47, ending Harris made a 36-yard pass to Stephen off a touchdown with 44 seconds left ceiver David Little on a 22-yard pass. the first half at 21-3. MSU went into double digits, as Going into the third quarter, the Buffalo Burton and a 24-yard pass to Brittan on the scoreboard, as senior quarterback hammered in more touchdowns when Golden. The Mustangs finally notched Zack Eskridge hit up junior wide re- freshman linebacker Zak Bracken had
a 20-yard interception return to pull the game at 15-35, Mustangs still behind. Wrapping up the game in the fourth quarter, Hampton landed another touchdown for WTAMU with 10:25 left to play. Eskridge then tossed a twoyard pass to senior wide receiver Justin Rideau for a touchdown, then again almost two miutes later. It was not enough to redeem MSU as they fell 6-2 on the seasonal record, and had their No.13 spot in the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) bumped down to the No. 22 position. However, the Mustangs displayed some notable performances. Eskridge passed for a total of 206 yards, freshman runningback Keidrick Jackson put in 77-yards on 12 carries, and sophomore wide receiver Jared Freeman made six interceptions for 70-yards. “They made more plays than we did, and we didn’t make enough when the time counted,” Maskill said. “We didn’t quit, we didn’t give up, we kept plugging, and we’ll be back.” Next, MSU will battle against the Tarleton State Texans for Homecoming at Memorial Stadium this Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Men’s soccer ends in stalemate Andre Gonzalez Sports Editor
If there is anything that can bother a coach who has worked countless hours with his team, a player who has put their mind and body in pain, or even bleachers full of yelling fans who have driven hours to watch, it is a scoreless game. The MSU men’s soccer team found themselves in this predicament over the weekend. Not just once but twice. Friday, No. 2 Mustangs took on the No. 19 Incarnate Word where they played both halves and two overtime segments with neither teams making a goal. Close calls were made as junior midfielders Casey Hibbs and Nathan Fitzgerald hit the post in the 33rd and 69th minutes, respectively. Going back to the 67th min-
ute, MSU had the chance to score on a penalty kick, but senior midfielder Paulo Teixeira failed to get past the Cardinal goalkeeper. In the game’s second overtime segment, the Mustangs had two shots hit the post, then a penalty kick was saved, costing them potential points. MSU also survived a shot from the Cardinals when it hit the Mustang’s post. The Mustangs came out on top throughout the run of play with 21-13 edge in shots, plus a 10-4 advantage in shots on frame. The weekend progressed and the Mustangs had the same scoreless fate against St. Edwards at the SEU soccer field Sunday afternoon. In the first half, each team had a single shot hit the crossbar, but it clearly wasn’t enough to set in
for a goal. Even though MSU had a nice 14-3 shot differential in the second half. In the opening half, St. Edwards put up a slim edge with 6-7 in shots. Senior goalkeeper Raul Herrera made a notable performance as he notched in four saves and became the Mustang’s all-time leader in career shutouts, totaling in at 20. MSU has kept their No. 1 ranked position in the South Central Region. Falling behind the Mustangs are Truman State, Incarnate Word and West Texas A&M. Next, MSU comes back to the home field, taking on Northeastern State Friday at 7 p.m. and St. Thomas at 1 p.m. Sunday.
File photo from the Oct. 10th game against West Texas A&M, MSU won 2-1. (Photo by Hannah Hofmann)
Cross country takes first again Andre Gonzalez Sports Editor
File photo from the Oct. 16th MSU Cross Country Carnival where MSU came in 1st. (Photo by Hannah Hofmann)
It was going to take more than blistering winds and heavy rain to hold the No. 3 Mustangs cross country team down this past Saturday morning as they took their fourth straight victory at a 5K run (3.3 miles), this time at the East Central Tiger Chase in Ada, Okla. MSU ran off with 35 points taking the first place position, beating out six other schools and 49 other runners. The weather almost made cross country coach Koby Styles pull the girls out of the meet. “Everything was fine the first couple of miles, but it seemed like as soon as the group hit mile two, all hell broke loose,” Styles said. The rain was so hectic, the pack of MSU runners held onto
each other’s jerseys, so they knew which way to go, and could barely see through all the wind gusts and rain. However, Eastern New Mexico’s Nicky Reid crossed the finish line first at 19:44.2, followed by two of East Central’s runners Hayley Jennings (19:58.0) and Samantha Bartlett (20:07.3). Adrienne Montoya (20:07.3), another ENMU runner, crossed before MSU. Six of the Mustangs’ finest runners ran back-to-back, taking 5th-10th places, including junior Lindsey Pate (5th/20:21.7), senior Sydnee Cole (6th/ 20:26.9), sophomore Heather Owens (7th/ 20:27.9), freshman Ashley Flores (8th/ 20:28.2), freshman Janel Campbell (9th/20:28.8) and freshman Cara Mack (10th/20:29.1) Sophomore Melody Caldwell finished 17th for MSU with a
time of 21:42.2. “It’s always good to win though,” Styles said. ”Our goal going in was to keep our pack one through eight together, and we did that.” Now, the Mustangs go idle for a week before they head off to the Lone Star Conference Championships in Abilene on Nov. 6th. Styles kept a positive attitude about Regionals. “We firmly believe that we’re one of the best three teams in the region, if not the best,” he said. First, the Mustangs must get across the No. 1 and No. 2 teams, Penn State and Truman State, respectively. “We want to prove everyone wrong, and represent the school well, ”Styles said. “We’re not going down without a fight.”
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sports
October 27, 2010
On Deck This Week n
tHURSDAY: Oct. 28 volleyball: vs. southwestern oklahoma. 7 p.m.
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FRIDAY: oct. 29 soccer: women @ texas women’s university. 4 p.m. men vs. northeastern state 7 p.m.
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Saturday: oct. 30 volleyball: vs. central oklahoma. 2 p.m. football: vs. tarleon state 7 p.m.
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Sunday: oct. 31 soccer: men vs. st. thomas. 1 p.m. women @ texas a&m commerce 1 p.m.
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tuesday: nov. 2 volleyball: @ cameron versity 7 p.m.
Rangers are World Series bound! Josh Hoggard For the Wichitan
Finally, Texas Rangers’ fans can celebrate. After 39 disappointing years in Texas, the Rangers are bringing the World Series to the Ballpark in Arlington for the very first time. And the story couldn’t be any more perfect. The first months of the 2010 season was polluted with scandal. Manager Ron Washington was facing allegations of cocaine use. As if that weren’t enough, the already financially crippled ownership of the Texas Rangers were facing time in bankruptcy court. After a shaky start in April and May, things started looking oddly
and sadly unfamiliar. Rangers fans began to hang their heads in shame, thinking this season wouldn’t be any different than the rest. That is, until June rolled around. The Rangers had a historic month in June, only losing six games, winning eleven straight, and claiming sole possession of the lead in the American League West division. They would hold that lead from June on, by as many as 10 games. Leading the way for the Rangers, was outfielder Josh Hamilton. The MVP candidate won the AL batting champion for 2010 with a batting average of .359, hitting 186 hits, 32 home runs and 100 runs batted in. Along with the bats of big hitters
uni
(Photo by: MCT)
Rugby team cleans up their act Damian Atamenwan For the Wichitan MSU’s rugby team spent time fixing the free play field located beside Sundance apartments on Saturday Oct. 16. The team, who has limited places to play on campus, was
The Wichitan n 7
prompted to go on the activity. The players got together to work on the field in order to have a safe place to practice and play rugby. With shovels and dirt, the team started working on the Saturday morning project. Together, the rugby team pulled up remnants of five old
(Photo courtesy)
fence posts that seemed dangerous. They also removed two concrete blocks that were partially buried in the ground. The team went ahead to prepare the area around sprinkler heads to keep them protected and prevent depressions. The field had numerous holes that were hazards for anyone running or walking. The holes were filled up with dirt, thereby reducing danger. Rod Puentes, head coach, supervised the activity and is very pleased with the team’s effort. “It was a team bonding activity,” Puentes said. “We have many more doing various volunteer activities together in the community.” The rugby team spent about four hours working. However, there is still more work required to fill the holes and depressions on the field. The condition of the free-play field have improved as a result of team work.
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Vladimir Guerrero, Nelson Cruz, and Bengie Molina, the speed of Elvis Andrus, Julio Borbon, and the consistency of Michael Young, David Murphy and Ian Kinsler, it seemed like the Rangers knew how to score runs in a variety of different ways. But, historically, the Rangers have always had the bats. They’ve never seemed to have the pitching to go along with it. Not in 2010. C.J. Wilson was moved from reliever to starter and earned 15 wins, the most of the team. Rookie closer Neftali Feliz broke the record for saves by a rookie with 40. And, after acquiring Cy Young winner Cliff Lee in July, the Rangers got the pitching. The Rangers ended their season with 90 wins and AL West Champions. Seemingly every analyst in sports was skeptical about the Rangers and kept their name out of World Series talks. The skeptics and naysayers had a point, though. Prior to the 2010 season, the Rangers had only made the playoffs three times, only won one post-season game, had never won a post-season game at home, and had never made it past the divisional round. They weren’t expected to make it out of the American Leadgue Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, but they did it in five games. After they beat the Rays, they were counted out against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. They won anyway, taking six games to do it.
They didn’t just win, though; they dominated. The Rangers outscored their opponents 59 runs to 32, hit 17 homers, and threw a total of 107 strikeouts. They have five batters hitting over .300, a combined team batting average of .281, and a team ERA of 2.76. It feels like all the pieces of the puzzle are finally together for the Rangers. Their bats are hot. Their pitchers are hard to hit against. Facing the Rangers in the World Series are the National League champions, the San Francisco Giants, who beat the Phillies in six games in the NLCS to advance to the World Series. They’ll need those bats against the likes of the Giants pitching staff. The Giants ended the regular season with the best ERA in the National League. However, they had the 15th best batting average. The Giants are getting it done with their pitching, the Rangers with their bats. The Giants and the Rangers were both underdogs in the post season. Both teams beat the reigning 2009 NL and AL champions in six games. Both teams are sporting a team ERA of under three in the post-season. Game 1 of the World Series promises to be an electrifying pitching match-up of Cliff Lee (3-0, 0.75 ERA) vs. Lincecum (2-1, 1.93 ERA). Each pitcher has over 30 strikeouts and less than five walks in the postseason. It’s the Rangers’ bats against the Giants’ arms in this year’s battle of the underdogs. The first pitch of the 2010 World Series will be thrown tonight at 6:57
Monday, October 25 8 a.m. 8 p.m.
T-shirt Exchange and Mustangs Food Drive Begin • Office of Student Development & Orientation (CSC 194) Lip Sync Competition • Akin Auditorium
Tuesday, October 26 8 p.m.
Ghost Hunter: Jon Michael Murphy • Akin Auditorium
Wednesday, October 27 11 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 8 p.m.
Mechanical Bull & Obstacle Course • Sunwatcher Plaza All-School Picnic/Maverick’s 4th Birthday Party ($2 per person unless on meal plan) • Sunwatcher Plaza Banner Competition and Judging • CSC Atrium Comedy Hypnotist: Frederick Winters • CSC Comanche Suites
Thursday, October 28 12 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 9 p.m. 9:15 p.m.
Street Signs and Dawg Tags • CSC Atrium T-shirt Exchange Closes • Office of Student Development & Orientation (CSC 194) Fuzzy Ray Classic Basketball Tip-Off Dinner • $25 per person • Sikes Lake Center Volleyball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma • D.L. Ligon Coliseum Torchlight Parade • Begins at Sunwatcher Plaza Homecoming Bonfire • Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. • Nocona Trail South Parking Lot
Friday, October 29 12:30 p.m.
1 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m.
Fuzzy Ray Classic Homecoming Golf Tournament • Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Four-person scramble, $100/person or $75/Alumni Association member, includes green fee, golf cart, and food. • The Champions Course at Weeks Park Sorority Open House • Fain Hall Mustangs Food Drive Ends • Office of Student Development & Orientation (CSC 194) Fish Fry • Fish, hamburgers, $8 per person unless on meal plan • Sikes Lake Center
6 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 9 p.m.
MSU Cardboard Boat Race – Music, fun, competition, and prizes • Sikes Lake Dessert Social – Honoring Class of 1960 • Alumni House Men’s Soccer vs. Northeastern State • MSU Soccer Field Minority Alumni Mixer • Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse UPB Sock Hop Dance • Don Flatt Gym
Saturday, October 30 7 a.m. 7:30 a.m.
Morning Coffee • CSC Arrowhead Lounge Ex-Letterman’s Breakfast (buffet, pay at the door) • CSC Mesquite Dining Room 10 – Homecoming Brunch & Alumni Awards Ceremony • 11:30 a.m. CSC Comanche Suites 11:45 a.m. Homecoming Parade • MSU Campus – Judging in Quadrangle 1 p.m. Minority Alumni Business Meeting • CSC Wichita I & II 2 p.m. Volleyball vs. Central Oklahoma • D.L. Ligon Coliseum 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m.
Tailgate Party and Competition • Live music by the Cover Brothers Band • Memorial Stadium Football vs. Tarleton State • Memorial Stadium
Sunday, October 31 1 p.m.
Men’s Soccer vs. St. Thomas • MSU Soccer Field
Homecoming T-shirts
Purchase your 2010 Homecoming T-shirt from the Office of Student Development & Orientation or the MSU Bookstore. Supplies are limited. T-shirts will be available beginning Monday, October 25.
T-shirt Exchange
Bring a T-shirt from another university to CSC 194 and exchange it for a new Mustangs T-shirt. T-shirts collected from other universities will be appropriately disposed of at the Homecoming Bonfire.
MSU Bookstore Homecoming 2010 Hours 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday, Thursday & Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday