State News The
On the banks of the Red Cedar... MSU students and alumni alike value the Red Cedar River as an important landmark on campus, but pollution and widespread neglect might be affecting its legacy. SEE PAGES 6-7. MSU seniors Will LaMilza and Vincenza Randazzo enjoy the view near the Red Cedar River June 6, 2015. This is their first time having an romantic picnic near the river. PHOTO: JOSHUA ABRAHAM
OPINION
F E AT U R E S
SPORTS
MSU students need to stop major shaming
“What we’re able to achieve is a much more professional endeavor ... a much better viewing experience for the audience.”
Breslin Center undergoing first of two major renovations
Students should worry about their own futures, not their peers — PAGE 2
Rob Roznowski, associate professor of theatre, on the new outdoor stage for Summer Circle Theatre — PAGE 10
The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by August 2017 — PAGE 12
T HU R S DAY, JUN E 11, 2 015
@THESNEWS
STAT ENEWS .COM
Opinion
Rachel Fradette Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnewsopinion
MSU students need to stop major shaming
C A R TO O N
BY RACHEL FRADETTE RFRADETTE@STATENEWS.COM
DEON HOWARD
W E D N E S DAY ’ S R E S U LT S
OPINION P O LL
Do you think MSU is a place that celebrates different perspectives and individuality?
74% — Absolutely. MSU is a place where you can be yourself no matter what. 15% — No. I haven’t really found my place at MSU. I don’t think it’s an accepting place. 11% — I haven’t noticed either way. TOTAL VOTES: 114 AS OF 12 P.M. WEDNESDAY
E D I TO R I A L
Next week, The State News editorial board will discuss East Lansing’s recent decriminilzation of marijuana. To let us know your thoughts on this matter, please email opinion@statenews.com
In my first year at MSU I have already noticed how ridiculous people can be about their majors, especially when they see themselves as superior because of their major. One thing every college student needs to realize is that no matter what major you choose, you still have to find a job. Engineering and medical field-related jobs are definitely in demand, but that doesn’t mean all other majors don’t have a shot at finding a job post-graduation. When I chose my major, I went for my passion. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ll be rich; I probably won’t, but I’ll be happy. I just could not see myself doing anything that wasn’t journalism. Unfortunately, in this day and age students are terrified to pursue something they love because the job market is so unpredictable.
However, I a m a huge defender of the idea that you should do what you love and the money will come. If I chose something I could succeed at but would be painful for me to do, than I’d be living my life as someone I’m not. Ever yone needs to stop shaming each other’s major and attacking certain career choices with stereotypes. Engineers k now how to communicate effectively and English majors are well-rounded enough to get a job. Communication majors aren’t slackers who don’t have to study, and pre-med majors have lives. It always depends on the person and their goals. Categorizing each and every person based upon their major is not only stupid, but extremely limiting. If everyone spent as much time building each other up as they do bringing each other down than students would stop feeling inferior for pursuing what they love. Maybe it’s the competitive nature or superiority complex that certain students feel, but someone who isn’t studying what you’re studying isn’t below you. I cannot believe the amount of times I have been given a look or have been laughed
at because, in a room full of business and engineering students, I am the only journalism student. I made my choice and I’m proud that I went with my gut. However, it doesn’t make it easier when you’re trying to succeed in your major and all you hear is just how easy it must be. People have no proof that it is a less-demanding major, they choose to say so only because it’s different from the norm. On campus, my major is far outnumbered by the other schools and departments. I like that my choice is unique and I have met some of the most creative people through the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. ap I don’t know what it is, but in advertising and journalism, among other majors, everyone thinks outside of the box. Even though you may be tempted to put yourself on a pedestal, consider this: another person’s success or choice does not take away from your own. College students, it’s time to stop major shaming and just worry about your own future. Rachel Fradette is The State News opinion editor. Reach her at rfradette@statenews.com
Caitlyn Jenner reminds us there is no excuse for ignorant behavior toward transgender community
Before I start this column, I’d like to make one thing abundantly clear: I’m not the best person to talk to about this issue. I am not a transgender person and I don’t really know anyone who is. There are a plethora of people who have more knowledge and experience regarding this topic, and who are, therefore, far better equipped to write a column on it. However, I am a vocal supporter of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community and feel like I need to speak up. After speaking with the MSU LBGT Resource Center, I was informed of things I didn’t previously know, and now I feel I can adequately defend my opinion. For the past week, my Facebook newsfeed
has been filled with opinions on Caitlyn Jenner. I’ve seen people both support and criticize her decision to transition from Bruce Jenner, a male, to Caitlyn Jenner, a female. If I’m being totally honest, I’ve unfriended the majority of my Facebook friends who’ve criticized her or made her transition a joke. Why? Because it’s not their place to tell Caitlyn how to live her life. I’ve noticed a lot of the people shaming Caitlyn typically do so in the name of their religion. They insist God made “him” the way “he” was meant to be. Well, I hate to break it to you people, but not everyone believes in God. And even if you do believe in God, what about all of those Bible verses that go on and on about loving your neighbor and not judging them? To quote Matthew 7:2-3, “In the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” I could list a multitude of other verses that preach the same thing, but I think you get the point.
2
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 1 , 2 01 5
BY LESLIE HEMENWAY LHEMENWAY@STATENEWS.COM
THE STATE N E WS
I’ve also noticed a lot of people comparing Caitlyn to American troops, saying she isn’t a hero because, “being yourself isn’t brave.” Let’s get one thing straight — bravery isn’t a contest. It comes in a multitude of forms, all of which are valid. Caitlyn Jenner is brave and the troops are brave, one doesn’t discredit the other, and to think otherwise is rather silly, in all honesty. Furthermore, coming out as a transgender person, especially when you’re in the public eye, is in fact a pretty damn brave thing to do, considering how unwelcoming our society is overall toward transitioning. There’s a disproportionate number of transgender people murdered; one expert estimating a 1 in 12 chance a transgender woman living in the U.S. will be murdered. In addition, transgender people face a much higher risk of being discriminated against in terms of housing and healthcare. With all of this in mind, it’s honestly pretty damn stupid to say coming out as a transgender person isn’t brave. The funny thing is, critics who are saying Caitlyn isn’t brave are just demonstrating how unaccepting most of society is toward the trans-
gender community, and the furious backlash shows exactly how brave she is to transition, despite such blatant hate. I know people are going to be offended by this column. However, I’m not going to sit here and play nice while people are going out of their way to needlessly shame and belittle others. This is a pretty controversial issue right now, but it shouldn’t be. It all boils down to live and let live. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. No one has the right to dictate what other people do with their bodies or with their lives. To shame someone for being a transgender person is no different than shaming someone for their interests or hobbies. It’s bullying, it’s hurtful and there is no excuse for it. I fully support Caitlyn Jenner and the transgender community as a whole. There are a lot of issues and fights still needing to be won, but I do believe our society is slowly, but surely, starting to make some progress. And to those who continue to bash Caitlyn Jenner, I’ll leave you with this: worry about your own life. L e slie Hemenwa y i s T he State Ne ws East Lansing reporter. Reach her at lhemenway@ statenews.com
Contents INSIDE
Meng Long Li faces up to 4 years in prison for karaoke assault
State-wide campus sexual assault prevention summit held in Lansing
Following City Council charter amendment, Park District renovations possible
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
PAGE 9
Recent MSU graduate Rob Martens squats 275 pounds June 9 at the IM SportsWest. Martens has been weightlifting since playing football freshman year in high school. “It’s a great stress reliever, I feel better when I lift.” Martens is a member of the fraternity Sigma Pi and plans on going to Nursing School. PHOTO: JOSHUA ABRAHAM
Correction:
W E E K LY N U M B E R
In the June 2 story on the Wharton Center’s new leadership staff, Greg Weber was incorrectly identified as the ‘director.’ His position is Director of Operations and Administration.
17
“One of the issues we have with the river is that students are coming to campus with a preconceived idea that the river is polluted and it’s dirty.” Ruth Kline-Robach, from the Institue of Water
Total number of MSU Football commits for the class of 2016, dubbed ‘The Dream Team.’ See page 12.
Research, on the Red Cedar River. See Page 6.
VOL . 105 | NO. 147 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 Griffin Engel 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, weekly on Thursdays during the summer. 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.
THUR SDAY, JUNE 11, 2015
EDITORIAL STAFF (517) 432-3070 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AJ Moser CONTENT EDITOR Michael Kransz OPINION EDITOR Rachel Fradette COPY CHIEF Amber Parsell DESIGN EDITOR Lauren Shields Copyright © 2015 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich.
THE STAT E NE WS
3
News
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
One year and two trials later, alumnus found guilty of karaoke bar assault BY RYAN SQUANDA RSQUANDA@STATENEWS.COM
Meng Long Li, the 25-yearold MSU alumnus charged with the assault of MSU student Yan Li with a plastic water pitcher the evening of Jan. 31, 2014, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery June 4. He faces up to four years in prison. The case was one of the more interesting ones to happen in East Lansing as of late. It took nearly a year to bring to trial, involved an alleged Chinese student gang known as “Chengguan,” and even took a retrial to reach a verdict after a jury in February was unable to come to a decision. What follows is a complete recap of the case. WHAT STARTED IT ALL On Nov. 23, 2013, MSU students Meng Long Li and Yan Li were involved in a scuffle at Hong’s Cafe, a Chinese restaurant located near the corner of Lake Lansing and Hagadorn. Flash-forward to the night of Jan. 31, 2014 and Meng Long Li and Yan Li meet again in
MENG LONG LI
Limit Pool & Karaoke Club in Meridian Township. Yan Li alleges he saw Meng Long Li and, being afraid of some sort of retaliation, fled back to his private karaoke room. Meng Long Li confirms he did confront Yan Li that night but said it was to find out why Yan Li was asking around for his phone number. He felt Yan Li was trying to “stir something up” from the earlier November scuffle. Yan Li said it was Meng Long Li, along with MSU student Shan Gao, who followed him
RENTS BOOKS BUYS BOOKS SELLS BOOKS WE ACCEPT SPARTAN CASH
MSU & LCC SUMMER
TEXTBOOKS NOW
AVAILABLE! SUMMER HOURS
Mon-Fri 9-6
Sat 10-5
Sun 12-5
421 E. Grand River. • E. Lansing
351-4210 LCC classes start this week! 4
THE STATE N E WS
Ingham County assistant prosecutor Kimberly Hesse holds up a plastic water pitcher while cross-examining MSU alumnus Meng Long Li Jan. 30 at 30th Circuit Court in the Ingham County Courthouse, 341 S. Jefferson St., Mason, Michigan. The water pitcher is a major piece of evidence involved in crimes that were committed Jan. 31, 2014, at Limit Pool & Karaoke Club, 2800 E. Grand River Ave. and had been used to repeatedly beat the student who was attacked that evening. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
back into his private karaoke room and beat him over the head with a plastic water pitcher. Yan Li received 3 sutures and 10 staples in the back of his head from the assault. Meng Long Li, on the other hand, said that while he did go into Yan Li’s karaoke room, it was to stop any sort of fight from taking place. Meng Long Li would later testify in court he mentioned to a friend that Yan Li was looking for his phone number, and it’s that which got some of the alleged members of Chengguan Meng Long Li was with that night to get worked up and go into the room and commit the crime. Early the next morning, Meng Long Li heard a knock on the door of his dorm room in Owen Hall and was brought in by the Meridian Police for questioning. Despite not having any scratches, cuts or blood on his clothes from the assault, Meng Long Li was arrested. TRIAL BEGINS Based on the pending assault charges to both Gao and the since-graduated Meng Long Li, the first trial began on Jan. 26. Ingham County assistant prosecutor Kimberly Hesse alleged the defendants were part of a gang of Chinese students that call themselves Chengguan, the alleged members of which were present in both
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 1 , 2 01 5
the November and January scuffles. She alleged the group picks fights among the Chinese student population at MSU to assert their dominance. In China, Chengguan is a lower level police authority. Their main duty is to clean the streets and write parking tickets, but some witnesses in the case testified that they have a bad reputation for taking advantage of the poor. On the other hand, defense attorney Chris Bergstrom and defendant Meng Long Li denied any sort of gang affiliation and stood by their statements that it is a case of misidentification. In the trial, both defendants Meng Long Li and Gao confirmed the assault took place, but denied gang affiliations and involvement in the assault. On Feb. 5, a jury found Gao not guilty, while a hung jury is declared in the trial against Meng Long Li. Within days, news outlets reported the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office will pursue a retrial against Meng Long Li. PLEA DEAL OFFERED TO MENG LONG LI Prior to Meng Long Li’s retrial set to begin on May 26, he was offered a plea deal on April 7. The deal would have reduced his charges to a one-year misdemeanor of aggravated assault, as opposed
to the maximum 10-year felony he was facing at the time. Three weeks later, on April 28, Meng Long Li rejected the offer. RETRIAL On May 26, the retrial began. Witness testimonies on both sides spanned several days and finally ended on June 3. Closing arguments were given on June 4, and later that afternoon the jury found Meng Long Li guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery. The 25-year-old MSU alumnus who was headed to graduate school at Columbia University now faces up to four years in prison. His sentencing is set for July 15.
ONLINE
Follow the latest developments in the ongoing court case against five teenage women accused of beating an MSU student with a baseball bat at statenews.com
News
RELIGIOUS GUIDE
Lawmakers, university officials discuss unifying campus sexual assault prevention statewide
Look for this directory in the paper every Wednesday and online at: www.statenews.com/religious
BY JOSH THALL JTHALL@STATENEWS.COM
On June 8, the Snyder administration announced a $500,000 proposal for the 2016 fiscal year budget to go toward preventing sexual assault on college and university campuses. The announcement came from Michigan State Police director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue at the Let’s End Campus Sexual Assault summit, hosted by Michigan’s first lady Sue Snyder. The money will be offered to colleges and universities statewide in the form of grants they can apply for to create new programs aimed at sexual assault prevention. “It really allows colleges and universities to be creative, to be thoughtful and to be forward-looking,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. Rick Snyder said the government’s only real involvement with the grant program will be to make sure the money is spent in a way that will benefit the state and its colleges and universities. “Let’s get the community involved,” Rick Snyder said. “Let’s do this from the grassroots, from the universities and colleges to come up with ideas of how we can learn from one another. It brings up the concept of innovation and creativity about a very important and sensitive topic.” Etue said this the first time the state of Michigan has dedicated general funds that will work to prevent sexual assault in Michigan. The Michigan State Police will administer the grant. Details will be worked out over the next year by a committee consisting of a diverse group of people, from college administrators to law enforcement, legislators, experts and more — to ensure everybody’s needs are met, Etue said. She said the grant money can not be used to replace existing prevention programs, it has to be used to educate and/or create new programs and initiatives aimed at preventing sexual assault on college campuses. “$500,000 will not go very far, but it’s a good start,” Etue said. “And I think what we can look at is what is the need out there? What are some of the innovative ideas that we could educate and look toward prevention on college campuses? I think we will see a lot of good applications, and we’ll take it from there.” State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, was a co-sponsor of the summit and said she would like to see some of the grant money go toward educating students.
“There are certain rights under Title IX. Andhow many of those students out there on our college campuses know their rights if they are the victim of sexual assault?” Schuitmaker said. “I myself am an attorney and I did not know that these students had these rights.” Over the past several years, survivors have successfully sued colleges and universities in both federal and state courts for ignoring known situations of harassment, which is illegal under Title IX, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Rick Snyder said the issue of campus sexual assault has been a priority of his administration for a long time, and is excited about the discussion and dialogue between colleges, universities and the community. “I think this is a good learning opportunity for those institutions and how we can share and be stronger together,” Rick Snyder said. First lady Sue Snyder said the issue of campus sexual assault has become personal to them since their youngest daughter, Kelsey, went to college last year. Sue Snyder said she was disturbed by the inconsistencies of how sexual assault is handled at different colleges and universities in Michigan. “It really came to light what’s going on,” Sue Snyder said. “These kids are out having new experiences, first time away from home, and there’s alcohol, there’s new environments, new acquaintances. We’ve got to put an end to (sexual assault).” In 2013, there were 159 reported cases of sexual assault on college campuses across Michigan, which is almost a 34 percent increase from the 119 reported cases in 2011, according to a report from Bridge. State Rep. Marilyn Lane, D-Fraser, said she believes a unified system of reporting and dealing with sexual assault on all of Michigan’s college and university campuses could be beneficial. “It’s just like we’re trying to call 911 when you need help, or 211 when you look for resources,” Lane said. “To be able to have a unified program in place that everybody could become aware of and that this system would be effective in doing well, helping victims become survivors.” Sue Snyder said one of the main objectives of the summit was to get college and university officials from around the state together, to begin the discussion of what methods work best to prevent sexual assault. Sue Snyder said she will be traveling to colleges and universities across the state once the fall semester begins to see what the school administrators took away from the summit, what’s working and what’s not. “While we might not like to believe it, sexual assault can happen anywhere and to anyone,” Sue Snyder said. “Our colleges and universities are already taking positive steps to prevent these crimes, but there is always more that can be done.” “Led by our students, our university representatives or our community experts on this topic, I know this summit was just a first step in a movement that can and will make Michigan a leading state in preventing assault, and protecting our young people.” Individuals from MSU Students for Choice walk during the V-Day march Feb. 28 from the Union on 49 Abbot Road to the Wharton Center on 750 East Shaw Ln. Individuals taking part in the march held signs protesting sexual violence and rape culture. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
THUR SDAY, JUNE 11, 2015
THE STAT E NE WS
5
Ascension Lutheran Church 2780 Haslett Rd., E. Lansing Between Hagadorn & Park Lake Rds. (517) 337-9703 Sunday Worship: 10am Sunday School: 9am Adult Bible Study: 9am ascensioneastlansing.org Faith Fellowship Baptist Church 1001 Dakin St. Lansing, MI 48912 517-853-9897 Sunday Morning Worship: 11am Sunday School: 10am Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study: 6:30pm Van service available to church Campus Bible Study: Thursday at 7:30pm in Chemistry Bldg. www.ffbc.us First Baptist Church of Okemos 4684 Marsh Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-2830 www.fbcokemos.org/worship Sunday worship: 10:45am Zelos Wednesday: 7pm night worship for summer Greater Lansing Church of Christ 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 898-3600 Sunday Worship: 8:45am Sunday Bible Study: 10:15am Sunday Evening: Small Group Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm www.greaterlansingcoc.org Hillel Jewish Student Center 360 Charles St., E. Lansing (517) 332-1916 Friday Night Services: 6pm, Dinner: 7pm September - April Islamic Center of East Lansing 920 S. Harrison Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-4309 www.Lansingislam.com info@Lansingislam.com 1st Friday Prayer: 12:15 pm 2nd Friday Prayer: 1:45 pm
Little Flock Christian Fellowship A Non-DenominationalEvagelical Church MSU Alumni Chapel (Basement Hall) Sunday Worship Service: 10am-12 Noon. Fellowship Lunch after the service Weekly Bibly Studies & Students’ Meetings. littleflock.msu@gmail.com littleflock@hotmail.com www.littleflock.org Martin Luther Chapel 444 Abbot Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-0778 martinlutherchapel.org Sunday: 9:30am & 7:00pm Mini-bus pick-up on campus (Fall/Spring) Okemos Community Church 4734 Okemos Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-4220 www.okemoscommunitychurch.org Sunday Worship: 10am Sunday School: 10am-11:15am Adult Studies: 9am & 11am One Community-Lutheran (ELCA)/ Episcopal (TEC) Campus Ministry 1020 South Harrison Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-2559 www.facebook.com/onecommunitymsu Sundays: 9:30am (at University Lutheran Church) Sundays: 8am, 10am (at All Saints Episcopal Catholic Church) Peoples Church 200 W. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-6074 www.peoples-evolution.org Sunday Worship: 8:30am, 9:30am Tuesday: Love Life: 7-9pm Wednesday: Dinner at 5:30pm, Journey at 6:30 Red Cedar Friends Meeting 1400 Turner St. Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 371-1047 redcedarfriends.org Sunday Worship: 9:00am, 10:30am
St. John Catholic Church and Student Center 327 M.A.C. Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 337-9778 stjohnmsu.org Sunday: 8am, 10am, Noon, 7pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:15pm Unity Spiritual Renaissance 230 S. Holmes St. Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 484-2360 or (517) 505-1261 Sunday: 10:30am Wednesday: 6:30pm meditation Office: Monday-Thursday 9:30-12:00 University Baptist Church 4608 South Hagadorn Rd East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-4144 www.ubcel.org 10 AM Worship service 11:15 Coffee Hour 11:30 Sunday School University Christian Church 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-5193 universitychristianwired.com Sunday: 11:15 am Sunday Bible Study: 10:15 am University United Methodist Church MSU Wesley 1120 S. Harrison Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 351-7030 universitychurchhome.org msuwesley.org Sunday: 10:30am 9:00am Garden Service in the summer TGIT: 8:00pm Thursdays Sept. - April WELS Lutheran Campus Ministry 704 Abbott Road East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 580-3744 www.msu.edu/~weisluth 6:00pm Saturday
Religious Organizations: Don’t be left out of the Religious Directory! Call 517-432-3010 today to speak with an Account Executive
Spotlight
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
Diving into the Red Cedar River It’s in our fight song and it flows right through the heart of campus. MSU wouldn’t be the same without it. Students surf, fish and swim in its waters, but according to experts and students alike, the river has gained the reputation of one that is polluted and deteriorating. BY JAKE ALLEN PHOTOS BY JOSHUA ABRAHAM
A lot of students don’t realize that, although the river isn’t 100 percent accessible for human use, there is a thriving ecosystem within it. Ruth Kline-Robach, an outreach specialist for the Institute of Water Research at MSU, said there are 33 species of fish as well as other, smaller aquatic animals on the bottom of the river, which indicates a very healthy ecosystem. Students can keep the river healthy and thriving through a number of ways, Kline-Robach said. Picking up pet waste and washing cars only at commercial washes are two ways students can protect the river, but these won’t fix all of the issues the MSU community faces when it comes to the river’s health.
In addition to its recreational and relaxation uses, the river serves an educational purpose. According to Orlando Sarnelle, a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, students in his ISP 217L class measure the discharge and sediment load of the river and relate these things to weather conditions. Sarnelle said in an email this allows students to understand why the river behaves as it does and teaches them about the nature of floods and erosion. Perhaps education on the river could lead to a brighter, healthier future for the Red Cedar.
Outside the Classroom
The state of Michigan requires levels of E. coli to be below 1,000 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of water for partial contact with water. Partial contact includes activities such as kayaking or rafting. To swim in the river, levels should be below 300 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of water. These levels are tested weekly by the Ingham County Health Department on campus, from the bridge on Farm Lane. Students can use the results, posted online at ingham.org, when deciding to use the river on a particular day.
Keeping it Clean “I think the river is kind of unique to us and it just adds to the beauty of our campus. Our fight song, our Alma Mater, everything really relates to it. I think it is something that unites the campus. It is a great natural beauty we have on campus.”
Look before You Leap “I was thinking how the river goes really slow, drifting until the point where it goes really fast. It made me think about my life and how it goes from all these different stages and how I can cope with it. I really love this place, where I can see all the stages and all the animals around you. It makes you feel like home.” —Anthony Botros, visiting MSU from Egypt for the summer to study molecular genetics
The test results for E. coli per 100 milliliters of water saw increase in the month of May. On May 4 the result was 98 colony forming units. That number then spiked to 1,027 colony forming units on May 25, which is slightly above the Michigan partial contact water quality of standard of 1,000 colony forming units. This number then dipped to 318 colony forming units on June 1 before spiking to 2,400 units on June 8. It should be noted that elevated levels of bacteria, such as these are caused by heavy rainfall.
“The river is just something that, no matter who you ask, if they know anything about MSU than they associate the river with campus.” —Joy Speas, university curriculum administrator
Pollution Scares Most of the concern with swimming and participating in other activities in the river comes from the buildup of bacteria. Bacteria can come from a number of different things, including improper operation of septic tanks and animal waste from pets, wildlife or farming practices. Michigan water quality standards should be kept in mind during activities.
“One of the issues we have with the river is that students are coming to campus with a pre-conceived idea that the river is polluted and it’s dirty,” Kline-Robach said. “This makes it easier for them to abuse and pollute the river.”
“I think a lot of students see bikes and stuff in the river and think it is not being cleaned up very often, but the reality of the situation is that people continue to throw junk into it,” said Andrew Stables, who graduated in May with a degree in international relations.
—Andrew Stables, recent alumnus, who also worked for the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council
Kline-Robach said the water quality of the Red Cedar is not bad for an urban river. Although, this does not mean students should jump in. Kline-Robach doesn’t recommend swimming in the river, but a number of different activities are safe as long as they are done with caution. “I don’t want to say that you can’t enjoy the river,” Kline-Robach said. “You can enjoy kayaking, fishing and canoeing if caution is used. I think it is important to help people experience the resource so they will be more apt to help take care of it.”
For a photo gallery and video tour of the Red Cedar River visit statenews.com ILLUSTRATION: MARGEAUX PHILLIPS
6
THE STATE N E WS
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 1 , 2 01 5
T H U R S DAY, JU NE 1 1 , 201 5
T H E STAT E NEWS
7
Crossword
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
Features
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
HUMANS OF EAST LANSING
BY RYAN SQUANDA PHOTO: WYATT GIANGRANDE
ACROSS
1 Protective garment 6 Nothing like wetlands 10 New car stat 13 One of four men who managed both the Mets and Yankees 14 “Eva __”: Isabel Allende novel 15 JFK datum 16 *”Finds Print of Man’s Foot on the Sand” 19 __ were 20 Excited exclamation 21 Actress Katey 23 *”Wendy’s Story” 25 Jai alai ball 26 Arena sounds 27 Foretells 28 “Psych” finale? 30 Is for more than one? 31 Moneyed 32 Words creditors don’t want to hear ... or what each starred clue is with reference to its answer 37 Here, in Havana 38 Magic show prop 39 Soggy ground 40 Like campsites, at times 43 Rhett’s last word 45 Tops 46 *”Nightgown”
50 Wednesday Addams portrayer of film 51 1998 Australian Open winner Korda 52 Popular berry 53 *”What I Heard in the Apple Barrel” 56 ISP biggie 57 Ship protected by Hera 58 Ripped at the gym 59 Many Sam Goody sales 60 It hits the nail on the head 61 “Nope!”
DOWN
1 Pump part, perhaps 2 Maine flag image 3 Curved path 4 Measures 5 One of a toydom pair 6 Words heard coming and going 7 Extended sentence 8 Creep 9 Patriotic org. 10 __ chai: spiced tea 11 Woods, e.g. 12 Marmaduke of the comics is one 17 Jr. preceder 18 Notebook owner 22 “__ call!” 24 Rough file
25 Strip 27 Central Eur. power until 1806 28 __ lobe: brain area 29 What tenant farmers do 30 It’s “not what you see, but what you make others see”: Degas 33 “What I’m holding ...” 34 Wear away 35 Award since 1949 36 Indian curry dish 37 Where some worship from 41 Rises to the top 42 One of a pair of sci-fi twins 43 Spoil rotten 44 Dugout shelter 46 Construction area sign 47 “Sorry, impossible” 48 Props for Astaire 49 Buddy 51 Word with luck or gold 54 Easy mark 55 Penn, e.g.: Abbr.
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 WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE
Get the solutions at statenews.com/ puzzles
6/11/15
8
© 2015 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
THE STATE N E WS
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 1 , 2 01 5
Mark Wojcik Age: 45 Manager of Curious Book Shop
“I’ve been working in East Lansing for about ten years ... (The Curious Book Shop) is an awesome bookshop. I actually always wanted to work in a bookshop like this and there aren’t that many of them left so I lucked into it ... (I don’t read as many) books as I’d like to ... working here I tend to collect more books than I have time to read.”
News
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
East Lansing Park District could see renovations in the near future
The blighted buildings on Grand River Avenue that have remained an eyesore in East Lansing’s Park District for several years. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
BY JOSH THALL JTHALL@STATENEWS.COM
When you drive into downtown East Lansing on Grand River Avenue, the first thing you see isn’t the selection of shops and eateries that Downtown East Lansing has to offer. No, it is the blighted, beat-up buildings spanning from, just past Crunchy’s on Grand River Avenue, all the way to Abbott Road – East Lansing’s Park District. One of the rundown building on the corner of Abbott Road and Grand River Avenue used to be the site of a Citizens Bank, which closed more than 10 years ago and has been abandoned since. The other buildings have seen businesses come and go, with none being able to sustain itself for a long period of time. The buildings are an eyesore and some business owners and operators in the area find it detrimental to their businesses. “I think it hurts it a lot,” said Joe Conrad, the owner and founder of Conrad’s College Town Grill. “I mean the city kind of ends at the corner of Abbott and Grand River, and it should be continuous, all the way to Crunchy’s, it should
reach over the park. Instead you’ve got three vacant city blocks basically.” Kristin Nelson, a key holder and employee at American Apparel, near the corner of Abbott Road and Grand River Avenue, said the area should invite people into downtown by showing them what thecity can offer, but instead might drive some away. “I think it kind of makes the appeal of this strip kind of lower,” Nelson said. “Because when you’re out driving this way it’s the first thing you see and your first impression is ‘oh, there’s a whole bunch of abandoned buildings around here.’” “It probably hurts the businesses that are closer to it because people get the first impression when they see it that it might be a bad area, or there might not be much to offer over there.” That could change within the next few years however, as there is currently a plan in the works to demolish seven properties near the corner of Grand River Avenue and Abbott Road, including the old Citizens Bank building, in order to build up an eight-story, multi-purpose building. Two months ago, the East Lansing City Coun-
cil approved the plan for the project and has since started conducting a finance evaluation on the Planning Development Investment Group’s (PDIG) plan to fix up the area. “We are working through the question of ‘does the city finalize our portion or our participation?’,” East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas said. “Like I said there’s some public owned buildings and also a question of giving them incentives, so the city is doing a financial review of that development entity for us to determine if we would recommend the council go forward or not.” Lahanas said the sale of the land needed to make the project happen would be easier now, since voters approved an amendment to the East Lansing city charter last month that made it so the city only needs a 50 percent majority vote to sell city owned land except parks, instead of the previously needed 60 percent vote. Lahanas said the proposal came about after the city only received a 57 percent approval vote to sell some city owned land to DTN Management Company last November, to assist in their plans to help redevelop the area.
T H U RS DAY, J U NE 1 1 , 2 01 5
“We had partnered with a developer, DTN, through a public process about two years ago and we needed to sell several parcels of land to make that project go forward. That failed last November,” Lahanas said. “At some point our interest is to move that land forward for development; have the land redeveloped back to a productive use for the community.” Lahanas said the city has not had talks with DTN since the proposal passed, but hopes they do in the near future. Lahanas also said that while the city does not have a concrete timeline for when this could be done if it moves forward, members of city council are optimistic something will happen sooner rather than later. “We have seen a lot of great interest in our downtown, lots of people come downtown for different things, and so overall I think we are very optimistic,” Lahanas said. But Joe Conrad has a believe-it-when-he-seesit sort of mentality. “I get a newsletter, that claims they’re discussing some plans, but I’ve been getting that for eight or nine years with nothing being done,” Conrad said.
TH E STATE N E WS
9
News
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews
New outdoor stage will feature Summer Circle Theatre performances BY JESSICA STEELEY JSTEELEY@STATENEWS.COM
The Summer Circle Theatre, a group who performs summer shows on campus, is celebrating their 55th year with a new location to showcase their performances this season. “The last couple years have been right on the river, and we’ve had to make the stage every year,” recent MSU alumna and group actor Sarah Goeke said. “We [now] have this great new area, this new space … for all different art forms.” The old location had been inaccessible to audiences, associate professor of theatre Rob Roznowski said, but a new, permanent space was able to be built because of the donations from the Friends of Theatre at MSU. The Friends of Theatre at MSU has a gala every summer to raise money for the productions, Christine Knapp, chairperson of the gala, said. She adds they raised $100,000 for the new outdoor venue. “Right now we’re probably at the most elaborate we’ve been in a very long time,” chairperson of MSU’s Department of Theatre Kirk Domer said. Domer said about 35 of MSU’s faculty and students are helping with the five productions this summer, and every night there’s pre-show entertainment: singing on Wednesdays, dancing on Thursdays and a kid’s show on Friday and Saturday
In one of her final productions, assistant instructor of theatre Carolyn Conover sings as the leader of the Greek Chorus in this year’s production June 8 at the Summer Circle Theatre. PHOTO: WYATT GIANGRANDE
before the main performance. There’s also a late night show every night after the main show, Domer said. The show the students performed for the gala was “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play,” Roznowski said, adding the performance is made up
eight actors, all students or recent grads. “A very interesting play about what happens when the grid goes down,” Roznowski said, explaining how the play revolves around how theater survives in a post-apocalyptic world.
Domer describes it as an eclectic piece about oral tradition, using a variety of performance styles as a way for society to retain their history and their selves, after the electricity has gone out. The play, which opened June 10, has a run time of just over two hours
and consists of three acts: act one is the power going out, act two is seven years later, and act three is 75 years later. “It’s a commentary … about how theater will change and what it can be as a vehicle for entertainment or to provide meaning in future years depending on … what happens in the world,” Goeke said. “The audience can take away anything they want to because there’s so much to take away.” She adds the show includes much a capella and involves the group creating their own sound. “It’s fun. It’s fascinating theater I think, and hopefully it’ll kind of push the audience into a new area,” Goeke said. The new location is cleaner and more sophisticated, Goeke said, and there will be no more sitting in mud or rain puddles on the audiences’ part. Goeke brags there are also lights on the stage, tiered seating and an audience section which allows viewers to be closer to the stage. “What we’re able to achieve is a much more professional endeavor,” Roznowski said. “A much better viewing experience for the audience.” Summer Circle Theatre performances are always free and are held at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in the Summer Circle Courtyard, located on Auditorium Road between the Auditorium Building and the Kresge Art Center.
Failure, success and changes: university life proves a source of anxiety for many BY JESSICA STEELEY JSTEELEY@STATENEWS.COM
Homework, work, classes, relationships — college students have a lot going on in their lives. With so much to do, many students often feel anxious and stressed, and as a result, anxiety disorders tend to form. Patrick Soltis , a Georgetown University physics sophomore who is taking classes at MSU over the summer, said he gets stressed out by homework and tests. “I feel like I’m always not doing enough to be on track to ... keep up with my classes,” Soltis said. However, Simon Rego , director of psychology training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said it is normal for people to feel anxious and it is often a useful emotion which helps people concentrate. There’s a long list of reasons why college students feel stressed, such as meeting new people, being away from home and competing with classmates, Rego said. Soltis said college students feel stressed because they fear failing. “Everybody wants to get ahead and so you grab more and more to do,” Soltis said. “If you don’t make the most of this time … don’t get in some quality experiences, than you’re not going to 10
THE STATE N E WS
be as employable.” Another stressful thing for college students is their ever-mounting debt, psychology senior Joe O’Connor said. “Everybody I talk to has … financial difficulties that they’re always stressing out about,” O’Connor said. But, Rego said, feelings of anxiety turn into a mental disorder when a person is no longer able to function in school, work or their social life because of their anxiety. Rego cited a recent study that said about 15 percent of college students are diagnosed with a mental disorder and 4 out of 5 students often feel overstressed. MSU assistant professor in clinical psychology Jason Moser said the great changes that occur during the college years are a source of anxiety. “It’s a stressor and a big transition in life,” Moser said. “Adolescence into adulthood is the primary time for anxiety disorders to occur.” Moser said besides the transition, some people are more prone to developing anxiety disorders and will have a harder time making friends and focusing in classes. Moser said he believes the stigma of mental illness is starting to lift, and there are more people seeking help for their disorder. Mental disorders becoming more widely accepted is one reason why there seems to be more development of anxiety disor-
THURSDAY, JUNE 1 1 , 2 01 5
ders, Rego said. But in reality, it is a combination of the three factors. Besides the lifted stigma, more people have the disorders, and people are getting better at identifying these disorders, which is why more people seem to be developing them, he said. Moser said between 20 and 30 percent of people experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime and, although more people are coming out and seeking treatment, he said it is creating an increased demand on psychological clinics, many of which are understaffed. Because of this, Moser said new techniques that effectively deliver therapy to a large group of people should be created. But Soltis has his own ways of dealing with stress, including running, listening to music and taking naps. Rego said that recently more pressures have been created by society for our generation, but Moser thinks we can combat stress in the classroom. Too much focus is put on grades and passing or failing, Moser said. Communicating messages that are less anxiety inducing can really aid college student’s mental state. If you are feeling stressed out and need someone to talk to, there are many resources on campus. Olin Health Center has a counseling and psychiatry clinic, inside the Psychology Building is the MSU Psychological Clinic and there is also the Counseling Center located in the Student Services Building.
Quick Reads
City Council approves extension of Wilson Road to support FRIB A resolution related to the extension of Wilson Road was unanimously approved by the East Lansing City Council to be discussed and voted on at the June 16 meeting. The resolution states the City of East Lansing is applying to MDOT for $5 million in order to fund the changes to Wilson Road. Staff resource Tim Dempsey said the adoption
of the resolution would be critical to the project’s completion. According to the project’s memorandum, MSU can’t apply for the funds to complete the reconfiguration of Wilson Road, so the money would need to come from a grant. The goal of the approved project would be to extend Wilson Road from the the Veterinary Clin-
ical Center east to Hagadorn Road. This would be done in order to support the development of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, or FRIB, a nuclear science facility run by MSU. Construction of the facility is currently in progress on MSU’s campus and is expected to be completed by 2020. One of the most prevalent changes to Wilson Road will be the accessibility to I-96 via the Oke-
East Lansing Summer Concert Series begins Friday evening with performances by local bands The annual city of East Lansing Summer Concert Series kicks off June 11 at 7 p.m. and begins six weekends of live music in Ann Street Plaza on the corner of Albert and MAC avenues. The event is free of charge. “You can enjoy everything that downtown has to offer in the summer and you can hear some local music,” East Lansing Communications Coordinator Mikell Frey said. “It is just a way to get out and enjoy your summer in the local
community.” Frey said the event was started to draw attention to the downtown area during the summer months and has since drawn people of all ages. According to cityofeastlansing.com, outdoor dining at HopCat, Peppino’s Sports Grille and El Azteco will be available, but the event will be canceled if it rains. This year’s line-up includes the talents of 18-year-old Lansing native Taylor Taylor. According to taylortaylormusic.com,
Classified 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
Employment
Employment
DIRECT CARE worker. Assist children/adults w/ autism. All shifts avail. High school diploma/GED, reliable trans. & valid driver’s lic. req. Call 517-374-7670.
Mandarin Chinese Translator wanted. We are looking for
24 7 365
someone fluent in both Mandarin and English to act as a translator, along with other responsibilities. Work is P/T, but with lots of avail in August and September. Contact Tom at Collegeville - 517-922-0013.
statenews.com
Event Dates F R I DAY S @ 7 P M
June 12 June 26 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31
Taylor has a jazzy-pop style and classical guitar skills. She was accepted to Pandora Radio for a single and was selected by grammy producer, John Shanks, as Indi’s 2014 Musician of the Year. “I am excited for the upcoming performance,” said Taylor, who is currently in Las Angeles working on her music career. “I love Lansing with the outdoor family vibe. All of my favorite gigs are usually outside.” —JAKE ALLEN
Gifts or Creatures with Sam Corbin Jo Serrapere of Stella Swift Brotheres Kathleen & the Bridge Street Dragspel feat. Mike Lynch & Rob Klajda Cuatro Sur
S AT U R DAY S @ 7 P M
June 13 June 27 July 11 July 18 July 25 Aug 1
Sea Cruisers Root Doctor Taylor Taylor May Erlewine Deacon Earl & The Congregation Greg Nagy
Your campus marketplace! statenews.com/classifieds
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.
HELP WANTED, Williamston Horse Farm 8 hrs/ week. $12/ hr. Will exchange stall for work. (517) 449-0983
mos Road interchange. Other benefits of the road configuration include less traffic in the area and also improved service levels on nearby roads. However, the project would eliminate 605 parking spaces, although over half of those would be replaced. —LESLIE HEMENWAY
Employment SURVEY needed.
INTERVIEWERS
MSU’s Survey Research Lab is hiring telephone interviewers to conduct computer-assisted interviews in English for health and public policy studies. P/T, flex work schedule, evening and weekend hrs. req. Paid training. $9.00/hr to start, opportunities for advancement. To apply call 517353-5404 or come to Room 10, Berkey Hall with your resume.
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. PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.
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.
Apts. For Rent
Duplexes/Rent
Houses/Rent
Automotive
1 BDRM, 1 bath, affordable luxury, downtown EL. Whirlpool, marble and granite. 517-204-7488
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.
2015-16 HOUSE(S). Licensed for 3 or 6. Super Location & Condition! 517490-3082.
FOR SALE 2010 Subaru Outback wagon 3.6R limited. 58K Mi. Fully equipped, still under warranty for next 18 mo. All service done at Subaru, exc. condition. Nav. system w/blue tooth wireless. new price, $19,860, neg. Contact Joe at 517339-7726 or 517-505-0560.
AUG AVAIL. One bedroom and studio apartments. Great location, walk to campus. Filling fast. CRMC at 337-7577 or crmc1.com LRG STUDIO, lic. 1-2, great for grads. $580/mth; parking, util, TV, internet. 3513117.
Houses/Rent
AUG ‘15. 5 bd & 4 bd houses, Both very reduced in price. 645 and 627 Evergreen E.L. 517-332-1623
2 OR 4 bedroom house for rent. Orchard St. just off of Grand River. Call 517-2907400 for more details.
RECYCLE this newspaper, please.
T H U RS DAY, J U NE 1 1 , 2 01 5
TH E STATE N E WS
11
Sports
Michael Kransz Content editor mkransz@statenews.com @thesnews_sports
Breslin Center undergoing first of two major renovations, expected completion August 2017 BY MATTHEW ARGILLANDER MARGILLANDER@STATENEWS.COM
The Breslin Student Events Center is in store for a major face-lift over the next couple of years. The first of two planned phases of renovations is expected to be completed by August 2017. “It’s kind of a long drawnout process because the Bres-
lin Center will remain open throughout the project,” project manager for the Breslin Student Events Center renovations Jeffrey Bonk said. “It’s a phased project over time.” Phase one is underway, and phase t wo is currently on hold until funding is raised, according to Bonk. General updates and a modern makeover were some of the major
driving forces behind the renovations. “The driving factor behind doing the project was (that) the building is currently 26 years old,” Bonk said. “We did a facilities assessment of the building and there were a lot of utilit y and infrastructure updates needed, as well as it doesn’t really meet today’s needs for a facility of this type.” Bonk said the team responsible for the renovations had
three major goals in mind when developing the plans — functionality of the building, the fan experience and creating a legacy. “The functionality part is pretty straightforward, we want it to operate properly (which includes) all of the mechanical and electrical systems running properly and folks getting in and out the way they need to.” Bonk also noted a concern that when roaming the con-
course or heading to the concessions there is little indication that you are at MSU. “There’s also the fan experience — when they walk in, which kind of ties into the legacy, do they really know they’re at MSU?” Bonk said. “Right now when you walk into Breslin, unless you look at the trophy case or you go into the arena itself on the concourse, you wouldn’t really know you were at MSU and we want to create a legacy factor
there that folks knew where they were at.” Bonk stated there were no seating renovations planned and that most of the work is planned at the concourse level. “Most of the work is on the concourse,” Bonk said. “We’re expanding the concourse 17 feet all the way around, and building new bathrooms and new concessions. The entries will also be updated and expanded.”
presents
A rendering of the entrance to the Breslin Student Events Center as imagined for phase two of the future development. RENDERING COURTESY OF MSU INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND FACILITIES
Free Dessert! (Cookie, Brownie, or Rice Crispy Bars)
with the purchase of any Salad, Sandwich or Mac n’ Cheez 547 E Grand River Ave | 517-325-0850
12
THE STATE N E WS
MSU football recruiting class No. 6 in nation BY MATTHEW ARGILLANDER MARGILLANDER@STATENEWS.COM
The weekend of June 5 was a big on for MSU football on the recruiting trail — just the week prior the class of 2016 had no defensive linemen and in a span of four days the Spartans have received verbal commitments from two defensive ends and two defensive tackles in what could be an impressive front four in the years to come. MSU now has the No. 6 overall recruiting class and 17 total commits. Shortly before the first commitment of the weekend, four-star wide receiver commit Cameron Chambers gave a hint that some recruiting news would be on the way. “Good morning #SpartanNation READY OR NOT it will be a great day and even better weekend #MSUtakeover #StayTuned,” Chambers tweeted on Friday before the first commitment of the weekend. Chambers and the other members of the class of 2016, or the “dream team,” as they’ve dubbed themselves, have been pushing hard for other recruits to commit to MSU. The first commit of the weekend came THURSDAY, JUNE 1 1 , 2 01 5
from four-star defensive end and the No. 1-ranked player in the state of Illinois Josh King on Friday. He cited the “dream team” as a major factor in his commitment, according to a tweet from Beth Long, a Scout Media field reporter. Shortly after, head coach Mark Dantonio made a clear reference to the commitment via Twitter — not being able to make an official statement on King until he signs his National Letter of Intent. The coach was excited that there is some “MAGIC” coming to MSU and ended his tweet with #Hornets, a nod to the mascot of King’s high school. The next recruit to join the class was four-star defensive end and the No. 1-ranked player in the state of Indiana Auston Robertson on Sunday, whose impressive offer list included Ohio State, Alabama and Notre Dame, among others. The third commitment came from fourstar defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk on Monday, who had offers from Baylor, Missouri and Wisconsin, among others. Panasiuk, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound prospect out of Illinois, received his offer from MSU less than a week ago on June 4, and it
didn’t take much time for the young man to announce his commitment after that. The fourth commitment in four days came later in the day on Monday from four-star defensive tackle Naquan Jones who, according to Erik Sargent’s Twitter feed, told the coaching staff he had made his decision two weeks ago. Jones apparently also knew King and Panasiuk would commit before they had announced their respective decisions. The members of the MSU “dream team” seem to be well connected with one another and it is only a matter of time until more recruits announce their decisions. “Feels like every time I refresh my Twitter we get a new big time recruit,” sophomore quarterback Damion Terry tweeted Sunday. Chambers again chimed in, telling Terry to “#staytuned big bro.” MSU is building momentum on the recruiting trail and these verbal commitments seem to be aiding them in swaying more recruits. Follow the latest in recruiting news at statenews.com and on twitter at @thesnews_sports.