State News The
Good Eats: Pretend warmer times have arrived with these summertime favorites Page 9
Despite being in off season, field hockey team members still wake up to practice in the early morning Page 10
Annual Songfest event ends Greek Week, brings sororities and fraternities together
Page 4
Members of Alpha Omicron Pi dance with the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta on Wednesday at Breslin Center during Songfest, a part of Greek Week. PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH
Is that a challenge? Alumnus James E. Cummings Jr. is known for playing anyone in basketball, whether it’s “horse,” 5-on-5 or one-on-one. He has become a beloved staple at IM Sports-West. See pages 6-7
East Lansing resident and 1965 MSU alumnus James E. Cummings Jr. plays mechanical engineering freshman Kevin Schuett in a game of HORSE Wednesday at IM Sports-West in the gym where he had a heart attack three and a half years ago. PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH
F RIDAY, AP R IL 24, 2 015
@THESNEWS
STAT ENEWS .COM
News
Olivia Dimmer and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews
Public hearings held on new development BY AJ MOSER AMOSER@STATENEWS.COM
East Lansing City Council held three pubic hearings regarding a site plan and special use permits, the largest of which focused on the former Taco Bell building at 565 E. Grand River Ave. The proposed five-story building would require the demolition of the existing structure. The mixed-use building would feature mostly four-bedroom apartments on the higher floors, with space for commercial use available on the first floor. At this time, applicant David VanderKlok said no businesses have expressed interest in using the space. Commission member Stephen Wooden also expressed concerns about the fact that 17 of the 30 apartment units would have four bedrooms. “For students that might be optimal,” Wooden said. “But for future residents that might not be as flexible.” The public hearing concluded with the suggestion to re-consider the size of some rooms, particularly on the first floor. Other properties discussed included a large building proposal which would require the demolition of the Tasty Treat building, Citgo gas station and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house. This four-story building would be constructed directly on the corner of Spartan and Grand River avenues. At this time, Lambda Chi Alpha members have not been approached about the plan.
“The developing company has not reached out to our fraternity regarding the construction proposal,” said Kyle Sims, president of Lambda Chi Alpha. “Neither has (Community Resource Management Company), which is the housing company that we currently lease through” However, there is currently a very large tree located on the lawn of the fraternity house at the addresses 116-132 Spartan Ave. and many residents and commission members were vocal about the effects of construction on the tree. University botanists examined the tree in 1994 and determined that it is at least 300 years old. The applicant from Next Generation Investment Properties, Joseph Goodsir, heard these complaints and brought up a revised plan that would move the structure back and protect the tree. The new building would be six stories tall with underground parking and the commission unanimously agreed it was a more attractive and interesting proposal. These proposals are only the latest in a series of developments which have seen properties along Grand River Avenue growing taller, as a larger portion of the market moves toward higher-end student apartments. A proposed building at 500 Albert Ave. and 122 Division St. appeared before planning commission again, after the previous public hearing on April 8. However, the commission was still concerned with the existing buildings being restricted by the
ONLINE White House officials met at MSU’s Kellogg Center Thursday to unveil a plan aimed at mitigating climate change through the agricultural sector. Read more at statenews.com.
ENTER TO WIN AN
APPLE TV
PHOTO COURTESY OF STUDIO INTRIGUE ARCHITECTS
30 apartments would be in the building.
BY SERGIO MARTINEZ BELTRÁN
Promotion begins 4/6/15.
SMARTINEZ@STATENEWS.COM
4/10
4/17
4/24
Entry forms are located at
Crossroads Food Court No purchase necessary.
THE STATE N E WS
new development being built so tightly between the two. An amendment to the plan will be added addressing these concerns. The planning commission will hold their next public meeting May 13. In addition, an application to keep the CVS Pharmacy on M.A.C Avenue open 24 hours
was approved by the planning commission Wednesday and will soon appear before East Lansing City Council. The store currently closes at 11 p.m. and is under a restriction prohibiting the sale of alcohol before 9 a.m. or after midnight. However, the modified special use permit which was recently approved will allow the store to
operate as a 24-hour business and sell beer and wine between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Commission members were initially worried people leaving the nearby bars would be able to purchase alcohol from CVS but East Lansing police officer Timothy Smith reported there were no concerns relative to the changed status.
Bill allowing landlords to ban weed use moves forward
Apple TV Giveaway every Friday in April!
Drawings Held:
2
A rendering of the proposed building at 565 E. Grand River Ave., the site of the former Taco Bell building.
The Michigan House of Representatives Judiciary Committee approved an amendment to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act on Tuesday that will protect landlords who prohibit the use of marijuana on their property, including medicinal marijuana. The amendment, introduced as Senate Bill 72 by state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, states that a landlord is not required to lease residential property to any person who smokes or cultivates marijuana on the premises if the lease stipulated a prohibition on the drug. Attorney and Michigan Cannabis Development Association spokeswoman Denise Pollicella testified in favor of the amendment, and said it will prevent “unnecessary litigations.” “This bill codifies what is already existing property laws,” Pollicella said. “We support efforts to clarify any person’s right or responsibilities under the Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 and under Michigan property laws, and this legislation will allow parties to a real estate
FRI DAY, APRI L 24, 2 01 5
contract to know in advance what their contractual duties are.” Pollicella said the bill will support both patients and caregivers, as well as private property owners. Although the amendment was approved, it also received opposition from medical marijuana advocacy groups. Matthew Abel, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said the amendment was “completely unnecessary.” “A landlord already has the right to put any legal provision on a lease,” Abel said. “This is a waste of time.” Instead of discussing Senate Bill 72, Abel urged the committee to discuss the marijuana dispensaries and marijuana edibles bills. Edibles and marijuana dispensaries are not covered under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. State Reps. Mike Callton, R-Nashville, and Lisa Posthumus Lyons, R-Alto, introduced on February 2015 a bill that would regulate dispensaries and an additional bill that would clarify what forms of marijuana patients can use and buy.
Contents READ MORE
Fraternity sends boy with spinal muscular atrophy to Disney World
Senate to vote on 2 percent higher education funding increase
Wharton Center to put on ‘Music of Motown’ performance Friday night
PAGE 5
PAGE 5
STATENEWS.COM
18 DA I LY N U M B E R
Number of seasons women’s golf has been coached by Stacy SlobodnikStoll. Read more about her legacy on page 12.
“It’s sad to say that in this day and age, $1.5 million won’t even get us that much. But it’s very ... exciting to be able to start planning once we receive that check.” Kristin Shelley, East Lansing Public Library director, on a recent donation to the library. Read more on page 11.
EARN CREDIT ONLINE
THIS SUMMER! HST 329: COLLEGE SPORTS HISTORY
Then-junior safety Kurtis Drummond celebrates with then-sophomore cornerback Darian Hicks, 2, during the spring Green and White game on April 26, 2014, at Spartan Stadium. Read a column by sports editor Geoff Preston on the game on page 10. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
EDITORIAL STAFF (517) 432-3070 VOL . 105 | NO. 137
CONTACT THE STATE NEWS (517) 432-3000 NEWSROOM/CORRECTIONS (517) 432-3070 feedback@statenews.com GENERAL MANAGER Marty Sturgeon (517) 432-3000 ADVERTISING M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (517) 432-3010 ADVERTISING MANAGER Kelsey Taber COLOPHON The State News design features Acta, a newspaper type system created by DSType Foundry.
The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during the academic year. 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.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celeste Bott MANAGING EDITOR Anya Rath BREAKING NEWS EDITOR Simon Schuster TRENDS AND ISSUES EDITOR Olivia Dimmer SPORTS EDITOR Geoff Preston FEATURES EDITOR Casey Holland PHOTO EDITOR Erin Hampton COPY CHIEF Elena Cronick OPINION EDITOR Greg Monahan Copyright © 2015 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich.
Analyze the evolution of College sports as physical competitions, leisure activities, youth rituals, gender & race differentiators, and finally, as forms of social entertainment, national pride and commerical enterprises. visit history.msu/online-course-list/ for more information
F RI DAY, AP RI L 24, 2 01 5
TH E STATE N E WS
3
News
Songfest ends Greek Week on a high note BY LAUREN OWINGS LOWINGS@STATENEWS.COM
The sisters of Delta Gamma perform Wednesday at Breslin Center during Songfest, part of the culminating event of Greek Week. Their piece was put to music of The Beatles. PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH
After a loud and successful MTV Night, the greek community reconvened at Breslin Center for Greek Week’s annual Songfest competition. “It’s all just for a good cause,” kinesiology sophomore Emily Brehmer said. “No one is really judging, it’s just for fun.” Although Songfest, which was Wednesday night at the Breslin Center, doesn’t carry as much pressure as MTV Night, Brehmer said she still felt nervous going on stage. In the end, she said she had fun dancing in front of all her friends in greek life. She added that all the nerves and preparation were worth it in the end. Meeting the members of the fraternity she worked with was Brehmer’s favorite part. She said they hadn’t had socials or other events with them this year, so this was her only opportunity to become close with the brothers again. For Brehmer, Songfest was a good way to showcase all the hard work her team put in. She said this tradition shows members of greek life that they all have similar interests. That the entire community can dance and do fun
things together. Supply chain management freshman Nick Charon said he enjoyed getting to spend time with his teammates each night. “This being my first year on campus, you can see a lot of the faces of greek life and it makes you realize that it’s out there and we’re actually doing it,” Charon said. Education freshman Elizabeth Reimers said she has been a dancer for several years, so once she got on stage and the music started the routine came easily. “It was honestly so fun to represent Delta Gamma and just to be on that stage in front of all of greek life,” Reimers said. After the performance, she said it was awesome to know her team had so much fun together, and they had left it all on the stage. “I know it’s cheesy, but we really had great friendships and great bonds and I know it’s not going to be over after this,” Reimers said. She said she thinks the tradition of Songfest is important simply because people look forward to it every year. “It’s part of the whole Greek Week spirit,” Reimers said. “When people come back as alumni they’ll say, ‘I did that once too.’”
Bring this ad into receive $50 off signing fees!
Rates starting as low as
$409! Call now to schedule a tour of our great student housing options!
chandlercrossings.com • (517) 336-9100 4
THE STATE N E WS
FRI DAY, APRI L 24, 2 01 5
News Two percent higher education funding increase to be put to a vote BY SERGIO MARTÍNEZ-BELTRÁN SMARTINEZ@STATENEWS.COM
The Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee approved on Wednesday a recommended budget that will now be presented on the floor of the state Senate. The approved budget has a 2 percent increase in the higher education appropriations. Under the recommended budget, the total appropriation for Michigan State University would be about $269.6 million — which means an increase of about $5.15 million. MSU Extension was assigned an appropriation of more than $28 million and more than $32.6 for MSU AgBioResearch.
“I think this is a good budget,” said state senator and Chairwoman of the state Senate Higher Education Subcommittee Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton. “I think it ultimately achieves the greater goal of reducing student burden on them when it comes to the cost of obtaining a college education.” The recommended appropriation for University of Michigan is more than $300.87 million, which includes more than $295 million for operations and nearly $5.7 million for performance funding. State Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing, also voted in favor of passing the bill to the Senate floor. Hertel is the co-chairman of the state Senate Higher Education Subcommittee. “I’m philosophically opposed to using school aid fund for higher education but I am also philosophically opposed to underfund-
ing universities,” Hertel said. Hertel said the recommended budget has stepped in the right direction to bring the higher education budget to the same level as it was before Gov. Rick Snyder took office. “I’ll never be satisfied but I am certainly glad that we are a percentage higher than the (state) House,” Hertel said. “The (state) House only raised it 1 percent so we doubled the increase for Michigan State University.” Snyder’s first budget recommendation when he assumed office called for deep cuts in higher education appropriations, and MSU’s funding decreased 15 percent. Each year afterward MSU has received 1 to 2 percent increases, with the exception of last year. On the budget recommendation for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Snyder called for MSU to receive a 1.9 percent increase on its funding. The recommendation made by the state Senate calls for more. Executive Director of Presidents Council State Universities of Michigan Michael Boulus said he was in favor of the 2 percent increase. “We are pleased,” Boulus said. “We are not necessarily crazy about tuition cap, but we are willing to live with them as long as they are reasonable.”
Fraternity sends 14-year-old to Disney World Men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo meets 14 year old Isaac Postma Wednesday at Breslin Center. Postma, of Grand Rapids, is living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH
BY MEAGAN BECK MBECK@STATENEWS.COM
Grand Rapids resident Isaac Postma is like most other 14-year-old boys. He likes video games and sports. But with spinal muscular atrophy, even basic daily functions are almost impossible for him. With the help of the brothers in Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Isaac and his family will be going to Disney World in Florida this summer. It’s a place he has never been before, but always wanted to visit. Brett Kast, the philanthropy chairman for the fraternity and a journalism junior, said he had the idea to sponsor a child through the Jenna Kast Believe In Miracles Foundation, which was started in honor of Brett Kast’s sister, who had brain cancer. His mother, Paula Kast, is
the president of the foundation and helped connect the fraternity brothers with Isaac. “I talked to my mom and said, ‘Hey, we’re looking to sponsor a kid … a boy age 5 to 15’ and she came across Isaac,” Brett Kast said. “He’s a huge Michigan State fan and thought he would be a perfect fit.” The foundation is similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, except it helps grant wishes for a wider age range of kids only from Michigan. The brothers raised thousands during an annual philanthropy event to make one of Isaac’s wishes come true. Brett Kast said he was happy this opportunity allowed the brothers to meet Isaac and see the affect their fundraising had. “A lot of times, you do fundraisers and you donate to a big organization and you really don’t know where it went or what they
do with it,” Brett Kast said. “It creates a personal relationship between (Isaac) and our brothers and I think the personable aspect of it is really special, too.” And the trip to Disney World isn’t the only wish they helped grant. Isaac and his mother, Deb Postma, made the trip to East Lansing to meet the brothers of the fraternity and were surprised with a few other visitors. Isaac was introduced to football head coach Mark Dantonio, junior quarterback Connor Cook and junior defensive end Shilique Calhoun and also received a tour of the football players’ locker room. After he met with the fraternity brothers at Breslin Center he was also greeted by men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo, who then gave him a tour of the basketball players’ locker room. “He loves MSU. As we were
driving through, he said, ‘How many years till I get to come here?’” Deb Postma said. Nate Greeley, one of Isaac’s cousins and an agribusiness management senior, said as a member of another greek organization, it’s nice to see the brothers of Delta Sigma Phi take the time to make some of Isaac’s wishes come true. “It means everything to me and I know it means everything to him,” Greeley said. “They’ve been so kind and so selfless. … I’m really impressed by everything they’ve done.” Deb Postma said Isaac loves to be around people. She said some families with a child who has disabilities aren’t able to get out much, but meeting and interacting with others is right up Isaac’s alley. “It’s great to see young people that are willing to help and have a heart,” Deb Postma said.
421 E.Grand River
Check out your 2015 Spartans!
Don’t miss the Green & White Game this Saturday 2:00 pm Spartan Stadium
SBS has all your Green & White needs 351-4210
F RI DAY, AP RI L 24, 2 01 5
www.sbsmsu.com TH E STATE N E WS
5
Spotlight
Nothing but net: 72-year-old MSU alumnus challenges all James E. Cummings Jr. is a familiar face for anyone who frequents IM Sports-West courts BY RYAN SQUANDA RSQUANDA@STATENEWS.COM
It was 10 years ago that the then-recently retired 62-year-old James E. Cummings Jr. picked up a basketball and entered the recesses of IM Sports-West for the first time. Since then, the now 72-year-old makes his way to the IM Sports buildings on MSU’s campus nearly every day with a huge smile on his face and a basketball underarm. “Do you guys play basketball?” the 1965 alumnus asks a group of students upon entering one of the courts at IM Sports-West. “How about a game of ‘horse?’” Cummings is nearly unbeatable at the game. Ten years of countless hours spent in the gym to what’s probably amounted to hundreds of thousands of shots has given him the ability to drain buckets from all over the court. But Cummings will play anything — 3-on-3, 5-on-5, one-on-one games to 100 — and he’ll play anyone, from former professionals to people from all over the world. “My goal is to play everyone who comes into these gyms,” Cummings said. “I want to play every one of them in a game of horse by the time they graduate.” But one day Cummings will never forget is Dec. 18, 2011. There was something different about it — something serious that almost forced Cummings’ basketball playing days to come to an end. Because on that day, after a full court 5-on-5 game in Gym 2 at IM Sports-West, Cummings fell to the floor in sudden cardiac arrest.
East Lansing resident and 1965 MSU alumnus James E. Cummings Jr. embraces mechanical engineering freshman Kevin Schuett after a game of horse Wednesday at IM Sports-West in the gym where he had a heart attack three and a half years ago. Cummings comes to the gym nearly every day to practice his shot and play horse with “young Spartans.” PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH
SAVING A LIFE Toufic Jildeh had just graduated from MSU in that ambulance — situated at a fire department fall 2011 and was on his way to medical school less than a half mile away — didn’t arrive for at Wayne State University in Detroit. On Dec. another 15 minutes. Event ua l ly t he a mbu18, 2011, Jildeh and a friend lance did come, though. A were doing what they liked defibrillator was used and best — play hoops at IM Cummings was rushed to Sports-West. nearby Sparrow Hospital, After a 5-on-5 game endwhere Dr. Carlos Fernandez ed, Jildeh and several of the found Cummings’ left anteparticipants left the gym to rior descending artery comget a drink from a fountain pletely obstructed. in the hallway. Upon returnA stent was put in Cuming to the court, they discovmings’ heart and he ered Cummings passed out remained on life support for and breathing erratically on a couple of days, Fernandez the floor. The number of years James E. Cummings Jr. has been said. However, Cummings With most everyone standplaying at IM Sports-West quickly recovered and his ing around not knowing what heart functions returned to to do, Jildeh — who knew normal. But if it weren’t for CPR from an introductory first aid class for a job — sprung into action Jildeh, Williams or the defibrillator, Fernandez and administered CPR on Cummings, while said Cummings likely wouldn’t have survived. “Heart attacks are not uncommon (for men another student trained in first aid, Xavier Wilof his age group),” said Fernandez, adding that liams, was on standby. Jildeh did compressions on Cummings’ chest heart disease is the leading cause of death for while Williams performed mouth-to-mouth senior men. “Unfortunately it happened to him, resuscitation with the plan on doing so until but fortunately it happened around a group of an ambulance arrived. But for whatever reason, people and they were able to take care of him.”
10
6
THE STATE N E WS
FRI DAY, APRI L 24, 2 01 5
Some months later, Cummings returned to NOT ABOUT BASKETBALL the gyms at MSU. Still trying to piece togeth- At first glance, Cummings doesn’t have the er the events of the day of his heart attack, makings of a basketball star. He’s in terrific shape for a 72-year-old man, Cummings knew there were but one semester of basketfirst responders who saved ball in the late 1950s at Cass his life, but had no way of “He’s an Tech High School in Detroit finding them. inspiration for is the only organized experiBut one day, when Cumyoung people, not ence he has. mings was pacing the sideonly in basketball, The mechanics of his shot lines, just by the chance of are another thing. He lifts the the day, Jildeh — who grew but to prove that ball over his head and flicks up in the East Lansing area age is not a factor. it towards the rim with one — was back home during You should always hand. a few off days from Wayne However, a good majoriState. strive for the best ty of his shots end the same W hen Jildeh saw Cumeven when you way — perfect rotation, permings in the gym, he immehave obstacles.” fect arc on the shot. diately rushed up to him to Swish. Nothing but net. ask if he was OK and the two That’s when the jaws of the began recounting the details Ervin Novas, youthful college students hit of Cummings’ heart attack economics junior the floor. Get him warmed up with each other. Upon hearand as Cummings says, “I can ing Jildeh speak, Cummings was amazed and asked how he knew the sto- play all day, all night.” Of those who have seen and played with Cumry so well. “I told him it was me (who administered mings include Dujuan Wiley, a former MSU CPR),” Jildeh said. “We’ve been friends and overseas basketball player who nowadays spends his time as the intramural coordinator ever since.”
Anya Rath Managing editor arath@statenews.com @thesnews
East Lansing resident and 1965 MSU alumnus James E. Cummings Jr. takes a shot Wednesday at IM Sports-West in the gym where he had a heart attack three and a half years ago.
at IM Sports-West. Even he has fell victim to Cummings in a game of horse. But for Cummings, it’s not about basketball. It’s about the relationships he’s built in the gym throughout the years. “Basketball is universal, like music,” Cummings said. “As long as you love the game and play the game, you can all get along.” That’s the thing about Cummings. Watch him stroll around the gym for a few minutes and if the many smiles, high-fives and the “nice shots” don’t say enough about the guy, the staff and students definitely will. “He’s a real genuine guy,” said Williams, a 2013 alumnus. “He really cares about MSU students and always asks how you’re doing in school.” In some cases, Cummings gets to know a student through their years of college and beyond. To this day, Cummings has done his best to keep in touch with Jildeh and even took him to dinner last fall. And there isn’t a person Cummings won’t extend his friendship to. He’s played basketball with students from all over the world. Take finance junior Zhouxiaoxiong Qi for example, a native of China who’s played alongside Cummings for the last three years. The two have gotten so close that their friendship has extended outside the gym. When most of MSU’s students left campus for spring break one year, and Qi stayed back in East Lansing for the week, Cummings bought some tickets and took Qi to the final women’s basketball game of the year. Economics junior Ervin Novas, a native of the
“Basketball is universal, like music. As long as you love the game and play the game, you can all get along.” James E. Cummings Jr., East Lansing resident East Lansing resident and 1965 MSU alumnus James E. Cummings Jr. poses with a basketball Wednesday at IM Sports-West in the gym where he had a heart attack three and a half years ago.
Dominican Republic, is another student who’s gotten to know Cummings and has even come to view him as an inspiration. “He’s an inspiration for young people to, not only in basketball, but to prove that age is not a factor,” Novas said. “You should always strive for the best even when you have obstacles. ... he had a heart attack and all those things have not prevented him from (playing basketball).” SHARING HIS STORY It’s a Wednesday morning three years and four months after his heart attack, and Cummings has once again made his way to IM Sports-West. As he steps into the very same room he once fell to the floor in sudden cardiac arrest, Cummings notices a group of students gathered on one end
of the gym. So Cummings, outgoing and friendly like he normally is, walks over and asks who they are. A teaching assistant tells him they are at a first aid and personal safety class, as many of the students behind him practice CPR. It’s about as fitting as it gets and Cummings immediately takes the opportunity to share his story. Having gone through the experience of a heart attack, he knows the importance of defibrillators and having people trained in CPR. Cummings feels that in order for freshmen at MSU to become Spartans, it should be required of them to take a first aid class. It’s all part of him feeling that if his story can help save someone down the road, it can make a world of difference. There’s no telling how much longer CumF RI DAY, AP RI L 24, 2 01 5
mings will continue to come to the gyms at MSU. But he doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke and hasn’t eaten junk food in years, and when he got a La-Z-Boy 10 years ago, he gave it away in two days for fear it would keep him from being active. “It’s a real joy for me to be able to play basketball with all my fellow Spartans,” Cummings said. “Even if there is a large age gap.” There are days Cummings stays in the gym for as many as five to 10 hours. But even at the tail end of these hours, Cummings is still as upbeat and energetic as ever. It’s moments like these where Cummings looks at the ball he carries to the gym every day and smiles at the number scrawled on the side: 72. TH E STATE N E WS
7
Crossword
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
Opinion
Greg Monahan Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnews_opinion
LETTER: Find your own way to relax during finals week
ACROSS
1 Hogwarts co-founder Hufflepuff 6 Claimed in court 10 In a funk 14 Betelgeuse’s constellation 15 Pad opening 16 Exude 17 Rue Morgue killer 18 Stout trees 19 Considerable effort 20 Advice to a shaken quarterback? 23 Prom attendees: Abbr. 24 Language of Southeast Asia 25 Square 27 Eschew a potassium source? 31 King’s downfall 34 Style 35 Grissom on “CSI” 36 Where some natives speak Azeri or Luri 37 Feudal lord 39 Singer commonly seen wearing sunglasses 40 Site for aspiring idols 41 “Star Trek” race 42 Throw in a chip 43 Excuse that last jeer? 48 Big fight 49 Balancing aid
50 Indian state known for its beaches 53 Take a vow of silence? 57 Musical souvenir 59 Russell’s “Tombstone” role 60 They’re heavier than foils 61 You may look through one 62 Luyendyk of auto racing 63 Discovered accidentally 64 Puts in 65 Put up, in a way 66 Isn’t straight
DOWN
1 Legs (it) 2 Slip 3 Humbugs 4 Big ringer 5 San __, Texas 6 SLR buff 7 Mother of Judah 8 Paul’s “The Prize” co-star 9 Convince not to 10 Prankster’s cry 11 Gawking, perhaps 12 Gun designer __ Gal 13 Porky’s longtime voice 21 It’s on the road 22 Last Stuart queen 26 Coat material 27 Swampy area
28 Horseshoe-shaped letter 29 Swampy area 30 Liquor-flavoring fruit 31 Rile 32 Woolf’s “__ of One’s Own” 33 Source of extra spending money 37 Place where three’s a crowd 38 Snit cause 39 Cricket __ 41 Oktoberfest quaff 44 Geography aids 45 Supplied in abundance 46 Boat propeller 47 Creator of the language Newspeak 50 “On the Record” host Van Susteren 51 Pope’s “__ Solitude” 52 Gps. with similar goals 54 Kitchen attachment 55 City seen from Presque Isle State Park 56 Old sitcom redhead 57 Hotel amenity 58 Little
Finals week is nearly here and stress levels are at an alltime high. With summer around the corner and your GPA on the line, just saying the word “finals” can raise your blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress can be easy and remain an important factor for staying healthy. Junk food snacking, binge drinking over-caffeinated drinks and long nights in the library are the norm for students at most universities. However, there are ways to lighten your load and keep you focused during the final stretch. Keep your body moving — take a walk for a break or an hour of cardio at the gym. Your body can release feel-good endorphins that boost your mood and calm your mind. Finding time to work up a sweat before a long study session can clear your head before hitting the books. What you eat during the day is also a very critical factor of how productive your day can turn out. Roll your eyes if you like, but the old saying “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is true. Having breakfast with whole grains, healthy fats and fruits can kick start your metabolism and raise your blood sugar, which is necessary to make the memory-boosting neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having a wholesome meal will keep you focused longer and hold you over until your next meal. A protein-packed meal in the morning can jumpstart your energy and keep you full and satisfied throughout the day. Living on campus gives students so many delicious and healthy options in the dining halls. Nutrient-dense foods are important for all meals, not just
breakfast. If your body is receiving all the necessary macrobiotics there will be little to no urge to snack or binge eat. Try to avoid caffeine, even though we have all fallen victims of our dependency of the cup full of energy. The amount of caffeine in sugar-filled energy drinks and venti cups of coffee interferes with sleep. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep will leave you well-rested and energized. The human brain can only absorb so much information at a time while cramming. Students need to give their bodies and minds time to reboot and absorb the information. A 25-minute nap could be the quick boost that you need to focus. Studies show listening to music while studying can help focus. Contrary to popular belief, not all students are successful in a quiet environment. Listening to classical works by Bach, Brahms, Mozart and others are effective sleep aids that reduce stress, and in turn, act as a study tool. Classical instrumental music helps you relax even when you don’t pay attention to the music. There is evidence that Mozart improves mental performance. They call it the “Mozart Effect.” We can all agree final exams leave students feeling overwhelmed, anxious and hyper. Taking these steps in reducing stress and staying healthy during finals week can improve your test scores and your health. Ending the year off healthy and happy is the way we all want to start the summer. Natalie Amboyan is a nutritional sciences sophomore. She can be reached at natalieamboyan@gmail.com.
T H U R S DAY ’ S R E S U LT S
OPINION P O LL TO DAY ’ S Q U E S T I O N
What type of music do you listen to while studying for final exams?
Are you more excited for the Stanley Cup playoffs or the start of baseball season? 39%—The NHL playoffs. Hoping for another long Red Wings run. 44%—Baseball season. It’s a sign that summer is on its way. 17%—Neither. I don’t particularly care for either sport. TOTAL VOTES: 54 AS OF 5 P.M. THURSDAY
Get the solutions at statenews.com/puzzles Level: 1
2
3
4
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 SOLUTION TO THURSDAY’S PUZZLE
4/24/15
8
© 2015 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
THE STATE N E WS
FRI DAY, APRI L 24, 2 01 5
NATE BEELER, COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Features
Casey Holland Features editor features@statenews.com @sn_features
Good Eats: Tastes for the summer $5.25 8 ounce drink at Juice Nation
$0.45 price of 1 ounce at Sugar Berry
$4.00 Chicago hot dog at What Up Dawg?
$5.99 Crunchy Burger at Crunchy’s Packaging sophomore Jack Schumacher prepares to throw a beer pong ball while international relations senior Marcus Kamal, left, and MSU alumnus Paul Matouka, right, watch Thursday at What Up Dawg, 317 M.A.C. Ave. in East Lansing. PHOTOS: ALLYSON TELGENHOF
equals 2.5 pounds of spinach, so it’s a very healthy substance. “It’s also good for your hair, teeth (and) gums. It does so many good things for you,” he said. Another unique item is the internal flame shot. It contains a shot of ginger, cayenne pepper and lemon.
DeWitt resident Mary Thompson puts kiwi and strawberries on her frozen yogurt Thursday at Sugar Berry, 3201 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing.
BY LESLIE HEMENWAY LHEMENWAY@STATENEWS.COM
Despite the cold, rainy weather this past week, summer is right around the corner. East Lansing and the surrounding area is home to several different restaurants that offer delicious summer foods. So while you’re cramming for finals, take a study break and pretend it’s summer by visiting one of these restaurants. JUICE NATION “I usually order the ‘pomelicious’ smoothie.” — Katelyn Prine, social relations and policy senior
Located at 111 S. Washington Square in Lansing, Juice Nation provides a wide array of healthy and refreshing beverages. Prine said Juice Nation is a favorite among herself and her coworkers. The “pomelicious” smoothie is a combination featuring strawberries, blueberries and pomegranate juice. “We use all organic foods and fruits and we don’t add any sugars to anything, so we just use all natural substances.” manager Deonta Bailey said. Bailey said one of the most popular items on the menu is the wheatgrass shot, which is grown in-house. He said one ounce of it pretty much
SUGAR BERRY “It was delicious, I love me some froyo.” — Marco De Leon, kinesiology junior Sugar Berry, located at 3201 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing, gives customers the opportunity to create their own frozen yogurt treat. Manager Leti Sanchez said the most popular froyo flavor is taro. “It tastes like a vanilla cone or a vanilla wafer. It has a little hint of coconut in it also,” she said. “It’s very vanilla-y but more like a vanilla wafer than a regular vanilla.” De Leon said he typically goes for the really sweet flavors, such as chocolate. He said his first visit to Sugar Berry was his first time ever trying frozen yogurt, and it was love at first bite. “When I had it the first time I was like, ‘This is delicious, where has this been all my life?’” he said. In addition to offering several different froyo flavors, Sugar Berry also offers a wide selection of toppings. Some of the toppings available include cashews, berries, crushed Oreos and yogurt chips. WHAT UP DAWG? “It’s one of my favorite spots in East Lansing.” — Taylor Anderson, MSU alumnus Located at 317 M.A.C. Ave., What Up Dawg boasts the best hot “dawgs” in town. Anderson said this is a pretty accurate claim. Anderson said he typically orders a coney with chili, mustard, onions and a side of fries. F RI DAY, AP RI L 24, 2 01 5
Manager Corey Austin said the most popular sausage they offer is the smokey dawg. “(What Up Dawg) is a pretty casual place, so it’s a place where you can go to kind of get away from the mainstream restaurant vibe you get pretty much on Grand River,” he said. For those who aren’t big fans of hot dogs, Austin said he recommends the chicken tender melt. This sandwich comes with thick Texas toast, buttered on each side, with chicken tenders, bacon and cheese on the inside. This sandwich costs $5.75. CRUNCHY’S “(Crunchy’s) is good for a burger and a beer. They have a lot of beer.” — Alicia Palmisano, physics graduate student Crunchy’s, located at 254 W. Grand River Ave., is known for its burgers. Manager-on-duty Shawn Campbell said the burgers are the most-ordered item by far, and outsell any other item three to one. Campbell said the most popular burger would be the half-pound famous Crunchy’s burger. Priced at $5.99, this burger comes with cheese, lettuce, onion and pickles. For those with a smaller appetite, there’s a junior size available, which is a quarter-pound of beef and priced at $4.99. Campbell said he recommends customers try it with the western toppings, including bacon, barbecue sauce and mozzarella cheese, or the mushroom topping, which is sauteed mushrooms and swiss cheese. Palmisano said she typically orders the “black and bleu burger,” which is priced at $7.99 and comes with a cajun-seasoned burger with bleu cheese and bacon, served on a pretzel bun. She said Crunchy’s is her and her friend’s go-to hangout spot. “It’s a fun atmosphere,” she said. TH E STATE N E WS
9
Sports
Geoff Preston Sports editor sports@statenews.com @thesnews_sports
COLUMN: Spring game popularity shows that college football is healthier than ever Then Senior running back Nick Hill tries to hold off then sophomore safety Demetrious Cox while running towards the end zone during the spring Green and White game on April 26, 2014, at Spartan Stadium. The White team, coached by defensive line coach Ron Burton, defeated the Green team, 20-13.
BY GEOFF PRESTON GPRESTON@STATENEWS.COM
This Saturday green and white will fill the campus, grills will be lit and people will come from all across the state by the thousands to watch MSU play football. That might sound odd, considering the calendar says April and not September. Saturday marks the annual Green and White game, which accounts for a glorified scrimmage in Spartan Stadium that sends everyone into a football frenzy. About time too, as the season is only a little more than four months away. Spring games across the country have become a spectacle. What you will see in East Lansing on what is expected to be a cold, rainy Saturday afternoon will probably be tame in comparison to other places across the country. In Columbus, Ohio 99,391 people came out to see the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes play a game against each other. Other teams in the Big Ten saw well over 60,000 fans show up to their annual proclamation that football is almost, sort of back. I don’t mean to bash on spring games, I love football as much as anyone so anytime it happens, even if it is only a tease, I am for it. But I do think it is an interest-
STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
ing statement about where we are as a sports nation. No one has doubted that football is king for a long time, but to anyone with a sliver of doubt about where football ranks in sports society all they need to do is look at football heavy campuses this time of year. It’s even become a way that programs measure success.
While you sleep, field hockey is preparing for the fall season BY RYAN SQUANDA RSQUANDA@STATENEWS.COM
While most of their fellow classmates are sleeping in or on their way to their 8 a.m. classes this spring, members of the MSU field hockey team are waking up at the crack of dawn to head to Ralph Young Field for practice. The practices are all part of the team’s spring schedule, and although the field hockey team might be the most visible at this time, Director of Athletic Communications Jamie Baldwin said many of MSU’s fall teams practice or lift weights early in the mornings in the spring, and vice versa in the fall 10
THE STATE N E WS
Head coach Mark Dantonio has put out a public decree after seeing some of his Big Ten rivals fill their stadiums. He has a number in mind that would show the nation where MSU is as a football program. Fifty-thousand. If 50,000 fans can fill the stands of Spartan Stadium for the spring game, Dantonio believes it will be a
sign to the country that MSU football has arrived. As if a Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl championship in back-to -back-years wasn’t enough of a statement. Dantonio called the spring game attendance mark a “program goal,” which used to be championships and wins over arch-rivals.
with MSU’s spring teams. “When teams share facilities, the team that is in-season uses the traditional late-afternoon practice times, and the other teams utilize the facility around class schedules,” Baldwin said in an email. “It’s the same for volleyball, as well as baseball and softball in the winter when the fields are still covered in snow. Our athletic facilities are frequently in use from before sunrise to late into the evening to accommodate all of our teams.” And that includes the field hockey team. “It’s obviously a little bit of a struggle but our team really values having a positive attitude and appreciating that it’s going to help us in the long run,” redshirt freshman back Simone Vagnoni said. Every spring semester, the field hockey team begins practice in the middle of January and primarily comprises lifting weights and general overall conditioning. Then, in the middle of February, the team is able to begin implementing more field hockey scrimmages into their practice. After spring break, the amount of field hockey in practice really ramps up, as the team is able to participate in five scrimmages throughout the spring.
FRI DAY, APRI L 24, 2 01 5
Maybe this is all MSU has left to prove, I don’t know, but I know Dantonio putting the attendance of the spring game on the level of a “program goal,” means one thing. This scrimmage matters. Not only for position battles but for assessing where the program is in the public eye right now. The bottom line is, 50,000 fans
or not, the spring football season re-affirms where America’s sports priorities have been for a long time. So although I may not see the merit in treating this fake Saturday like a real Saturday, there are football fans across the country who are just ready to celebrate football. Well, almost football.
With practice seemingly never stopping, some of the members of the team admit that it can get tough at times. “We do (get worn down) sometimes because it’s just a lot to handle,” Vagnoni said. “Right now everyone’s bodies are worn down.” But despite this, Vagnoni also said head coach Helen Knull does a good job at scheduling breaks and giving days off. And in the end, all of the hard work they’re putting in now will pay off when the season in the fall hits. “We really talk about … that our season starts in January, that we’ve got the time from January until April to get our foundation in,” Knull said. “Then in August, we welcome our freshmen but we only have two and a half weeks before our first game, so we really set our foundation in our offseason training so when the freshmen join in August … we have a solid sense of our foundation so that those freshmen can come in play.” And for senior midfielder Heather Howie, who is now entering into her final year with the program, has more than bought into Knull’s approach to the season. “People say it a lot but championships are won in the offseason,” Howie said. “And I really do believe that.”
Quick Reads
Donor leaves $1.5 million to public library BY AJ MOSER AMOSER@STATENEWS.COM
For frantic MSU students with finals week looming on their minds, it’s easy to forget that libraries are more than just places to spend a caffeine-fueled night of cramming. But following an anonymous gift, the East Lansing Public Library is looking to expand and become more of a community staple. Last week the library held the Books, Bites and Bids event to accept donations and host an auc-
Classified
tion as a fundraiser for the library. At this event, East Lansing Public Library Director Kristin Shelley had an announcement to make. About a week before the event, an anonymous East Lansing resident donated $1.5 million to fund improvements for the library. “A gift like this is so incredibly generous and selfless,” Shelley said. The donor did not ask for any naming rights on the library’s donor wall. “He’s a very private person who just wanted to say thank you.”
In response, ELPL has announced a campaign to build on that donation and raise community funds to match or even surpass that amount. “It’s sad to say that in this day and age $1.5 million won’t even get us that much,” Shelley said. “But it’s very … exciting to be able to start planning once we receive that check.” The library sees this as the first phase of a planned development, the total costs of which equate to about $11 million. The development plans include re-doing the
floor plan, adding a dynamic children’s area and group area and expanding the maker studios which include 3D printers, sewing machines, keyboards, audio and video equipment. Through the maker studios, ELPL has shifted from a place of information consumption to a place of information production, maintaining their relevancy in the 21st century, she said. Optimistically, construction would start as soon as this summer, she said. The library is hoping to raise up to $2 million in donations by May 2016.
Your campus marketplace! statenews.com/classifieds
TO PLACE AN AD … BY TELEPHONE (517) 432-3010 IN PERSON 435 E. Grand River Ave. BY E-MAIL advertising@statenews.com ONLINE www.statenews.com/classifieds OFFICE HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
DEADLINES LINER ADS 2 p.m., 1 business day prior to publication (includes cancellations) CLASSIFIED DISPLAY 3 p.m., 3 class days prior to publication
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.
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 first-day rate.
REFUNDS No cash refunds will be issued for cancellations. Credit will be applied to subsequent ads for one year.
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.
PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.
Employment
Employment
Employment
Apts. For Rent
Apts. For Rent
Duplexes/Rent
Houses/Rent
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT/ Demolition. Reputable contractor seeks dependable hard working ind. for asbestos abatement laborer positions. No exp necessary. Paid training. Valid driver’s lic and vehicle. Drug screen req. Starting $16/hr. EOE. Send resume to: PO Box 70057, Lansing, MI 48908.
MOTOR COACH Driver Are you seeking an exciting & challenging opportunity? We’re seeking skilled Drivers who are professional, friendly, and upbeat! Successful candidates will possess exceptional customer service skills, a commercial driver’s license and excellent driving record, and must be able to pass DOT physical and drug/alcohol screens. Overnight and/ or out-of-state travel may be required. We offer an exciting, fun place to work and competitive wages. Apply in person Mon-Fri at Dean Transportation, 4812 Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48910 or online at www. deantransportation.com/ jobs
PUBLIC WORKS Seasonal Laborer for the City of Williamston. $10.00 per hour. HS diploma required. Visit www.williamston-mi.us for more info.
1, 2 and 3 bdrm apts available for spring and summer. Private entrances, covered parking, washer and dryer in every apt, walk in closets, huge living spaces and more. Tanning, pool, fitness center. Call for move in specials. 517-351-9400. Summer and Fall waitlists started. Some styles sold out! Huntersridgetownhomes. com.
AVAIL MAY or August! 1, 2 & 4 bdrm apts, behind Dublin, great location, very spacious, laundry, a/c & more! www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177
1507/1509 ANN 3 bed each, 1 bath. $1200/mon. W/d + dish. Lic 3 each. www.rentmc.com or call 517-655-5941 for more info.
NEW LISTING. Home lic for 4. West side of campus. Avail August. $425/month/ person. Call 517-349-8662. If no answer, please leave message.
2015-16 HOUSE. Licensed for 6. Awesome Location! + Outstanding Condition! 517-490-3082. HOUSE FOR rent, 1 bdrm $675. By Abbott and LK Lansing. Pets ok. Good for grad student. 517-3229899.
A lt e r a
Automotive 2004 HONDA SCOOTER. 785 miles. Excellent. $1185. (517)676-5194 2008 HONDA Civic EX, black int. 2-dr coupe, automatic, 137,000 highway miles, $6200 by Kelly Blue Book, one owner, no accidents, well maintained, some scratches and small dings. Text 517-898-6551.
Services
Welcome Back Special! 1810 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI Mon - Fri: noon - 5:30pm Sat: noon - 3pm
ROBERT LEE AUTO SALES, INC.
p
ho
p
ho
517-484-6166
STORAGE-STUDENT special - 1/2 off summer rental - Premier Storage Haslett - call (517)3399856 for details.
&
Gifts S
Textbooks COLLEGEVILLE PAYS top dollar for your Textbooks! Stop by 321 E Grand River Ave.
ifts S
Liz’ s
Houses/Rent 1 BLOCK to MSU. 2 bed, 1 bath, w/d, d/w. Available May. hrirentals.com. 517351-0765.
s
LEASING AGENT P/T in Williamston. Can work around class schedule. Must have outgoing personality with experience in leasing, sales or working with public. Send resume to: Creekclubmanager@ Beztak.c
PHOTOJOURNALISTS NEEDED at The State News. Join our award-winning staff and shoot news, features, sports and photo stories at MSU and in the surrounding community. Please submit a portfolio, resume and application. Applications are available at statenews.com/work . Applicants must be fulltime students at MSU and should have a flexible schedule.
4 Bedroom Avail. AUG. Great Location. W/D, D/W, granite, stainless appliances, 351-0765, hrirentals. com
&
HIRING SERVERS. Apply at Spagnuolo’s Italian Restaurant. 662 W. Grand River, Okemos.
PHONE SURVEYS, flexible hrs, up to $9.75/hr, East Michigan Ave location. 4828884.
Apts. For Rent 1 BED/1 BATH. Lic for 1 or 2. Oak St Apts. 2 blocks from MSU/EL. Avail Aug. info@alexanderealestate. com or call/text 248-2075132.
RALEIGH HOUSE Apartments. Pre-leasing for summer and fall. 2 bdrm 2 bath. Private entrances, wooded setting, balconies, pet friendly & w/d hookups. Won’t last! Also have specials now if move in by May 1st. raleighhouseapartments. com or call 517.351.5209.
tion
CHILDCARE AIDE for 2015/16 year. High school diploma or GED req. Must be 18yr+. Must be available 3-6 pm M-F. Send resume to: minnemjp@haslett.k12. mi.us or apply in writing to Jean Minnema, Haslett Public Schools, Center for Community Education, 1590 Franklin St. Haslett, MI 48840.
SUMMER WORK Full-time; New product technology sold via E-commerce. Phone/internet access required. Apply via Spartan Career Center ID# 133858
2 AND 3 bdrm townhomes available for summer and fall. Over 1000 sq ft of living space. Walk in closets, garages, pet friendly. Washer and dryer in every apt. Free tanning, 24 hour fitness, pool and more. Several styles sold out or almost sold out. Spring Specials including a $350 gift card. Call today! 3519400 or huntersridgetownhomes.com
LRG STUDIO, Beech st, lic. 1-2, great for grads. $580/ mth; includ. parking, util, TV, internet. Avail Jan 2, 3513117.
1. Shorten Unlined Slacks.....3-pair/$10
G
BLOOMFIELD HILLS Rental Co. needs summer help! Up to $12/hr, May-Aug. Outdoor work, lifting req. Call Wayne, (248) 3324700.
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT in Metro Detroit Area. Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is currently looking for Housekeepers, Locker Room Attendants, Outdoor Grill Cooks and Pizza Makers. Please send resume with desired position in the subject line to jfeola@gpyc.org
THREE BDRM 2 bath. Central air, w/d and dishwasher. Pets welcome with deposit, fenced yard. Close to campus. $1000 monthly, $1000 deposit. 5173232146.
WE BUY CARS!
2. Zippers In...........$10 and up 3. Celebrating 37 Years in Business! 4. Special Gifts: Aprons, Aprons, Aprons!
517.272.4005
I can do all things through Christ. - Phil 4:13
F RI DAY, AP RI L 24, 2 01 5
4909 Martin Luther King Blvd. Lansing, MI 48910
TH E STATE N E WS
11
Sports
Women’s golf coach reflects on legacy BY ANDREW MERKLE AMERKLE@STATENEWS.COM
The MSU women’s golf program is the poster child of consistency. The program has been to the NCAA Tournament 16 seasons in a row and has won three of the last four Big Ten championships. This sustained success has been made possible by head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll. Slobodnik-Stoll is in her 18th season as head coach of the women’s golf team and has had quite the decorated career so far. Slobodnik-Stoll has seen 38 of her players earn All-Big Ten honors, including 23 First Team selections, to go along with 67 Academic All-Conference players. She has coached five All-Americans and produced four LPGA Tour members. Slobodnik-Stoll has also won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award three times. She has had quite an accomplished playing career as well. She played her collegiate career at MSU under legendary head coach Mary Fossum. Slobodnik-Stoll captained the team her final two seasons at MSU. She shined in the first decade of the 2000’s, winning the Golf Association of Michigan Mid-Amateur championship five times from 20002009. In 2010, She was named the GAM Female Player of the Decade. So what’s a coach with a resume like that most proud of? “I’m most proud of that we’re going to be graduating student-athletes who are going to be Spartans for life,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “And that we’ve been able to give a lot of young women incredible opportunities as a student-athlete wearing the green and white. ... I’m also just most proud of all of our players and the dedication and sacrifices that they make as a student and as an athlete to this university and to our team.” After a good, but admittedly not great junior career, Slobodnik-Stoll was given the opportunity to play at MSU by Fossum. She eventually earned an athletic scholarship and was named captain of the team before graduating in 1994. Shortly after leaving MSU, Slobodnik-Stoll’s phone rang, and it was Fossum on the other end. “She called me to be her assistant, and I think that’s when I really started to realize the relationship that her and I had built,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. At just 22 years old, Slobodnik-Stoll became the assistant of the MSU women’s golf team, and began coaching alongside her mentor. “So what was cool was when my dad said to me, ‘Do you know how many different players she could have asked to be her assistant?’ and I kind of went, ‘No.’ because I was a kid, and you don’t think of those things when you’re young,” she said. Fossum continues to be a mentor and a source of guidance and knowledge for Slobodnik-Stoll to this day. “I can’t imagine my life without her because, even (though) she’s well in her 80s now, but she’s still one of the only people that I can call and talk to about ‘What should I do about qualifying?’ and ‘What should I do about this player?’ and she’s still right in the mix with me,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “It’s just cool.” 12
THE STATE N E WS
Slobodnik-Stoll is motivated by continuing the standard set by Fossum and by taking the program places that has made Fossum proud. “I’m just really proud that I’ve been able to give her five Big Ten Championship rings,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “She wears one on every finger, and it’s part of my motivation because she had established something that was so successful here, and I just wanted to keep that going and make it even better than it was.” Coaching at the university where she went to school is an added bonus for her. “Well it’s just awesome,” she said. “I just can’t imagine wearing another color, or putting on another mascot or cheering for some other school, it’s really all I know,” she said. Slobodnik-Stoll leaves quite the impression on her players as well. Her proven track record is something which draws in recruits, such as redshirt freshman Katie Sharp.
“I hope that everyone realizes that I do something I truly have a passion for, and that hopefully I’ve left Michigan State a better place.” Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll Head coach women’s golf
"(Slobodnik-Stoll’s) love of the school and just her passion to influence our lives, and also the record that she has of producing players who can go on to the LPGA Tour, and then also you can win championships,” Sharp said. “I just wanted to be a part of that.” Fifth year senior Lindsey McPherson was drawn to the program by her aspirations to play at the top level. This was something Slobodnik-Stoll was able to accommodate. “I started playing golf late, so when it was time for me to get recruited no one recruited me,” McPerson said. “I was recruited by a couple Division II schools, but I really wanted to play at the best level — at the highest level. Coach gave me a chance. “There’s not enough you can say about someone who gives you a chance when you’re not even sure that you believe in yourself. Having coach believe in me, having someone that believes in you, I think that just speaks volumes about her.” The impact felt by Slobodnik-Stoll’s players extends beyond the 18th green, and into everyday life. “Well, apart from golf, just the thing that I’ll remember the most about her is just how much she cares about us,” Sharp said. “ Whether she’s talking to us about life decisions or stuff that is going on outside of school and golf in our lives, it’s evident that she truly cares about us.” When it comes to a coach’s legacy, there are several different aspects to consider. Some people look no further than at a coach’s wins and losses record. Slobodnik-Stoll needs not to worry FRI DAY, APRI L 24, 2 01 5
Women’s golf head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll coaches senior Lindsey McPherson while she practices putting Tuesday, at Forest Akers West Golf Course. PHOTO: ALLYSON TELGENHOF
23 Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll
Number of All-Big Ten first team selections in Slobodnik-Stoll’s career
about her impressive record, and she doesn’t when considering her legacy at MSU. “I hope that everyone realizes that I do something I truly have a passion for, and that hopefully I’ve left Michigan State a better place,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “And I have been able to help guide, direct a whole bunch of young women throughout my career, however long it ends up being. I just want to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Her players see the lasting legacy of Slobodnik-Stoll at MSU as one of a decorated coach, who has built a powerhouse program. “I hope people look at her and see what she’s done for this program beside from the golfing achievements,” Sharp said. ”And I hope that people can see that she’s very hard-working and worthy of being the head coach of this team. And that she’s one of the reasons that we’re so successful.”