The Oklahoma Daily

SPORTS • PAGE 7

LIFE & ARTS • PAGE 5

Sooners to host No. 3 Baylor

Students sound off on Oscars

Freshman guard Morgan Hook (shown left) and the OU women’s basketball team look to avenge a 92-70 loss earlier in the season to the Bears.

The Daily asks film and video studies students to discuss movies up for Academy Awards, which will be presented Sunday night.

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Student government candidates set to run Filing period ends for UOSA elections with 2 presidential candidates on board KATHLEEN EVANS The Oklahoma Daily

The period to file for the OU spring elections ended 5 p.m. Thursday, with two pairs running for UOSA president and vice president and three candidates for CAC chair.

The spring election process began at 8 a.m.

Monday when the filing period opened. The formal campaigning period begins March 7,

followed by a two-day election March 29 and 30. Students may vote for Undergraduate Student Congress representatives, as well as top student leadership positions on campus.

Also on the ballot, two people filed for Housing Center Student Association president, and one person filed for Student Bar Association president, Election Board chairwoman Natalie Jester said.

“The candidates seem really excited so far,” said Jester, international security studies junior.

“That’s what makes an election good and

more publicized — when candidates are excited about putting their name out.”

Up next for the candidates is a detailed meeting Sunday about campaign rules.

“The Election Board is meeting beforehand to go over all the rules. Our homework right now is to go over the rules in the Code Annotated and see how we interpret them so we are all on the same page,” Jester said.

Jester has not gone through students filing for Congress yet and does not know if any seats will be unfilled or filled through unopposed elections.

Spring candidates UOSA president and vice president — » Forrest Bennett and Katherine Borgerding » Hannah Morris and Laura Bock CAC chair — » Bridgitte Castorino » Greg Emde » Melissa Mock

RELIGION | STUDENTS FIND SUPPORT, CENSORSHIP IN SWITCHING FAITHS

Former student vies for Council position Interested in politics from a young age, Holman takes his passion to a new level ALEX EWALD The Oklahoma Daily

A former OU student in his mid-20s wearing dark-framed glasses sits at the checkered table in Hideaway Pizza on Buchanan Avenue in Norman, quietly scribbling on a legal notepad.

A silver Macbook sits under his briefcase, which contains a stack of voter registration forms.

A handful of maps, including one of the ward borders in Norman, is piled on top of the forms.

At 26, Stephen Tyler Holman is the youngest candidate in the March 1 city council election.

“I think nationally we have seen an increase in youth interest ASHLEY WEST/THE DAILY

Religious studies senior Sarah Sullivan prays Monday in the reflection room in Bizzell Memorial Library. Sullivan, who grew up Christian, has converted to Islam.

SEE COUNCIL PAGE 2

Students convert to new faiths For one student, converting from Christianity to Islam came with clarity, conflict

year of college that his religion became a focal point.

Growing up, Wilkey attended Catholic schools throughout his elementary and secondary education. He also went to weekly Mass with his parents.

JANNA GENTRY The Oklahoma Daily He said he was first introduced to Buddhism through a world religions class he took in high school that inspired him to gain as much arah Sullivan, religious studies senior, was raised in a con- information as possible about the religion. servative, Southern Baptist family. In high school she was “It got to where I was so amped I couldn’t go to sleep at night,” he known by her peers as a strong Christian leader. said. “I was excited to wake up and go to school and get more inforThe process of Sullivan’s religious conversion began mation on the religion.” with a conversation she had with a Muslim friend After he felt he had exhausted all of his own reduring an idle night on campus, she said. sources, Wilkey said he decided to go outside of “I was just hanging out, and this guy asked me himself to learn more about the religion. He began If you are wrestling with why I wasn’t going out and partying,” Sullivan attending the Buddhist Center in Oklahoma your faith and someone said. “I told him it was because I didn’t do that. He City, and there he met a woman named Kelsang comes along with an said ‘I don’t either.’”

Namdrel who left an indelible impression on him. alternative that seems Sullivan mistook her friend for a Christian, “It was so revolutionary to me that I met a perto address the answers and when the student informed her that he was son that had all the attributes that Jesus had talked to those questions, I Muslim, a dialogue began between the two about about,” he said. “I hadn’t really seen those attrithe similarities and differences in Christianity and butes in myself or in some of my peers.” can see why converting Islam. Intrigued by the similarities, Sullivan began After Wilkey met Namdrel, he said he devoted would be very attractive.” to actively seek out information about Islam. most weekends of the rest of his high school career With another Muslim friend, she began to comto spending time at the center.

— TOM BOYD, RELIGIOUS pare the Bible with the Quran. Many times, her When he went to college, Wilkey said his freshSTUDIES PROFESSOR friend would ask her questions about the Bible she man year left him with little time for his fledgling could not answer. faith, and as a result, his practice suffered.

“Having someone point stuff out to me in the Bible that I couldn’t Sophomore year, Wilkey pared down his activities so he could explain was a rude awakening for me,” she said. “I felt like a fool.” focus more on his faith, and that’s when Buddhism became most After an intense period of searching for answers, Sullivan said she important to him, he said. finally reached her breaking point.

“Everything came back to Buddhism,” he said. “That’s what I “I finally broke down to God one night and just said ‘guide me to wanted to be the main facet for my energy.” what’s best for me,’” she said.

Inevitably, both Sullivan and Wilkey said they experienced tranSullivan said she believes God guided her to Islam. sitions that came along with changing religions, but Sullivan de“There were answers in the Quran that I just couldn’t find in the scribed a more painful transition to her faith than that of Wilkey.

Bible,” she said. “To me, the Quran was undeniable truth.”

Adam Wilkey, Arabic studies junior, said his conversion process began earlier than Sullivan’s, although it wasn’t until his sophomore SEE RELIGION PAGE 2

S

A LOOK AT WHAT’S ON Research into a chronic disease affecting children is now possible thanks to a $1.25 million grant

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OU dean to lead climate survey Oklahoma Climatological Survey promotes interm director to permanent position SCOTT BEDGOOD The Oklahoma Daily

The interim director of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey has been named to a permanent position.

Kevin Kloesel, associate dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, was appointed the director of the survey after serving as the interim director since January 2010, according to a press release.

Kloesel will continue to serve as the associate dean of the college as well as performing his duties with the survey.

The survey has been in existence since 1980 and is a statemandated entity, Associate SEE DIRECTOR PAGE 2

TODAY’S WEATHER

57°| 40° Tomorrow: Cloudy, high of 71 degrees

2 • Friday, February 25, 2011

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CAMPUS

Chase Cook, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

RELIGION: Conversion comes with price for some Continued from page 1

Today around campus » Kaleidoscope Evening at 6 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Molly Shi Boren Ballroom. The event is a fundraising banquet for the Leadership Scholars Program, honoring the college’s alumni.

some of her family members had a difficult time adjusting to her conversion.

“I had one of my aunts tell me that I was going to hell,” she said.

Sullivan said she also lost the friendship of many of her Christian friends but has maintained a positive attitude.

“Did I lose friends? Yes,” she said. “Did I lose all my friends? Yes, but did I gain friends? Yes.” She also credits the support of her father and mother with keeping her so strong, especially the support of her father.

“When I told my dad I converted, he said ‘baby girl, no matter what you do, I will never leave you,’” Sullivan said.

Wilkey said his transition was easy.

“My friends and family’s reactions were absolutely fantastic,” Wilkey said. “A lot of my friends had the same ideas I did, and my parents trusted me not to jump on board with anything that would make me lose sight of anything they had instilled in me.”

Religious studies professor Tom Boyd said he believes religious conversion is often a part of an individual’s

spiritual journey. Boyd is a professing Christian who admittedly wrestles with some orthodox aspects of Christianity.

“People have to work out their own salvation,” Boyd said.

“If you are wrestling with your faith and someone comes along with an alternative that seems to address the answers to those questions, I can see why converting would be very attractive.”

For Sullivan and Wilkey, converting to different religions has simply been a part of their individual spiritual journeys. Sullivan now prays five times a day, wears the traditional headscarf and said she hopes to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca someday. Wilkey is OU Buddhist Association president and is actively involved in the Buddhist Center in Oklahoma City.

Both students said they have found peace and joy in their new religions, something Boyd said he wants more than anything for students.

“Real conversion is deeper than moving from one formal religion to another, it is awakening the sensitivity and sensibility of the religious consciousness,” Boyd said. “I just want people to find a place where their spiritual life can flourish.”

» Baseball will play Oakland at 3 p.m. at L. Dale Mitchell Park. » Lee Hester will present “Native American Philosophy: Themes and Problems” at 3:30 p.m. in Dale Hall, Room 125. » Men’s tennis will play Oklahoma State University at 5 p.m. at the Gregg Wadley Indoor Tennis Pavilion.

Saturday, Feb. 26 » Africa Week will host Africa Night “Cirque d’ Afrique” at 7 p.m. in the Union’s Meacham Auditorium. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. » A Dissertation Writing Marathon will begin at 9 a.m. in Wagner Hall, Room 280. Refreshments will be provided. » Baseball will play Oakland at noon at L. Dale Mitchell Park. » Men’s basketball will play Kansas at 3 p.m. in Lloyd Noble Center.

Sunday, Feb. 27 » Alpha Sigma Kappa — Women in Technical Studies will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Union’s Presidents Room.

COUNCIL: Holman outspoken citizen, teacher says Continued from page 1

Swanson said while in her class, “Tyler,” as he was called, was an enthusiastic and driven student whose interest in local government began as part of his eighth-grade U.S. hisin our political system and our governing process, and I think tory class.

“At the level we teach at middle school you hope you’re getmore young people have realized that they can have an impact ting them excited about things that are if they get involved in it,” Holman said. going to make a difference in their lives, Holman worked for the OU football and Tyler is definitely an example that team, which required him to become a can and did happen,” Swanson said. student at the university, where he was Holman said he is running because he enrolled for the 2006-2007 school year. » More timely emergency services believes Norman has so much to offer.

Holman said he is working to pay off his » Improved water supply and quality Norman has a major university, the student loans before he returns for an» More participation in local government National Weather Center, promising other semester. » A balanced and responsible budget local businesses and a well-known Holman has worked at The Deli on » Going “green” as a city music scene, as well as an active city White Street in Norman and Hideaway government, Holman said.

Pizza, where he’s been a cook on and off — Source: Stephen Tyler Holman Partly because of his job at OU, for about four years and organizes the Holman said he has traveled to almost music venue board.

Holman’s boss at Hideaway, Kevin Taylor, said in the four all of continental U.S. except the Northwest. He has been to Los years he has known him, Holman has become more outspo- Angeles four times and drove cross-country to Washington, D.C., for the 2008 presidential inauguration with a friend. ken the more he is involved with the community.

However, he said Norman always would be his home base.

“He’s young; he’s got a good attitude and a good voice,” “I mean, I love traveling and seeing a bunch of new placTaylor said. “He’s not scared to speak to people and I just think es, and I really want to go to other parts of the world and he’d be good for the position.”

Whittier Middle School principal Holly Swanson had visit but having my base in Norman,” Holman said. “I can Holman as a student when she taught seventh-grade English come back here; I know every inch of this city — I know this at Irving Middle School and has stayed in touch with him in metro area, I know the people here; I’m just very familiar with everything.” the 15 years since.

Campaign platforms

» Baseball will play Oakland at 1 p.m. at L. Dale Mitchell Park. » Women’s basketball will play Baylor at 4 p.m. in Lloyd Noble Center. » University Theatre will perform “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at 3 p.m. in the Rupel J. Jones Theatre. Student tickets are $15, and faculty and staff tickets are $25. » Eldon Matlick will perform a concert on the French horn at 3 p.m. in Catlett Music Center’s Pitman Recital Hall. Student, faculty and staff tickets are $5. » Internationally acclaimed photographer Kurt Markus will give a free lecture at 7 p.m. in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Monday, Feb. 28 » Students withdrawing between Feb. 28 and May 6 will receive a grade of W or F for withdrawal from OU for dropping a course. » Sophia Morren will lecture on effective study skills from 4 to 5 p.m. in Wagner Hall, Room 245. » Professor Kenneth Stein from Emory University will lecture on the Arab-Israeli conflict from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Tuesday, March 1 » Students graduating this spring must file a graduation application by 5 p.m. » School of Music piano students and faculty will perform a fundraiser at 8 p.m. in Catlett Music Center’s Pitman Recital Hall. RSVP to Linda Tiller at 405-325-7376.

Wednesday, March 2 » Women’s basketball will play Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. in Lloyd Noble Center. » R.J. Testermen of Financial Aid Services will present “Getting Financial Help, FASFA” from 1 to 2 p.m. in Wagner Hall, Room 245.

» This day in OU history

Feb. 25, 2002 Library evacuates patrons after anthrax scare An anthrax scare caused an evacuation at the Norman City Library. A brownish chemical was found in a plastic bag behind a magazine in the library. Officials tested it for cocaine, amphetamines and anthrax. All tests were negative.

— Source: The Oklahoma Daily archives

DIRECTOR: New leader proposes new vision for survey Continued from page 1 Director Renee McPherson said. The survey is obligated to acquire, research and disperse all pertinent climate information to Oklahomans.

The survey also acts as the liaison between the state and national programs and operates the Oklahoma Mesonet, the statewide climate monitoring network, McPherson said.

Kloesel’s responsibilities involve leading the survey while linking it to the work of students and faculty.

“One of the things that being director allows me to do is that we have this strategic vision for all of the college,” Kloesel said. “Being director, faculty and dean it allows us to row the boat in the same direction. The missions of everything will be tied together.”

Kloesel will work closely with members of Oklahoma State University, according to a press release.

Most of the communication between the meteorologists at OU and the agriculture department at OSU was done by phone in the past, Kloesel said.

Kloesel now makes regular trips to Stillwater. OU and OSU usually compete in sports, but they work together to help operate the Mesonet, McPherson said.

“The day where a meteorologist can solve a problem by his or herself, that day is over. We need to be working together on the solutions,” Kloesel said.

Chase Cook contributed to this report.

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OU STUDENTS YOU ARE INVITED! Informal Discussion

Gordon Wood Pulitzer Prize-winning Author and Historian Gordon Wood is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian. He is the author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution, which won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for History and the Ralph Waldo Emerson Prize. His most recent book Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815 was a finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for History.

No one explains more clearly the factors which came together to produce the unique generation which led the American Revolution and had the wisdom to write the American Constitution.

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OPINION

THUMBS DOWN ›› Student Bar Association’s spring election for president is uncontested

OUR VIEW

Tim French, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

COLUMN

We shouldn’t be reminded Politics in about performing kind acts need of more Campus Activities Council held its first Random Acts of Kindness Day on Wednesday. Free hugs were dispensed outside of Bizzell Memorial Library, and cards were made for local hospitals in the name of performing a random act of kindness.

While we applaud the idea behind this event and we don’t want to demean any of the good deeds students performed Wednesday, we are forced to ask: what prevents us from performing random acts of kindness every day? Why do we need a specific day to be kind to each other?

All too often we see doors swing shut in front of student’s who are struggling to carry their books and bags. We see students chasing after buses while passengers sit idly without warning the driver about the struggling student.

Why does this happen?

Have people become too preoccupied to hold a door open for a few more seconds? Or perhaps we have forgotten how to simply be courteous toward one other.

OU students should develop a reputation of being kind and courteous.

We should want visitors to comment on how nice our student body is. The first step toward this goal is extending a hand to our fellow students, faculty and campus visitors.

Why not go the extra step and help out a struggling student? Who knows, maybe your small act of kindness will be a bright spot for a person’s otherwise hectic day.

Every day should be Random Acts of Kindness Day — it’s called manners.

Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

COLUMN

Slippery slope spells trouble If ObamaCare is not repealed, we will completely sidestep rationality and go for have full-scale socialism in the United States the slippery slope argument.

STAFF COLUMN UMN within our lifetimes. If we allow gays to legalDon’t fall for it. As a nation, we are more ly marry, who’s to say that people won’t be than capable of distinguishing between Jerod Coker ker allowed to marry dogs? If we legalize maribuilding a mosque in New York City and juana, before you know it we’ll have people being overtaken by an Islamo-fascist doing methamphetamines and fornicating dictatorship. in the streets. Beware the slippery slope!

The problem is slippery-slope arguments are all over the If you thought these arguments were trash, it’s because place. Fox Nation ran an opinion piece by Thomas Sowell they are. Unfortunately, almost every debate inevitably has entitled (and I’m not kidding): “Is U.S. Now on Slippery one aspect of this ridiculous slippery-slope argument to it, Slope to Tyranny?” He goes on to explain how Hitler and and it comes from both sides.

Stalin could be compared to President Barack Obama.

“If we allow guns on campus, who’s to say we can’t drive Of course, I have no qualms with arguing or legitimate tanks?” Wait ... what? debate. In fact, it’s one of my favorite acMy main problem with the slipperytivities. But, when the “debate” devolves slope argument is not that it is completely into slippery-slope nonsense, it’s time for As a nation, we are illogical (although it is), or it tends to be an intellectual smackdown. more than capable of hyperbolic and apocalyptic (which it does) If you disagree with allowing guns on distinguishing between but rather, the argument degrades our incampus because you fear it will increase building a mosque in tellect and ability to think in nuance. violence, say that. Don’t say that if we New York City and being allow everyone to carry guns, the next It assumes we, as Americans, can’t disovertaken by an Islamo- step is putting half a dozen grenades in tinguish between guns and tanks, dogs and people and pot and methamphetour backpack. fascist dictatorship.” amines. This is offensive.

If you disagree with marijuana being leI can distinguish between these obvigalized because you think Frito-Lay shareously different situations, and I hope you can too. So why holders are doing well enough as is, say that. Don’t say that does anyone make this absurd argument? The answer: It is the next step is methamphetamine or heroin. emotionally rousing and therefore politically effective.

We are more than capable of distinguishing between For example: “Well, I don’t see such a big deal with two ObamaCare and Soviet Russia; so don’t insult our intellidudes gettin’ hitched.” gence by suggesting otherwise.

“Yes,” the politician or pundit responds, “but if we let gays Forget about the slippery slope. Beware of the slipperyget married, what’s to stop there from being polygamy or slope argument. polyamory?”

To which the innocent voter responds: “Oh, my god! — Jerod Coker, You’re right! Palin 2012!” journalism senior OK, this might be a touch overdramatic, but you get the point. When rational argument doesn’t work, the trick is to Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Weapons make fashion statement Rather than lament the current climate of distrust and fear, I propose we embrace our opportunity to flaunt our deadly new accessories.

Across the nation, especially just south of our state border, guns may soon be carried on campuses. Our academic and athletic rivalry demands a response. But because the reason to pack heat is to deter the maniacal mass murderers who lurk among us, why conceal our dominant displays?

First, because the capacity of clips may be restricted, and you can’t see them, I propose we openly wear crisscrossing bandoliers to send a clear message to our fellow staff, teachers, students and visitors.

Perhaps the most exciting opportunity lies in our sublime exercise of taste. Concealing one’s firepower ruins our chance to make a fashion statement. Why limit ourselves to the James Bond motif? It’s so passe. Besides, hanging out in a gun range is loud, smelly and offers little exercise. So what to do?

I’m considering openly carrying a beautiful hickory baseball bat to my classes. However, a bat may not have the deterrent effect needed. I might add 4-inch spikes. On second thought, perhaps a sword would be better.

For those who have a slight build, perhaps the Three Musketeers look would announce ones deadly potential while also appearing as the dashing Casanova type. For the more brawny among us, a two-handed broadsword will do the trick. Such defensive tools should be worn openly and can be used as stylish accessories.

Imagine strolling the halls with one’s broadsword slung across one’s back in a hand crafted leather scabbard studded with rhinestones and adorned by one’s fraternity letters.

Meredith Moriak Chase Cook Chris Miller Tim French James Corley

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Being neither slight nor brawny, I would go with the samurai katana featuring an enameled metal-flecked buckle and damascened-inlaid tsuba or hilt. What a debonair professor I would be! Elegant yet dangerous with a hint of the exotic. I’d add a cigarette, but they are too dangerous for campus, and they don’t fit my handsome ensemble. Cigarettes go with guns but not swords or bows.

Which alas brings me to the sad truth; swords are limited in their deadly reach. But, there is another suave alternative.

I think I might begin carrying a Welsh longbow. It effectively ended the use of heavy armor at the Battle of Agincourt. With some practice they are effective to at least 300 yards.

I could decorate my bow, arrows and quiver with the OU colors. Others may prefer the Hungarian, Mongol or the Lakota Sioux bow, the latter said to be so powerful it could pierce a bison’s skull.

Or maybe I’ll get a crossbow to carry around. I’d keep it locked and loaded with a bolt tipped with the latest steel broadhead. That too could be ornamented with mother of pearl, gold inlay and a custom stock using rare hardwoods.

Perhaps a laser sight would give me the sophisticated flare of the latest technology without diminishing the classic look. I can imagine exchanging salvos across Owen Field especially when Texas A&M comes to town.

And finally, my fashion sense would help sword and bow manufacturers whose lobby may feel shorted at state capitals.

— Eric Kramer,

Communication professor

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intelligent discussion

Poe’s Law is frequently STAFF COLUMN MN invoked when religious fundamentalism is misEvan taken for satire, as in the DeFilippiss case of Raymond Comfort using bananas to prove the existence of god, or the Insane Clown Posse flaunting their ignorance of basic science to prove the reality of miracles (How do magnets work?).

I believe our generation is witnessing the extension of Poe’s Law into the realm of political discourse.

Most political discussion has become so saturated with nonsense, hyperbole and deliberate lies that our national conversation has become a parody of itself.

Necessary analysis and academic precision are now bumper-sticker slogans. Attempts to enlighten political discourse with evidence and reason are dismissed as arrogant intellectualism.

Poe’s Law is so applicable to the national conversation today that satire like The Onion or “The Colbert Report” are frequently interpreted as legitimate news sources, according to a study from Ohio State University.

What does it say about society when our collective standard for sanity has been so adulterated by political fundamentalism that we are unable to distinguish our comedians from our journalists? When accusations of Obama being a communist, socialist, Islamic, Antichrist who managed Are our to win the presidency without anybody checking his birth certificate, attention are considered legitimate talking spans really points by pundits and voters, it’s so short we understandable that the average can only person is unaffected by satire. understand The quality of our discourse is politics as deteriorating; as of writing, Bill O’Reilly’s front page featured a it can be described by story calling Ronald Reagan the best president of all time, and Fox three-word Nation’s main page highlights a witticisms?” video clip of Rush Limbaugh “ripping into Michelle Obama” for eating ribs at a restaurant despite her “leftist” nutritional advocacy.

To be fair, this is happening on both sides of the political spectrum: the Daily Kos’ front page avoids discussion about anything relevant and instead chooses to deride Mike Huckabee for using the term infidel.

Democracy cannot function if its citizens are woefully ignorant about the policies affecting them. I fear this will have an enormous impact on our society’s capacity to gauge, and thus produce, progress.

Winston Churchill famously opined the greatest argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.

I’m afraid if he were alive today to converse not with the average voter but with our country’s leaders, he would be positively terrified about the trajectory of our future.

Instead of intellectual discussion, our national conversation has been reduced to flashy images, sound bites and mudslinging. Over time, the trend towards simplification has only increased.

In 1968, the average sound bite was 43 seconds. In 1988, the duration was reduced to the amount of time it took George H. W. Bush to say, “Read my lips: no new taxes.”

Recently, Obama reduced our entire long-term national strategy to “win the future.” Perhaps even more sobering is, over time, presidential speeches have diminished in quality in terms of sentence complexity, word size and diverse vocabulary.

Are our attention spans really so short we can only understand politics as it can be described by three-word witticisms? Are big words so daunting that we are willing to elect a relatable politician over an effective one? Is the prospect of changing your opinion so frightening you’d rather sacrifice progress than admit fallibility? Are we OK living in a society in which our satire is more informative than our news programs?

I don’t claim to know the answers, but I know our nation cannot continue to nurture a political discussion devoid of both politics and discussion.

The problems we confront in the next decade cannot be expressed through slogans and billboards, and they cannot be avoided by shutting our eyes and praying our leaders do the right thing.

It is our obligation as students to ensure we are informed about the world around us; it is our obligation to consider perspectives on their merit, rather than their political affiliation, and it is our obligation to ensure we are sophisticated enough to form opinions on our own, rather than being force-fed by pundits. If we cannot accomplish this, then maybe Churchill was right.

— Evan DeFilippis, political science and economics junior

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Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion.

Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and should be fewer than 250 words, typed, double spaced and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for space. Students must list their major and classification. Submit letters Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Letters also can be e-mailed to dailyopinion@ou.edu.

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Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

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Friday, February 25, 2011 • 5

LIFE&ARTS

Autumn Huffm Huffman, man,, life fe & arts editor dailyent@ou.eduu • pphone: hone ho one ne: 40 ne: 4405-325-5189 055 325-5189

Academy Awards to honor year’s best W

hat do a neurotic, tech-savvy Harvard graduate, a deranged ballerina and a drunken oneeyed U.S. marshal have in common? Such characteristics seem absurd when viewed at face value.

However, these traits describe three of the year’s most unforgettable characters in three of the year’s most-skillful films. In what possible setting would such bizarre figures be granted esteemed accolades?

Why, the 83rd Academy Awards, of course.

With the announcement of the nominees Jan. 25, the 2011 Oscar race has shaped up to be quite an event, showcasing an eclectic and unique variety of films worthy of considerable recognition.

The annual ceremony, airing Feb. 27 and hosted by the gifted James Franco and Anne Hathaway, brings together Hollywood’s most beloved artists in honor of the cinema that dazzled audiences and filled multiplexes around the globe.

The Oscar’s significance changes over time, said Sunrise Tippeconnic, film and video studies professor.

“Films go into history and our cultural consciousness as markers of culture and initiates a great support of contemporary world art,” Tippeconnic said. “It is also an opportunity for recognition of today’s industry makers to be recognized as artists, rather than PHOTO PROVIDED just storytellers or technicians.”

Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, sits in a still from the movie “The Social Network.” The film Franco and Hathaway are no strangers to has been nominated as a Best Picture candidate in the 83rd Academy Awards. the awards ceremony; Franco is nominated this year in one of the major acting categories and both performers have acquired reputable status and demonstrated their natural dramatic and comedic abilities with their appears to be David Fincher’s clever “The performances came from actresses Annette extensive bodies of work — including popu- Social Network,” both a fascinating char- Bening in “The Kids Are All Right” as a carlar films like “Pineapple Express” (2008) and acter study and a thematic account of the ing lesbian mother and Natalie Portman in “Rachel Getting Married” (2008). origins of Facebook. It is certainly the most “Black Swan” as a demented ballerina losHopefully, the two seasoned profession- culturally relevant film released this year. ing her grip on reality. » “Black Swan” — Mike Medavoy, als can infuse the ceremony with enough Portman may have an edge on Bening for “Out of the American films that are up, for Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin energy and humor to alleviate the tension me, ‘The Social Network’ is really the stron- the depth of her role, said Jordan Jenson, and anxiety the Oscar hopefuls will likely gest picture, not just in terms of its mastery film and video studies junior. » “The Fighter” — David Hoberman, have.

“I appreciated Portman’s performance of scripting, direction and aesthetics, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg The pair should make for a but in terms of how it’s able to more than Bening’s because the character dynamic match, film and convey the thought processes, she portrayed required more of her physi» “Inception” — Emma Thomas video studies senior Joseph feelings and ideologies of the cally and emotionally,” Jenson said. “She and Christopher Nolan Leszczynski said. really had to commit herself to the role, taptimes,” Tippeconnic said.

“I imagine Franco and Nominated for eight ping into very dark and sexual places.” » “The Kids Are All Right” — Gary Gilbert, Hathaway will make great As for the male candidates, the Academy Academy Awards, “The WHAT: 83rd Academy Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray hosts and have good chemSocial Network” is favored nominated the performances of Franco Awards Show istry because they are both by critics and audiences (“127 Hours,” Danny Boyle), Javier Bardem » “The King’s Speech” — Iain Canning, young, talented, attractive alike, not only for its bril- (“Biutiful,” Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu), WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin and humorous,” Leszczynski liant direction, but also for Jeff Bridges (“True Grit,” Ethan Coen and said.

Aaron Sorkin’s (television’s Joel Coen), Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social CHANNEL: ABC » “127 Hours” — Christian Colson, The award ceremony will “The West Wing”) masterful- Network,” Fincher) and Colin Firth (“The Danny Boyle and John Smithson uphold last year’s decision to ly adapted screenplay, based King’s Speech,” Tom Hooper). supply the Best Picture category Of these distinguished gentlemen, the on author Ben Mezrich’s book » “The Social Network” — Scott Rudin, with five additional slots, making it Oscar crown belongs to King George VI “The Accidental Billionaires.”

Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and possible for one of 10 feature films to walk “Sorkin’s screenplay conveys his incred- himself, as portrayed by Firth, said Eric Ceán Chaffin away with the most prestigious honor of the ible ability to balance and render the ele- Hutchinson, film and video studies senior. evening. With the wide range of quality films ments of history, technology, law and busi“Firth is nothing short of brilliant. He » “Toy Story 3” — Darla K. Anderson on display, such an honor will be difficult to ness in a manner that is identifiable but also could not have been more convincing as narrow down to a single picture. has an ability to excite one not familiar with King [George] VI of England,” Hutchinson » “True Grit” — Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen Deciding which film is best is a loaded these fields,” Tippeconnic said. said. and Joel Coen and partial process, said Victoria Sturtevant, The 83rd Academy Awards show is sure Of the exceptional female performancfilm and video studies director. es this year, which include the talents to be a night to remember, serving as both » “Winter’s Bone” — Anne Rosellini and “What the Oscars can do well is draw at- of Nicole Kidman (“Rabbit Hole,” John terrific entertainment and honoring the Alix Madigan-Yorkin tention to smaller films that might not be Cameron Mitchell), Jennifer Lawrence most celebrated artists of our time. marketed so heavily next to the summer (“Winter’s Bone,” Debra Granik) and — Source: oscar.com blockbusters,” Sturtevant said.

Michelle Williams (“Blue Valentine,” Derek — Laron Chapman, Of the 10 nominees, the one to beat Cianfrance), the two most memorable film and video studies senior

Best Picture nominees

Tune in

COLUMN

King of the Caf — temporarily It’s lunchtime, and with the swipe of a card I ascend to a higher level. One card swipe and I am treated to a feast worthy of royalty. I am not alone in this triumph. As I walk through the Caf’s golden gates, I see the other lucky ones.

We make eye contact. We understand one another. We are kings — but temporarily so.

Whenever I use my student ID, I feel like I’m cheating.

I’m using play money. The power goes straight to my head and corrupts me. I walk into Xcetera, and I have 300 makebelieve dollars to spend. I’m one bad decision away from buying the entire candy aisle.

There’s this voice in my head that constantly informs of my ridiculous purchasing power. “Six bags of sour cream and onion chips,” it whispers in my ear, “six bags.” I guiltily meet it halfway at three.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for gluttony. I buy Freshens every day because I have successfully tricked myself into thinking that stuff’s good for me. I constantly overestimate the amount of mashed potatoes I want and have to force myself to finish it all. I recently discovered the science of combining different kinds of cereals. Occasionally I become self-aware and throw some carrots or grapes onto my plate, for appearances sake. There, I’m eating healthy now. Leave me alone.

Every now and again, a darkness creeps into my heart.

Where do we go from here? My Caf mortality is sinking in,

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slowly but surely. I have bad news, everyone. Things are going to get worse, and then continue to get worse. We’re sitting at the peak of our existence right now, food-wise.

I’ve seen the look in upperclassmen’s eyes when the Caf is brought up. Their fingers flex greedily, their eyes dart from side to side. They start listing off the things they have done for you in an attempt to get one more chance, one more opportunity to relive their glory years. It’s sad, and it’s pretty much inevitable.

May 13. That’s my deadline. I will finish my last final, clean out my dorm room, get on a plane and go back home for a few months. A majority of the freshmen class will not be returning to the dorms, myself included. Living off campus will be exciting and all, but I’m not going to lie to myself. I will spend many nights gazing longingly in the general direction of the Caf. I’ll even miss Cate Main from time to time.

It’s too early to call it quits now. The Caf and I still have several quality months ahead of us. And then our relationship will abruptly and permanently come to an end. I’m going to try to not think about that too much. So here’s to the good times and to pathetically latching on to several freshmen next year.

— Conor O’Brien, University College freshman

6 • Friday, February 25, 2011

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5

3 6 2 8

6 5

4 6 7 1 4

6

2

9 7

8

6 4 1 8 1 5 9 8

Previous Solution 3 8 2 7 1 6 5 9 4

1 9 5 3 2 4 6 8 7

4 6 7 5 8 9 3 2 1

7 1 3 8 6 2 9 4 5

8 5 9 4 3 7 1 6 2

6 2 4 1 9 5 7 3 8

2 4 1 6 7 3 8 5 9

9 3 8 2 5 1 4 7 6

5 7 6 9 4 8 2 1 3

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

4

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- No matter how much good planning you do, you still need to be prepared for the unexpected, because it is likely to happen. Be ready to roll with the punches and no one will know there were any.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Go after those things you know to have huge reward potential, but don’t allow anyone who can’t carry his/her own weight to tag along.

Someone of this ilk may think s/he deserves a cut.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Regardless of the resistance you might encounter, keep plugging forward on your dreams. However, heed warning: Do not deliberately provoke conflict with others in doing so.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Being with friends will prove to be extremely fun and rewarding, with one exception. Someone who isn’t part of the group could disrupt things if you allow him/her to do so.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Trust your past experiences to guide you instead of trusting the advice being offered by someone who hasn’t done what you’ve accomplished, no matter how smart this person might be.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You are smart to get all your chores out of the way as early as possible if you have plans to go out with friends later on. You may need a little time to yourself between activities to recharge yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- The accomplishments you are able to achieve will have to be reward enough for you, because there is a chance the compensation that was promised might be a little slow in coming.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- The good work you do will be handsomely rewarded, but take care that in your celebration for the huge compensation you don’t blow a wad on something foolish.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Someone for whom you’ve done much in the past might promise a lot, but be slow to deliver. You’d be smart not to expect too much from those who never have produced.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- This is one of those days when you can achieve something quite significant and/or difficult. However, don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in details.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Your will to win makes you try harder than what’s possible for most people, so it is no surprise for you to be sought after to be part of a team. Join in, but don’t think of yourself as being a hotshot.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- There are few people who are as self-reliant as you, so don’t think this is true for everybody. Some people need guidance and help and will do a good job for you if you let them.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 25, 2011

ACROSS 1 Heartthrob actor Pitt 5 Old MacDonald’s workplace 9 Proposal 14 Animal’s hideout 15 Cookie with creme 16 Eyelashes 17 Bad marks in high school?

18 Courteous chap 19 Turn swords into plowshares, e.g.

20 Where intuitive reading occurs 23 Thick-piled rug 24 Had been 25 Noisy fight 29 Color alterer 31 “___ you happy now?”

34 Tibetan monks 35 Mimic 36 Sudan’s neighbor 37 Stressing excessively 40 Rip roughly 41 Egyptian goddess with cow horns 42 “Back to the Future” event 43 “Is there more?”

44 Skating

maneuver 45 Ship bunks 46 Grand ___ (wine type) 47 ___ mode 48 Disadvantaged 57 “The Age of Reason” author Thomas 58 “Don’t count ___ !”

59 Metric weight, for short 60 Lock 61 D-Day beach 62 German river 63 Assemblage of eight 64 Muscular firmness 65 Galaxy component DOWN 1 Yak 2 100-yard dash, e.g.

3 “___ No Sunshine” (Bill Withers hit) 4 Took a card 5 Oldfashioned types 6 Rockconcert venue 7 Tenants’ strike leverage 8 One drawn to a flame 9 Eye-related 10 It can be the last word 11 Custard

concoction 12 Ireland, for short 13 Door busters 21 Clear from memory 22 Fancy pourers 25 Regional vegetation 26 Poe bird 27 Alter to make better 28 Jack of diamonds, e.g.

29 Certain advanced deg.

30 Some votes 31 “I can take ___!” (“Say no more!”)

32 Salad dressing choice 33 Slight advantages 35 Cathedral projection

36 Title not used after 1917 38 Thing to be sorted out 39 Meriting a 10 44 Collar, as a thug 45 Like a carefree spirit 46 Perfume 47 Having to do with birds 48 Engaged in 49 Pusher pursuer 50 Cut calories 51 Reason for a mercy rule 52 Word after “break” or “bump” 53 ___ out a living (barely scrapes by) 54 Gold-plated 55 Exile for Napoleon 56 Busy person

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2011 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

GOING NORTH AND SOUTH by Kenneth Holt

(Editors: For editorial questions, contact Nadine Anheier, h i @ li k )

Spring Specials

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

Friday, February 25, 2011 • 7

SPORTS Also on OUDaily.com

|

OUDAILY.COM ›› Oklahoma softball drops pair of Thursday games in Cathedral City, Calif., tournament

MEN’S BASKETBALL » Sooners host No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday

|

James Corley, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL » Danielle Robinson named Academic All-American

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S TENNIS

OU, Baylor to meet again

Sooners to play stiff competition

Rematch against Bears could be tough for team struggling to cooperate

Oklahoma to play Alabama tournament with top-tier teams; OU opens with match against Crimson Tide

ANNELISE RUSSELL The Oklahoma Daily

Fasten your seat belts and hold on tight. The roller coaster ride that has become OU women’s basketball this season takes a hard turn when Oklahoma hosts the best in the Big 12 Conference — Baylor.

The No. 15 Sooners face the No. 3 Lady Bears for the second and final time this regular season Sunday at Lloyd Noble Center.

In the last meeting between the two, Oklahoma limped out of Waco, Texas, with a 92-70 loss.

Since the loss to Baylor, OU is 3-3.

The Sooners had convincing wins at home over Missouri and rival Texas, but blow-out losses on the road against Texas A&M and Connecticut.

Anybody looking for a bit of stability? Well, the Sooners sure are.

“Our mind-set is just focusing on being consistent.

Right now, we can’t look back,” senior guard Danielle Robinson said.

Robinson had 21 points in OU’s 73-68 loss to unranked Colorado on Wednesday.

The All-American said players were not talking to each other against Colorado and were surprised by the shots the Buffaloes were making.

T h e s a m e t h i n g hap pened against Baylor the first go-round.

“I think we didn’t play

JOSH HELMER The Oklahoma Daily

What’s next

REINA LYONS/THE DAILY

Junior guard Jasmine Hartman (45) drives against a Texas defender in OU’s 91-62 win over the Longhorns on Saturday. The Sooners host No. 3 Baylor on Sunday.

If you go WHAT: OU vs. Baylor WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Lloyd Noble Center together at all that game; we all splintered,” Robinson said.

For the Sooners, playing within themselves is almost like a bad habit.

“I think it’s subconscious; throughout the up and

down season, it’s something that we converted back to,” Robinson said.

So how do the Sooners avoid the free fall and get back on track? Robinson talked about trying to go upward and progress as a team with each step.

“We’re going to make sacrifices for each other; we’re going to play for each other,” Robinson said.

And the Sooners have shown they can have moments of cohesion, but the problem has been stringing them together.

MEN’S TENNIS

First round of Bedlam begins today in Tulsa Team to face daunting OSU doubles pair, must overcome own struggles JOSH HELMER The Oklahoma Daily

Oklahoma’s 24th-ranked men’s tennis team will play its first round of Bedlam this weekend when it takes on No. 59 Oklahoma State at 2 today at the DeBois Tennis Complex in Tulsa.

The Sooners (4-2) enter the match on their first two-game winning streak of the season.

After defeating Wichita State in the season opener, OU lost a 4-1 decision to Notre Dame. The team rebounded by defeating Denver, 6-1, the following day.

Next, the Sooners dropped a close match against No. 15 Louisville before going on their current two-game winning streak.

After defeating the Indiana Hoosiers, 4-2, OU took down the Arkansas Razorbacks, 4-3 — both away from Norman.

Now, the task for Oklahoma will be to continue its recent road success against the rival Cowboys. In order to do so, OU will need to improve its doubles play.

Oklahoma has not won a doubles point since beating Denver on Jan. 29.

OU coach John Roddick did change the doubles lineup from top-to-bottom before OU’s last match against Arkansas, but the Sooners still ended up dropping the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles matches.

Up until the Arkansas match, senior Ionut Beleleu and sophomore Costin Paval worked as the No. 1 doubles pairing.

Roddick moved freshman Tsvetan Mihov into the No. 1 doubles team with Beleleu and paired

The No. 22 Oklahoma women’s tennis team returns to action after a weeklong break when it travels to Montgomery, Ala., for the 2011 Blue Gray Tournament.

OU’s first-round matchup will be against No. 36 Alabama (5-1) at 8:30 a.m. today at the Lagoon Park Tennis Center.

The Sooners (5-1) are the tournament’s third seed behind No. 9 Virginia and No. 19 Notre Dame, respectively.

The tournament field includes four other ranked squads — No. 43 Ohio State, No. 48 Depaul, No. 51 Utah and No. 64 Auburn.

“We are very privileged to have received an invite to this prestigious event,” OU coach David Mullins said. “I was fortunate to compete in the event as a student-athlete, and I am excited that my team will also get the same experience.”

Oklahoma won its last meeting with Alabama, 4 - 3 , o n Fe b. 6 , 2 0 1 0 , in upset fashion. With » The winner of the Bama ranked 30th and OU-Alabama match will the Sooners unranked, play the winner of UtahOU stormed back from a Notre Dame at 11 a.m.

3-1 deficit to earn one of Saturday. the program’s signature upsets.

This time, the shoe is on the other foot as OU enters as the higher-ranked squad.

In the most recent polls, Alabama has three singles players and a pair of doubles teams ranked. Alabama freshman Mary Anne Macfarlane leads the trio of Tide netters at No. 24, followed by 85th-ranked sophomore Alexa Guarachi and 91st-ranked junior Courtney McLane.

Alabama’s Guarachi and McLane are the nation’s No. 4 doubles tandem, while Macfarlane and sophomore Antonia Foehse join them in the rankings as the nation’s 43rd-best doubles pairing.

“I am anticipating another long, exciting match with Alabama in the first round,” Mullins said. “Both teams are two of the most improved in the country, so there should be a lot of great tennis Friday morning.”

OU has won the doubles point in all six matches so far this season. After Oklahoma’s lone loss to reigning national champion and top-ranked Stanford, the Sooners have rattled off three wins in a row.

NEIL MCGLOHON/THE DAILY

Senior Ionut Beleleu competes in an OU match earlier this season. Beleleu and the Sooners face Oklahoma State today.

If you go WHAT: OU vs. OSU WHEN: 2 p.m. today WHERE: DeBois Tennis Complex (Tulsa) up Paval with freshman Peerakit Siributwong at No. 2 doubles.

Sophomore Lawrence Formentera and freshman Laurentiu Gavrila rounded out the doubles lineup against the Razorbacks from the No. 3 position.

Oklahoma State has one of the most formidable doubles

pairings in the nation in its No. 1 spot. The Cowboys’ Aleksey Bessonov and Rifat Biktyakov hold a perfect 3-0 record and are ranked as the No. 4 doubles team in the nation.

Outside of that ranked d o u b l e s g ro u p i n g , t h e Cowboys have only one other ranked singles competitor. Oklahoma State senior Vlad Bondarenko is ranked No. 115 nationally in singles play.

The Cowboys enter with a 2-4 record after dropping their most recent match against UC-Irvine, 4-2. Prior to the loss, Oklahoma State was on a two-match winning streak of its own.

“It’s more about us than anybody. Yeah, Baylor’s good, but we’ve seen glimpses of how good we can be,” Robinson said.

If OU loses Sunday, it will be the first back-to-back loss for OU this season. If the Sooners win, maybe they are making something out of those glimpses.

“I think ever y year is a different journey, and yeah, this one has been up and down, but through the whole process, we’ve learned a lot of lessons,” Robinson said.

SPORTS

8 • Friday, February 25, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

BASEBALL

TRACK & FIELD

OU to finish first home stand against Grizzlies

Sooners to vie for Big 12 titles

Oklahoma hosts Oakland for a three-game weekend series before road trip

RYAN GERBOSI The Oklahoma Daily

RYAN GERBOSI The Oklahoma Daily

The Sooner baseball team will host a final weekend series in Norman before heading on the road for the first time this season.

The No. 4 OU squad will be looking to stay undefeated as it takes on the Oakland Grizzlies.

Senior Michael Rocha will be the starting pitcher in Game 1 on Friday afternoon. Rocha gets the nod after a solid outing to start the season last weekend, when he threw seven innings of one-hit ball in a ga m e a n d f a c e d o n l y one above the minimum batters.

Rocha also had seven strikeouts and gave up no runs in the game.

Senior Bobby Shore is slated to start in the second game of the series. In his first start, Shore gave up five runs in five innings with four walks in a nodecision.

Oklahoma’s power at the plate has been a driving force for the team early this season.

Through six games, the team leads the Big 12 in five major hitting categories, including homers (11), average (.406) and runs (82).

Ju n i o r s C h r i s E l l i s o n and Evan Mistich are tied for the Big 12 lead in runs scored as they have been catalysts for the offense by getting on base.

Ellison has hit safely in five of the first six games and is tied for a team-leading three stolen bases.

Mistich currently holds a

REINA LYONS/THE DAILY

Junior first baseman Cameron Seitzer (33) tags out a William & Mary player during a game last weekend. The Sooners are undefeated going into a weekend matchup with Oakland.

four-game hitting streak.

This weekend’s games will be the first Oakland has played this season.

Because of that, OU coach Sunny Golloway said the Sooners do not have much information on their opponent.

“We don’t know a whole lot about Oakland,” Golloway said. “I do know that they have had arm strength on the mound.”

Oakland will have junior Greg Welke on the mound to open the series. Welke had a 4-6 record with a 6.48 ERA in 16 games in 2009. He redshirted last season.

Golloway said his team is excited to see some harder throwers.

“I think our hitters are looking for ward to see Oakland’s pitching and compete,” Golloway said.

WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS

Oklahoma to head north to continue road success OU looks to defend its winning streak with road meet against Michigan GREG FEWELL The Oklahoma Daily

The No. 3 OU women’s gymnastics team will put its 24-meet regular-season winning streak on the line this Saturday when it travels to Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on the No. 8 Michigan Wolverines.

Last week, the Sooners finished off Big 12 competition by taking down the Missouri Tigers to stay undefeated. The Sooners posted a 196.425 in the home meet. It was a solid night for OU; however, after the match, OU coach K.J. Kindler said the team lacks the same intensity at home that it has on the road. In the Sooners’ last away meet, the team posted a season-high 197.225 to blow away the Iowa State Cyclones.

That does not mean Oklahoma will be able to have the same success in Michigan, though. The Wolverines have two losses this season, and both of those defeats were to top-20 programs, the most recent being at the hands of then-No. 3 Utah in Salt Lake City. On top of that, Michigan is still undefeated at home, where it has always performed very well thanks to a great home crowd.

“Michigan has a strong crowd. We have to prepare for that,” Kindler said. “They’re always on at home. They do not falter at home, so we certainly can’t expect mistakes from them.”

While Michigan may be a tough team to beat in Ann Arbor, the Sooners have proven time after time this year they can compete well

Key players look to earn conference championships, defend top rankings in final competition in Lincoln

MEREDITH MORIAK/THE DAILY

Freshman Taylor Spears performs her floor routine in a meet earlier this season. OU visits No. 8 Michigan on Saturday.

regardless of location. Four of the top five scores for the team this year have come on the road. Oklahoma also has the second-highest road average of any team in the nation this year with a 196.410.

The team knows what it takes to be successful in a hostile environment, and Kindler said they know what needs to be fixed — it is just a matter of getting it done.

“I think the details are taken care of. They know what they need to fix ,” Kindler said. “They know how they need to fix it. So, they’re going to have to make

some serious strides in correcting that in competition.

We have to go in there and try to get the momentum in our favor and knock it out of the park right out of the gate, because that’s what it’s going to take.”

The Sooners and Wolverines face off at 4 p.m.

Saturday. Michigan is the third top-10 opponent the Sooners have faced this season.

The team will return home for the final stretch of the season March 4, when it hosts Ohio State, Illinois and TWU at Lloyd Noble Center.

If you go

OU’s track and field t e a m s a re h e a d e d t o Players to watch Lincoln, Neb., to compete MOOKIE SALAAM for Big 12 titles. » Year: T h e S o o n e r m e n ’s Junior squad is looking to defend » Events: its 2010 indoor title, while 60-meter, 200the women’s side compete meter dash to improve on last year’s » Hometown: fourth-place finish. Both Edmond men’s and women’s teams » Notes: come in ranked third in the Holds fastest collegiate time conference. in the 60-meter dash, second Three individuals are internationally looking to defend their own titles from last year.

Junior sprinter Mookie KAREN SHUMP Salaam is the favorite to » Year: Sophomore win in the men’s 60-meter dash. Salaam also will » Event: Shot put compete in the 200-meter » Hometown: dash, an event in which he Media, Pa. leads the Big 12. » Notes: Sophomore thrower Holds farthest throw in OU program Karen Shump and senior history and leads Big 12; holds thrower K.P. Singh also are second-longest throw nationally vying for repeats as Big 12 champions. Sophomore thrower Tia Brooks also will compete as the No. 2 thrower in the conference.

In the 5,000-meter run, OU’s men will look to compete as junior George Alex, sophomore Kevin Schwab and sophomore Bill Kogel are all ranked in the top five in the conference.

The two-day meet begins Friday at Nebraska, the last time the Big 12 Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held in Lincoln.

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WHAT: OU vs. Oakland WHEN: 3 p.m. today, noon Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday WHERE: L. Dale Mitchell Park, Norman

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