weekend Michigan State University’s independent voice
statenews.com | 2/7/14 | @thesnews
Spartans in sochi Spartan alumni, faculty have ties to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia By Mayara Sanches msanches@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
T
here will be a touch of green in the 22nd Winter Olympics.
For the next 16 days, the world will watch Olympians glide across snowswept courses created by MSU alumnus Joe VanderKelen and his team at SMI Snowmakers. “If you’re an architect and engineer, it’s a dream project to start with a
white canvas,” VanderKelen said. VanderKelen graduated from MSU in 1983 with a degree in mechanical engineering before going on to earn his master’s degree. He designed the Sochi courses out of scratch because the resorts were brand new. VanderKelen’s parents started SMI Snowmakers in 1974, and VanderKelen took over as president in 1991. The family’s involvement in the Winter Olympics dates back to 1984 in Sarajevo, Bosnia, when the company already had operations in several international markets. Upon graduation, VanderKelen had a choice of fol-
photo illustr ation by isabel calder | sn photos by betsy agosta , sierr a l ay AND state news file photos
See WINTER OLYMPICS on page 2 u
To see an interactive graphic of MSU’s connections to the Games, visit statenews.com.
MSU students, officials ready to welcome President Obama to campus By Simon Schuster sschuster@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Like Willy Wonka’s golden tickets, only in phone call and email form, a few select students have received invitations to see President Barack Obama sign the new farm bill into law Friday afternoon on campus. Excitement was universal among all those who received invitations. Tyler Clifford, president of the Black Student Alliance, said he woke up Thursday morning to an invitation in his email inbox. Clifford said when he saw the email, he yelped with joy. “That kind of thing makes you feel really good,” Clifford said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
Clifford said he hoped the president also would address violence on college campuses, in light of the recent death of MSU student Dominique Nolff. The Department of Student Life extended an invitation via email to 16 students as of Thursday evening, although it is not clear exactly how many students have been invited in total. Additional students have signed up as volunteers to work the event, and attended a training session Thursday evening. Geography sophomore Jessica Hernandez also was invited to the equine performance center on Friday. Her parents grew up in Mexico but moved to California, where she was born. They worked agricultural and factory jobs for much of
her childhood. As a freshman, she was a scholar in the College Assistance Migrant Program Scholars Initiative at MSU, which provides assistance to migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families. She also is active in groups on and off-campus, and has landed a number of competitive internships. “I feel so privileged in the sense that I am able to do so many things and have so many opportunities,” Hernandez said. “I would want to see other people succeed as well and give others opportunities because not every person that comes here illegally is of that personage.” Hernandez said she hopes the president will address immigration reform as well as college
affordability for students from immigrant families. East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett is also on the guest list, along with members of the East Lansing City Council, although some will not be present because of work conflicts, he said. It is not clear whether faculty or students from the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources will be in attendance. College officials could not be reached for comment Thursday. Pat Dyer-Deckrow, advisor for the North American Indigenous Student Organization, said the student group had received a single invitation to the event, but had not decided whether to attend. She said the group might choose not to
attend the bill’s signing because of cuts to the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.
Select students have received invitations to see President Obama sign the new farm bill into law Many of the students invited are involved in life on campus, especially in leadership roles. At least two ASMSU representatives were invited to the bill signing, which will take place at Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center. Political science professor Paul Abramson said the location was likely chosen as a
more inside Keeping graduates in state
ASMSU Election Night
Student loan bill offers incentive to stay
MSU’s student government elects new president
Campus + City, pG. 3
statenews.com
American Idol winner to perform Kris Allen takes the stage at the Loft on Sunday features, pG. 5
No Appling, no problem Payne returns for Penn State defeat Sophomore guard Garry Harris Erin Hampton/The State News
Statenews.com
favor to Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. Stabenow is the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and an MSU alumna. Still, Abramson said, the president’s visit will have little effect on Stabenow’s political career. “There’s a long time between now and the midterm elections,” Abramson said. “(Stabenow) was re-elected in 2012. ... This has almost no effect.” Obama also will meet with area farmers to discuss immigration reform, according to the Michigan Farm Bureau. But Abramson said the president will be hard-pressed to pass major legislation in his final years in office. “I think given this Congress, (Obama’s) unlikely to achieve very much,” Abramson said.
2 | T he Stat e N e ws | f riday, february 7, 201 4 | statenews.com
olympics Police brief winter Alumni journey
Student receives harassing calls
At 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, an 18-year-old female student received a harassing phone call from an ex-boyfriend in Mayo Hall. The suspect is a 19-year-old Sylvan Lake resident, said MSU police. The call was one in a series of harassing phone calls from the ex-boyfriend. The police called the suspect and said if the behavior continues criminal charges could be filed. The victim has not pressed charges. The case is closed. GEOFF PRESTON
statenews.com CVS Caremark to stop selling tobacco products CVS Caremark, the secondlargest pharmacy chain in America, announced Wednesday that they will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products by Oct. 1. The decision will remove tobacco products from the store shelves of more than 7,600 CVS Pharmacies, including the downtown East Lansing location at 240 M.A.C. Ave. CVS Caremark is the first pharmacy chain in America to make the move, according to a press release. The move is a result of tobacco’s inconsistency with company purpose and health care’s evolving practices. MICHAEL KRANSZ
Three-day forecast
Friday Cloudy High: 18° Low: -6°
Saturday Partly Cloudy High: 21° Low: 12°
Sunday Cloudy High: 21° Low: 9°
to Russia to work the games, while MSU professors teach an Olympics course at home from page one
lowing in his family’s footsteps or starting something new. But his love for mountains and skiing was what motivated him to become the master of the snow business. “I was intrigued by how the business works, and independently of that, I think it’s pretty cool and it’s fun working when you click with it with interest and passion,” VanderKelen said. MSU will be present in the snow — being made by the alumnus snowmaker — and other Spartans who are also involved in everything from television to organizational care for families at the Olympics, which will have its Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. EST today. Snow-making Spartans The VanderKelens’ history of helping shape Olympic venues has helped them learn from past experiences and prepare for the next step. “We got involved with Sochi in 2007 — it’s a long process because it’s new, but very fun,” he said. “Previously, we worked in existing resorts, so this was a new experience, but it was exciting.” He credits the opportunity in part to his family’s positive experiences at MSU. “MSU teaches you how to think and how to be a great communicator,” he said. “It teaches you to have fun and to be involved in a lot of things (that are) not school-related.” To ensure his and his team’s courses and slopes were ready for the Olympics and the environment, he “hustled back home to model” and got positive feedback from customers testing the snow at the company’s headquarters in Midland, Mich. Now Vanderkelen will have to sit back, see how the slopes work
and jump in if something needs to be changed. The six to eight people who are responsible for making snow at the Olympics will have to watch for above freezing temperatures, according to weather predictions on The Weather Channel. Sochi is a subtropical city. The Weather Channel predicts that between Feb. 7 and Feb. 13 the lowest temperature is 36 degrees, and the highest could reach up to 56. “We have produced around double the snow volumes required to host the Games, so there is extra snow to be ready for melt-
Spartans are involved in everything from television to organizational care for families at the Olympics ing and high temperatures,” VanderKelen said. “They also have extra snow grooming machines to be able to react quickly to changing weather and snow conditions,” VanderKelen said. Although his biggest concerns are rain and natural snowfall, they have extra workers there to prepare snow if needed. Like his parents, VanderKelen will have to wait to possibly adapt to changing weather conditions. But this time, he’ll be on the ground in Sochi, standing by and ready to step in. Other Spartan connections The VanderKelens aren’t the only MSU alumni who will be Sochibound for business. Alumni Nick Masters and Julia LaFeldt both graduated in spring 2011 and will attend and work at the Winter Olympics. LaFeldt, who was hired by Procter & Gamble as her first job out of college, said she will help accommodate families involved with Team USA who are far away from home. “While in Sochi I will be working at the P&G Family Home, which is a ‘home away from home’ for Team USA moms, families and athletes,”
LaFeldt said. “More specifically, I will be managing daily events and athlete appearances at the family home.” As communications assistant manager at P&G, she runs a program providing assistance to families called “Thank You, Mom.” LaFeldt isn’t an Olympics rookie. “I went to the 2012 London Olympic Games, and once the London games were over, I started planning for Sochi 2014,” she said. Masters’ work is much more technical. This is the first Olympics where people from all around the world will be able to watch the games on smartphones and tablets, and Masters said he will work with film and cameras with a new technology that sends information through 3G wireless networks. “I’m independently employed — that’s how most film and TV works in Los Angeles — but I’ll be going mostly OBS hired and working with 3G wireless broadcasting services,” Masters said. OBS stands for Open Broadcaster Software and is a broadcasting service that people can use to download and watch the Olympics at no cost. Within the 3G wireless coverage, he will be working with ice arenas, handheld cameras on ice skates and video transmitters. The film professional got an offer to work at the Olympics long before most spectators were talking about the games, during one of the biggest projects he has undertaken. “I was actually working on Planet of the Apes in New Orleans last spring,” Masters said. “It’s a long process, I got offered it six to eight months before — and I booked this. ... Being in the Olympics gives you a different level of experience.” During his time studying at MSU, Masters said he was heavily involved in the MSU Telecasters Club, and he gives credit to the university for such a strong start in his career. “I was a producer and director at Telecasters and that was a building block to further my
Continued “If you’re an architect and engineer, it’s a dream project to start with a white canvas.” Joe VanderKelen, SMI Snowmakers president
experience,” he said. MSU did “a lot of showing what it will be like when he graduated and went to work on professional projects. “It gave you the basic fundamentals of what it’s going to be like in the real world,” Masters said. Masters’s preparation at MSU afforded him this opportunity soon after he left college, while LaFeldt’s experience surprised her before she even received her diploma. “I got my offer from P&G two days before I graduated from MSU and started there in July 2011,” she said. She credits landing the job to her involvement with PRSSA, the Public Relations Student Society of America, while at the university. With that, she was able to get her “foot in the door” at P&G. “When I got the job offer for P&G, I was beyond thrilled to just to have a job,” LaFeldt said. “Knowing that I was going to work on the Olympics program was icing on the cake.” On the homefront Back at home, students who do not have the opportunity to go to Sochi have the chance to take a free class where they learn about the Winter Olympics and how they work. The class is called Mega Events: Inside the Winter Olympics. The Massive Open Online Course, or MOOC, is taught by Olympics experts and School of Planning, Design and Construction
Crossword
professors Eva KassensNoor and Mark Wilson. Kassens-Noor and Wilson collaborate to teach students to look deeper to understand not only the Olympics, but also the world around them. “We look at utility, politics, urban planning and geography and it was a great way to talk about the differences in cultures,” Wilson said. A very important part about the class — besides looking deeply into the Olympics — is to help officials plan it and to bring people who are passionate about it together, said Kassens-Noor. “This class is to raise awareness internationally to people who actually plan and work on them — the urban development of the Olympics,” she said. “The reason it’s valuable is using the Olympics just as an example to understand just how complex daily life is.” The class aims to connect people from all over the world and help students from MSU be more openminded to other cultures. Wilson and Kassens-Noor said they organized an event to watch the Opening Ceremony by booking the McDonel Kiva on Friday. Wilson said anyone can join the viewing party, which will have speakers and students taking the class who are connecting from all Twitter and Facebook. “We’re Spartans, so we want to give something back to the alumni and bring attention to MSU globally,” Kassens-Noor said.
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
VOL . 104 | NO. 188
Index Campus+city 3 Opinion 4 Features 5 Sports 6 Classifieds 5
editorial staff
Level: 1
2
3 4
(517) 432-3070 Editor in chief Ian Kullgren
nn
managing editor Lauren Gibbons
Corrections
DIGITAL managing editor Celeste Bott Design editor Becca Guajardo PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Danyelle Morrow Opinion editor Rebecca Ryan campus EDITOR Nolly Dakroury City Editor Katie Abdilla sports editor Beau Hayhoe Features editor Anya Rath Copy Chief Maude Campbell n n
Professional staff General Manager Marty Sturgeon, (517) 432-3000 Editorial adviser Omar Sofradzija, (517) 432-3070 CREATIVE adviser Travis Ricks, (517) 432-3004 Web adviser Mike Joseph, (517) 432-3014 Photo adviser Robert Hendricks, (517) 432-3013
If you notice an error, please contact Managing Editor Lauren Gibbons at (517) 432-3070 or by email at feedback@statenews.com. nn
The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during fall, spring and select days during summer semesters. A special Welcome Week edition is published in August.
Across
Subscription rates: $5 per semester on campus; $125 a year, $75 for one fall or spring semester, $60 for summer semester by mail anywhere in the continental United States. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies $0.75 at the business office only. State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.
to contact the state news (517) 432-3000 For distribution/circulation questions, email distribution@ statenews.com nn
Copyright © 2013 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich. n n
Business Manager Kathy Daugherty, (517) 432-3000
Advertising
advertising adviser Colleen Curran, (517) 432-3016
(517) 432-3010
M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advertising manager Brandon Ventimiglia
SOLUTION THURSDAY’SPUZZLE PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO THURSDAY’S
2/7/14
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit
www.sudoku.org.uk © 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
1 __-de-sac 4 Consumes 11 Privately keep in the email loop, briefly 14 New START signatory 15 Unexpected result 16 Bit of cybermirth 17 Upper-bod muscle 18 With great energy, in music 19 Gp. that declared obesity a disease 20 Natives who met Lewis and Clark near modern-day Council Bluffs 22 Scent 23 Puts one’s feet up 25 Go the distance 26 Desire 27 Stopper, with “the” 28 Pretended to be 30 Bow tie preference 31 Likely to tax one’s budget 32 Corrida cry 33 Greenskeeper’s supply 34 Topographic feature represented in this puzzle’s circles 39 Inflate 42 Hyde’s birthplace? 43 Less furnished 47 Not good for a pro, usually 50 Traditional process for hammock making
52 “The Canterbury Tales” inn 53 Geometric fig. 54 Moderate pace 55 Dimwit 56 Small opening 57 Exobiologist’s org. 58 Voice actor Castellaneta of “The Simpsons” 59 Foolishness 62 Cotton __ 63 Storied vessel 64 Cheyenne allies 65 “Middle of Nowhere” director DuVernay 66 Ed.’s pile 67 First, second or third person? 68 Pinch for Pépin
Down
1 Domelike structures 2 Be diplomatic 3 1920s tennis great René 4 “__ tree falls ...” 5 Noritake headquarters city 6 Moves smoothly 7 John of pop 8 Hang-glide, say 9 Word of disdain 10 Impassive 11 Displays publicly 12 Opens one’s eyes 13 Butted heads 21 Direct 24 First Japanese prime minister born after WWII
27 “The Goldfish” painter 29 Print resolution letters 30 Clerical wear 32 Moon, e.g. 35 “The Impaler” who inspired Dracula 36 “Who hath a story ready for your __”: Shak. 37 2014 Olympics airer 38 Moves quickly 39 1945 Big Three city 40 Online game icons 41 Proves fallacious 44 Xenon, for one 45 Soul-stirring 46 __ scan: ID method 48 Knock 49 Assembly-ready 50 Sister of Moses and Aaron 51 Big name in soul 53 Two-door vehicle 56 School gps. 60 __ Pacis: altar of Peace 61 Thither
Get the solutions at
statenews.com/puzzles
stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | f ridAY, FEB R UARY 7, 2014 |
Campus+city sn
campus Editor Nolly Dakroury, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Katie Abdilla, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
A fine trade
e d u c at i o n
student loan bill could give grads new incentive By Juliana Moxley jmoxley@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Graduates from Michigan universities soon may have a bigger incentive to stay in the state with the help of a newly proposed bill. The Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education held a hearing on Thursday for Senate Bill 408, a bill that would grant college graduates a tax credit on their student loan payments.
If passed, a new bill could allow Michigan university grads to use the payback on their student loans as tax credit
photos by Betsy Agosta /The State News
Haslett, Mich., resident and Kirabo owner Gail Catron speaks with a customer Tuesday at Kirabo, 225 E. Grand River Ave. The store has been open since August 2007.
H
aslett resident Gail Catron is the owner of the hand made fair trade shop Kirabo , 225 E. Grand River Ave. After graduating from MSU in 2006, she decided to open a store in East Lansing in 2007. Fair trade focuses on bringing products from areas where the people are marginalized and selling them in the U.S. or Europe to get them into a reasonable marketplace. “We also monitor for child labor and help teach the impor-
tance of letting children be children and not making them earn a living at such a young age,” Catron said. She said it is important to educate people on resource management. “The point of sustainability is that our children’s children will still have access to something down the road,” she said.
crime
innocence throughout his incarceration. Police found Elliot after he reportedly stole a 2004 Jeep Liberty and abducted a woman in the process. Prison officials have said they believe Elliot was acting alone and said he was a good inmate without issues. Both sides are chiming in on the debate, as some House Republicans say budget cuts likely are not to blame. According to Ari Alder, Press Secretary for Speaker of the House Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, prison escapes are not any less likely to occur when the budget fluctuates. Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., D-Detroit, asked the question of whether or not perimeter security was going to be an additional part of the new budget proposal during Wednesday’s presentation of the Executive Budget Recommendation. The question caused some brief tension during the meeting when he was interrupted.
Prison escape brings safety, state budget cuts into question The issue of security remains up for discussion within state government following the escape of convicted murderer Michael David Elliot from the Ionia Correctional Facility this past week. Officials are currently investigating the situation and intend to issue a report to find out exactly what happened and where the prison system failed in containing Elliot. Authorities noticed Elliot missing at around 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, according to a statement from Michigan State Police. Police later found Elliot in LaPorte County, Ind., on the West side of the state close to the Michigan-Indiana border. Elliot is serving four life sentences after being convicted in 1994 of killing four people. He has maintained his
3
— Betsy Agosta, The State News
More online To see a photo slideshow about the fair trade shop, visit statenews.com/ multimedia.
GEOFF PRESTON
Pottery from Nicaragua is typically spun by the wife and painted by the husband.
STATENEWS.COM/DATE SUBMIT & VOTE FEBRUARY 1ST - FEBRUARY 11TH THE BEST DATE WILL BE PRINTED FEBRUARY 14TH !
Anderson said the bill could give students firm ground to stand on in the state post-graduation. “I don’t think it (the bill) would change a career path,” Anderson said. “We are trying to get people to tenure our universities and get their degrees, but we are not doing anything to retain them.” Oakland University senior and representative of the Student Association of Michigan Michelle Alwardt testified on the bill’s behalf on Thursday morning. She said the bill would not only make higher education more efficient, but the money currently spent on higher education would ultimately be re-invested into Michigan’s economy. “We need to start investing in our students directly, and I think retaining our students is the key to Michigan’s economy,” Alwardt said. A SMSU representative Meghan Mitchum also testified on behalf of passing Bill 408. Mitchum said ASMSU sorts through various legislatures in order to determine which ones will benefit MSU students. During Mitchum’s testimony, she also addressed the brain drain issue and how the bill could help resolve it.
Red Cedar Spirits tasting room re-opened for business By Sara Konkel skonkel@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
After six months of renovations, the tasting room in Red Cedar Spirits is now, once again, open for business. In July of 2013, the tasting room, located at 2000 Merritt Rd., was open with all permits issued when the city of East Lansing shut it down. The tasting room invited residents to enjoy the spirits Thursday evening. Kris Berglund, the director of MSU’s Artisan Distilling program, said the city would only allow the room to reopen after certain changes were made. “It turns out, Michigan State University cannot have a commercial distillery by state law,” Berglund said. “So in order for us to have a program here, we had to come up with some other sort of vehicle and it is a public/private type partnership that we created.” The company sells spirits, or high-proof liquors that come in rum, vodka, gin, whiskey and brandy, Berglund said. At Red Cedar Spirits, the spirits are sold in 375 ml bottles, which
“There’s a few schools that are trying to start distillery programs … and it’s not really on the level that we are here.” Kevin Coffey, lifelong education student
is a half of a fifth. The first liquors featured at Red Cedar Spirits include a rye whiskey, a barrel-aged apple brandy and a grain-based vodka. The 45,000 sq. ft. establishment holds a tasting room, a classroom and a distillery. The classroom is used in both the spring and the fall for MSU classes and for public workshops. The facility also remains open for tours throughout the year. The workshops hosted by Red Cedar Spirits draw people from all over the country and in the past, people have even come all the way from Ireland and Canada to attend. The goal of these workshops is to teach people to make high quality products in the most efficient way.
“
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BEST DATE @
Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland
nightlife
“ WE FLEW TO PARIS FOR AN AFTERNOON AND STROLLED ALONGSIDE THE SEINE.
BEST DATE EVER
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, would allow recent college graduates of both public and private universities in Michigan a tax credit equal to 50 percent of their loan payments as long as they are employed and attempting to pay down their student loan debt. The legislation has already been passed by the Michigan State Finance Committee. It aims to improve the retention rate of students who stay in Michigan after they graduate. Part of the bill’s goal is to address the “brain drain” occurring in Michigan, which is being caused by a lack of employment opportunities for college graduates, thus leading them to flee to other states.
“We are trying to get people to tenure our universities and get their degrees, but we are not doing anything to retain them.”
HOURS: M-F 10-6 PM SAT 10-5 PM 517.337.7446 www.sundancejewelers.com www.facebook.com/sundancejewelers 201 E. Grand River between Ned’s & Noodles & Co.
20% OFF Valentine’s Purchase *Excluding loose diamonds
Casey Hull/The state news
Biosystems engineering senior Jamie Burns samples cider at Red Cedar Spirits, 2000 Merritt Rd., on Thursday.
“There are things that you can get in the tasting room that you really can’t go to the liquor store or bar to buy because they’re really more experimental products,” Berglund said. Chemical engineering senior Stephen Peabody, a bartender in the tasting room, said Thursday’s event was geared toward establishing a new identity. “This weekend is just about reestablishing ourselves,” Peabody said. “We’re just trying to get our name back out there.
We’re trying out new things, trying to see what people want.” Lifelong education student Kevin Coffey said MSU’s distillery program, which he left Kentucky to pursue, sets the school apart from all others. “There’s a few schools that are trying to start distillery programs,” he said. “I know UC Davis has one and it’s just not really on the level that we are here. The biggest still they have is probably smaller than our smallest still.”
4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | F r iday, February 7, 201 4 | staten e ws .com
Opinion
Featured blog
Opinion column
‘The Biggest Loser’ stirs up controversy
Performance pressure affects students, Olympic athletes alike
Although the TV show “The Biggest Loser” has never really been a shining pinnacle of body positivity, recently one contestant has stirred controversy via social media because of her drastic weight loss.
T
he 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, are about to begin. As always, figure skaters have found themselves in a spotlight that they do not receive at any other point in the four-year Olympic cycle. This time around, the light has fallen on a 22-year-old military brat who embodies the feisty American spirit: Ashley Wagner. Wagner has spent the last eight years finding her footing in a world after skaters Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen, breaking out in 2012 with routines to popular scores such as “Black Swan” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” These routines have allowed her two national championships, two top-five finishes at the World Championships and numerous gold medals in international competitions. However, following a failure to the podium at the crucial 2014 National Championships with a fourth place finish, Wagner had to be placed on the Olympic Team in a controversial decision that forced another girl — Mirai Nagasu, a former Olympian and national champion herself – to sit at home. This has caused a firestorm of public reaction that can be seen around the world including articles in Russia itself, which have published images of Wagner falling on her behind. From my perspective however, her reality may not be that different from yours or mine. Wagner’s plight has represented a component of performance that every student can relate to:
— Olivia Dimmer, State News reporter Professors and pressure. Many times, this pressure can be placed upon peers alike look to oneself. Wagner stated that she would take her these students to proRead the rest online at first national title months before the competi- duce work to an acastatenews.com/blog. tion and succeeded in doing so. This self-creat- demic level that one had ed pressure can be seen on our campus, as many in the past, and if they fail students give themselves expectations and feel to do so, emotional distress is evident. a sense of failure when they canAshley Wagner faced not reach that expectation. Wagguest columnist similar pressure as the twoner also faces additional prestime defending national champisure, whether conscious or subon and the highest internationally conscious, from her family. Figure As Spartans, each one of us is at the point ranked American skater. This pres- where this part of life will be gone before we skating is a demanding sport and, sure was compounded with pres- realize it. If we allow pressure to overtake us and like many skaters, Wagner has had sure from the LGBT community, dictate the way we see our experience at MSU, to move across the country numerwhich adopted Wagner as their own, our memories will be tarnished. When you feel ous times without her family to after she publicly criticized Russia’s the pressure come on you later this semester, I reach her goals. LGBT policies throughout the last few encourage you to take a second and reflect on Although MSU students may Daniel becker months. experience this pressure at a difwhat you have earned thus far. Be proud of your becker76@msu.edu All eyes were on Wagner during successes, and enjoy every moment you have in ferent level, most students have every single fall at the 2014 National East Lansing. experienced a phone call from home asking simple and good-natured questions Championships, and this pressure from the sourcNext week, Ashley Wagner will take to Olymof, “What happened in chemistry, Johnny?” or es around her and emerging from her prior suc- pic ice. Despite the pressures of expectation that cess resulted in tears and a solemn, “I am sor- have resulted from her selection and from the “Did you just not study, Emily?” I strongly believe there is a sense of pressure ry” to the NBC audience that watched the com- mixed opinions to her political statements, Ashthat performance itself creates. This pressure can petition during the live, primetime broadcast. ley has become an Olympian. If she can rememIf I could send any message to students who ber this and let everything go, I am sure she can come in many forms, whether it is from instructors, peers or the sources above. But together face these diverse levels of pressure and to Ash- guarantee herself an Olympic experience that they create an atmosphere where a student that ley — which might be tough because she report- will last a lifetime. excels at the onset of a semester is expected to edly has shut off her social media because of pubDaniel Becker is a comparative cultures and polcontinue to do so, if not exceed beyond that level lic criticisms — I would say enjoying the moment itics and international relations junior. Reach him of academic success, by the end of the semester. for what it is worth can change your life. at becker76@msu.edu.
opinion column
editorial cartoonist
Politics overshadow Olympic Games
B
efore heading to Volgograd, Russia, where I spent the majority of my study abroad at the beginning of last summer, I visited the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The staff there warned our group that anyone who was gay might best leave that hidden in Volgograd, because of recent violence for that exact issue. This shocked me, but didn’t affect me personally. I figured it might have just been a random incident.
Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com
JUST SO YOU KNOW thursday’s poll results No 30%
What do you think of MSU’s football recruiting class?
None 74% One 23%
81%
Today’s state news poll
19% 0
Total votes:52 as of 5 p.m. Thursday
20
40
60 PERCENT
80
100
I'm pleased we landed so many high-profile recruits.
Do you know who your ASMSU representative is? To vote, visit statenews.com.
More work needs to be done to catch up to top-tier programs.
Comments from readers nn
“Letter: Friend of fatally shot student outraged by university’s response If you’re actually “From EL”, it’s pretty courteous to notify people in the area that there has been a shooting within the city, especially if you have a warning system more or less in place. Cedar Village will NOT be empty at 8:45 on Friday if you know anything about East Lansing. Campus doesn’t have to be shut down necessarily, but it’s human decency to give people a heads up. And who cares if YOU don’t want a warning, if any single person feels safer because of this system, then it is doing its job when utilized. That’s non-negotiable in my opinion. Raymond Hidalgo, Feb. 7
To share your thoughts on this story or any other stories, visit statenews.com.
We want to hear your thoughts. The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.
How to reach us Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Rebecca Ryan at (517) 432-3070. By email rebecca.ryan@statenews.com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823
one of the most viewed international events, Putin’s regime should have compromised on its adamant stance against these values that may not accurately line up with its own. Personally, I have no problem with Putin flexing his power and standing up against the West. Just like domestic U.S. politics have checks on power, it’s not so terrible to have some check on power at the international level. But this is not the right event or issue to do so. Some athletes have spent their lives preparing for these games, and they shouldn’t be afraid of being who they But I was reminded of the discourse are. In an event with such internain Russia by recent coverage leading up tional attention, compromise must be to the start of the Olymmade for inclusivity of all pic Games. Personally lifestyles. Guest obsessed with Russia, I Regarding the terrorist columnist was excited for it to host scare, an occurrence of an the Olympics, an internaattack would be more dettional event free of direct rimental to Russia than political tensions. That anyone else, and therefore was naïve. there is no doubt that much In came Russia’s antiis being done to prevent an gay laws, along with fears attack. over terrorist attacks and I am also irritated by the criticism toward Russia’s level of negative coverage Paul Rose behavior in their “war of unpreparedness in Sochi rosepaul@msu.edu on terror” with the volfrom journalists that have atile Chechnya region. arrived. Journalists have More recently, there’s been discussion flocked to Twitter to joke about their of the preparedness of Sochi as jour- experiences and the awful accommonalists arrive in the city and are met dations in conjunction with this year’s with less-than-stellar accommodations, Olympic Games. As they’ve began to ranging from broken door handles in get “settled in” to the city, as opposed dirty hotel rooms to struggles to find to reporting the issues they’ve encounsafe drinking water. tered more sensitively — dirty hotels, The spotlight that has been put on broken elevators, poor water quality these controversies and fears actually and many others — many have turned is no surprise, but the way a couple of the image into that of a laughing stock. these issues are discussed is misguidWhile I was in Volgograd, many ed and overshadows the importance areas weren’t perfect. The university of the Olympics. that I studied at had many issues, such Given that there have been recent as broken sinks and no air conditionterrorist attacks in Volgograd, near ing. And yes, I was advised not to drink Sochi, general fears of this occurrence from the faucet. That is a reality that also are legitimate. With the $50 bil- some people have to live with every lion price tag and controversial means day, and not only in Russia. Being a to prepare Sochi, such as herding stray reality for some, making a joke out of it dogs to kill, the city’s readiness war- is not a respectful approach to criticism. rants discussion. Of course, I like working elevators Today, many of us likely will tune in and clean water, but it seems that this to watch the Olympic Games unfold, has quickly turned into a classic case but with an added skepticism based of us targeting everything that seems on what has been reported on Rus- backwards, while ignoring other funsia’s anti-gay laws, terrorist threats damental complexities and positive and harsh living conditions. parts of Russian society. Even worse, The country has received criticism it is turning the games from a fun in every form for these issues, some- sporting competition to direct polititimes constructive, and sometimes, cal competition. unfortunately, with ill-intent. Because With the opening ceremony Friday the games are an international event, I evening, there are things we must conmust stand against these anti-gay laws. sider. We must not let politics crowd Ignoring laws targeted against gays, the enjoyment of the games, while supespecially gay athletes who have spent porting those negatively affected by the their lives training for this, would be laws. Let’s try to respect the sensitivridiculous. ities and cultural gaps that we lack a Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s firm understanding of, and therefore regime has for many years, especial- have no right to authoritatively speak ly recently, been occupied with claims about. to freedom and rejected outside poliPaul Rose is a comparative cultures cy interference on what it sees as its and politics, international relations and own business. Russian junior. Reach him at rosepaul@ That’s fine, but by accepting to host msu.edu.
5 | Th e Stat e N e ws | f r iday, february 7, 201 4
state ne ws.com
Features
Features editor Anya Rath, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
music
Faces of East Lansing
Women’s Glee Club president Emily Pletcher, left, and supply chain management junior Marisa Mancinotti share a laugh during a glee club practice on Wednesday.
student promotes meditation By Casey Holland cholland@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Julia Nagy/ The State News
MSU Women’s Glee Club allows students a chance to learn music By April Jones ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
For the 74 students enrolled in the MSU Women’s Glee Club, it’s more than a class — it’s a sisterhood. As the classroom in the Music Practice Building began to fill up on Wednesday, each of the members grabbed a red Solo cup and took it to a seat. Some began fidgeting with the cups that would be used during their warmup routine, while others looked over music selections. The girls are a part of MSU’s one-credit singing class MUS 125, better known as the MSU Women’s Glee Club. The club is a non-audition singing group where students of all singing levels work together to produce and sing classical a capella songs. It is divided into four pitches — first soprano, second soprano, first alto and second alto. “I love being in front of this group,” said Randi Bolding, the glee club director. “It’s a nice place to come relax, sing and
produce wonderful music.” Practices are filled with warm-ups, clapping to maintain the beat, note reading and most importantly, harmonizing notes to make the perfect pitch. Immediately after warmups, members brought out their red cups. “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons filled the room and the girls began clapping, patting and strategically moving the cups to match the rhythm of the song. Every semester, the group do e s a mu sic a l nu mb e r that is dramatically different from the other pieces to experiment with other sounds, said apparel and textiles junior Emily Pletcher, who is president of the club. This year, the group is tackling Anna Kendrick’s “Cups” from the movie “Pitch Perfect.” Every rehearsal, Bolding chooses a different song and the girls use the same cup beat to master the technique. Members of the club learn how to read and sing to different kinds of music, said Bolding. At the end of each semester, the club joins with the MSU Men’s Glee Club for a final
performance at the Wharton Center. Supply chain management junior Marisa Mancinotti, who sings first soprano, said the glee club is a way for her to de-stress and have fun. “It’s putting yourself out on the limb and doing something fun,” Mancinotti said. The club has about 30 percent of its members return each semester, so fresh singers are constantly added to the mix, Bolding said. Some members join freshman year and refuse to leave before graduating. Pletcher, who has been a part of the club for six semesters now, said it gives an oppor t unit y to eit her learn something new or keep practicing a passion. “It’s a fun place to get that extracurricular credit but still a place where it’s fun and meet a lot of people,” Pletcher said. “It’s a sisterhood.”
More online … To watch more about the Women’s Glee Club, go to statenews.com/multimedia.
Classified TO PLACE AN AD …
AD ACCEPTANCE All ads are subject to editing, alterations, approval, or rejection by The State News management.
LINE ADDITIONS Changes resulting in additional lines will be treated as a new ad and return to the firstday rate.
ajones@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn
Kris Allen, the 2009 American Idol winner who stole the hearts of millions across the nation, will be performing at The Loft in Lansing this Sunday. Since winning in 2009, Allen said his life has completely changed. The artist has released two albums, “Kris Allen” in 2009 and “Thank You Camellia” in 2011. For the past few months, Allen said he’s been plugging away in Nashville, Tenn.,
DEADLINES
Cash, check, credit cards accepted COPY ERRORS The State News is only responsible for the first day’s incorrect insertion. Liability is limited to the cost of the space rendered.
By April Jones
Your campus marketplace! www.statenews.com/classifieds
Classified liners appear online at no additional charge.
LINER ADS 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CANCELLATION/CHANGES 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CLASSIFIED DISPLAY 3 p.m., 3 class days prior to publication
REFUNDS No cash refunds will be issued for cancellations. Credit will be applied to subsequent ads for one year.
More online … To watch a video about meditation tips, go to statenews.com/multimedia.
American Idol winner to perform Sunday night to perfect his upcoming album which is set to release later this year. “My new album has more of a (mature) feel to it and I think people are going to like it,” Allen said. “Well, I hope people like it,” he added, laughing. The 28-year-old Arkansas native said his parents exposed him to a variety of music genres. Using his memories as an advantage, Allen blends multiple genres into his music. The pop-rock artist will begin his concert tour this Saturday in Watseka, Ill., with his second stop in Lansing on Sunday. Pol it ica l sc ience sen ior
10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING
1-5 DAYS $2.10/line/day 6-9 DAYS $2.00/line/day 10+ DAYS $1.90/line/day
contact or use technology. Routhier soon cut toxic relationships from his life. “There are things I regret and things that have been lost along the way, but I would not have done anything differently,” he said. Routhier started Mindfulness and Meditation at MSU last spring. Attendance at the sits are sporadic but that does not deter Routhier. Routhier, who is graduating in May, said he hopes the club will continue. “I only want someone to take up the torch and run with the foundation,” he said. “(Meditation) is very important and essential for living today.” The club holds open sits on Mondays and Wednesdays at noon and Fridays at 3:30 in 287 Psychology Building with Student Services as an alternate location.
e n t e r ta i n m e n t
Horoscope By Linda C. Black
RATES
BY TELEPHONE (517) 432-3010 BY FAX (517) 432-3015 IN PERSON 435 E. Grand River Ave. BY E-MAIL classads@statenews.com ONLINE www.statenews.com/classifieds OFFICE HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
With his back straight and muscles relaxed, Joshua Routhier closed his eyes and drifted into the art of doing nothing for 20 minutes. Silence hovered over t he still classRouthier room as the 32-year-old psychology senior and two other people attempted to be in the present. Routhier devotes at least two days a week to finding his inner self and helping others find peace at his club, Mindfulness and Meditation at MSU. “For some reason, people are constantly focused on the nature of doing,” he said. “Meditation allows someone to be present right here, in the moment, no moving.” Routhier’s journey with Zen
meditation began in the wake of tragedy in 2004, when his wife was killed in an accident. He said the loss acted as a catalyst for a series of bad choices. These choices, coupled with an abusive relationship, caused him to pursue therapy meditation. He began trying to solve koans, or riddles, that are meant to send people into a deeper state of mind. During a trip he took to New York in 2007, he met his first Zen master, who helped him find the meaning of a koan that stumped him for six months. Routhier said he felt something shift inside him after this. “It was almost like a psychedelic trip,” he said. “It was something really profound — my vision changed for a moment and I had a hard time walking.” Routhier was hooked on the practice of Zen meditation. He participated in many meditation retreats. The retreats lasted six to seven days and enforced a “sacred silence,” in which nobody can speak, make eye
PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.
NOTE TO READERS The State News screens ads for misleading or false claims but cannot guarantee any ad or claim. Please use caution when answering ads, especially when sending money.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is a 9 — You’ll concentrate well today and tomorrow. Schedule carefully. Run options past your own personal set of rules. There’s an unexpected bonus. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 9 — Proceed with caution. Wait for later to make a deal. Good scheduling leads to more fun. Make money and don’t spend it today and tomorrow. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 6 — Save up your money for a bigger item. There may be less than you thought. Today and tomorrow call for high energy. You’re gaining a distinct advantage. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 7 — Maintain your independence. Slow down and consider options. Contemplate the developing situation. Listen to someone who disagrees with you. Enforce the rules.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — Don’t get intimidated. Schedule meetings for today and tomorrow. You could organize a team to help you do it all. Anticipate a little resistance, and sweeten the pot. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8 — Take on new responsibilities today and tomorrow. Private action gets more accomplished than public. Stand outside a controversy as much as possible.
Michael Robinson said when he heard that Kris Allen was coming to Lansing, he jumped on the opportunity to attend his show. Robinson, an avid watcher of American Idol, said Allen is one of his favorite performers and has followed his music career since the beginning. “I know the concert will be amazing,” Robinson said. “I’m excited to see the new music he brings.” Tickets can be purchased at the venue for $23. $50 VIP tickets also are available and offer early entry, a meet and greet with Allen, a limited poster, VIP seating and waiting services.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 9 — An older person provides support. You have something they can use, too. Share resources to mutual benefit. You’ll have more help today and tomorrow. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — The next two days hold high-powered action. Work out details. Make do with what you have. A controversy could erupt when someone disagrees with the direction.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7 — Don’t react without thinking. Put in the research today and tomorrow. Plan your next vacation. A disagreement could put a kink in things.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 6 — Today and tomorrow overflow with creativity and passion. Use existing materials. Stay on top of the supply chain. Get into a luxuriously lovely phase.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8 — Pesky regulations interfere with the plan. For the next two days, study money. Prepare for the negotiation phase.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 7 — An old enemy changes tunes. You’re good at solving problems, too. Focus on home today and tomorrow.
Employment
Employment
Employment
Apts. For Rent
Apts. For Rent
Apts. For Rent
Apts. For Rent
Houses/Rent
Houses/Rent
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT Executives needed at The State News. Gain real life sales and advertising experience at one of the largest college newspapers in the country. Seeking freshmen, sophomores and juniors to work Spring and Summer semesters. Sales experience not necessary. Visit statenews.com/work for an application. Applications can be turned in at 435 E Grand River Ave between the hours of 9-5 or emailed to brandon. venti@statenews.com by Feb. 28th. ANSWER PHONES for public TV!! Earn extra money!! Temp position 3/1-3/23 evening, late night & weekend shifts open. Up to 29 hours a week available. Great hours spring break week. Call 517-332-1502
DIRECT CARE work w/ 40 yr old male involving OT, PT + speech. Perfect for those interested in medicine. Please call 517374-7670
S E A S O N A L RECEPTIONISTS with knowledge of Microsoft Word and basic knowledge of personal income taxes. Call Cathy at 517324-6100.
128 COLLINGWOOD New CXL- Spacious 4 bdrm apt - avail Aug ‘14! 2 full bath, granite throughout, laundry, dishwasher, micro, leather furn. 4 parking spots! Corner of GR/Collingwood, secure building, best location & quality! www.cronmgt. com or 517.351.1177 4 BDRM Apt - Available Fall ‘14. Completely remodeled. In unit washer + dryer. 1 block from campus. Cedar Street Apts - 517-507-0081. dtnmgt.com 4 BEDROOM for next school year $325 per person! 3 bedroom $415 per person. (517) 507-0127.
AVAIL AUG ‘14 Studio Apartments. Heat/water inc. Downtown EL, Top cond. Check out our visual tours at hudginsrealty. com Call 517-575-0008, no pets.
HUGE 2 bdrm w/ walkout patio or balcony overlooks Red Cedar. East side of campus, walk or bike to class. Free heat + water. August. $415 per person. Call 517-2688457.
NEWER 3 bdrm, 2bath apts. Beautiful large kitchens. Full size washers/ dryers in each home! 3 parking spaces. The Hamptons 517-4893160 or visit our website dtnmgt.com
CUTE HOUSE, 251 Gunson. Lic. 2.$650 per person. No smoking, hot tub, a/c, w/d, 333-9595
LEASE NOW for Fall 2014. Get more of what you want! 1, 2, 3 + 4 bedroom apts and townhomes. New kitchens + baths. The CATA bus takes you right to LCC + MSU. Plenty of parking. 517-507-4172. College Towne Apartments.
NEXT TO campus - Spacious 2 lic. for 4. Partially furnished with heat incl. Free tanning! Priced right! Avail fall ‘14. 517-489-3083. dtnmgt. com.
526 VIRGINIA 2014-15 school year, licensed for 4. SAVE $1160 if you sign a lease by 3/31/14. No app fee, reduced rent, free washer/dryer. CRMC 517-337-7577, www. crmc1.com 9 MONTH LEASE, AugMay. 253 Milford, 4 bed, w/d, d/w, $2,200 per/ mon. Lic. 4. 351-0765
SPARTAN STREET $900, 3 bdrm, plus laundry, lic 3. Call: 517- 242-5396 or 517-333-3239.
NEAR FRANDOR. 611 N. Francis. Nice 3 bdrm, new inside. $900/mo. 332-7726.
DUPLEX CLOSE lic. for 3. d/w, a/c. $440/person. Full bsmt Call 517-3237827.
926 SEVER 2014-15 school year, licensed for 4. Sign a lease by 3/31/14 for special rate of $537/person. No app fee. CRMC 517-337-7577. www.crmc1.com
COLLEGEVILLE TEXTBOOK Co. is your source for used books! 321 E Grand River 517922-0013
NEW 3 bed, 3 bath for fall 2014. Full-size washers & dryers! Walk-out patio or balcony! Fitness studio, lounge, and more! Waterbury Place 517833-9064
4 BDRM across from McDonald’s. Huge Livingroom with fireplace. Srpmgt.com 332.8600.
CHILD CARE Food service and general assistance to the director. Apply in person at Happy Elephant Child Care 4010 West Michigan Ave, Lansing. DATA ENTRY position!! Earn extra money!! Temp position 3/1-3/23 evening, late night & weekend shifts open. Up to 29 hours a week available. Great hours spring break week. Call 517-332-1503
DIRECT CARE worker. Assist individuals w/ autism. all shifts avail. High school diploma/ GED, reliable trans. & valid driver’s lic. req. Call 517374-7670. IMMEDIATE OPENINGS $15.50 base customer sales/ service. Flex sched. around classes, no experience nec. we train. Call today 517-333-1700 or apply at workforstudents. com LACROSSE COACHES wanted for girls/boys grades 5-8,contact me at 517-420-1190 or rjritchison@comcast.net
SHABAZZ PUBLIC School Academy seeking a f/t pre-school teacher for the 2014-2015 school yr. Applicant must be certified by the State of Michigan in early childhood ed with a ZA endorsement. Resumes should be emailed to: eugenecain@mac.com. S T U D E N T PAY O U T S . COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys.
Apts. For Rent
PET CARE looking for hardworking individual, 25-30 hrs/week, days and wknds. Animal exp preferred. Resume to Melissa @ PO Box 277 Haslett 48840.
$0 DEPOSIT Special! 3 BDRMS, 2 full bath, lic for 3. Walk to class. Washer + dryer. Parking included! Only 3 Left! 517-2331121.
PRIVATE MICHIGAN sleep-away camp in need of counselors. Only 2 hours from MSU. Looking for sports instructors including swimming, skiing, climbing, sailing, tennis, archery, and windsurfing. Nursing, office, maintenance, and accounting help needed too. Call 817-242-0009 or apply online at www. lwcgwc.com
1, 2 and 3 bedroom apts available for winter and spring move in. Huge living spaces, garages, pet friendly, washer and dryer in apt and more. Call today for current specials 888-653-5449. Some styles sold out for spring and summer move ins. Huntersridgetownhomes. com
500 MICHIGAN brand new fall 2014, 2 bdrm/lic 2, 2 full bath on Mich Ave next to Fedex, secure bld, parking, washer/dryer, d/w, micro, all granite, quality throughout! www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177 AMAZING PET Friendly Apartments! May or August move in. On Grand River just east of campus. Spacious 2 bdrms. Split floor plan. Free heat + water, plenty of parking. Call 517-268-8562.
go green! go white! go state!
AVAILABLE Fall ‘14 – 2 bdrm across from campus. Partially furnished. Heat incl, covered parking. Call 517-507-3828. AVAILABLE NOW till May or August! Spacious pet friendly apartment on Grand River, just east of campus! Free heat + water, plenty of parking. 2 left! Call 517-268-8562. AWESOME POOL views! 1 or 2 bdrm next to campus. Year Round Hot Tub! Spacious floor plan, tons of closet space, newly remodeled. Heat and water incl. Call 517-2688481. BERRYTREE APTSHuge 1 & 2 Bdrms for May & August 2014. Perfect location for Vet & Med Students. Free heat & water. Gorgeous clubhouse! 517-507-3841 or dtnmgt.com/brt GLENWOOD APTS– Beautiful 2 bdrm remodeled apartments avail May & Aug 2014. Gorgeous insides! Heat & water paid. Fitness center & more! 517-507-5570.
Duplex/Rent
Houses/Rent
LIC FOR 5. Close to campus. Excellent rates. Call 517-410-1198 or 989799-8947.
Textbooks
state n e ws.com | The State N ews | fr iday, fe brua ry 7, 2014 |
Sports
#SNDailynumber
15
sports editor Beau Hayhoe, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075
msu hockey report card
W
6
ing two wins and three shootout victories. The Spartans have played all but one team in conference play and have shown an overall trend of improvement. Here’s how the three major positions have fared thus far in Big Ten play.
ith Ohio State heading to Munn Ice Arena this weekend, MSU hockey will kick off the second half of its Big Ten season.
Through 10 games, MSU (8-13-4 overall, 2-5-3-3 Big Ten) is in fifth place with 12 points, includ-
softball
Spartans starting season in Florida with series
—Robert Bondy, The State News
goaltending
GRADE
Sophomore goaltender Jake Hildebrand reaches for the puck against PSU on Jan. 17 at Munn Ice Arena.
aďƒź
Goaltending is by far the most stable area of play for MSU, thanks in large part to sophomore goaltender Jake Hildebrand. Hildebrand, who has played in all 10 games, has been the backbone of the Spartans all throughout conference play. He is one of, if not, the top goaltenders in the conference. Hildebrand has surrendered more than two goals only three times in conference play, keeping MSU alive in every game. Hildebrand ranks third in the
conference in save percentage, an impressive feat after facing more shots than any other Big Ten goaltender. Hildebrand also is one of only two goalies to record a shutout in conference play.
Overall thoughts Hildebrand provides an opportunity for MSU to play with every team in the conference. If scoring improves, he can lead this team to a top-three finish in conference play.
State News File Photo
Then-sophomore first baseman McKinzie Freimuth slides during the game against Michigan on April 14, 2013, at Secchia Stadium at Old College Field.
By Ben Stram bstram@statenews.com
forwards
GRADE
THE STATE NEWS
cďƒź
Although the forwards have shown signs of improvement from the beginning of the season, scoring still is a rarity for MSU. MSU ranks second to last in the Big Ten in scoring through 10 conference games, ahead only of winless Penn State. MSU is averaging fewer than two goals per game, and hasn’t scored more than three goals in any of the 10 conference games. Head coach Tom Anastos has said on multiple occasions that to get over the hump and become elite, MSU will need to start cashing in on scoring chances. Sophomore forward Michael Ferrantino
defensemen
GRADE
MSU has been a defensive specialist team throughout conference play. The Spartans have the second-lowest average goals against per game in the league, only behind the nation’s top-
nn
has elevated his play in conference match-ups, leading MSU in points in Big Ten games. Ferrantino has points in seven games, with a total of five goals and three assists.
Overall thoughts
ranked team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers. MSU has made its identity blocking shots, and the defensemen have contributed heavily. MSU defensemen have five of the top eight shot
blockers in the Big Ten, and overall rank No. 1 in blocked shots per game in the country. However, there are knocks against the defensemen. MSU surrenders the most shots per game, averaging
SATURDAYS AT PEPPINO’S! $5.99 50 ¢ to Burger Chicken 11am 5pm Baskets Wings
7PM TO CLOSE
photos by Danyelle Morrow/The State News
bďƒź Your WEEKEND is HERE!
@ 10!
Sophomore forward Michael Ferrantino
The forwards simply need to bury their scoring chances. Easier said than done, but as of late, MSU has generated more scoring chances, and now the greenand-white just need to finish.
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS $2.75 $2.75 $4 Wells Domestic Martinis Schooners DJ! & Cosmos
Number of games the MSU softball team improved by from 2012 to last season.
HOUR SUNDAYS PY HAMP TO 7PM .$2', 3P
< #D$
#D$
1/2 OFF SELECT APPS!
Vote
Great Clips! for Best Salon/Spa
For Best of MSU Vote Feb 17-28 at statenews.com/bestof Mention this ad and receive an
$8.99
haircut Locations:
2843 Grand River Ave. and 205 M.A.C East Lansing
nearly 37 shots against per game. Defensemen also can take the blame for the low scoring numbers. MSU defensemen combined have zero goals throughout the first half of Big Ten play.
Overall thoughts The defensemen have been solid, but still give up too many shots. They need to also help generate offense.
MUNN ICE ARENA HOME OF SPARTAN HOCKEY
1 Chestnut Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-4698 â&#x20AC;˘ www.munnicearena.com
PUBLIC SKATE Sat, Feb 8 Sun, Feb 9 Mon, Feb 10 Tues, Feb 11 Wed, Feb 12 Thurs, Feb 13 Fri, Feb 14 Sat, Feb 15 Sun, Feb 16
8:00pm - 10:00pm 4:30pm - 6:00pm 12:30pm - 2:00pm 12:30pm - 2:00pm 12:30pm - 2:00pm 12:30pm - 2:00pm 12:30pm - 2:00pm 9:30pm - 11:30pm 4:15pm - 5:45pm 4:30pm - 6:00pm
The forecast over the next few days in De Land, Florida is in the high 60s and low 70s. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where MSU softball will begin its season, facing off against Stetson and Rhode Island in four games over three days. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s softball team improved drastically from the prior season. The 2013 Spartans had a 15-game improvement from 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a record of 24-25 (9-10 Big Ten), they were the fifth-most improved team in Division I over that time. Head coach Jacquie Joseph believes the team can make another jump in improvement this season with the freshmen that were brought in and the improvements of the veteran players on the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought last year was a great first step,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;?You know, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really starting to see the positive results of the new stadium. This (incoming) class was recruited with the stadium. So I do think that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving in the right direction and last year was a great stepping off point.â&#x20AC;? Despite losing its top two hitters to graduation, Joseph is optimistic MSU can be better this season because of some of the freshman and a balanced lineup from top to bottom.
ADMISSION
PUBLIC â&#x20AC;˘ $5 Public
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, the two most offensive kids we did lose and that is a concern,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the way weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do it is play more team offense. I feel great about (the freshman). They bring great effort.â&#x20AC;? The Spartans bring back a few key players, including centerfielder Alyssa McBride, designated player Sarah Bowling and first baseman McKinzie Freimuth. Freimuth is working on becoming more of a team leader this year as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve became more of a vocal leader this year than I have been in the past,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being in the infield, being at first base â&#x20AC;&#x201D; everybody can hear me.â&#x20AC;? They also bring back senior starting pitcher Kelly Smith. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second year in the program and she looks to continue to build off last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance. Last year, she went 18-16 with a 2.97 ERA. Smith said that the team is working on the mental side of pitching to improve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working on being smarter than the batter,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I have to change much, but we have definitely added some new elements to what I have to offer.â&#x20AC;? Freshman starting pitcher Valerie Kaff also will be given an opportunity to start her first games this weekend. Coach Joseph acknowledges that there might be some growing pains to go with starting many freshmen, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optimistic regardless.
OPEN HOCKEY â&#x20AC;˘ Players must be at least 14 years old â&#x20AC;˘ $5 per player â&#x20AC;˘ Goalies are FREE! â&#x20AC;˘ Sign up begins 45 min. prior to the session.
â&#x20AC;˘ $4 MSU Students, Staff, and Faculty w/ ID, anyone under 18 â&#x20AC;˘ $2 skate rental
FREESTYLE
â&#x20AC;˘ $5 per skater â&#x20AC;˘ All skaters must pay in Pro Shop prior to taking the ice.
All times are subject to change. Please call 353-4698 to confirm times. Please visit our website: www.munnicearena.com
OPEN HOCKEY Sun, Feb 9
6:15pm - 7:15pm
Fri, Feb 14
10:00am - 11:00am
Sun, Feb 16
6:15pm - 7:15pm
FREESTYLE Mon, Feb 10
11:20am - 12:20am
Tues, Feb 11
11:20am - 12:20pm
Wed, Feb 12
11:20am - 12:20pm
Thurs, Feb 13
11:20am - 12:20pm
Fri, Feb 14
11:15am - 12:15pm
dozen cupcakes real! Give her a
so she knows itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
BEST HIDDEN GEM
Butter makes it better! 3003 E. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48912 Open Monday - Saturday | 517.337.CAKE