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90 years of Green and White: Spartan Stadium will host its 500th game Saturday By Matt Sheehan msheehan@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

partan Stadium isn’t just a building.

Buildings don’t give hundreds of thousands of fans memories to talk about when they drive out of East Lansing on fall Saturday nights. Buildings don’t bring former head coach George Perles back to the emotional stories of the journey to the 1987 Rose Bowl. Buildings wouldn’t bring the hearty laugh of TJ Duckett as he recounts the hard days of summer practice on the

hot turf. Spartan Stadium isn’t just a building — it’s a landmark. Born in 1923 with a plot of grass and a set of 14,000 wooden bleachers, the Michigan Agricultural College, or MAC, Aggies logged their first season on a field with no name. Three hundred and thirty-six home wins, 30 All-Americans and six national titles later, the grounds of Spartan Stadium will host its 500th game tomorrow. It will be the 500th time roaring fans and the men in green and white will be creating memories that could last a lifetime. “Just talking about it right now, I am getting goose bumps,” former running back Jehuu Caulcrick, who played with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in 2010 said when talking of Domata Peko’s 74-yard defensive touchdown against Michigan

Photos courtesy of MSU Archives

MSU plays against Michigan at Macklin field in 1924.

in 2005. That was loudest Caulcrick ever heard the stadium roar, with the energy of years of construction, remodeling and the passionate fans all coming undone in the moment. Cherished memories Nearly a decade before he strapped on the green Spartan helmet, former running back TJ Duckett walked into Spartan Stadium with wide eyes. Watching his brother, former

Workers renovate Macklin Field in 1946.

running back Tico Duckett, who wore the green and white 1989-92, and a sea of green pour out of the stadium’s tunnel, the memories of See STADIUM on page 2 u

Committed to memory: celebrated games on home turf By Dillon Davis ddavis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Photo courtesy of MSU Archives

A sold-out crowd watches the ‘game of the century,’ Nov. 19, 1966. The No. 2 Spartans tied the No. 1 Fighting Irish, 10-10.

It’s been around for 15 United States presidents. It’s had four different names and has quintupled in size since it opened. It cost $160,000 to build and has been home to hundreds of All-Big Ten honorees, 15 head football coaches and six national title teams. This weekend, it celebrates its 500th game. As the MSU football team (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) welcomes Indiana (3-2, 1-0) for a weekend of Homecoming festivities,

the program also celebrates 500 games at Spartan Stadium and will welcome back the Rose Bowl-winning 1987 Spartans for a weekend of celebratory activities. As the Spartans host a weekend to celebrate the past, here’s a look at the most memorable games in the 90-year history of Spartan Stadium. Oct. 6, 1923- Michigan State 21, Lake Forest 6 When it comes to memorable moments at Spartan Stadium, few will think of a 1923 matchup with Lake Forest. But in the storied history of games at the ven-

ue, this one stands out because it was the first. Several years of construction led to the opening of the 14,000seat College Field, which put Michigan Agricultural College, as the university was known at the time, on the college sports map. Under head coach Ralph Young, the Aggies, the team’s nickname prior to changing to Spartans in 1926, defeated Lake Forest in the inaugural game in the venue. The program only played Lake Forest three more times in history and have not scheduled another game with them in more than 87 years.

Nov. 14, 1953- Michigan State 14, Michigan 6 During the first part of the 20th century, college football had its royalty. Notre Dame. Alabama. And, of course, Michigan. While the Wolverines erupted for 10 national championships prior to 1950, the Spartans largely struggled, growing up in the shadow of arguably the most dominant football program of the era. However, in the final year under head coach Clarence “BigSee GAME DAY on page 2 u

To view an interactive of historic games at home, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

more inside Connor McCowan testifies in trial In an unexpected and emotional testimony, McCowan detailed the moments before he stabbed MSU student Andrew Singler in the early hours of Feb. 23. campus+city, pG. 3

“I was terrified, I’ve never seen him so mad. ... (I) just wanted to get (Singler) off me.” — Connor McCowan, alleged killer Alleged killer Connor McCowan cries while testifying Thursday at the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing. Julia Nagy/The State News

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stadium

From wooden benches to massive scoreboards, Spartan Stadium has come a long way since 1923 from page one

TJ Duckett’s would-be stomping grounds started when he was 9 years old. “When I was just a kid, (the stadium) was huge,” TJ Duckett said. “Seeing the big guys run out of the tunnel, seeing the band, seeing the student section, and seeing the alumni, it really looked like (the) Colosseum with the gladiators.” With the fans raised so high off the playing field, Duckett observed the stadium looks like the Roman Colosseum with the fans looking down at the battle between the lines. One of 12-year head coach George Perles’ fondest memories came from being barreled over by overzealous fans in 1987, after the Spartans clinched a Rose Bowl bid with a 27-3 win over Indiana. “That is when we had the 3-foot wall from the stands,” Perles said. “I got knocked down and I got trampled by everyone, and someone picked me up and

game day

During the last 90 years, Spartan Stadium has hosted legendary games from page one

gie” Munn, the Spartans beat Michigan at home for the first time in history en route to a 9-1 season and a Rose Bowl victory over UCLA. Since then, the Spartans have won 11 more games

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that was the most chaotic it has ever been.” That somebody was his defensive line coach, Steve Furness. Without Furness preventing his coach from being run over, Perles might not have witnessed one of his favorite Spartan Stadium memories. “I was talking to the team (after the win), and Indiana’s coach (Bill Mallory) busted in and motivated our guys said how we will beat USC,” Perles said. And they did. The Spartans took the 1988 Rose Bowl trophy back to East Lansing after defeating the Trojans, 20-17. But the locker room held more memories than emotional pep talks and post-game celebrations. Caulcrick still gets chills on the back of his neck whenever he remembers the dramatic pre-game routine leading up to kickoff. “After you warm up, you go into (the locker room) and there is that five-minute period where everyone is silent getting their mind right for the game,” the running back from 2004-07 said. “All of the sudden the band starts playing in the tunnel, and the locker room walls start shaking, and that’s when you know it’s time to go.” For TJ Duckett, however, his favorite recollections are months before making the first run out of

the tunnel during the first week of football season. With the summer sun heating up, the artificial turf — which was ripped up in 2002 and replaced with grass — gave off a distinct smell he still recognizes today. “Your brothers (were) out there, training when the stadium is empty with nobody watching what we are doing,” the former seven-year NFL player said. “Guys’ characters were tested, wills were broken and champions were made right there, and those are personal moments people don’t see.”

against the Wolverines at home, carrying a 12-15-1 home record against Michigan since 1953.

back Archie Griffin, in the first of his two Heisman Trophy winning seasons, the Buckeyes came into East Lansing as heavy favorites to make a run at the national championship. After the Spartans took the lead with 3:17 remaining, the Buckeyes orchestrated a strong drive, getting down to MSU’s 6-yard line with 40 seconds to play. However, a run by fullback Champ Henson was ruled short of the end zone and the Spartans were able to run out the clock in the scrum, delivering a significant blow to the Buckeyes’ season.

Nov. 19, 1966- Michigan State 10, Notre Dame 10 The name says it all: “Game of the Century.” No. 1 Notre Dame came into Spartan Stadium for a date with the defending national champion No. 2 Spartans. A hard-fought affair filled with big hits by MSU’s Charles “Bubba” Smith and big plays by Notre Dame quarterback Coley O’Brien, who replaced injured starter Terry Hanratty, led to an instant classic. With the Fighting Irish driving with a chance to score near the end of the game, Notre Dame head coach Ara Parseghian elected to run out the clock with a quarterback sneak, settling for a 10-10 tie to allow both schools to claim national championships. Nov. 9, 1974- Michigan State 16, Ohio State 13 During a mostly forgettable 7-31 season for head coach Denny Stoltz, who was the successor to the legendary Duffy Daugherty, the Spartans upset No. 1 Ohio State before a crowd of 78,533. With a roster featuring running

The hallowed grounds Where Old College Field now lays the MAC Aggies, the nickname prior to “Spartans,” played their earliest football games. In 1924, MAC football changed forever with a $160,000 state grant — more than $2 million in 2013, adjusted for inflation. The location was a decision George Blaha, radio play-by-play voice of nearly four decades, still believes to be the best part of Spartan Stadium. “The best thing about Spartan Stadium is that it is right in the middle of one of the most beautiful campuses in America,” Blaha said. The biggest feature the stadium was missing until 1935 was an official name, when it was branded as Macklin Field and the seat-

Sept. 7, 1987- Michigan State 27, Southern California 13 The night game has become an annual tradition at Spartan Stadium. However, there were none before an opening night showdown with Southern California in 1987. Led by powerful running back Lorenzo White and the famed “Gang Green” defense, the No. 17 Spartans powered through the

ing capacity was raised to 26,000. Roughly a decade later, the stadium saw it’s most drastic change in 1948 when the university nearly doubled the capacity, creating a total of 51,000 concrete-reinforced seats. With MSU football coming into the public eye and enrollment boosting by nearly 5,000 between 1948 and 1956, the seating was increased to 60,000. One year later, the upper decks were erected on both sides of the stadium, but not without an immense amount of stress coming from administration. In a memorandum from the Office of the Secretary of MSU to the American Bridge Company, the builders of the decks, a slight sense of panic arose as deadline drew near. “Tickets will have been sold for all the space in the upper deck. It would be a calamity of major importance and untold embarrassment to the University if anything should happen so that the Stadium is not completed by (Sept. 28),” Secretary Karl H. McDonel wrote. $2.5 million and an untold amount of patience later, the upper decks were completed before the season started, The next big change wasn’t for the bleachers — it was for the playing surface, when MSU opted to ditch the natural grass field for artificial turf in 1969. Vice Presi-

No. 19 Trojans in a 27-13 win. It was the first of two Spartan victories over USC that season, as MSU also came up with a 20-17 win in the Rose Bowl. Nov. 3, 2001- Michigan State 26, Michigan 24 There have been many memorable finishes in the MSU-Michigan rivalry. But none are remembered quite like this one. With the Wolverines leading MSU with 17 seconds to play, quarterback Jeff Smoker scrambled to the right before being stopped short of the goal line, which likely would have ended the game. Smoker got the Spartans up to the line of scrimmage and spiked the ball with one second remaining. However, MSU’s clock operator stopped the clock too soon, allowing the Spartans to get off another play. On the next play, Smoker found running back TJ Duckett in the end zone for a touchdown, causing a moment of elation at Spartan Stadium and tremendous

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Continued dent for Administration and Public Affairs Jack Breslin calculated it would cost $15,000 to resod the turf every five weeks, thus the decision to spend $250,000 on a field built by Tartan Turf. After three decades of playing on the soft synthetic turf, MSU made the switch back to natural grass, naming professor of turfgrass management Trey Rogers to oversee the project. For Rogers and many others in the turfgrass program, it was a move that made sense. “(Implementing grass) was something that for probably for 15 years we were working behind the scenes,” Rogers said. “When you have a turf program that is so highly thought of around the world, especially when you have (artificial) turf in your own backyard, we got a lot of questions from people, especially around the ‘90s.” It was a decade later when U2 came in for a concert during the summer of 2012, setting steel plates all over the field during the course of setting up for and performing the concert. Unfortunately for Rogers, the grass he, professors, graduate and under-

graduate students grew died from lack of sunlight and had to be removed. In 2012, with the help of Rogers selecting the right farm to replace the grass, Graff’s Turf Farms in Fort Morgan, Colo,. sent 26 refrigerated trucks filled with sod to Spartan Stadium to give the field fans look at today. “The Spartans have the best grass field in America,” Blaha said. “(Sports Turf Manager) Amy Fouty was in charge of that, and she needs to be congratulated more than she is.” 2005 saw the priciest stadium transformation — $64 million — with the construction of new suites, press boxes and a new facade on the west end of Spartan Stadium. Caulcrick, who played through the stadium transformation, said he noticed the decibels grew as the tall tower kept the crowd noise on the field. “You go to Michigan and you’re at the Big House, but realistically that place is not loud because they pack the people in like sardines (and) the sound escapes,” Caulcrick said. “That is why we get a louder crowd at Spartan Stadium.”

frustration for the Wolverines.

hospitalized for a few days.

Sept. 18, 2010- Michigan State 34, Notre Dame 31 One of the most significant moments of Mark Dantonio’s tenure at MSU, the Spartans stole the show on a trick play called “Little Giants.” Lining up for a field goal with the opportunity to tie in overtime, punter Aaron Bates took the snap but instead stood up and fired a pass to tight end Charlie Gantt for a 29-yard touchdown to stun the Fighting Irish. The play also is remembered, as Dantonio suffered a mild heart attack after the game and was

Oct. 22, 2011- Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31 A year after Dantonio gave MSU “Little Giants,” he gave a “Rocket” encore. Trailing Wisconsin with four seconds to play, quarterback Kirk Cousins dropped back in the pocket before firing a deep pass to the end zone looking for someone — anyone — to catch the ball. The pass initially was tipped by a Wisconsin defender but found wide receiver Keith Nichol, who powered his way in for a touchdown, and a victory for the Spartans.

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SOLUTION TO THURSDAY’S PUZZLE

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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

1 Auto club offering 4 Gregory Peck role 8 Foster on a screen 13 Stretches of history 15 He actually played the lyre 16 Amherst sch. 17 Two-time NBA MVP Steve 18 Component of ocean H2O 19 Lawn game using lobbed missiles 20 Buff ancient ruler? 23 Attorney general before Thornburgh 24 Yank’s foe 25 Dudes 28 Own a few James Brown albums? 33 Fez, e.g. 36 Bankruptcy factor 37 Polynesian island nation 38 “Break __!” 40 Fare named for its shape 43 Fabric quantity 44 Mother of three French kings 46 Shiny fabric 48 Arctic coast explorer 49 Leaps over an oily mud puddle 53 DSL user’s need 54 Mao’s successor 55 Sticky-footed lizard 59 Beef baloney?

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Down

1 Common break hr. 2 Speak 3 Refuse 4 “Pitch Perfect” co-star Kendrick 5 Summer phenomenon 6 Curved support 7 Short jacket 8 Concession stand candy 9 Easternmost Arabian Peninsula country 10 “Dr. Strangelove” feature 11 Adherent’s suffix 12 Start to stop? 14 With 52-Down, grilled fare 21 Take control 22 Bottom line? 26 __ Gay 27 Ray in the ocean 29 Boxer’s attendant 30 Fall back 31 It’s a wrap 32 “Terrif!” 33 Pilgrim to Mecca

34 Diamond clan 35 Trophy case memento 39 Econ. measure 41 Bug 42 Earthbound bird 45 Crewman for 4-Across 47 Tech sch. grad 50 Slow boat 51 Hangs around the house? 52 See 14-Down 56 Pungent Thai dish 57 Play with, as clay 58 Gives the go-ahead 60 First name in folk 61 Cause wrinkles, in a way 62 Joel of “Wicked” 63 Water whirled 64 Some mil. bases 65 Edge

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MSU going pink at Saturday’s football game MSU plans to give students the opportunity to sport some pink with their green and white by partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to raise awareness about breast cancer during this week’s Homecoming football game on Saturday. The nonprofit health care organization will provide attendees with reversible cheer cards in Spartan Stadium that read ‘Go Green/ Go Pink’ or ‘Go White/Go Pink.’ “We’re partnering with the MSU Athletics Department to do the first game day take over at MSU,” said Andy Hetzel, vice president of corporate communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The athletic department will be distributing 75,000 cards at the game as fans enter. The department was excited to collaborate with their long-term partner, said Joe Rood, assistant director of sales and marketing at the MSU Athletics Department. Those attending the game should be looking at the video wall for cues for when to hold the cards up, Hetzel said. Spartan cheerleaders also will be holding the cards encouraging the same. In addition to the cheer cards, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will have two booths outside of the stadium where representatives of the organization will hand out information about early detection and prevention, in addition to spreading awareness about the organization’s kick cancer campaign. Nolly Dakroury

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Crime

McCowan emotional in court during testimony By Simon Schuster sschuster@statenews.com The State News nn

On the morning of Feb. 23, Connor McCowan recalled walking up the stairwell to MSU student Andrew Singler’s apartment, where he paused. According to his testimony in Ingham County Circuit Court, he took out the folding knife he had in his pocket and opened it, exposing the blade. He slid it back into his pocket before he entered his friend’s residence.

Connor McCowan took the stand and testified on Thursday in the trial charging him of murder McCowan took the stand and testified on Thursday afternoon in the trial charging him with Singler’s murder. During examination by the defense, he didn’t deny stabbing Singler, but said he never intended to cause Singler great bodily harm. “I didn’t know what would happen,” McCowan said. “I was trying to be on the safe side.” McCowan said he was upset after getting into a fight with Singler through text messages, telling the court he wanted Singler to know “I didn’t like the way he was talking to me.” But by the time he arrived at Singler’s apartment late that night, he said he had lost the will to fight. “I wanted to fix things and wanted to make up — We were best friends and shouldn’t have been talking like that to each other,” he said. Defense attorney Chris

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Bergst rom asked Con nor McCowan questions about summer days spent on Higgins Lake with Singler and his sister Shay McCowan, hoping to demonstrate their relationship as close, loyal friends. Singler had been dating Shay McCowan for more than two years before Singler’s death, and Connor McCowan became friends with Singler during that time as well. The defense portrayed Connor McCowan as a witness to his sister’s relationship and a friend on the sidelines to both, especially during their rough patches. Connor McCowan said Singler and Shay McCowan argued two or three times a month, often yelling and calling each other names after they had been drinking. Connor McCowan said he would act as a mediator. “It was a good relationship; (but) towards the end they argued more than they had in the past,” Connor McCowan said. “I didn’t like when names were called or things like that. I would just try to calm them down.” At about 3 a.m. Feb. 23, Connor McCowan received a text from Shay McCowan saying Singler had injured her during an argument. When Connor McCowan confronted Singler about the incident, the conversation quickly turned heated. Singler repeatedly texted Connor McCowan, calling him lewd insults and expressing his desire to fight according to evidence presented in court. Connor McCowan in large part reciprocated Singler’s provocations, at one point texting his sister “I’ll beat the shit out of (Singler), I’ll knock his f****** teeth out.” Although Connor McCowan knew his sister was safe and away from Singler, he still went to confront him, according to court testimony. After more than an hour exchanging the profanity and threat-laden messages, Connor

Julia Nagy/The State News

Randy McCowan comforts his, daughter Shay McCowan, during his son’s trial Thursday, at the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing. Connor McCowan is on trial for open murder after the Feb. 23 death of MSU student Andrew Singler.

McCowan parked at Singler’s apartment building at about 4 a.m. Before going inside, he said he took the knife out of the car’s middle console. “I was a little nervous, worried,” Connor McCowan said. After being buzzed into the building and walking up the stairs, Connor McCowan testified he walked into Singler’s hallway to find Tyler Aho, Singler’s roommate, trying to restrain Singler in the doorway of their apartment. “Tyler got pushed to the side, and before I knew it, Andrew was in front of me, punching me,” Connor McCowan said. “He hit me in the left eyebrow and the head.” The defense has alleged Singler concussed Connor McCowan, although the concussion was never reported and no medical treatment was given.

“I wanted to fix things and wanted to make up — we were best friends and shouldn’t have been talking like that to each other.” Connor McCowan, accused murder of MSU student

“I saw a bright white flash of light and immediately felt so disoriented, like I was dropped into the situation,” Connor McCowan said, sobbing. “I was terrified, I’ve never seen him so mad.” In between sobs, Connor McCowan testified that he thought he was going to die, and “just wanted to get (Singler) off me,” using the knife out of desperation. During the testimony of Connor McCowan’s mother Judy McCowan, a juror asked if Singler and Connor McCowan ever roughhoused during their friendship, and who would win. Judy McCowan said they had sever-

al times. “When Andrew and Connor would tussle around, Andrew would end up being on top,” Judy McCowan said. According to Connor McCowan’s testimony, after being stabbed, Singler folded his arms across his chest and staggered into the apartment. He followed Singler inside. “I turned to my left, and Tyler was there. I looked at Tyler and he put his hands up and he said ‘Dude, run,’ and I ran,” Connor McCowan said. “I didn’t know what to do.” The trial is set to continue 8:30 a.m. Friday.

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Opinion

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Celebrities continually invest in exposure by ripping each other apart via social media, and the general public eats it all up. Why are we all so consumed by the interactions of attention-hungry stars?

LEasers rush students, cause unnecessary panic EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Kullgren editor in chief Summer Ballentine opinion editor Celeste staff representative Anya Rath minority representative Olivia Dimmer staff reporter

“

Now leasing for 2014!” We’ve all seen the banners, signs, and online advertisements. Many, if not all, of the local leasing companies have opened the gates for students to begin signing their lives away for another year of housing. But why does it need to happen almost a year in advance? The answer: It doesn’t. There still are many housing options available well into spring semester for the next school year, but landlords and leasing companies like to pressure students to get their apartments and houses leased. For many leasing companies, panicked students plus early leasing means money in their

— Anya Rath, State News reporter

Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog. It ’s not ju s t pockets. When students feel the pressure to secure CRMC. It’s a citywide decent housing for the next school year, they problem. The only reason lotdon’t have time to shop around and end up paying more for an apartment or house they can tery systems and campouts find cheaper elsewhere. Or perhaps worse, they are necessary is because might sign a lease speedily without reading the housing companies create a panic among stufine print. dents that leads to a fear In the same way “as seen The fact that of inferior housing if they don’t on TV” commercials try to act fast. sell products for the low students have to Students also feel rushed to and not a stressful nightmare. As busy students, price of $19.95 by putting on camp out in front make fast decisions regarding we sometimes don’t even know what we plan on the timer or saying supplies roommates. will run out, leasing compa- of leasing offices having dinner for the night. Freshmen looking for offnies rush students into signHow can we make an decision about housing to get the housing campus housing for the 2014-15 a year in advance? ing leases without them ever school year have had roughly two having a chance to make an they want is unfair to Students should not buy into the season of months to meet people and find housing panic — take the time to carefully select informed decision. customers.” who they would like to have as a place to live. “We have a fair process,” a roommate. It’s nearly impossiCommunity Resource ManA year is a long time to spend in an apartment ble to make an educated decision or house, and students should take the proper agement Co., President about a roommate if they only precautions to ensure they are paying a fair price David Olson said after about 50 people camped out Wednesday night on the have been around for two months. and getting a good deal for their living quarters. Overly competitive housing could cause stuleasing company’s lawn for a shot to sign a lease Plenty of options are available well into the dents to choose roommates they ultimately won’t spring and summer. for next year. But the fact that students have to camp out in get along with. While we don’t advocate delaying housing Finding housing off campus should be a well- plans until the last minute, there is no need to front of leasing offices to get the housing they thought-out, informed process. Not a scramble, feel rushed or pressured. want is unfair to customers.

opinion column

editorial cartoonist

How to avoid CATAstrophe

isten up, all you mass tranDon’t listen to Gucci Mane sit miscreants. I’m sick and with your Beats By Dre headphones on full blast. I can tired of dealing with your hear it, too. Nothing against Gucoffenses. ci Mane, I’ve just never been I bought my $50 bus pass that big of a fan. Everyone has a right to have their own taste to enjoy the benefits of pubin music, just turn it down so I lic transportation, not to deal don’t have to suffer through it. with the smelly hoards of Know which door to use. I mouth-breathers that so often understand that doors are confushaunt my morning commute. ing contraptions, but for the sake So, for the common good of busof my sanity, I must explain the difgoers everywhere, I have drafted a ferences between the back door simple guide to common courtesy and the boarding door on the CATA that should be implemented whenbuses. If you’re sitting in the back or ever the bottom of a passenger’s anywhere near the back, go out the grimy shoe touches the equally back door. Don’t clog up traffic by grimy surface of CATA bus floors. running to the front to exit as othDon’t pull the cord 13 times if it’s already been pulled. One er passengers are trying to get on. Respect the personal space universal feature of the CATA busof others, but be willing to es are the yellow stop cords that run along either side of the interior give up your personal space if need be. If the bus bus wall. These cords, guest columnist is full and the aisles when pulled, signal are lined with standthe bus driver that a ing patrons, try and move passenger has requestto stand in the back to ed to get off at the next allow for other passenstop. I’m not sure how gers boarding the bus. If many passengers actua pregnant woman, elderally know this, but once ly person or a person with someone has pulled the small children gets on cord, you don’t need olivia dimmer the bus, give them prito pull it again. odimmer@statenews.com ority for seating. Many a time I’ve Holding on for dear been riding the life when the bus makes sudbus and have witnessed a disden stops and jolts is already diffitressed passenger yanking on cult without addthat cord as if they were trying ing in old age or a to use it as a pull-up bar, awaitbaby. Not only are ing the oh-so-satisfying baritone you making their voice to come on the speakers day easier, but it’s and announce, “Stop requested.” common courtesy. Stop pulling the freakin’ In fact, if other cord. The bus will stop. You will seats in the back get to HopCat on time to meet are open, sit there. your friends. Don’t you worry. Everyone Leave the seats in Personal hygiene: once has a the front for the considered a culturpeople who need al norm, now a commodright to them most. Addiity on urban transportahave their tionally, leave the tion. I didn’t know “rotting garown taste surrounding seats bage” came in so many variaopen for other peotions until I became a frequent in music, ple — don’t clutter rider of CATA buses. But unlike just turn them up with backYankee Candle scents, each new packs or personbody odor has proven to be slightit down al belongings. Put ly more repugnant than the last. so I don’t those on your lap. It’s one thing if you’re down Lastly, remem- have to on your luck and catching a ber to thank ride, but students should take suffer the bus drivthe time to shower before makthrough er. These blueing the journey to class. shirted heroes cart Not smelling bad seems simple it.” our butts around enough, but for students, washat all hours of ing away their own offensive body the day and night. They help stuodor seems to be considered a sin. dents get to classes on time, and As much as some riders enjoy they do their job the best they simmering in their own juiccan. They deal with rude passenes, it really puts a damper on the gers on a daily basis — Don’t make whole bus-riding atmosphere. them deal with another one. There is a beautiful prodIn general, use common sense uct for sale in most convewhen riding the bus. It’s not rocknience stores that could solve et science. Follow the rules, don’t this problem: deodorant. For be a pain and maybe one day utime, a daily ritual called “bathlizing public transportation can ing” usually does the trick. be something we actually enjoy. I sure hope the trend of showOlivia Dimmer is a State ering daily catches on soon, News staff reporter. Reach her because I’m not sure how much at odimmer@statenews.com. more my nostrils can take.

“

Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com

thursday’s poll results JUST SO YOU KNOW

Today’s state news poll

No 30% None 74% One 23% Yes 62%

Should MSU tear Spartan Village down?

Have you signed a lease for 2014-15 yet? To vote, visit statenews. com.

No 38% 0

40 50 60 PERCENT

Total votes: 48 as of 5 p.m. Thursday

Comments from readers

To share your thoughts on this story or any other stories, visit statenews.com.

“If Spartan Village goes, students pay the price” “Think about it people. That’s 1000 people (or more) displaced, looking for a new place to live, saturating the market completely. (The majority wouldn’t move back to campus dorms- hello, families? Grad students with an independence?) Demand will be up, which means prices will be up. This doesn’t just affect the students living there, it creates a ripple effect for all other renters.”

“That place is a dump and is an insult to the rest of our beautiful campus. We welcome the green space. The Cherry Lane transformation is a perfect example.” SpartanDawg, Oct. 10

A Grad Student, Oct. 10

“When are you going to realize the University doesn’t care for the students.”

“I disagree, the university needs more green space. Ideally we would tear down most of our buildings and convert the entire campus to green space. Imagine the energy savings!”

Guest, Oct. 10

Yuckitup, Oct. 10

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 Summer Ballentine at 517-432-3070. By email opinion@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

Campus+city business

State bill could keep bars open later, but city officials skeptical By Michael Gerstein mgerstein@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Ever go out for a few beers, stumble toward the clock and realize it’s already 2 a.m., but still need to pound a few more? A new bill could let patrons imbibe later into the night, but some East Lansing officials aren’t sold on the idea. A new bill from state Sen. Virgil Smith, D-Detroit, would allow bars to stay open two hours later — a move supporters hope would make Michigan cities more competitive with metropolitan areas such as Chicago or New York City. The proposal would allow downtown bars to extend their last call to 4 a.m., provided they have 360-degree surveillance cameras and a security person for every 50 customers on the premises. It also would give cities $500 from each new permit and $8,500 to local police departments, presumably to cover potential damages to property or increased patrol during the proposed additional two hours of liquor sales. Current regulation prohibits bars or restaurants from selling liquor between 2:30 and 7 a.m. Smith could not be reached for comment Thursday. As the legislation currently stands, cities wouldn’t have a choice — bars could start operating later without local government approval . East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said he doesn’t think cities would be able to adopt local ordinances overriding the law if it was ill-suited for a community. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for East Lansing,” Triplett said. “It’s bad public policy to create requirements that are the same for every community.” Triplett said if the bill allowed communities to adopt the measure themselves, “that would be a very different story,” but he worries there could be a spike in the number of fights with people drinking later in the night. Councilmember Kathleen Boyle said it “raises more questions than it does answers,” and that she doesn’t see the merits in offering alcohol two hours later. “Isn’t 2 a.m. late enough? I don’t know the answer to that question,” she said. “It sort of makes me giggle frankly. I don’t really know there would be more of a metropolitan feel.” The Michigan Municipal League and other groups also oppose it, citing the bill’s disregard for community input among the reasons. The Michigan Restaurant Association also seemed unenthused about the possibility. The bill’s current wording would allow only businesses within designated downtown development areas to extend their hours, creating an unfair advantage for downtown bars, said Justin Winslow, the MRA vice president of government affairs. Mike Krueger, general manager at Crunchy’s, said he doesn’t think it’s likely to pass. Even if it did, he said he’s not sure if people would stay out that late. “We’re not Chicago,” he laughed. East Lansing police Capt. Jeff Murphy said he doesn’t know if there would be a shift, but he did say it could be a nuisance with thousands of people pouring onto the streets later into the night. Murphy said the department already receives many noise complaints from families trying to sleep as latenight drinkers carouse. “At four in the morning, I think that problem would just be compounded,” he said.

stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | f riday, oc tob er 11, 2013 |

A page in the life

or Ryan Claytor, life is illustrated.

Claytor, who teaches comics studio courses at MSU and University of Michigan-Flint, self-published an autobiographical comic book series, “And Then One Day.” He’s been producing the comic since 2004. “I think it’s interesting to see what other people experience in this world and what they have to say,” Claytor said. “I wanted to share my experience with the world and see if it resonated with anyone.” Claytor started keeping a daily journal with autobiographical sketches, which slowly evolved into a book, after more people became curious about what he was drawing. Some of his books involve his personal experiences, while others delve into the objectivity of autobiographical work. For one of his books, he sat his friends down with a box of questions about himself, asking them to respond with their true opinions. Claytor also serves as the director of the MSU Comics Forum, a yearly event that brings together artists and scholars to celebrate graphic storytelling. Hunched over his work, Claytor lettered a page in his office. A few MSU Comics Forum post-

Photo courtesy of Ryan Cl ay tor

A section from Ryan Claytor’s “Better Together” comic book, which was an autobiographical tale of his relationship with his wife, Candace. Artist Ryan Claytor works on a comic Sept. 18, 2013, at his office in the Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture Building. Claytor produces a series of autobiographical comics called “And Then One Day.”

ers and a Peanuts characters clock decorate the small space. It’s isolating work, but Claytor said he enjoys it. “It’s one of the few media where a single artist has complete and total control,” Claytor said. “That’s something that makes it really exciting. I think we’re only starting to scratch the surface of what comics can do.”

Julia Nagy/The State News

— Julia Nagy, The State News

More online … To watch a video of Claytor working, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

housing

n ews b ri e f

Students wait hours for fall 2014 housing

ROAD CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR HOMECOMING PARADE THIS WEEKEND

By Justine McGuire jmcguire@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

At least 50 people camped out Wednesday night on the law n of Community Resource Management Co., or CRMC, to get the first crack at signing up for housing for the next academic year. People hoping to sign up for their top choices of houses or apartments had to arrive on Wednesday evening to put their name and house on a board to hold their choice. If the house they wanted already was being saved, Olson was on hand to help students find an alternative option. But not everyone found what they were looking for. Chemical engineering sophomore Ryan Stephen and his four roommates didn’t get any of the three houses they had picked out. They were left to decide if they wanted to blindly sign up for an apartment or rent through a different company. “It’s kind of like a hit in the gut,” Stephen said. “But it’s no big deal, because we have other options.” Next year, Stephen said he will investigate the market more thoroughly and get there earlier if he wants a CRMC house. In past years, the CRMC campout has spanned across many days, CRMC President David Olson said. Last 2012, applications were accepted on a Monday and people started camping out on Thursday. He changed the application day to a Thursday to reduce the length of the campout this year. The company owns more than 400 properties, making it the largest house leasing service in the area. Olson said students hop-

Khoa Nguyen/The State News

From left to right, criminal justice sophomore Dillon McGreal, advertising and communication sophomore Alex Byers, kinesiology junior Brandon Burke, and geography and geographic information sciences junior Brianna Gerondale set up camp outside the Community Resource Management Co. leasing office Wednesday afternoon.

ing to get a house with the company need to be serious about it and plan ahead. People started gathering across the street at Biggby Coffee around 3 p.m. Wednesday, he added. “We have a fair process,” he said. “There’s no backdoor deals. It’s first come, first serve.” He added that people who really wanted a specific house stayed all night and were happy with the end result when they knew they had secured their houses and apartments for next year. Improving the process will be a constant goal for CRMC, he said. Electrical engineering junior

Jeff Hancock and his future roommates didn’t get their first choice, but ended up with one of the six houses they had on their list. He said he believes the CRMC process is unnecessary and people should be able to sign up online. Mary Claire Abbott, an undecided freshman, got a house with four of her friends and most of them were present throughout the night, although CRMC only requires one person to be there. “I think it’s cool, but I think if you get your name on the board, you shouldn’t have to sleep here as long as you’re here at 7 a.m.,” Abbott said.

The Homecoming Parade is set to roll through East Lansing once again this weekend, and with it comes several road closures. On Friday, Abbot Road from Oxford Road to Burcham Drive will be closed from 3-7 p.m. Abbot Road from Burcham Drive to Grand River Avenue also will be closed between 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Grand River Avenue will be closed from 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. from the Abbot Road entrance to the Collingwood Drive entrance. There also will be closings near the Hannah Community Center on Abbot Road. Northlawn Street and Centerlawn Avenue going toward Forest Street to Abbot Road will be closed between 3-7 p.m. Evergreen Avenue from Centerlawn Avenue to Northlawn Street and Fern Street from Evergreen to Abbot Road will be closed between 3-7 p.m. The Hannah Community Center will close at noon to make way for a parade staging area. The East Lansing Public Library will close at 3 p.m. Geoff Preston

Check out The State News online:

www.statenews.com

Sports

state n e ws.com | The State N ews | Fr iday, Octob er 11, 2013 |

#SNDailynumber

sports editor Matt Sheehan, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

volleyball

football

Seasons MSU has gone undefeated at home since Spartan Stadium opened in 1923.

Spartan defense to tackle tough Hoosier ‘O’ VOLLEYBALL PREPS FOR

BIG WEEKEND IN CONFERENCE PLAY

By Stephen Brooks sbrooks@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS

By Omari Sankofa II

The 2013 edition of MSU’s defense might be the best yet under head coach Mark Dantonio, and no one wants to talk about it. Not Dantonio. Not senior linebacker Max Bullough, the unit’s centerpiece the last three seasons. And definitely not defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, who rarely opts to heap on praise. The Spartans (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) lead the nation in total defense, rushing defense, opponent third-down conversions and pass efficiency defense. Opponents average just 3.28 yards per play against MSU, which also is the best in the country. At the same point a year ago, MSU ranked in the top-10 in just two of those categories. “I’m more just thinking about the next play, the next drive, the next series, winning the next game, whatever it is,” Bullough said. “I don’t really stop and think and pat myself on the back until after the season.” Perhaps it’s wise to hold the applause, though, with the high-powered Hoosier offense coming to East Lansing for a noon Homecoming matchup. Averaging 535 yards and more than 44 points per contest, Indiana (3-2, 1-0) boasts the Big Ten’s best statistical offense. The Hoosiers employ an uptempo spread offense predicated on throwing the ball around the perimeter and putting their skill players in one-on-one situations in space. Third-year Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson was the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma when Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy, and the Sooners set the NCAA record for points in a season

osankofa@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

This weekend, the No. 7 MSU volleyball team (15-1 overall, 4-0 Big Ten) will stay at home as they take on Iowa (9-7 overall, 0-4 Big Ten) on Friday and No. 9 Nebraska (11-2 overall, 4-0 Big Ten) on Saturday. Iowa is the easier of the two games. The Hawkeyes have struggled in Big Ten play thus far.

Head coach Cathy George said the program has its work cut out for it with two challenging foes Khoa Nguyen/ The State News

Sophomore defensive end Shilique Calhoun runs towards the end zone after intercepting a pass from South Florida quarterback Bobby Eveld Sept. 7, at Spartan Stadium.

in 2008. It presents a challenge unlike other offenses in the Big Ten, and the breakneck pacing gave MSU some trouble in the first half last year. Indiana’s scoring prowess will provide a different test for the Spartans and potentially threaten their pristine statistics. “It’s players, it’s schemes, it’s coaching,” Wilson said when asked what makes MSU’s defense special. “It’s a tremendous package, one of the best in the country, and no slight because there’s some really good teams and defenses in our league.” To help replicate the pace it will see Saturday, MSU assembled two separate teams to run plays at the defense in practices this week, Dantonio said. Like his captain and middle linebacker, Dantonio said he’ll hold the applause for his defenders until after the

“I’m more just thinking about the next play, the next drive, the next series. Winning the next game, whatever it is.” Max Bullough, MSU senior linebacker

season. “But I do believe this is an excellent defense that we have,” Dantonio said. “I do believe that there’s a lot of pride there based on things statistically right now. We’re playing extremely well. But the key is, do you play well against every football team that you play against? I think, because every football team that you play against is going to bring a different mentality or concept or the way they do things to you, you have to be able to adjust every single week.” A team willing to throw the ball all over the field is a dream matchup for senior safety Isaiah Lewis, who saw senior cor-

nerback Darqueze Dennard snag a pair of interceptions last week. For Lewis, elevating the bar past the elite defenses of 2011 and 2012 serves as motivation. Along with depth, the unit’s biggest strength is experience and knowledge in the system, he said. “You always want to be on the same page with an offense like that,” Lewis said. “They’re going fast, so you have to know your defense, you have to know what you’re doing already and that’s what we do. We know the defense already, so the challenge is to go against their offense.”

However, their 6-2 formation, which is offensively oriented with six attackers in the game at any given point, could give MSU defensive problems. “We’re going to make sure our block does what it needs to do and get set up,” head coach Cathy George said . “A tough matchup on that night.” Iowa also is a capable defensive team, leading the Big Ten in digs per game. George said despite Iowa being toward the bottom of the standings, they are a team MSU shouldn’t take for granted. “They are a fiesty team and they play real hard,” she said. “They force you to be patient and to be strong and to be disciplined throughout your game.” On Homecoming night, hours after the MSU football team takes on Indiana, the volleyball team will face Nebraska. It’s a critical match for several reasons. By beating a volleyball powerhouse such as Nebraska, MSU would put another stamp on a season that

“They are a feisty team and they play real hard. They force you to be patient and to be strong.” Cathy George, MSU volleyball head coach

already has been historically good for the program. MSU and Nebraska also are the last two teams that remain undefeated in Big Ten play. Assuming both teams win their Friday matches (Nebraska will face Michigan), a team will lose its undefeated status after Saturday. “Just being a really, really solid team they bring in the serving side, they’re passing well, they’re playing defense well, they’re blocking,” George said. “They’re a pretty good team, so we got our work cut out for us.” A key position battle will be between Nebraska senior outside hitter Kelsey Robinson and MSU senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski. Both players are the reigning Co-Big Ten Volleyball Player of the Week. Robinson is this week’s reigning National Player of the Week, an honor Wicinski won last week. Robinson also is senior setter Kristen Kelsay’s former high school teammate, adding more flair to the matchup. “They’re good, old friends from high school, and she brings a lot of flavor to that team,” George said of Robinson. It’s a pivotal weekend for MSU as the players look to continue their ascent in the AVCA coaches poll. MSU will play Iowa at 7 p.m. on Friday and Nebraska at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

7 Sports | T h e Stat e Ne ws | fri day, o cto be r 11, 2013 | state n e ws.com

Exhibition provides chances for young team to shine By Zach Smith zsmith@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

I n the Spartans’ 4-1 exhibition win against Western Ontario, it wasn’t the seniors who had the biggest impact , but the underclassmen. All three stars were from the freshman and sophomore classes. Sophomore forward Michael Ferrantino was the No. 1 star with a goal and an assist, freshman for ward Villiam Haag came in at No. 2 with a goal and a team-high six shots, and sophomore goalie Jake H i ldebr a nd r ou nde d out the group with his 20-save performance. “It was a good opportunity today to give a lot of guys some game experience,” head coach Tom Anastos said. “It was good for those guys to get a little better tempo than we’ve been able to create so far.” Freshman forward Mackenzie MacEachern and freshman forward Thomas Ebbing were paired on the third line with junior forward Brent Darnell. Both are from Troy, Mich., and both played in the United States Hockey League with the

Chicago Steel. A nastos said he put the pair on the same line at the last minute, and he wanted to pair up other young players that have played together in the past. “Up until yesterday, I kept M ac E ac he r n a nd E bbi n g separate because it seems like their whole life they’ve played together, but I liked t heir chemistr y,” he said. “Darnell added a physical presence to that group. Ferrantino and (freshman forward Joe) Cox played together years ago.” Cox especially impressed Anastos, finishing with one goal and two shots in his first game in green and white. For senior for ward Greg Wolfe , it’s special to have a freshman class that possesses many different qualities but fits in with the existing group so well. “We’ve got four, five different players in that class that play different and that’s kind of the special thing about them,” Wolfe said. “They’re all physical, but they bring a different element. Cox is penalty killing and working hard, (freshman forward JT Stenglein) is getting shots on goal,

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Sophomore center Michael Ferrantino looks to pass between Western Ontario centers Adam McKee, 16, and Steve Reese, 11, during the game Wedneday at Munn Ice Arena. The Spartans defeated the Mustangs, 4-1. Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Haag’s using his body.” Redshirt freshman defender Rhett Holland made his first appearance since last October against Lake Superior State and contribut-

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Employment

Apts. For Rent

Houses/Rent

Textbooks

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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.

t he puck, it was just getting back into it and (being) a little bit nervous at times. It’s nice to get a game under my belt and hopefully, we can keep moving forward.”

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Employment

PET CARE looking for hardworking individual F/T days and wknds. Animal exp preferred. Resume to Melissa @ PO Box 277 Haslett 48840.

the ice, but this game was a stepping stone to get the team moving in the right direction. “I liked that I kept it simple,” Holland said. “I wa sn’t wor r ied w it h

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Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING

Aries (march 21-April 19) Today is a 6 — Write or record your ideas. Continue to increase enthusiasm. Except for right now, when there could be a breakdown ... more research is required. Love gives you extra patience. Be careful now. Go ahead and get started. taurus (April 20-may 20) Today is a 6 — A friend’s change in plans alters your anticipated expenses. Work it out. Take the philosophical high road. Resist spending for the time being. Consider it all with a sense of humor. Research gets fascinating. gemini (may 21-June 20) Today is a 6 — Make travel plans, although you have more at home than you may realize. Continue to increase creative output. Generate a little controversy. Veto power could get exercised. Intuition guides you. Keep completing tasks and decreasing obligations. Your outlook shifts. cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 6 — Make your move already. An emergency at work requires full attention. Postpone travel and commitment. You’re gaining influence. Expand your understanding. Push hard to finish a project, and start a journey another day. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — Share a dream with associates, and advance a level when they sign on. Stay cool and move quickly. Practice what you preach. Shift emotional direction. Consider consequences before acting. Keep increasing your authority this week. Build organizational structures.

FAL L HO U SIN G G U I DE

PUBLISHES ON OCTOBER 16TH

Virgo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) Today is a 6 — Stand up for what you know is right. Watch your step, though. Build a strong foundation. Get what you need. Have it delivered. Bring order out of chaos. Find the fun in the situation and grow that.

Libra (sept. 23-oct. 22) Today is a 6 — Your status rises. Review recent action to gain greater insight. Store books and papers. Stay out of somebody else’s argument. Check equipment before launching. Continue to gather data. Relax, and it will come naturally. scorpio (oct. 23-nov. 21) Today is a 6 — You get a jump on the rest of the pack. Don’t gamble. Keep doing your homework. Be diplomatic. Gain more than expected, although there may be a disappointment as well. Take time to pamper yourself with creature comforts. sagittarius (nov. 22-dec. 21) Today is a 7 — You’re moving up. Make adaptations to your living arrangements. Revive old associations and friendships. Career opportunities percolate. Check work orders for changes. Plan your strategy so you can strike while the iron is hot. capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 — Take it one step farther. Stay flexible when something you try doesn’t work. Open your heart, but don’t tell all, yet. Watch for hidden complications. Don’t get intimidated. Maintain objectivity in a controversy. Finish up and reward yourself with a treat. Aquarius (Jan. 20-feb. 18) Today is a 6 — You and your team accomplish more than expected. Share expenses. Keep playing and expand the game. Apply theories logically. Maintain your eye on the ball. Anxiety could push you to act too soon. Review your wish list. pisces (feb. 19-march 20) Today is a 5 — New possibilities open up, including an interesting development. You’ll need to choose! Cut stress by relaxing with friends. Consider ideas as you apply elbow grease to a household chore. Keep practicing. You’re gaining wisdom. Be willing to expand.

8 | T he Stat e N e ws | F r iday, o cto be r 1 1 , 201 3

staten ews.com

Features

Features editor Isabella Shaya, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

Homecoming

com m u nit y

Events this weekend

Comic book writer Geoff Johns greets fans and signs books after his lecture Wednesday at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. Johns is an alumnus and the chief creative officer of DC Entertainment.

Friday

Saturday

Sororities and fraternities will face off in a step showdown. General admission is $10. Bring canned goods and lightly worn clothing or hygiene products for $7 admission. 7 p.m., 509 Burcham Dr.

Pre-registration is required. 9-11 a.m., Kellogg Center

Homecoming step show

Alumni concert Alumni rock band Dryvel from Lake Orion, Mich., is performing this weekend. Admission is $8. 7 p.m., Mac’s Bar

MSU Alumni Association Green and White Brunch

Family weekend tailgate Association of Future Alumni are welcoming families to campus with a tailgate. Preregistration is required. 9-11:30 a.m., Auditorium field by the rock on Farm Lane

Sunday

City of East Lansing Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Valley Court Park Ariel Ellis

Irum Ibr ahim/The State News

Grand marshal: alumnus and comic writer By Ariel Ellis aellis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

To supplement this year’s Homecoming “Creating Spartan Super Heroes” theme, comic creator and alumnus Geoff Johns has returned to campus as this year’s grand marshal. Johns has worked with film director and producer Richard Donner on movies including “Conspiracy Theory” written episodes of the TV show “Smallville” and co-produced the action movie “Green Lantern.” Johns also has transformed the look of iconic superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and The Flash — characters he has favored since childhood.

“I’ve always g rav itated towards Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Justice League and all those guys,” Johns said. “In the ‘80s, when I read a lot of things like Frank Miller’s ‘Dark Knight Returns’ … There were a lot of fantastic creators that, for me, really revitalized DC Comics … And really inspired me because they were so good.” Johns is an author of a few The New York Times’ best-selling graphic novels, including “Green Lantern: Rage of the Red Lanterns” and “Justice Society of America: Thy Kingdom Come, Part 3.” Johns graduated from MSU in 1995 with a degree in telecommunication media arts and film. In writing the comic “Justice League #1,” Johns said he

focused heavily on the individual personalities of the characters to create the comic. “I think everyone looks at the Justice League and assumes that they’re all friends,” Johns said. “I played to that perception too, but behind closed doors, Green Lantern drives Batman crazy. When you focus on these A-list characters, it’s all about their interaction.” Considering this year’s theme, MSU Alumni Association Group Travel and Events Coordinator Regina Cross said Johns was the natural choice for grand marshal. “His name surfaced after an editor of the alumni magazine did an interview with him a couple of years ago,” Cross said. “He’s an MSU alumnus, he

works in the comic book industry and knows a lot about superheroes. He fits this year’s theme perfectly, and we’re honored to have him.” Johns said his advice to any young writer, artist or creator is to take advantage of the opportunities you are given. “It’s all about taking the opportunity,” Johns said. “Michigan State has the biggest comic library in the world. If you want to be a creator, you have to put yourself in a position where you are writing, drawing, creating your own comic books and reading a lot of comic books.” Johns currently is employed by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. and is working on the TV series “Arrow,” and upcoming shows “Flash” and “Gotham.”

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