March 31st, 2011

WHY WAIT TILL THURSDAY? READ MYTJNOW.COM.

CSL elections are Thursday & Friday.

Find out who The Johnsonian endorses.

See Opinion, page 6

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

What is Winthrop’s ‘hooking-up’ culture?

See Culture, page 10

Need a few more cultural event credits before graduation?

See News, page 5

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

Issue 23

NEWS

GOV. HALEY’S MEASURABLES

Community service involvement may affect college funding

SPORTS

Eagles impress at Manchester Cup

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third story of a four-part series about the “measurables” Gov. Haley has put in place to determine state funding for universities.

CLAIRE BYUN byunc@mytjnow.com

Winthrop’s commitment and contribution to the Rock Hill community is essential to next year’s funding from Gov. Nikki Haley.

Haley asked university presidents several months ago for each school’s “measurables,” including graduation rates, number of out-of-state students, the school’s contribution to the surrounding society and job placement after graduation.

The third requirement Haley asked for involves Winthrop’s service to the nearby community by students, faculty and staff.

Many service programs are available through Winthrop, including Serving Others and Reflecting

Forward Courtney Durbin attacks Belmont players during the second half of the 3-1 victory. Winthrop out-shot the Crusaders 10-2 with five shots on goal. Photo by David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Winthrop women’s soccer team debuts in local tournament DAVID THACKHAM thackhamd@mytjnow.com

The Winthrop women’s soccer team showed no signs of rust from their conference-winning 2010 season, defeating the Belmont Abbey Crusaders 3-1 in an exhibition game on Friday. Courtney Durbin opened

the scoring before Lia Gordon and Kylene Babauta chipped in sublime goals to allow the Eagles to coast in the closing half.

The preseason friendly was part of Winthrop’s involvement in the Lowe’s Manchester Cup. “It’s a great event,” said head coach Spencer Smith. “It’s always good to win wherever. You

want to play well and win at the same time, and that’s what we’re trying to improve.”

A brisk, sunny afternoon set the scene as the women’s squad controlled the early possession through left-winger Babauta.

Coming off a season-ending ACL tear, the redshirt freshman ruled the tempo and kept

the ball pushed back in the Crusader half.

The pressure paid off 14 minutes in as Durbin wriggled into the penalty box, juking a pair of Belmont defenders before unleashing a low drive to set the Eagles up nicely 1-0.

See SOCCER page 14

See HALEY page 4 NEWS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

125 years of WU fashion Students strut historic Winthrop uniforms, graduation dresses across stage

Accreditation team to evaluate Winthrop’s programs, departments JONATHAN MCFADDEN mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Winthrop students will be instrumental in a successful SACS visit next week, said several faculty and staff members who are readying themselves for the visit that will start Monday.

From April 4-6, members of the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges will be on campus

analyzing and assessing Winthrop’s programs and academic departments to make sure they fall in line with SACS’ requirements.

If Winthrop meets the standards, the university is guaranteed renewed accreditation.

If Winthrop falls short, then upcoming graduates won’t be able to boast completion of their degree at an accredited institution.

Even worse, as far as GLI

director Karen Kedrowski knows, the university will have to shut its doors if not fully accredited.

Each university under SACS is expected to have a viable quality enhancement plan. Winthrop’s is GLI—the Global Learning Initiative.

The initiative represents a multiple-pronged effort to encourage students to study abroad while incor-

See SACS page 3

CULTURE

Students, families in Japan unharmed by earthquake, tsunami disaster Family and consumer science students wore clothes from the Archives in celebration of Winthrop’s 125th year. While models strutted across the stage, pictures from the past were displayed in the background.

Students wore everything from old gym uniforms to graduation dresses.

Photo by Stephanie Eaton • eatons@mytjnow.com

See Arts & Entertainment page 11

Questions? Contact us at editors@mytjnow.com Serving Winthrop since 1923

I N D E X

ALEXIS AUSTIN austina@mytjnow.com

The March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan left many people displaced and without food or shelter. Thankfully, this has not been the case for the family of Winthrop students and students studying abroad in Japan.

First year graduate student Tomo

Koyano, who hasn’t been home in two years, said it is scary to even think about what the people in Japan are experiencing right now. Koyano is from Hamamatsu, Japan, about two-and-ahalf hours southwest of Tokyo.

“I got a phone call from my mom and she told me about the earthquake,”

See JAPAN page 10

CAMPUS NEWS

2-5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

6-7

CULTURE

HEALTH & SCIENCE

9

SPORTS

10-11 12 13-15

2

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

CLAIRE BYUN News Editor byunc@mytjnow.com JONATHAN MCFADDEN Assistant News Editor mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Mulvaney paints grim picture during visit

By Jonathan McFadden mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

The class of 2011 and beyond have dramatically higher taxes and a lower standard of living to look forward to after they walk across the stage as graduates.

The reason why rests with the United States’ current fiscal troubles, which Congress has until April 8 to fix, and the government’s hesitancy to raise the debt ceiling.

If the debt ceiling isn’t raised, the U.S. may default on its loans and be unable to borrow money to pay them off, causing the government to effectively shut down.

Coming off his first 100 days as a member of the largest freshman class of Republicans in Congress, Rep. Mick Mulvaney, S.C.-5, came to Winthrop on March 22 to talk about the fiscal condition lawmakers in Washington D.C. are facing.

The news was grim.

The United States is spending too much money on mandatory spending— items Congress doesn’t budget for yearly, such as social security and Medicare, Mulvaney said.

The nation’s also spending too little on discretionary spending, items such as education and defense, he said.

Now, for the first time in its history, the U.S. is asking itself whether it can afford to pay its own bills.

The answer is no, according to Mulvaney.

The fault doesn’t fall into one political party’s lap.

“Both sides are to blame,” Mulvaney said to a mixed crowd of Winthrop students, faculty and their families.

Some economists are predicting a government shutdown, a term the country isn’t unfamiliar with, Mulvaney said.

In fact, the government “shut down” at least 16 times between 1974 and 1995, he said.

So, Mulvaney and other Republicans in Congress have a proposed solution to calm a raging deficit—cut everything.

Cutting the federal budget’s spending will create more jobs, Mulvaney said.

To prove his point, Mulvaney cited Canada and Sweden as successful economies that avoided housing and banking crises and brought in more jobs by cutting spending.

“We’re going to cut everything,” Mulvaney said. “Good programs will get cut.”

More cuts will force students entering the job market to pay higher taxes and contend with limited resources, he said.

“We’re moving to a much more dramatically lower standard of living,” Mulvaney said. “It’s going to affect you every single day from when you walk out of this university.”

For senior Hannah Saleeby, those aren’t comforting words to hear just four weeks before graduation.

“There’re no jobs, especially in education, right now,” Saleeby said. “It’s getting to the point where you can’t laugh it off anymore.”

The senior middle-level education major for social studies and English is concerned about having to bear the brunt of the fiscal mess after she switches her tassel.

Her life plan has already changed.

In May she’ll be married. She and her husband-to-be have already agreed to hold off on having children until they’re in their 30s because they know they won’t be able to provide for them anytime soon.

But, Mulvaney said there is some hope

for those possessing degrees.

“You’re employable,” Mulvaney told her. “You’ll be better off than most folks.”

Those folks who don’t have a chance are high school dropouts, he said.

While not overly optimistic, some in attendance did appreciate Mulvaney’s honesty.

Senior economics major Rob Mack said he felt Mulvaney’s presentation was very bipartisan, devoid of any Republican or Democratic slant.

He wishes, though, that Americans could get more educated on the fiscal situation.

WU poll shows voters disapprove of President Obama, Congress

By Jonathan McFadden mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

A majority of registered voters in the South disapprove of the way President Barack Obama is handling the economy and the way he’s performing his job in office, according to the most recent results from the Winthrop Poll.

Scott Huffmon, associate professor of political science and director of the social behavioral research lab, presented the results to a crowd of about 60 students on March 24.

Voters in the South are also displeased with Congress’ handling of the economy.

Though the president’s disapproval ratings have increased with measures he’s passed, such as the stimulus package, a majority of the Democrats, Republicans and Independents polled feel the South’s economy is fairing well when compared to the rest of the nation.

The reason: news coverage of the country’s economic woes seem to focus more on the Midwest and Northeast than the South.

Still, many voters said they feel the overall economy is suffering.

Empirically, the economy is getting better, Huffmon said.

But, empirical data doesn’t matter much in voters’ minds.

“Facts really don’t matter in elections,” Huffmon said. “Perceptions matter.”

Despite disapproval of President Obama’s job, voters feel very confident in his ability to handle threats to the U.S. Voters also approved of Obama’s handling of the crisis in Egypt.

Without the South to back them, Democratic candidates can’t hope to win the presidency, Huffmon said, as the South’s political influence will determine who enters office in 2012.

Eleven southern states were polled, ranging geographically from Texas to Virginia.

The poll was conducted during the last full week of February. Full, statistical results can be viewed on the Winthrop Poll’s web page on the Winthrop website.

U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R) explains to students what they will undoubtedly face upon graduation--historic tax increases and historic unemployment.

Photo by Jonathan McFadden • mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

3

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

SACS IS COMING SACS • from front porating a global focus into the Touchstone Program’s set of classes and other courses at the university.

Part of the plan includes identifying study abroad programs in each major that’ll permit students to study abroad and still graduate on time, and increasing the number of global learning cultural events.

“It communicates that Winthrop is really a part of the world,” Kedrowski said.

So, where do students come in?

Chances are SACS visitors may randomly ask some students what GLI is, its purpose and Winthrop’s definition of “global.”

“We mean any experience that’s local, regional, national and/or international that may differ from one’s own culture,” Kedrowski said.

Activities ranging from volunteer work on Blackmon Road to doing internships with international companies in Charlotte to eating at a Haitian restaurant all constitute a global learning experience, Kedrowski said.

Currently, GLI is in its implementation phase, said Dante Pelzer, director of multicultural student life and member of GLI’s promotions committee.

Even though GLI hasn’t yet been officially approved, global integration into ACAD is already taking place.

The fall’s ACAD students will work on a global service-learning project that requires them to develop book tents, where they will give out and donate books to children in low-income families, on campus and in the surrounding community.

The reaccreditation process didn’t just start this spring. In fact, the university has already

submitted several compliance reports to SACS’ off-site team, who have returned the reports without too much revisions or questions.

When SACS’ on-site team arrives on campus, their primary goal will be to review GLI, Pelzer said. That’s why it’s essential the entire campus community knows what GLI is and why it’s important.

“They [SACS team members] may talk to you,” Pelzer said.

Once the SACS accrediting team visits campus and reviews GLI, they’ll give their final stamp of approval and further implementation can take place.

Then the real work begins.

Once the plan’s in place, the freshman experience will be affected most with dramatic changes made in ACAD and HMXP. More than that, faculty who have been involved with GLI are searching for peer mentors who’ve traveled or lived abroad.

Students will also be encouraged to sponsor global cultural events that will give a non-US perspective, Kedrowski said.

CURRICULUM

CHANGES

• ACAD students will participate in a global

service-learning project.

• ACAD students will be given an assignment that incorporates a video about the International Center.

• In fall 2012, there will be a new common book that carries a global focus.

• HMXP students will be given global writing and reading assignments.

•All courses in the Touchstone program will be incorporated with some kind of global learning focus • Academic departments will be asked to identify courses that can be taken abroad so students can study in different countries while staying on track with their degree.

Go yonder, WU students Permitting more students to study abroad is one of the program’s biggest objectives, Kedrowski said.

Only two to three percent of Winthrop students study abroad. The GLI committee’s job is to access the cause of the low percentage.

“It might be financial concerns, it might be concerns that students end up falling behind in their academic programs, it might be family worries about the safety of going to certain regions of the country,” Kedrowski said.

Members of GLI will figure out what stops students interested

Graphic by Shatesha Scales • scaless@mytjnow.com

in studying abroad from doing so and help them overcome those barriers, she said.

GLI will also look to identify scholarships that would help support students studying abroad.

Junior political science and economics double major Timothy Kroboth knows how impor-

Get Ready to WUCycle!

April 8 in Withers Gym (corner of Eden Terrace and Charlotte Ave.)

Winthrop University | Division of Student Life | Department of Residence Life | Sustainability Committee

tant GLI is for the student body.

In a rapidly globalizing world, college graduates will encounter people whose cultural background is extremely different from their own, Kroboth said.

Kroboth has firsthand experience with different cultures, having studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt and participated in the

National Student Exchange at the University of Kentucky.

Publicity plays a big part in gearing students for SACS. GLI posters have been placed at several high-trafficked areas around campus, along with small cards giving full detail of GLI and its goals.

4

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

Federal-funded PELL grant may face cuts; students, staff awaiting financial aid news

By Monica Kreber

kreberm@mytjnow.com

If students are concerned with the PELL grant being cut, that means 43 percent of Winthrop’s undergraduate students are waiting anxiously to see if Congress makes such a decision.

Director of financial aid Leah Sturgis said in order to receive the Pell grant, students must apply through FAFSA and their eligibility is determined based on their family’s income, among other factors. Students get different amounts of money through the Pell grant program depending on their family’s financial situation.

Sturgis said one of the problems with the Pell grant right now is that there are more people who are receiving funds from the Pell grant than the federal government is able to fund.

The program is called an entitlement program, meaning, if the student is eligible for the program, the student will

receive the money.

“That’s where the cuts come in,” Sturgis said. “You spend the money and if you are not able to cover what has been spent, then you would have to cut future grants.”

Sturgis also said the federal government has been operating on continuing resolutions for the current budget year, meaning they have not passed a formal budget for this year, but federal agencies are allowed to operate at current (or reduced) funding levels while the budget is being debated.

In early March, the House of Representatives passed a spending bill that made significant cuts to the program, but the Senate voted down that bill, Sturgis said.

“It wouldn’t affect everyone the same way, but it would affect everyone in some way, shape or form,” she said. “I can’t determine whether they would or would not pass it at this time.”

Sturgis said she is not sure whether

HALEY • from front Winthrop, including Serving Others and Reflecting (SOAR) and blood drives with the American Red Cross.

“Campus Compact,” a national organization of more than 1,100 university presidents dedicated to promoting community service, has its place at Winthrop, said Rebecca Masters, assistant to the president for public affairs. President DiGiorgio is the chair for the South Carolina branch of the national group.

“Campus Compact” also works with civic engagement and service-learning in higher education, Masters said.

The university works with Rock Hill businesses to provide students with internships, career fairs and other experiences as well, Masters said.

“It’s a win-win outreach because it serves the needs of businesses to identify new talent and helps launch soon-to-be graduates on their careers,” Masters said.

Downtown Rock Hill houses The Hive, an organi-

zation in which both Winthrop and York Tech students provide website services to nonprofit organizations in town.

Scott Huffmon, professor of political science, provides assistance to community organizations as well, including the polling operation, Masters said.

Other departments on Winthrop’s campus involve themselves in aiding the surrounding society, including the College of Education’s work with regional school systems through NetScope and NetLead grants, Masters said.

“Winthrop hosts a branch of the Small Business Development Center, which offers free start-up assistance to entrepreneurs in the region who want to begin a small business in the area,” Masters said.

The university also participates in special local events, such as Come See Me festival, Relay for Life, CROP Walk and various athletic tournaments, which benefit area hospitality businesses, Masters said.

“Our cultural events and artistic performances add significantly to community quality-of-life dimensions

‘Register here, pay here’; students pay on the spot for summer classes

By Kaitlyn Schallhorn

schallhornk@mytjnow.com

Students may find that, when registering for summer classes, the payment schedule is slightly different.

With past registrations, the Controller’s Office was able to validate a student’s schedule based on which summer session they were enrolled in. Students then had a week before the class started to pay or have financial aid step in.

However, the new system is unable to validate a student’s schedule based upon a session.

Students may still register for several classes in different sections, but they will begin paying for all of the classes as a whole at the same time, according to Gina Jones, Registrar at Winthrop University. Once the student makes the first payment, their entire summer schedule is validated.

One of the biggest things for students to remember is that, once they sign up for a course and begin payment, even if it is for a different class, their entire schedule becomes validated. If a student wishes to no longer take a class, they need to take the initiative to make sure that they drop the class themselves.

“Students need to realize that they won’t be automatically dropped for nonpayment,” Jones said.

Failure to drop a course would result in an F in the class, and students would lose the money that they had already paid.

“We hope that [classes] won’t be af-

or not changing the Pell grant will affect future student enrollment or not; the less money a student is offered to enroll at a school, the more that student would have to pay.

“Sometimes you can offer a lot of money to a student and they enroll,” she said, “sometimes you can offer the same amount to another student and they chose not to enroll.”

Freshman digital information design major Stephanie Brown said she would be “troubled” if Winthrop ever lost the PELL grant program.

“If it weren’t for grants, I wouldn’t be able to attend college,” she said.

Brown said the PELL grant is extremely helpful since it provides funds she does not have to pay back, unlike the student loans she will eventually have to pay back.

“Seeing as my family can’t provide money out of (their) pocket to get me through college, I have to rely on loans, scholarships and grants,” she said.

fected,” Jones said.

Students have to pay so early now that they might have to wait and register late, which could cause summer classes to be cancelled prematurely due to not enough students signing up, Jones said.

“Students, don’t wait until the last minute,” she said.

Amanda Patterson, junior psychology major, is not letting the new payment system affect her summer plans. She plans to take a Maymester course.

In fact, the new system may benefit students needing to take Maymester classes. Before this new system, students were required to pay the Monday before Maymester started, when grades were not yet released.

Patterson is planning to take a summer class in order to fulfill a few general education requirements.

“I plan to pay as soon as I register,” Patterson said.

The Controller’s Office is offering a payment plan for the summer because of the new payment schedule. This is the first time this office has put together a payment plan for the summer, and they are also waiving the fee, according to Jones.

If students have already registered for a summer class, the first payment is due May 12. The last day to register for a summer course is the first day of the class.

Students may find a complete schedule of course sessions and dates as well as fee deadlines on the Records and Registration website.

www.get-in-on.com

Sturgis said the financial aid office has processed 7500 applications for FAFSA for the 2010-2011 school year. She said the economy plays a factor in grants being cut.

“We do not want the PELL grant program to be cut,” she said. “With the significance of it on Winthrop’s campus, I wouldn’t want to see a dollar cut out of it.”

“”

If it weren’t for grants, I wouldn’t be able to attend college.

Stephanie Brown

Freshman

and are frequently cited in governmental economic development efforts, right beside the quality professional preparation for which Winthrop is known,” Masters said.

Winthrop faculty and staff take part in community leadership boards, such as the Rock Hill Arts Council and York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Masters said.

Each year in April, awards are given to personnel who distinguish themselves in particular areas of service; Sean Blackburn, assistant dean of students, and Leslie Moma, administrative specialist, were just two of 40 honored last year, Masters said.

The Office of Career Services and Civic Engagement logs volunteer hours completed by Winthrop personnel and students for off-campus community service work.

Gov. Haley plans to use these criteria to determine the state funding Winthrop receives, and will review the first “measurable” within the next few months.

Police Blotter Public disorderly intoxication (3/26) At 2:09 a.m. reporting officers observed a man walking south on Cherry Rd. The suspect appeared highly intoxicated, the report said.

Police observed him staggering on the sidewalk and holding his balance by using the wall in front of Wofford Hall. Police made contact with the suspect in the intersection of Cherry Rd. and Alumni Dr. The suspect smelled strongly of alcohol and had very slurred speech, police said.

The suspect was placed under arrest for public disorderly intoxication and transported to Rock Hill City Jail, according to the report.

Public disorderly intoxication (3/26) At 2:50 a.m. police observed another suspect walking east on Charlotte Ave at Myrtle Dr. stumbling from side to side on the walkway, carrying a Blue Moon beer. Police made contact with the suspect, who smelled strongly of alcohol, the report said.

The suspect was very loud and

slurred when he spoke. The suspect stated that he had consumed an unknown quanitity of beer and indicated that he felt he was intoxicated. He had difficulty standing, swaying back and forth, police said.

The suspect was arrested for public disorderly conduct and transported to Rock Hill City Jail, according to the report.

Leaving the scene of an accident (3/27) A student reported that she parked her car on Wed., March 23 at 2:30 p.m., only to return on Friday at 2:51 p.m. to find damage done to the left rear quarter panel of her car, the police report said.

No suspect information or vehicle can be obtained at this time.

This incident will be administratively closed pending further investigation, police said.

Compiled by Monica Kreber

5

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

Cultural event schedule With five weeks left until graduation, do you have all your cultural event credits?

Here’s a list of all the events until the end of the semester.

March 31 When: 11 am.

What: Leadership Speaker Series featuring Jaclyn Libowitz Where: Dina’s Place Admission: Free March 31 When: 5 p.m.

What: Writing Our Lives: Poems Honoring Women’s History Month Where: Little Chapel Admission: Free March 31 When: 7 p.m.

What: The 10th Annual Dorothy Perry Thompson Colloquium in African American Studies and the African American Experience Where: Plowden Auditorium Admission: Free March 31 When: 8 p.m.

What: Barry Drake Presents: “60’s Rock: When the Music Mattered” Where: Dina’s Place Admission: Free w/fall pass, $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 without April 1-3 When: 9:30 p.m.

What: Mediation Workshop Where: Kinard Auditorium Admission: $45 April 1 When: 8 p.m.

What: The Screaming Orphans Where: The Edge Admission: Free w/fall pass, $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 without April 4 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Guitar Ensembles, Lewis H. Dickert Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free April 7 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Percussion Ensembles, Michael Williams Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: free April 7 When: 8 p.m.

What: Eric Alva Presents: Ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Where: Dina’s Place Admission: Free w/fall pass, $5 with

Admission: $8 w/Winthrop ID, $15 general public

Winthrop ID, $10 without

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Chorale, Winthrop Chmaber Singers, Katherine Kinsey Where: Byrnes Auditorium Admission: Free

April 8 When: 8 p.m.

What: Spring One-Act Play Festival Where: Johnson Studio Theatre Admission: $8 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public

April 14 When: 8 p.m.

What: Keith Gisser’s Herps Alive Where: Dina’s Place Admission: Free

April 9 When: 2 p.m.

What: Spring One-Act Play Festival Where: Johnson Studio Theatre Admission: $8 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public

April 14 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Tuba Choir-Euphonium Ensemble, Sarita Mexwwell Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free

April 9 When: 8 p.m.

What: Spring One-Act Play Festival Where: Johnson Studio Theatre Admission: $8 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public April 10 When: 2 p.m.

What: Spring One-Act Play Festival Where: Johnson Studio Theatre Admission: $8 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public April 10 When: 4 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Brass Ensemble, Martin Hughes Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free

April 12 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Faculty Series: Kristen Wunderlich, soprano Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free

April 13-17 When: 8 p.m.

What: The Country Wife, by William Wycherly Where: Byrnes Auditorium

Election 2011:

Don’t know who to vote for? Check out each candidate’s platform, ideas and qualifications at www.mytjnow.com/csl-election-2011.

April 16 When: 8 p.m.

What: “Bad Romance: The CVPA Arts Ball Concert” Where: The Amphitheater; Inclement Weather Location: Byrnes Auditorium Admission: Free April 17 When: 4 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Collegiate Choir, Winthrop Jazz Voices, Randall Imler Where: TBD Admission:Free

April 13 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop CHamber Orchestra, Tom Hildreth Where: Byrnes Auditorium Admission: Free

Voting begins Thursday and runs until Friday. Every student can vote at www.winthrop.edu/csl.

April 15 When: 5 p.m.

What: Reggae Band, Watusi Where: The Campus Green; Inclement weather location: The Edge Admission: Free April 15 When: 5:30 p.m.

What: “Making in the Real World” Lecture: Jonathan Brillant Where: Rutledge Admission: Free

April 11 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Jazz Ensemble, Phil Thomson Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free

VOTE

April 14 When: 8 p.m.

What: WUG Artist Lecture: AdrianRhodes, M.F.A. Thesis Candidate Where: Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery Admission: Free

April 18 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Faculty Series: John Fowler, tenor Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free April 19 When: 7:30 p.m.

April 20 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Clarinet Choir, Michael Hough Where: Barnes Recital Hall Admission: Free April 21 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop Symphonic Band, Michael Hough Where: Byrnes Auditorium Admission: Free April 21 When: 8 p .m.

What: Student Choreography Showcase Where: Johnson Theatre Admission: Wed./Thur. $5 w/Winthrop ID, $10 general public. Fri./Sat. $8 w/Winthrop ID; $15 general public April 21 When: 8 p.m.

What: WUG Artist Lecture: Sandy Singletary, M.F.A. Thesis Candidate Where: Elizabeth Dunlap Patrick Gallery Admission: Free April 22 When: 8 p.m.

What: Student Choreography Showcase Where: Johnson Theatre Admission: Wed./Thur. $5 w/Winthrop ID; $10 general public. Fri./Sat. $8 w/Winthrop ID; $15 general public April 23 When: 2 p.m.

What: Student Choreography Showcase Where: Johnson Theatre Admission: Wed./Thur. $5 w/Winthrop ID; $10 general public. Fri./Sat. $8 w/Winthrop ID; $15 general public April 25 When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Ensemble Series: Winthrop/ Carolinas Wind Orchestra, William Malambri Where: Byrnes Auditorium Admission: Free

Compiled by Jonathan McFadden

Candidates campaign for WU’s first student election in 10 years

Above, from left: Clifton Totherow, TImothy Kroboth, and Kambrell Garvin, presidential candidates; Kaitlin Sapp, vice president candidate. Photo by Claire Byun • byunc@ mytjnow.com

Campaigning for the 2011 elections, all three presidential candidates and sole vice president candidate present their platforms in front of students during common time on Tuesday.

Above: Timothy Kroboth, presidential candidate, hands out flyers with candidate information at lunch. Students were able to ask questions afterward. Photo by Kathleen Brown • brownk@ mytjnow.com

6

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

CONNOR DE BRULER Opinion Editor debrulerc@mytjnow.com

Our Say

Voting crucial to student voice’s strength The Johnsonian endorses one presidential, vice presidential candidate Students, don’t think of voting as a mundane task this week; think of it as a challenge.

You may think voting for CSL president and vice president is insignificant or at best, optional.

If you let that stop you from voting, then you are permitting the student opinion at Winthrop to be viewed as an insignificant opinion or one to be accepted only as an option.

Student government at Winthrop has lacked democracy for 10 years. The university pulled the plug on campus-wide elections when there weren’t enough people running for office and voter turnout was low.

But simply having elections won’t ensure the mass student voice is heard and respected. It’s possible elections will be held, and students will still not gain any real political ground.

It’s great we finally have an election, but elections won’t simply flip a switch on this campus.

Changing the way we perceive and relate to student government, however, can make a huge difference.

Don’t allow the opinion to prevail that students are politically apathetic and that there’s not enough interest in student government to warrant an election.

If those in power at this university think we don’t care enough to vote, they will assume we won’t care enough to stand up against issues we want changed.

Of course it’s important we vote for the best candidates, but what’s more important is that we show interest by voting.

The future CSL president will have to be a strong leader, but the strength of one is nothing without a mass of people

backing him or her up.

Sure, student government can achieve meaningful agendas without an election, but an election can help the entire student population take ownership of its representative government.

Presidential endorsement The Johnsonian editorial board had the opportunity to meet one on one with each of the presidential candidates and the lone vice-presidential candidate for CSL. For president, we endorse Tim Kroboth, a junior political science and economics major.

Kroboth’s leadership style is characterized by a willingness to serve the current and future needs of students. He has previous experience on CSL, but noted there are areas the council needs to improve on.

Specifically, Kroboth is open to the idea of expanding campus-wide elections to other CSL positions besides just president and vice president.

Although he brings concrete ideas to the table, Kroboth is sincere in his effort to actively listen to the student body. He has found the right balance between working within programs already established at Winthrop, such as the Global Learning Initiative, and taking on the concerns of students as they arise.

Kroboth has participated in the National Student Exchange at the University of Kentucky and has

Illustration by Alex Miles•Special to the Johnsonian studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt.

Vice presidential endorsement For vice president, we endorse Kaitlin Sapp, a sophomore integrated marketing communication major.

As vice president,Sapp would be primarily responsible for overseeing student allocations

funding—money crucial to operating Winthrop clubs and organizations.

She wants to move that grant process online, making it easier for student groups to apply for the funding they need for organization costs.

Sapp currently serves on CSL and has sufficient understanding of student government’s function.

Through her experience, she has noticed that

many student groups miss out on funding opportunities because they do not show up at mandatory training sessions.

Sapp wants to diversify the dates and times those training sessions are offered, hopefully making it easier for clubs and organizations to receive the operational funds they need.

But you don’t have to take our word on who the

best candidate is. Make your own decison.

Read every candidate’s application online at winthrop.edu/csl and see our coverage, including video interviews, at mytjnow. com/csl-election-2011.

You have two days to vote: March 31 and April 1. More information is available on CSL’s Winthrop website.

Current CSL chair looks forward to change As I look back on the past two years as Chair of the Council of Student Leaders, I am humbled by the opportunity that I have had to serve the Winthrop Community.

It has not always been fun or affirming, but the lessons learned have made me a better person. When I first took office in May of 2008 I had three goals as my platform: increase student participation in decision-making, infuse the Dedication for Excellence into the campus community, and directly elect leadership for CSL. I am pleased to report there has been progress in all areas.

More students are involved in campus-wide committees and a

robust dialogue college experience. As the occurs between financial landscape has CSL and the changed over the past few Administration years, our ownership has and Board of increased to 52% of the colTrustees. lective University budget.

The edits to That is power. the Dedication My challenge to the two Sydney Evans for Excellence individuals that take office Guest columnist are nearing comare to use that power to pletion as the build relationships with Council receives feedback from their peers, faculty, staff, and all areas of the University; and Administration.

Elections 2011 is underway!

It is difficult to stand up for All of these goals have a com- something, but Winthrop and mon theme that reflect what I its student population will be think to be the purpose behind better if you provide honest, informed feedback; whether it student government; participais solicited or not. The relationtion and ownership. ships built will help you collect We, as students, have a right information, give perspective and responsibility to own our

Editor ANNA DOUGLAS

Arts & entertainment editor JESSICA PICKENS

Ad designer SAMANTHA FURTICK

Managing editor TIFFANY BARKLEY

Assistant arts & entertainment editor ALISON ANGEL

Photographers KATHLEEN BROWN STEPHANIE EATON

Sports editor JEFF BRODEUR

Multimedia editors SHATESHA SCALES KAYLEE NICHOLS

News editor CLAIRE BYUN Assistant news editor JONATHAN MCFADDEN Opinion editor CONNOR DE BRULER Culture editor ALEXIS AUSTIN Health & science editor AMANDA PHIPPS

Assistant sports editor DAVID THACKHAM Graphic Designer COURTNEY NISKALA Copy editors BRITTANY GUILFOYLE BRANTLEY MCCANTS

Webmaster DEVANG JOSHI Advertising manager SARAH MACDONALD Faculty adviser LARRY TIMBS

on timing and approach, and provide longevity for the organization.

I still have another year to enjoy my Winthrop experience and look forward to seeing all that the new leadership will accomplish.

I am extremely grateful for all the men and women that have served on CSL and created what it is today.

Every organization, however, can improve and the Council is no different. The organization would do well to reflect on a piece of advice given to me in my first one-on-one with President DiGiorgio.

He said, “Care more than others think wise. Risk more than

others think safe. Dream more than others think practical.

Expect more than others think possible.” I have never forgotten it and sincerely hope that CSL will grow and accomplish past all expectations.

“”

It has not always been fun, but the lessons I learned have made me a better person.

About The Johnsonian The Johnsonian is the weekly student newspaper of Winthrop University. It is published during fall and spring semesters with the exception of university holidays and exam periods.

CONTACT INFORMATION Our offices are located in suite 104 in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.

Phone: (803) 323-3419 E-mail: editors@mytjnow.com Online: mytjnow.com LETTER POLICY Letters and feedback can be sent to editors@mytjnow.com or by mail at The Johnsonian, 104

Campus Center, Rock Hill, S.C., 29733.

Comments submitted online at www.mytjnow.com may be printed as letters and may be shortened for space and edited for clarity.

Please include your name, major and year if you are a student; your name and title if you are a professor; or your name and profession if you are a member of

the community.

Letters, cartoons and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily the opinions of The Johnsonian staff.

CORRECTIONS Contact us if you find an error in an issue of the newspaper. We will correct it in the next issue.

7

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

Student embraces hedonism On this tiny planet whitewashed spiraling in an infinitely culture stereoexpanding and cold types them as. universe, the more cyniBetter yet, I cal among us might look could stop cararound and think about ing; being worhow nothing particuried about the larly matters in the grand African AmeriJared Epps scheme of things. can community Guest columnist or the state of To ignore the reality of a finite existence and the the world isn’t likelihood of incomprehenconducive to my personal sible cosmic forces wiping happiness, since both are humanity from the universe, headed in a downward spiral people find different coping to hell. methods. Some people get To some extent, hedonists off on being power fetishhave a profound understandists, some look for abstract, ing of life and how easily it intangible things to believe in can be ripped away. and others choose to flirt with Instead of spouting off some hedonism. idealistic garbage suggesting Given the reality of the that humanity needs to make universe, I think hedonists are the world a better place, they on to something. In a crapbelieve in maximizing their sack world where another day personal pleasure because living is never a guarantee, I their own lives are the extent think living a life devoted to of what they can control. seeking pleasure is a rational People don’t really tend to way to go about living. care about one another. That’s I could spend time worrynot necessarily an inherently ing about the fact that Earth bad thing, and acting hedowill become uninhabitable in nisticly fits with how people a few centuries, the distinct typically act, anyway. possibility of a nuclear war Trying to inform people of obliterating organic life or social or worldly problems is why so many African Amerilargely a waste of time. cans act like the ignorant The general reaction would wastes of space that America’s be something along the lines

Letter to the Editor

of “it won’t happen to me”; it’s more efficient and healthy to just stop caring about the “right thing to do” and instead do what feels right.

However, I’m not insisting that people should run out to shoot up strange narcotics or have random sexual encounters with strange, unfamiliar people, nor am I suggesting that people shouldn’t at least contribute the bare minimum to society. Hedonism should draw the line where the pleasure-seeking interferes with a working society.

Certain individuals might give hedonism a negative connotation, since the idea of “pleasure-seeking” puts many a mind in the gutter.

Aside from incredibly uptight fundamentalist crackpots, most people would typically agree that minimizing suffering and maximizing pleasure is the result that most people generally strive for.

Eventually, we and everything we loved, hated, and believed in will die and fade into nothingness, so we might as well live it the hell up before all traces of humanity cease to exist.

Dear Editor, Regarding Connor de Bruler’s opinion piece in this week’s newspaper, I would like to react to some of his remarks.

I completely understand why you think Christians are hypocrites.

There are some who do one thing and then turn around and do another. But I don’t think that stands for every single Christian out there.

There may be terrorists in the Middle East, but every Middle Eastern isn’t a terrorist.

Although the people of the world don’t share the same religious beliefs, I have respect for yours.

You may think that every Christian is trying to “sell a brand” or “market” Jesus, but ultimately I don’t have to market anything to you. Throughout your article, you said you valued a “true man” who didn’t discriminate against your beliefs.

However, you went on to say who you think campus ministries such as Campus Crusade for Christ should be

able to be on campus, but they should be given a hard time.

If you think a true man doesn’t discriminate, but yet you want others and yourself to treat campus ministries unfairly...are you even a true man?

I personally know individuals who are a part of CRU on campus and I can honestly say they are some of the most genuine, loving people (no matter what religious disagreement).

Take some time to find out who is a part of Christian organizations before you automatically think they deserve to be given a hard time...you might be surprised at what you find.

Laney Whittle Senior Intregrated Marketing Communication

“”

There may be terrorists in the Middle East, but every Middle Eastern isn’t a terrorist.

An Orignal Comic

Entertainment trumps news, editor laments

By Courtney Niskala

People no longer want a newspaper other than The news. They want entertainJohnsonian? 3) When you ment. watch the news, are you payI received an e-mail from ing more attention to Charlie a Winthrop student praising Sheen’s ramblings or the civil one of my columns the other war in Libya? day. They wrote that my There’s a problem with “interesting” columns make the populous today. It’s been Connor de Bruler outlined in tons of books, the an otherwise boring school Opinion editor paper more palatable. most famous of which is Neil I was not thrilled with Postman’s “Amusing Ourselves that reader’s choice of words. to Death.” We want to be constantly I certainly have a bias. Obviously, I entertained. work for The Johnsonian, so I am inEveryone’s guilty of it, especially me. clined to think that my peers do a very I read the AP online and my colleagues’ good job at reporting relevant campus sections in The Johnsonian, but I rarely news. read The Harold or The Charlotte It’s okay to think I’m bootlicking by Observer. I admit that most of what I saying The Johnsonian provides good choose to read for my own leisure is news. novels and short stories.

Whether or not students want to It’s important that we all try to start hear any news at all is the main issue. weaning ourselves off this constant My columns are fairly good. Someneed for stimulation, or better yet, times they’re funny and sometimes, learn to be entertained by substance. on rare occasions, I have something Where most of the main outlets for serious to say. I seldom go out into the news have faltered, this school’s little field and do the hard-hitting research publication continues to deliver news. to which my peers are accustomed.

Hard. Objective. Relevant. News stories My columns are just my own worthare meant to be kind of dry. That’s why less opinion, and normally I have an they’re unbiased. The flowery use of adopinion on irrelevant and ridiculous jectives and rhetoric that make words subjects. so fun to read is the agent of opinion.

But it’s worth a chuckle.

Ted Koppel once said, “Giving The opinion page of The Johnsonian people what they want to hear and not is the cheesecake desert after a meal. I what they ought to hear is the greatest appreciate the attention my work gets, folly in American journalism.” but I hate it when people say I’m the I ask every reader in this school to best part of this paper. I always ask stop reading the opinion page until people if they read any of the other you have read at least two articles from sections. other sections. Try to learn something Take a moment to ask yourself these you didn’t know before. Maybe then questions. 1) Do you watch “Famyou’ll find the paper to be more palatily Guy” more than news programs? able.

2) Have you ever picked up and read

Do you like money?

Do you like free pizza?

Do you want to smell better?

Work for The Johnsonian

Email Claire Byun at byunc@mytjnow.com for more information.

Applications due April 15 by 5 p.m. in DIGS 104 Applications available in DIGS 104 and at mytjnow.com

Open to all majors and any classification

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

THE JOHNSONIAN

Interested in advertising in The Johnsonian? we’ve got two more issues this semester or get a head start on fall ads! contact Sarah MacDonald at macdonalds@mytjnow.com

8

9

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

AMANDA PHIPPS Health & Science Editor phippsa@mytjnow.com

Editor reflects on first overseas experience It was not the trip I was expecting.

When I first found out I could take a biology class that was going to Costa Rica over spring break, I was super excited. I have never been out of the country, or even the East coast for that matter, and this was an experience I really wanted to have.

I built up expectations about this trip all semester, but the trip wasn’t what I had built up in my mind; it was so much more.

When I heard the trip was to Costa Rica, I thought of an underdeveloped country with scary insects and snakes in every corner and where I would be isolated from the world. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The country is a beautiful, thriving place with people who accept visitors into their culture and try to teach us their ways. I was naive to think it would be anything different.

I was lucky to be able to see the many different sides of the country and experience it as a part of the culture and not just as a tourist.

Unlike Americans, Costa Ricans do not have that personal space “bubble” we have developed. People embrace each other in greetings and kiss on the cheek. It is not unusual to see everyone holding hands because that is how people interact with each other.

The streets are different in Costa Rica. People use the street as a common area, and it isn’t unusual to see groups of people interacting in the street as you drive. We had a group of sixth graders come up to our van in the street to ask for donations for their

Amanda Phipps

Health and Science Editor

school.

Not only is the culture different, but the variety of life and landscape are as well.

Costa Rica looks different from every angle, and every angle is astonishing.

Though it took a climb in the van that even made my professor nervous, the view from the mountains was spectacular.

I was able to experience many things during my short stay, including swimming in the Largato River, the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean.

In a local Largato River swimming hole, I mingled with the Ticos, and they got me to swing off a rock into the water below (after they called me gato, or cat, I had to do it). I was so glad I did. It was higher than I thought, but turned out to be really fun and a rush. The Ticos laughed at me some, but they were helpful in getting me up the slimy rock and showing me how to use the rope swing.

We also stayed at the San Jose location of the University of Georgia, which was fun, but didn’t feel like the “real” Costa Rica. It was Americanized and felt more similar to a resort. The best experiences we had were when we immersed ourselves in the local culture. It also helped that the drinking age there is 18 .

We were lucky to have a professor who is a

Above: Our biology 323 group at the Monteverde trail. At left: We visited a national volcano park.

Standing on a volcano was a great experience.

Below: We stayed in the city of Alajuela the first and last night of our trip. Photos by Amanda Phipps • phippsa@mytjnow.com

resident of Costa Rica and knows where the crocodiles hang out below a bridge and where trails exist where we can see huge lizards and armadillos. He also led us to howler monkeys, which sound really loud and kind of creepy.

I learned to love all creatures on this trip, including leaf-cutter ants, which are both fascinating and adorable in their own way. They cleverly work together to maintain their lifestyle and carry leaf pieces three times their size. It amazes me.

The people of Costa

Rica also amaze me. Costa Rica sets aside land to preserve from development. When I flew over Costa Rica for the first time, the first thing I noticed were the mountains, not the raised buildings or twinkling lights I saw when we flew over Miami.

It makes me sad America doesn’t do more to protect the land we have.

Though Costa Rica has its problems just as any country, it is a beautiful place with amazing people and a lively culture. I would go back in a heartbeat, but not to stay in a

Students search for new funds after grant expires

By Amanda Phipps

phippsa@mytjnow.com

Senior math major Yolanda Richardson will have to take out a loan next year to cover the loss of grant money she will no longer receive thanks to the Obama administration.

Richardson is one of 640 students who will be the last to receive money from the SMART (Federal Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) grant or the ACG (Academic Competitiveness Grant) at Winthrop this year because of the Obama administration’s decision not to renew them, said Leah Sturgis, director of financial aid.

Richardson said the SMART grant helped her and her family save money

on tuition.

“If I did not receive the grant, my parents would have to take out a parent plus loan in order for me to cover that part of the money that I did not receive,” she said. “This grant and others helped a lot and kept my debt very low throughout my last three years at Winthrop.”

Richardson said she will still be able to attend Winthrop without the grant, but she will need to take a loan out.

“I really wish I did not have to take out a loan, but I won’t let the program ending stop me from continuing my education,” she said.

Financial aid awarded the SMART grant to 75 students this year; 399 freshman students and 166 sophomore students

received the ACG grant this year, Sturgis said.

The $4,000 SMART grant is available to fulltime junior or senior students in biology, chemistry, math, computer science or environmental science majors, according to the Winthrop financial aid website. Because the grant is both need- and academic-based, the applicants must meet the 3.0 GPA requirement. They must also receive a Federal Pell Grant during the same semester, which students do by filling out the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form and meeting the eligibility requirements, according to the website.

The ACG grant is awarded to full-time freshman and sophomore students, said Michelle Hare, assis-

Fight cancer, have fun Bag lanterns filled with small, twinkling lights represent families, friends and other people who are or have been affected by cancer.

Relay for Life is a subset of the American Cancer Society; whose goal is to raise money to fight for a cure for cancer. As of this past Tuesday, Relay for Life of Winthrop has raised $14,509 toward a goal of $45,000, said Stephanie Smith, community manager for the American Cancer Society. As of Tuesday, there were 306 participants and 29 teams.

Smith said Relay for Life would like to meet its goal of 30 teams.

“We would love for them to come out,” she said.

The theme this year is Allstars, and all of the athletics teams on campus are participating, Smith said.

The entertainment will include a Coca-Cola truck that will have games and activities inside, she said. The truck will be there from 5-8 p.m.

Other entertainment options will also run throughout the night.

For more info. visit relayforlife.org/ winthrop

Where: Dinkins Lawn

When: Fri., April 8 - Sat., April 9 Time: 5 p.m. - 5 a.m.

tant director of financial aid. She said financial aid determines a student’s class standing by the hours he or she has completed.

Hare said the grant is for all majors, but students must meet the GPA requirement of at least 3.0.

Hare said the ACG grant is also a need-based grant.

Students must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant during the same semester.

The grant is $750 for firstyear students and $1,300 for second-year students, she said.

The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA) started both grants, Hare said. The date for the grants to expire was set for the 20102011 academic year, and the Obama administration has decided not to renew the grants, she said.

Though she doesn’t know if it’s too late for changes to be made, Hare encourages students to write to their representatives if they would like them to renew the grants, she said.

“Congressmen make the rules,” she said. “Students need to make them understand how important these grants are to them.”

Hare said even though the grants aren’t a huge source of money, they help students attend school.

“It can be the difference for some students,” she said. “Unfortunately, both of these programs are ending.”

Richardson said the loss of these grants can negatively impact students.

“Students who really have no other source of funds and used so many

loans over the years should really be concerned,” she said. “Any grant that can help more students be able to successfully finish Winthrop should not be cut.”

Students should fill out the FASFA for 2011-2012 immediately so they can receive other forms of financial aid, Hare said.

She also said if students haven’t filled out the FAFSA form for 2010-2011, they can still do so.

Sturgis said even though other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and student loans, exist for students, there’s nothing to replace these grants, a fact that may be hard on some students.

“These grants have been around since 2006,” she said. “Some students don’t know life without them.”

Gravitate toward success!

Write for the Health and Science section.

E-mail Amanda Phipps at phippsa@mytjnow.com for more information.

10

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

ALEXIS AUSTIN Culture Editor austina@mytjnow.com

Defining college hook-up culture “”

Everybody has heard of it, and everybody is doing it, but nobody knows what it is.

Tracey Griggs

Psychology professor

By Alexis Austin austina@mytjnow.com

Flirting.

Touching.

Kissing. Sex. Whether it’s been with someone you love or someone you’ve just met, “hooking up” is quickly becoming the norm on college campuses.

Psychology professor Tracey Griggs has been researching the college hook-up culture.

“There’s always been the one-night stand; now there is a culture that encourages it,” she said.

Griggs’ research began in 1999 as part of her undergraduate degree.

Her group began by researching acquaintance rape. However, the term “hooking up” continued to come up while conducting research.

“The funny thing is none of us had the same definition. Everybody has heard of it and everybody is doing it, but nobody knows what it is,” she said.

The data from 1999 was meant to be published in a journal. However, the publisher asked for revisions and it was never published. After coming to Winthrop to teach, Griggs decided to conduct more research on hookup culture to see if it has changed since 1999.

“We had all this data and were doing nothing with it. I decided to go back, look at it again and find out if things had changed any since the first time the data was gathered,” she said.

In 2009, Griggs collected more data from James Madison University in Harrisburg, Va., the

same university she researched while studying for her undergrad.

Griggs and a group of students have been sorting and coding the data. The students met once a week to look over the data and discuss their findings.

Junior psychology major Cecile Gadson has been working with Griggs since 2009.

“I was sent an email asking for interested students in this research experience, so I sent in my information and why I was interested and I have been working with Dr. Griggs ever since,” Gadson said.

“It was great because it turned into a volunteer research team where I was just getting some preliminary exposure in conducting research.

Then it developed into a class where I received my research experience credit.”

For junior psychology major Jasmin Sanders, being part of the research group provided her with the opportunity to get research experience as a freshman.

“My research experience with Dr. Griggs was my first, I got to do work that I really wasn’t supposed to do until I was a junior or senior. I learned how to collect and analyze data before my PSYC 301/302 classes and I learned what the research process was about,” Sanders said.

Students who were participants in the research process were asked to describe a scenario in which they or someone they knew hooked up. Participants

JAPAN • from front he said. “Our city is far from where the disaster happened, so no damage was done. I watched the news and pictures of what happened.”

Freshman exercise science major Yuta Hirokawa said he did not hear about the earthquake until his tennis coach and friends asked him if his family was okay.

Hirokawa is from Niigata, Japan. It faces the sea of Japan.

“After they asked me if my family was okay, I went on the internet to see what they were talking about,” he said. “I spoke with mother and she said my family was doing fine.”

Hirokawa knows a little about what the rest of Japan is experiencing right

Illustration by Courtney Niskala • niskalac@mytjnow.com needed to describe what happened before, during and after the hook up.

“There were widely varying scripts, but they mostly involved drinking and partying,” Griggs said.

“Most of them included people they knew, but not very well, and there was no future commitment after the hook-up.”

Each time the students met they were given 20 surveys to code and sort.

After analyzing the 20 surveys, they switched with someone else. This ensured that the data was coded and sorted correctly.

Any discrepancies were discussed among the group.

“Students at Winthrop often work with surveys which are quantitative, but it is a different experience collecting responses to open-ended questions because you have to find the most objective way to analyze subjective data,” said Gadson.

now. In 2008, his city had a level seven earthquake. His grandmother’s home suffered some damage, but not as much as what others are experiencing now.

“This time it was much bigger, but I know what an earthquake is like,” he said.

At the time of the earthquake, Koyano’s sister was attending class at the University of Tokyo. He said she had trouble getting home because the trains were shut down.

“My sister had to find a way to get back home that day because the trains were shut down. There was a lot of traffic because the only forms of transportation were cabs and buses,” Koyano said.

Jennifer Sandler, the International Center’s study abroad coordinator, said she has been in contact with Winthrop

Students also had to find other studies and information related to hooking up to supplement the data they already had.

“The most challenging part of the research was finding empirical research and articles to relate to the study,” Gadson said.

“There was not a large pool of information on ‘hooking up’ so what we had to do is look at more general behaviors that may be involved with “hooking up,” to build our literary background.”

The student research team and Griggs both have learned something from working with the data.

For Griggs, she’s learned that students know the terms but have no clear definition of what they mean. The survey asked students if they had ever been sexually assaulted and many responded no.

However, when students were asked if the person they were hooking up with

threatened to use physical force or held them down, the response was different.

“We found that many people have been assaulted during a ‘hook up’ but have the wrong definition of what being sexually assaulted means,” Griggs said.

Griggs also said she wants students to be aware that you cannot legally give consent to have sex while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Being a part of the research team has also sparked an area of interest for Gadson.

“I enjoyed the discussions we had when sharing the articles that we found each meeting.

These discussions were very interesting and open, and sparked the topic of my current research on sexting,” she said.

Research also has its rewards, Sanders said.

“Once you have your results, you are done and

students studying in Hirakata City, Japan at Kansai Gaidai. Hirakata City is between Osaka and Kyoto.

Sandler communicated with the students, who are both juniors, through email.

“There was no loss of power. They are far away enough that they didn’t feel the actual earthquake, just the aftershock,” she said.

Sandler said after speaking with her family, the student who sounded concerned decided to return to the United States. She arrived on March 22.

The other student has decided that he will finish the semester in Japan.

“We had two students studying in Japan. One student sounded concerned

you feel proud of what you discovered after all of that hard work,” she said.

Although the research was done at another university, Griggs said it provides some insight on what the ‘hook-up’ culture is like among colleges across the United States.

“I bet there are some differences between James Madison University and Winthrop. Winthrop is more diverse and there is a greater presence of African American and religious students,” she said. “Students can still relate because they’ve seen it at least once.”

Griggs and her research team will present their findings at the Big South Undergraduate Research Symposium in Lexington, Va. this April. She said she hopes the data will get published but it could take up to a year.

and the other student didn’t seem concerned,” she said. “Classes are still going on as normal.

Since the student returned from her study abroad experience earlier than expected, she has the option to start next semester in Germany. However, Sandler said she thinks the student will just opt to attend summer school.

Although the cities in which the earthquake and tsunami have been isolated due to radiation. Both Koyano and Hirokawa said that they would go help if they could. Koyano will be going home to visit for a month in May. “If there was something I could do and I had the time, I wouldn’t mind going out there for a few days,” Koyano said.

Brand Spirits Brand’s Party Shop

Kansai Gaidai, the school where a Winthrop student is currently studying, was unharmed by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Sandler

11

WINR rocks Radio station showcases local SC, NC bands in free concert

By Alison Angel

angela@mytjnow.com

Get ready because WINR’s first outdoor music festival is headed your way.

April 1 marks a change as Winthrop’s student-run radio station will provide entertainment and live music for the masses.

The festival, called “WINR Does it Better: Simply the Best Music Fest,” will feature everything from live musical acts and comedians to slam poetry, rolling it all into one big show for students.

Two hip-hop artists and five bands will split festival time, and Winthrop student Eric Shun is going to D.J. at the event.

Kathryn Scott, general station manager of WINR, said the festival was created to give students on campus something free and fun to take part in.

It’s also a great opportunity to spread the word about WINR, letting everyone know they are an active part of the campus.

“We know the presence of WINR may not be as big on campus as it should be, and this music festival will provide us with the ability to take people back to the time when college radio was where it was at,” Scott said. “I don’t know any other way to explain being in charge of WINR or in-

fan base,” Scott said. “Over the past year, we (WINR) have forged many good What: WINR music festival relationships with the talent of South Carolina and Where: Winthrop North Carolina and even Amphitheater beyond by wholeheartedly supporting all kinds of muWhen: Friday, April 1 sic through in-studio interTime: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. views.”

Carrie DuPre, WINR’s Cost: Free station manager, said she was excited about the enorvolved in college radio be- mous positive responses cause being on the radio is she has received from the an amazing outlet, and the bands.

The festival has a small student body should be actbudget, and Woody’s Muing on their ability to have a sic is donating most of the show and have their voices equipment. heard.”

“I e-mailed all the bands The idea came about expecting to get a lot of ‘No’ a year ago, when Scott since we can’t pay them,” and the staff realized they DuPre said.

“However, I should be doing more ragot back tons of responses. dio-conducive activities to I hope that the musicians get students interested. will be able to promote “We wanted to provide their music projects and more entertainment to our that Winthrop students will campus because we care have a fabulous time listenabout our fellow students and what they think and ing to music and rocking what they want,” Scott said. out.”

The local bands playing “Ultimately, we are nothing the festival include Swift without our campus followKicks, Jamal Renaissance, ing and we will play on that Senseless Beatings, Haand the needs and wants of waiian Shirt Day, This is our student body.”

For My Friends and Stella Scott said she hopes the Rising.

Each band will get festival garners a better unabout 45 minutes to show derstanding of how the stawhat they’ve got, and the tion can cater to listeners. bands and other performThe acts they picked are local, with bands and rap- ers will rotate until the fespers from North and South tival ends, so there will be Carolina that offer a vari- constant entertainment.

The WINR music fest will ety to suit the most eclectic be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on tastes.

Friday, April 1, in the out“All the bands have door amphitheater.

Admisseemed ecstatic about the sion is free. chance to play for the Winthrop community, and we hope this gives the actual musical talent a broader

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

JESSICA PICKENS Arts & Entertainment Editor pickensj@myjnow.com ALISON ANGEL Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor angela@mytjnow.com

Fashion struts history

WANT TO GO?

Winthrop As a Movie During fall 2009 and spring 2010, the Arts and Entertainment section featured Winthrop faculty and staff and their celebrity look-a-likes. Now it’s back.

This week, The Johnsonian chose history profes-

Virginia Williams

Send your celebrity look-a-like ideas to pickensj@mytjnow.com.

sor Virginia Williams.

According to The Johnsonian staff, Williams looks similar to anchor Meredith Viera of “The Today Show” and “The View” fame.

Meredith Viera

Photo by Stephanie Eaton • eatons@mytjnow.com

On March 28, students modeled history. Family and consumer science majors donned donated uniforms, graduate gowns and bathing suits to celebrate 125 years of Winthrop history.

The blue uniforms students wore changed from year to year

and students were able to vote on which uniform they would wear for that year.

Instructor of counselling, leadership and education, Melanie Powley planned the show and said it was the last time a fashion show was put on was in 2006.

Fashion? Music? Theater?

Arts and Entertainment has it all!

Write for Arts and Entertainment pickensj@mytjnow.com

12

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

Emotions write student’s music

CrossWUrd Puzzle

Across 5. Last name of the representative who came to Winthrop last week.

6. Who is the director of GLI? 9. What is the mascot of Belmont Abbey?

10. What organization is doing the music festival? (acronym) Freshman Alex Skiro plays his guitar regularly on Scholars Walk. Skiro plays his emotions rather than write music. Photo by Claire VanOstenbridge •vanostenbridgec@mytjnow.com

Passion, love make work easy for freshman music major Jessica Pickens

pickensj@mytjnow.com

The guitar isn’t just another instrument for freshmen Alex Skiro.

“A guitar for me is like a wife to a husband,” said the music guitar performance major.

Students may recognize Skiro’s riffs from the times they have heard him on Scholars Walk. Skiro goes out and plays his guitar whenever he feels like it; sometimes he doesn’t realize he is even out there.

“Music isn’t something mechanically built,” Skiro said. “I don’t focus on what I’m playing; I play what I’m feeling.”

Skiro’s passion for music started when he was six years old and his grandmother taught him how to play the piano.

Later on, his father watched Ozzy Osborne on TV and Skiro was awe-struck by Ozzy’s guitarist, Randy Rhoads.

“I was amazed by his music,” he said.

“My dad then got me my first acoustic guitar.”

Skiro doesn’t make money off his guitar playing, but he put a sign out that read “The Alex Skiro Fund: Trust Me It’s For a Good Cause” and opened his guitar case one day on Scholars Walk.

“It was a musician’s attempt at being a comedian to see if I could make money,” Skiro said. “I made 57 cents.”

Skiro occasionally gets requests as he plays on Scholars Walk, but he can fulfill very few.

“I don’t know much popular music,” he said. “I am trying to learn pop music so I can expand my listeners and musicians.”

Skiro’s love for the guitar brought him to Winthrop to get a music degree, but he said having a degree in the music world won’t get you fame and fortune.

“I have a great dedication to learn, and for me, the guitar isn’t work,” he said.

“These days, the music world isn’t about having a degree; it’s about having talent.

Most importantly, music is about emotion and how much you love it.”

Skiro is now working on a solo album and hopes to learn more about the music industry while at Winthrop.

Though Skiro has a deep love for guitar music, his guitar doesn’t have a name.

“My guitar remains nameless,” he said. “Something that is loved so deeply shouldn’t have a name; it should name it self. It makes its own little sacred name that I will never know.”

Play challenges first amendment boundaries conflicted priest trying to remain Rape, oral sex and forbidden sinless while helping lost cases, love played out in the Johnson to test our views on religion. studio theater last Thursday.

It made me think about how Winthrop theatre students certain societies hold royalty to took on bold roles in their perthe standard of religious figures. formance of British playwright It was interesting to realize how Sarah Kane’s play “Phaedra’s cultures view royalty and celebLove.”

The play pushed the boundar- Amanda Phipps rity differently. ies of the first amendment and Health and Science A prince against all religion in a editor disgustingly honest, yet pure way showed how free speech can open opportunities for people to challenged our concept of celebthink and learn valuable lessons. rity and religion.

This play allowed me to look at myself The play showed the intense devotion and how I think about these issues. It our theater students have to giving us a made me take a few minutes to contemreal and cutting-edge performance. plate how I would handle situations such And, just as the actors did, the audias these and how I feel about them. ence worked together to get through the The play throws real-life issues into hard, uncomfortable issues presented the audience’s face in a way that makes in this play. Though I felt a little unpeople squirm in their seats. comfortable at the sexual and murder Directed by Laura R. Daugherty, scenes, i recognized the art behind it and Phaedra’s Love, through murder, sex appreciated it. and suicide, makes the audience uncomThe point of Phaedra’s Love is to raise fortable in a way that also teaches them questions and make people ponder how to appreciate that these issues really do they think about certain issues, and it exist. did just that in a shocking, yet beautiful The play used characters, such as a way.

Down 1. What grants are in danger of being cut?

2. Last name of the director of financial aid.

3. How many issues does The Johnsonian have left after this one?

4. Last name of The Johnsonian’s ad manager.

7. Last name of the professor who is in charge of the Winthrop Poll.

8. Last name of the CSL candidate who The Johnsonian is endorsing.

13

SPORTS BRIEFS WU senior named Big South Pitcher of the Week Robert Lake of the Eagles baseball team was named The Crons Brand Pitcher of the Week by the Big South Conference office.

Lake led the Eagles to a 2-1 victory over Liberty on March 25, tossing 8.0 innings, allowing five hits, one run and no walks.

His strong outing helped the Eagles snap a four-game losing streak and earned him his first win of the season.

This is the second time he has been given the honor, with the first time being back on Feb. 23, 2010.

Former men’s soccer player joins Uganda National Team for World Cup qualifier Henry Kalungi continues to reach new heights when he was asked to join the Uganda National team last week.

After a successful career at Winthrop, he has since played for the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer League Second Division.

Kalungi will now join forces with Uganda for the African Cup of Nations 2012 qualifier.

“We are all extremely proud and happy for Henry,” said Winthrop soccer head coach Rich Posipanko. “Like Henry has said, it is an honor for any athlete to compete at the highest level and for your country.”

Men’s golf earns top 10 finish in Orlando The Winthrop men’s golf team finished seventh in the Rio Pinar Invitational.

Junior Brandon Truesdale led Winthrop, shooting a two-under-par total of 214, earning him a 10th- place finish.

Kyle Bearden finished second for the Eagles with a total of 218 which was good enough for a 22nd place finish.

They will return to action on April 7 in Wallace, N.C. to compete in the River Landing Intercollegiate.

Belov named Big South’s Tennis Player of the Week Men’s tennis player Sergey Belov was named this week’s Choice Hotels Big South Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week after winning all five of his matches over spring break.

The senior improves his overall record to 10-5 on the season, and his play has also propelled the team to a current ninegame winning streak.

Simms named Winthrop Athlete of the Week Junior sprinter Keary Simms was named the Athlete of the Week last week by Winthrop University.

Simms turned in the fastest collegiate time and third best overall in the 110 meter hurdles at the Charlotte 49ers’ Invitational held March 18-19.

Simms’ time was 14.21 seconds.

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

JEFF BRODEUR Sports Editor brodeurj@mytjnow.com DAVID THACKHAM Assistant Sports Editor thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Women’s basketball falls to Gardner in first round

Pair of WU players playing at the pro level Freshman Matt Stinson signed a Major League Soccer contract last week, while former Winthrop standout John Gilkerson switched teams within the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Stinson has agreed to join Toronto FC of the MLS after spending much of semester training with the team.

Last week’s contract signing makes Stinson the ninth Winthrop soccer player since 2006 to take their game to the professional level.

Gilkerson, who graduated from Winthrop in 2008 has been playing professionally for four year now.

He recently signed a contract with the Minnesota Stars after previously playing for the New York Red Bulls, the Richmond Kickers, and most recently, the Carolina Railhawks.

Softball game to be televised on ESPNU The Winthrop softball game against Liberty on April 3 will be televised on ESPNU. The Eagles will be making their 4th appearance on ESPNU and their first time facing Liberty on a televised game.

Big South softball is appearing on ESPNU for the fifth consecutive season.

The broadcast features the two teams that faced each other last season for a berth in the championship game, which was won by the Eagles.

The game can be seen on Comporium cable channel 206, Dish Network channel 148 and DirecTV channel 208.

Women’s golf has rough finish at Hilton Head event The Winthrop women’s golf team finished 10th out of the 14 teams that competed at the 36-hole Low Country Intercollegiate held at Moss Creek South on Hilton Head Island last week.

Winthrop was led by junior Allison Itria who finished tied for 25th after shooting 164 (85-79).

Junior Katie Bolling had the team’s only other under-80 round as she shot 165 (79-86); which was good enough to finish tied for 30th place.

The team will return to action this weekend when they travel to Pinehurst, N.C., to compete in the Pinehurst Challenge April 3-5.

The Lady Eagles pulled off the upset of Radford in the first round of the Big South before falling to Gardner-Webb the next day in High Point, N.C. Photo by Stephanie Eaton • eatons@mytjnow.com

WU finishes season 13-18 in Childers’ final game as Eagle head coach

By Jeff Brodeur and David Thackham editors@mytjnow.com

Much like their regular season, the Winthrop Lady Eagles fell short in the Big South Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament on March 12.

The Eagles defied their no. 7 seed in the opening round of the tournament, shocking a confident Radford side 59-38 to gain passage to the semifinals against Gardner-Webb University. However, Winthrop would go on to lose to the Runnin’ Bulldogs 59-44, prompting head coach Bud Childers to admit his squad’s constant flaw during 2010-2011.

“It was just one of those tough shooting days,” he said. It was also Childers’ final day at the helm of the Lady Eagles team.

Childers, who had announced he was stepping down following the tournament, could not propel his team to reach the illustrious stage of the Big South final, despite seven years of trying.

Meanwhile, Big South Freshman of the Year, Dequesha McClanahan, missed out on her quest to write herself into Winthrop’s all-time freshman leading scorers.

High Point University played host in the 2011 conference tournament at the Millis Center, a venue that hasn’t been kind to the Eagles.

Winthrop has lost on the High Point campus in their last three attempts in High Point, N.C. Little was expected of the Eagles (12-17) against Radford (14-15) in the first round, but McClana-

han and her teammates had different ideas.

After opening the scoring with a long jumper, Radford’s leading scorer, Da’Naria Erwin Spencer, was effectively shut down for the rest of the game

by Winthrop’s stifling post defense.

“We knew we wanted to take her out of the game,” McClanahan said.

Spencer, a sophomore, would finish 1-13 from the field.

Academic All-Conference member Lacey Lyons contributed to an early Winthrop offense with her work behind the arc to take a commanding 18-8 lead with 7:41 left in the first period.

Fluid passing along the Radford goal area was a crucial part of Winthrop’s success over the Highlanders. Radford entered the tournament as the conference’s leader in steals per game (12.3).

“We made it uncomfortable for them defensively to do what they wanted to do,” Childers said. “The energy level [for this team] has been great.”

Down by five at the halftime break, Radford desperately searched for points in the closing period taking 33 shots only to convert a lowly 15.2 percent of their attempts.

“We were getting in there,” said senior guard Denay Wood. “We just couldn’t finish; we couldn’t get the ball in the basket tonight.”

“I just kept shooting, but it didn’t fall,” Spencer said.

Winthrop gained 27 rebounds in the second half alone to allow Winthrop enough possessions to run away

with the game, giving the Eagles their first win in their last six outings.

“I know rebounding was really important for this game [so] I busted my butt out there,” said redshirt junior TaQuoia Hammick.

Gardner-Webb, no. 3 seed, earned a semifinal berth of their own by defeating no. 6, UNC Asheville, 69-58 to take on the Eagles the following night. It was the first meeting of both sides in the postseason, and, on this occasion, little luck would fall Winthrop’s way.

The Hudson sisters of Gardner-Webb, Dominique and Monique, knocked in 25 points to take the game to the Eagles early. Although Winthrop seemed to hang with the Bulldogs to start off the opening half, a 14-2 Gardner-Webb run in the last 5:35 seemed to erase the fight Winthrop showed against Radford.

Four different Bulldogs got in on the act to propel Gardner-Webb to finish the half at a score of 31-18.

“We started clicking,” Dominique said. “Everyone started doing their job. The way we took off like that was a surprise.”

In contrast, Winthrop was looking increasingly desperate on offense.

The Eagles finished the half with only five shots made from 25 attempts.

To Winthrop’s chagrin, Gardner-Webb kept the Eagles at a comfortable length, never letting Childers and his squad get within 11 points.

However, despite the score line, McClanahan was in the race for history.

The freshman (3-

17) scored 10 of her 12 points in the first half, but missed her first six shots to miss surpassing Jennifer Churchill (‘95‘96) as second all time in points scored in one season. McClanahan finishes the year with 386 points, while Churchill had 387.

At the end of the year, Childers was reflective on his time with the Eagles.

“I’ve enjoyed coaching at Winthrop,” he said.

“I wish I could see how this young team develops over the next few years. I hope I’ve made a little bit of a positive contribution in my time here.”

“”

It was just one of those tough shooting days.

Bud Childers Head Coach

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

14

SPORTS

Women’s soccer team cruises to Manchester Cup win SOCCER • from front “It was a good confidence builder,” the forward said, “It felt really good to score early.”

The Eagles had been concerned with their defensive strength coming into the contest, following the tough injury and loss of defender Ann Lutzenkirchen.

“It was a big downer; she [Lutzenkirchen] was a strong part of our team,” Durbin said, “but we pulled a couple of people that don’t typically play that position and tried that.”

The moves turned out to work perfectly fine for Winthrop. The Crusaders got off only two shots the entire game with just one on target compared to the Eagles’ 10 (six shots on goal).

Winthrop’s lead only grew as the game progressed. Midfielder Rachel Webster rescued a wayward free kick to knock the ball down for the awaiting Gordon to slot home within the 6-yard box on 19 minutes. However, Babauta stole the show with a brilliant effort seven minutes later, effectively finishing off the Crusaders. The diminutive midfielder settled the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box before curling a pinpoint shot across the goal to the goalkeeper’s left, leaving Abbey goalkeeper Deborah Noga stranded.

“Ky[lene] is really coming along,” Smith said. “She’s even a bit improved from last year and because she’s smaller, she’s got a good soccer build.”

Winthrop let up the attack going into the break, where Smith made some minor adjustments. The 4-3-3 (four defenders, three mid-fielders, and three forwards) formation the team flourished with in 2010 was replaced in favor of a 4-4-2 lineup with the midfielders in the shape of a diamond. Babauta led the diamond, acting as an offensive link up to forwards

Winthrop bore down on the visiting Crusaders in the firsrt half befor allowng Belmont Abbey to convert an early penalty kick in the closing stage. The Eagles wll begin their regular season play in August. Photo by David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com Durbin and Webster. This move perhaps tips Smith’s hand on the impact Babauta will play this upcoming fall season.

Freshman defender Holly Brooks contributed to the game’s only blemish for Winthrop in the 55th minute as she bundled over Belmont junior Connie Axiotis in the box, leading the officials to signal a penalty for the Crusaders. Axiotis calmly converted the spot kick, but Belmont Abbey provided no other attacking threat for during the game.

Winthrop thought they would add to their convincing scoreline a minute before the end of regulation, but a good link

up between Tianna Tallant and Rebecca Hamm was denied by the Abbey defense before Tallant could squeak out a shot.

“We’re trying not to slow down as a team,” Durbin said.

Although the competition is four years old, this year’s competition marks the first year women’s sides have been invited to play. Appalachian State and GardnerWebb University joined Winthrop and Belmont Abbey in the inaugural event.

“”

It was a good confidence builder. It felt really good to score early.

Courtney Durbin Forward

Correction: We would like to make a cor rection to the article “Terry scholarship aids future softball athletes” in the March 10 issue of The Johnsonian. Vernon and Ann Terry are not alumni of Winthrop University. Also, their scholarship was presented at the Eagle Club party at the Winthrop Coliseum on Feb. 26.

UPCOMING EVENTS Baseball April 1-3 High Point (4/1) 7 p.m. (4/2) 6p.m. (4/3) 1 p.m.

April 5 UNC-Chapel Hill 6 p.m.

Softball April 2 vs. Liberty (DH) 1 p.m.

April 3 vs. Liberty 2 p.m.

Men’s tennis April 1 Presbyterian 2 p.m.

April 3 Coastal Carolina 1 p.m.

Women’s tennis April 1 Presbyterian 2 p.m.

April 3 Coastal Carolina 1 p.m.

Men’s outdoor track and field April 1-2 Florida Relays Gainsville, Fla. Men’s Golf April 7-9 River Landing Intercollegiate Wallace, N.C. Women’s Golf April 3-5 Pinehurst Challenge Pinehurst, N.C.

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

15

SPORTS

Childers speaks out after exit from Winthrop

By David Thackham

thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Former Winthrop women’s basketball head coach Bud Childers stepped down on March 14 following his squad’s semifinal run in the Big South Conference Tournament. Last week, however, the head coach described in an email to The Johnsonian an up and down relationship with athletic administration.

The coach believes he was misled by the athletic department about the state of his team and his future with the Eagles after 2011. The former coach said he left the school with “no regrets.” Childers said he “saw Winthrop as a destination job and not a stepping stone one, but I guess I was wrong,” Childers said in the email.

Childers, who has turned around dead end programs at Cumberland College (1981-83), Murray State (1984-89) and James Madison (1997-2003) came to Winthrop for a similar overhaul. In the 2002-03 season before Childers arrived, the team finished with a record of .357 (10 wins, 18 losses).

“When I took over it was one of the worst programs in the country,” Childers said. “As a matter of fact it was in far worse shape than I was led to believe.”

Regardless, Childers re-

formed the team over the course of four years, culminating in a 20-12 record in 200708 and a first time appearance in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

“I leave here knowing we accomplished a great deal,” Childers said, “and most importantly we gained respect for [the] Winthrop women’s team.“ Since that commendable season, however, the Eagles’ records have dropped considerably and little of their play has been pretty to watch. Winthrop finished 2010-11 with 12 wins and 17 losses in the regular season.

Winthrop athletic director Tom Hickman says the time between the end of the regular season and the beginning of the postseason is when the discussions began to take place between coaches and the department.

“We typically sit down and have a meeting and talk about the program, at the end of the season, to see what the coaches’ goals are and the goals of the department and see how they match up,” said Hickman. “If it turns out that it looks like [it’s the] case it’s better for both parties to do something different, then that’s the conclusion you come to.”

Hickman said Childers made the initial request for the meeting. Differences occurred between Childers and

the administration, however, regarding the direction of the women’s team.

“Unfortunately,” Childers said, “administratively we differed on the state and progress of the program,” the former coach said.

After embarrassing losses to Liberty (by 35 points), Southern Polytechnic State (by 37 points) and Southern Wesleyan (by 47 points), there were many questions of the team and their 54-year-old coach’s capability.

“We were the youngest team in the league this year,” Childers said, “ including the year’s Freshman of the Year (Dequesha McClanahan) and were the only team (in the Big South) to suffer any season ending injuries.”

The Eagles lost potential freshman playmakers Kristine Rishel and Samiya Wright to knee injuries in the preseason.

They will return for next season alongside recently signed recruits, Kelsey Corcoran and Taylor Calvert.

“We were reloading the team with young talent,” Childers said . “Now I hear that some of the key players are thinking of transferring and recruits are debating as to whether to still come. For those that may end up leaving I will be mostly sad for them in that I wasn’t able to see them through the finish of their careers like I promised them and their families.”

Hickman said he hasn’t heard such rumors of players leaving.

“The indication we have so far is that they still intend to enroll,” the athletic director said.

Childers will remain compensated by the university until the end of June when his contract runs out, providing he does not sign with another team, Hickman said.

The coach received a yearly salary of more than $87,000, according to The State newspaper’s S.C. employee online database.

Assistant coach Chris Vozab has been appointed as the interim women’s basketball administrator and will take charge of operations until a new coach is determined, Hickman said.

“I felt it was more appropriate [than to name an interim head coach],” said Hickman, “because we needed a caretaker until we get somebody to take them over… I’m hoping it’s not going to take too long.”

Coach Childers described himself as disappointed to leave because of the potential of the Eagle program.

“I will always wonder what we could have accomplished with this group we had coming back and the new ones coming in next year,” he said.

“”

I leave here knowing we accomplished a great deal Bud Childers Head Coach

Photo courtesy of the Winthrop Athletics website

WU track finishes strong in ASICS Invitational

By Devonne Good

Special to The Johnsonian

The 2011 Winthrop ASICS Invitational was held at Winthrop on the Irwin Belk Track this past weekend.

This meet was a very rare occasion for Winthrop because the school is usually not the host. The Asics started Thursday with the preliminaries. Finals were held that Saturday but due to inclement weather, the meet was cancelled after just a few events.

Times were much slower during the finals a during the qualifying heats that were held Friday.

Despite the weather conditions, Winthrop claimed several first place finishes at the event.

Sasha Robinson came in first in the 400-meter dash at 57.66 seconds. In the women’s 4x100 relay, Sharrone Honor, Mardavia Lynch, Mariam Abdullah, and Monique James came in first with a time of 49.20 seconds. Stephanye McCarroll came in first in discus for the women’s

division.

Keary Simms rounded out the top finishes for the Eagles with a first place win in the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.23.

“If I’m not winning then something is wrong and I need to improve,” Simms said.

Phillip Wells just missed out on another top finish for Winthrop earning second place in the men’s high jump.

Also ranking high in this weekend’s meet were 800-meter runners Gabe Holguin and Sammy Livingston. Holguin

came in third and was followed in .89 seconds by Livingston.

“Some schools took their best players out for fear of them getting injured, while others put their best players in so they could get experience in any type of weather,” Livingston said. “I pace myself at the beginning, keeping up with the pack, and as they start to get tired, that’s when I give it my all.”

The track team will return to action April 1-2 to participate in the Florida Relay at the University of Florida.

THURSDAY March 31, 2011

THE JOHNSONIAN

16