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Rock trio plays Vista Wednesday as part of Rites of Spring
dvocate Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, Oregon
music p. 9
www.advocate-online.net
April 30, 2010
Volume 45, Issue 26
For presidential and vicepresidential debate coverage and instructions on voting go to Page 4
Photos by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
ASG presidential candidates from left: Larry Collins-Morgan, Nikki Jauron and Dee Hawes Sr. during Thursday’s presidential debate in the College Center.
For profiles on the ASG presidential candidates go to Page 5
Senate asks ASG president to resign; Best says 'Hell no' Chelsea Van Baalen & Jordan Tichenor The Advocate
The ASMHCC Senate requested the resignation of Associated Student Government President Bradley Best after passing a resolution in a Wednesday afternoon meeting. The resolution passed 7-3-3, with seven in favor, three opposed and three abstaining. In an interview with The Advocate Tuesday, in regards to any intent to resign, Best said, “Hell no.” “I have no intent of tendering any sort of resignation,” he said. “Truth be told, the voice of 351 students said I was the ASG president, along with John King (elected last spring as vice president). I am not going to
throw that away.” According to Senator Verity Bishop, the resignation resolution was drafted because of the belief that Best’s failed to uphold an earlier resolution March 3 asking him to correct inappropriate behavior. “We wrote the resolution, we asked him to adhere to those (sections of the resolution) and we’re monitoring his progress,” Bishop said Thursday. The earlier resolution asked that Best “maintain posted office hours and be available to staff, colleagues and students,” make a “personal commitment to refine his leadership and communication style so as to be more inclusive, respectful and professional leader,” and successfully pass a “preventing sexual harassment” test.
The March 3 resolution was in response to interviews done by the Investigative Committee, chaired by Bishop, after formal complaints were brought to the senate Dec. 2 in regard to Best’s behavior. David Sussman, manager of College Center Service and Grant Sponsored Programs, said he feels Best followed the earlier resolution by passing a sexual harassment prevention test and keeping his posted office hours. In regards to making “a personal commitment to refine his leadership and communication style,” Sussman said, “It’s a lifelong process.” Senator Charles Cookman said, “If you do a resolution and he doesn’t follow through, then it’s only natural to follow
College president to present budget proposal at Wednesday meeting
'Godspell' cast member embraces role of Jesus as funny, exciting A&E p. 6
MHCC Foundation hopes to pass last year's $149,000 fund raising News p. 3
through. I consider it (the resignation resolution) like follow through.” Bishop said that “a lot of events led up to this (resignation resolution). It was a gradual decision,” adding that it was “a very hard decision for me to make.” She said incidents had occurred after the first resolution was passed, reprimanding Best for misconduct. “As a senator, I’m the voice of the students and I had a lot of students coming to me with concerns,” Bishop said. One of the specific issues referred to is an
Resignation continued on page 3 Index
News p. 3
Track focuses on Saturday's meet with Pacific Twilight Sports p. 11
Opinion
p. 2
News
p. 3
ASG Elections
p. 4-5
A&E
p. 6-7
Music
p. 8-9
Sports
p. 10-11
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OPINION
The Advocate
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Sanne Godfrey Editor-in-Chief Ron J. Rambo Jr. Executive Editor, Design Jake Fray Sports Editor Brett Stanley Photo Editor Chelsea Van Baalen A&E, Web Editor M. Michael Rose Advertising Manager Jen Ashenberner Music Editor Jordan Tichenor Opinion Editor Ollie Barker Reporter Devin Courtright Reporter Chealsey Fischer Reporter Jon Fuccillo Reporter David Gambill Reporter David Guida Reporter Chanel Hill Reporter L. John King Reporter
April 30, 2010
Editorials
All ASG presidential candidates are fit for office
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he Associated Student Government presidential election campaign kicked off Monday and MHCC students will decide next week which of three tickets will assume the top two leadership positions for the 20102011 year. Presidential and vice presidential candidates were only given a week to campaign this year, leaving students little opportunity to meet and talk to the three sets of aspiring politicians. But the candidates could be found meeting and greeting in the Main Mall, debating in the College Center and providing information on their election platforms, and through Thursday it was a week of good sportsmanship and clean competition. Students will be asked to select between presidential candidates Larry Collins-Morgan, Dee Hawes Sr. and Nikki Jauron, as well as vice presidential candidates Jon Francis (CollinsMorgan’s running mate), Richard Ison (Hawes' running mate), and Heather Nichelle-Peres. In comparison, last year’s campaign became dirty and nasty early in the process, perhaps part of the reason candidates were only given a week to campaign this year. This puts pressure on students, who may not have been able to meet any of the candidates in the last five days, let alone find out what they stand for, but it may be hard for students to go wrong regardless of who they vote for. During a press conference Tuesday with The Advocate editorial board, all three tickets (minus Heather NichellePeres, who met with an Advocate reporter Wednesday) demonstrated they have their own unique sets of talents and skills they could bring to the table if elected as president and vice president. Hawes and Ison impressed in articulating their goals. In regards to life experience, both are intelligent and welleducated (Hawes has an education degree) and have ideas that would improve the college. The possibility of creating more handicap-accessible areas may be too far-reaching for a one-year presidency, but improving communi-
cation between the student government and the student body was high on their list of priorities. Collins-Morgan and Francis spoke of a similar platform base using transparency and communication, which is sorely needed in today’s ASG. Collins-Morgan is likable and naturally outgoing, is probably the most polished candidate as far as being able to relate to students, but does not act like a politician (not a bad thing). CollinsMorgan and Francis also spoke of holding ASG officials accountable for their actions – another good idea, but easier said than done. Those searching for experienced college politicians should look no further than the Jauron\Nichelle-Peres ticket. Nichelle-Peres has been a member of ASG and SAB for the past two years, and Jauron is a former ASG president (in the 2001-2002 academic year). Jauron said her previous experience as ASG president has prepared her for another stint – 10 years later – and said she is looking to improve on her MHCC experiences by serving the college once again. However, it is worrisome that Jauron has only been here since the beginning of the term. This fact severely limits her experience with the college in its current state, and therefore limits her understanding on many current issues. This somewhat handicaps her opportunity to serve as effectively as the other candidates, and is perhaps why she chose Nichelle-Peres as a running mate. All the candidates emphasized that their service to the college as leaders who listen rather than command would be of the utmost importance – and the Editorial Board agrees whole heartedly that this is an objective that should be met regardless of who the student body elects as president. Good luck to all candidates and students, as online voting commences Monday and ends Thursday at midnight. By next weekend, the college will have a new leader by the students, for the students – and it appears difficult to make a choice one would regret.
Thelma M. Lucas Reporter Mario Rubio Reporter Bob Watkins Adviser Dan Ernst Assistant Adviser E-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu 503-491-7250 (Main) 503-491-7413 (Office) 503-591-6064 (Fax)
www.advocate-online.net Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030
Submissions The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.
Student government needs policy change and a resignation There may be reasons why current ASMHCC President Bradley Best should resign. However, none of those reasons have been discussed publicly or openly by the student senate, which passed a resolution Wednesday to ask Best to resign. The resolution the senate passed does not actually force Best to resign, despite the wording of the resolution; at most, the only thing it does do is ask Best to leave office. The ASG Senate does not have the power to remove, on their own and without public discourse, a publicly elected student body president. They can, however, pass a resolution that asks the president to leave office. Best, predictably, will likely refuse the request and will try to remain in office until the end of the year. He has, in fact, gone on record as saying “Hell no” (he wouldn’t resign) in the days leading up to Wednesday’s senate meeting. The next step for ASG, should Best refuse their request to leave, is to call for a recall election which would
mean the student senate would need to campaign to gather 200 signatures from registered students in order to launch a recall election to remove Best as president. It also means another election for or against “Bradley Best for ASMHCC president,” while next year’s elections are also taking place. It’s also interesting to note that recall elections are required by senate by-laws to take “four weeks to advertise and hold a special election.” The flipside to this, of course, is the fact that throughout this year Best has proven to be rather ineffective as president. His leadership style has upset almost everyone. At SAB events he is rarely seen, his attendance at weekly senate meetings has been sparse at best, and he has almost never gone to MHCC district board meetings. With a track record that is no record, there really isn’t any point in Best remaining president. In Wednesday’s senate meeting, the student senate did not discuss with students in open session any recent complaints against Best, instead
choosing to go into executive session and barring public input or discussion prior to the vote. Though the vote to ask Best to leave office took place publicly, there was no public discourse on the matter. The rest of the student body was seemingly not consulted in any way as to what they felt should happen to their democratically elected representative. Holly Corbitt, director of SAB, even said, “There are bigger and better things we could be focusing on.” If ASG waits until after next week’s elections, the window of opportunity for a recall election closes dramatically — if the window is four weeks or less, and the election did not remove Best, it would just end up being more ridiculous political backbiting. But should Best resign? Yes, if only to take the “high-road” and allow student government and the rest of the student body to move on and start planning for next year. Resignation would serve the students so much better than the alternative at this point. Even disgraced president Richard M. Nixon knew when to resign.
news
April 30, 2010
Resignation continued from page 1
Conflict in College Center causes concern incident involving Student Activities Board Director Holly Corbitt. According to Corbitt, Best yelled, “Your methods are fucked up,” near the front of the College Center two weeks ago. This came after Corbitt fired her marketing coordinator. Corbitt said there were students and other ASG and SAB members in the area. Student Events and Special Projects Coordinator Pam Kuretich said she overheard the inci“As ASG president, he is a leader. dent from her office. “I heard the student (the marketing coordinaI am disappointed he didn’t show tor) run by crying. She was crying very loudly, more self control.” then I heard Bradley’s voice. He was very loud, I heard inappropriate language then I heard a Pam Kuretich response. That’s how I knew it was Holly Corbitt. Student Events and Special Projects I heard her voice,” Kuretich said. Kuretich said Corbitt’s response was “very Coordinator calm” and she was “basically telling him what he just did was inappropriate.” Kuretich said, “As ASG president, he is a leader. I am disappointed he didn’t show more self control.” When it comes to Best acting in a similar manner aside from this incident, Kuretich said, “I personally have never experienced that type of incident with him.” This incident was discussed at the April 14 senate meeting in which Best addressed his progress with the previous resolution. Cookman brought up the incident with Corbitt, which, according to Kuretich, “Bradley did not comment after these statements.” Corbitt said, “There are bigger and better things we could be focusing on.”
The Advocate 3
Tickets available in College Center for Spring Dance Thelma M. Lucas The Advocate
The 40th annual MHCC Spring Dance will be Saturday, May 8, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Bossanova Ballroom. Wanderlust Circus will perform. Tickets include full meal with gourmet burger entrée, and a late night sweet table including Voodoo Doughnuts products and elephant ears. There also will be vegetarian options; when you purchase your tickets, you can tell about your dietary preference. Tickets are available in the College Center for $10. The winner of the 2010-2011 student government presidential election also will be announced. Bossanova Ballroom is located at 722 East Burnside in Portland.
MHCC instructor and board member seek Metro Council position for District 1 Sanne Godfrey The Advocate
The May primary election for Metro Council includes two people with Mt. Hood Community College connections: faculty member Chris Gorsek, and district board member Duke Shepard Gorsek and Shepard are running for Metro Council in District 1 along with: Shirley Craddick, a two-term Gresham city councilor, retired health researcher and author; and Jeffery Reynolds, whose website does not list an occupation. Gorsek is a full-time geography and criminal justice instructor at MHCC and also a part-time geography professor at PSU and part-time political science professor at the University of Portland. Gorsek’s campaign website said, “I have long had a fascination with environmental and political issues, especially as they relate to the Portland metropolitan area. This interest, coupled with my educational training and professional employment, make me the perfect candidate for Metro.” Shepard’s website said, “I believe families in our area need a strong
voice in our regional government. It’s time we had someone representing us who’ll stand up and fight for good jobs east of I-205. That’s why I’m running for Metro – because of my record of involvement and results; my experience as a strong advocate for family wage jobs; and my personal stake in the future of this area as a taxpayer, homeowner, and most importantly, as a husband and father. The decisions that Metro makes will have a profound impact on my family’s future.” Craddick’s campaign website reads, “I have been a leader in Gresham for environmental issues, including sustainable practices, recycling, parks and green space, as well as sensible land-use planning. I am retired and will deliver my full-time efforts to Metro.” Reynolds’ campaign site said, “I am running for Metro Council to restore control of land use to the people who live and work in the community, while using every resource available to us to create vitality through a first class transportation system.” He also said he has been involved in the Tea Party movement. Ballots for the May primary election will be mailed today and the primary election concludes May 18.
Budget: 2010-2011 proposal prepared for committee; college must relieve $5.8 million deficit Ron J. Rambo Jr.
a Tuesday budget forum that a tuition increase of $23 per credit would be needed to relieve the A 2010-2011 budget proposal will be deliv- entire shortfall. Franklin and Sygielski agreed this ered to the Mt. Hood Community College Budget would not be a good practice. “More than likely, it will have to be some comCommittee Wednesday, but President John Sygielski said Thursday no concrete decisions have been bination (of what is on the list) in order to reach made regarding what cuts will be made to fill the the point we need to get to,” said Franklin. Sygielski said he and his college’s $5.8 million deficit. "I, like the board, cabinet would have a solid proSygielski and Heidi Franklin, a budget consultant hired want to ensure we are posal by “late Monday or early Tuesday” to hand to the board by the college, have held a handful of town hall style affordable. Therefore, and while a tuition increase is a possibility, Sygielski could not meetings in April to answer questions by faculty and staff we will reflect long and say what amount it might be. “I, like the board, want members, as well as compile hard on how much we to ensure we are affordable,” new ideas to help alleviate raise tuition." Sygielski said. “Therefore, we budget stress. reflect long and hard on “I will know more this John Sygielski, will how much we raise tuition.” weekend when we review all Sygielski said there is no of the points discussed during MHCC president target figure they are reaching the forums and I build the profor, only that they need to balance the budget. posed budget,” Sygielski said. The budget committee, which is the same The possibility of a tuition increase has been raised in a list of 29 possible ideas for balancing membership as the district board, will also meet the budget, originally created by the president’s May 17. By law, the 2010-2011 budget must be cabinet. Speaking hypothetically, Sygielski said at finalized by June 30. The Advocate
Foundation looks to raise funds for scholarships Sanne Godfrey The Advocate
The MHCC Foundation is hoping to raise more than $149,000 during Saturday’s annual Foundation Garden Party and Auction. The silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. at the Portland Waterfront Marriott, followed by a dinner at 7 p.m., a live auction ay 8 p.m. and a performance by Grammy nominated Portland saxophonist and MHCC alumnus Patrick Lamb.
Last year’s event raised $149,000 and foundation coordinator Sunny Klever and Cassie McVeety, executive director of the MHCC Foundation, said the goal this year is to raise more money than last year. The money the foundation raises during this event will go to scholarships for MHCC students. A reservation for dinner costs $100 a person. For more information or to make a reservation, call 503-491-7206 or visit www.mhcc.edu/foundation.
News Briefs Part-time instructor receives award
Part-time psychology instructor Lonnie Breninger was awarded the Deanna Conner Community College Award — which recognizes the contributions of a community college member who has been a strong advocate for Oregon’s community colleges — at last weekend’s Oregon Education Association Representative Assembly. Breninger has served as Part-Time Faculty/ Tutor Association Treasurer for eight years and is on the PFTA’s bargaining team.
Calendar FRIDAY, April 30 Men's Forum Topic: Addiction from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 1008 Softball vs. Clark starts at 3 p.m. in Vancouver, Wash.
Saturday, May 1 Mayday Festival of Resistance starts at 5 p.m. on Southeast 12th and Stark Softball at SWOCC starts at 2 p.m. in Coos Bay Track & Field Pacific Twilight in Forest Grove Baseball at Clackamas starts at 1 p.m. in Oregon City
Monday, may 3 Track & Field NWAACC Multi Championships at the Earl Klapstein Stadium ASG president voting starts online
Tuesday, May 4 Student Success Seminar “End the Semester Strong” from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 2307 Track & Field NWAACC Multi Championships at the Earl Klapstein Stadium Baseball at Linn Benton starts at 1 p.m. in Albany
Wednesday, May 5 Student Sucess Seminar “Improving Memory & Concentration” from 1 to 2 p.m. in Room 2307 ASG president voting ends at midnight
Thursday, May 6 Baseball at Lane starts at 1 p.m. in Eugene
Friday, May 7 The Advocate Issue 27 in news stands around campus Softball vs. Clackamas starts at 3 p.m. at the softball field
Honor Society orientation held at Bruning Center Rho Theta will hold an orientation session Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to noon at the Bruning Center. Rho Theta is MHCC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges. Students are eligible to join Rho Theta if they have completed more than 12 credits toward a degree at MHCC and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Track & Field Mt. Hood Twilight in the Earl Klapstein Stadium Symposium “From Oprah to Lady Macbeth; What’s the value, if any, of cultural literacy?” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Jazz Cafe
If you have an event for the calendar, please e-mail advocatt@mhcc.edu
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ASG Elections
The Advocate
April 30, 2010
Debate sets stage for next week's election
ASG presidential candidates offer their vision for MHCC Ron J. Rambo Jr. The Advocate
The three Mt. Hood Community College candidates for Associated Student Government president made their cases to a College Center audience Thursday afternoon in one of the last opportunities to inform the voting populace of their policies and personal ideas. All candidates suggested that their leadership experience was more than enough to serve as president. Larry Collins-Morgan, the first person selected to speak, spoke of his management, coaching, organizational and leadership experience. “One student I spoke to was confused about ASG and why it wasn’t working,” said Collins-Morgan. “He didn’t think we could get the job done. But if I chose a song to run with, it would be “Come Together” by The Beatles. We want to form a single cohesive unit.” Nikki Jauron mentioned her prior experience and love of MHCC as reasons for running again. “I was vice president of communications in 2000, and president in 2001,” said Jauron, who graduated with a broadcasting degree in 2002. “When I look in this room, I feel love. It’s been a level of love that I haven’t seen in other places. I’ve fallen in love with the selflessness of the college, and I feel like I’m back home. I’ve only been here three
weeks. The (ASG) leadership fell into hands that wanted to do well, but there has been hostility. The reason I’m running again is to honor and love. We are running on merit.” Dee Hawes, a college graduate like Jauron (he graduated with a degree in education from a university in Tennessee), relayed that his life experience, not political experience, was most important to his decision to run. “I know what it’s like to be a business manager,” said Hawes. “I was an upper level supervisor for a Fortune 500 company as well. At 50 I was able to retire, but given the economic crisis that occurred, I looked at my situation and said, ‘Dee’s going back to work.’ I have a lot to offer in regards to leadership. My platform is to be a servant leader.” The debate was moderated by Shannon Valdivia, a speech and forensics instructor, who asked the candidates in a cyclical order questions that were written by students and instructors. In regard to what each candidate would do to expand their reach from ASG to the student body, Collins-Morgan said, “A lot of students didn’t know student government existed. We need to be available and visible everywhere, not just on this campus. Communication, consistency – we need to make ourselves available.” Hawes agreed with Collins-Morgan on communication, and said co-curricular
events were important to him when he was in college. “I did a lot of co-curricular stuff in college and there’s a lot of camaraderie that occurs,” said Hawes. “I would like to be able to start a forum that would give us the opportunity to inform others.” Jauron said she would continue to support the association of students. “An open door policy, increasing our media outlets, and increasing morale, respect and honor (is key),” said Jauron. Turning to personal weaknesses, Hawes responded by saying, “I tend to see things in black and white. I’m fairly conservative, and my running mate leans more toward the right, so he’s always there to keep checks on me. We have to make sure our agenda does not get in the way of what’s right for the student body.” Jauron said her greatest weakness was, as a writer, her tendency to “not speak to anyone in days.” “I am a mental person,” said Jauron. “Main priority, top priority – it’s all mental. I’m sure I have weaknesses but it’s something I continue to improve on. We will respond to challenges like adults. I think we’re pretty good for the job, and I’m excited about it.” Collins-Morgan, the youngest candidate, said his youth was a weakness. “I’m young, so I’m impulsive,” said Collins-Morgan. “I need to step back and relax at times. We can’t jump into things without
knowing what we’re getting into, and Jon (Francis, Collins-Morgan’s running mate) is great at balancing me out. We all want to do what is best for the students.” One of the final questions had to do with how the losing candidates would support the winner. Jauron said she is someone who does not support the increased student fees, regardless of who wins. “I knew a couple months ago I would be running and no one wanted the job,” said Jauron. “I think I’ve created a lot of education in the process of becoming a leader. If you want me back, I’ll come back. I will answer questions in a non-biased fashion, and I think that’s what you want to hear.” Collins-Morgan stressed again his reference to The Beatles song “Come Together.” “We will come together no matter what,” Collins-Morgan said. “If we’re at each others’ throats, we can’t get anything done. Hold our ideas, and fight for what we want.” Hawes said he would get behind the president, and immediately apply for positions he feels would allow him to help. “I’ll apply for director of communications, or director of SOC (Student Organizations and Clubs),” said Hawes. “I’ll do everything I can to help out.” Students can cast votes as early as Monday and through Thursday at midnight. The winner will be announced next Saturday at the Spring Dinner Dance.
VP candidates agree on variety of issues Jake Fray
The Advocate
Photo by Sanne Godfrey/ The Advocate
Presidential and vice presidential candidates at Wednesday’s vice presidential debate in the College Center include, from left, Nikki Jauron, Heather Nichelle-Peres, Dee Hawes Sr., Richard Ison, Larry Collins-Morgan and Jon Francis.
Student Life ASG Voting login page
To vote for ASG president and vice president, go to My MHCC from www.mhcc.edu. Click on the student life tab, then the student government link where you can submit your vote on the ASG voting login page. Polls are open May 3-6. Results of the election will be announced during the 2010 Spring Dinner Dance, Cirque de la Soiree on Saturday, May 8.
There was considerable agreement and no harsh words during the vice presidential debate Wednesday for the Associated Student Government election next week. The debate was moderated by political science instructor Janet Campbell, with each candidate getting the opportunity to share their ideas by answering questions posed by both Campbell and the audience, who was asked to turn in questions before the debate to be asked to the three candidates. The debate opened up with the three vice president candidates — John Francis, Richard Ison and Heather Nichelle-Peres — giving background information on why they deserved to be in office. Francis opened by saying, “I’m not running for the position or privileges of having the position,” he said. “I saw problems that needed to be worked on. I want to bridge the gap between students and the administration.” Ison stepped up next to the podium and said the whole reason he was there was to fight for the students. “I went to Salem and lobbied for students,” said Ison. “I attend all the meetings so that I make sure the students have a voice.” But, Ison added, he still plans to attend meetings even if he is not elected with running mate Dee Hawes Sr. “I will attend every meeting to fight for what I believe in,” he said. Nichelle-Peres said she started three years ago at MHCC and listed activities she has been part of, from being in ASG to being the Queer Straight Alliance president this year. She said, “Don’t elect me because of my experience but because I am the person for the job and with great hope I will get to give back to Mt. Hood.” The first question raised was how could they start to get the word out about ASG and how they will be able
to represent the students on what they want. All three candidates said they wanted to spread the word through weekly or monthly forums as well as going to club meetings. “I want to reach out and sit in on organizational meetings,” said Ison. “I want to represent everyone and make sure their voice is heard.” Another point brought up was the lack of communication between ASG and the students, with some saying there was a gap between the two, according to Francis. “Larry (Collins-Morgan, running for president) and I want to bridge the gap. there is a division there and we need to bridge the gap between students and ASG.” As for the current problem with the budget deficit in the neighborhood of $6 million, all three stood united and said they would fight against a tuition increase with everything they have. The main thing that worked its way into every answer was the communication problem that all three candidates say exists. “We need to communicate better about when ASG is holding events. Students don’t understand or sometimes even know we have ASG. This is problem,” said Ison. “We need to communicate better to the students and that is what we plan to do.” All three candidates also agreed that it would benefit the school if they go into the community to try to convince students to come to MHCC. “We need to utilize different programs by going out to talk to incoming students,” said Nichelle-Peres. “The S.O.A.R. team (Student Outreach And Recruitment) is a vital tool we can use. We have to use every resource available to get students to enroll at MHCC.” Francis said, “I agree with Heather. We need to make appearances to help students get the information they need. The enthusiasm the student body has needs to get involved and show future students how great it is to be a student at MHCC.
ASG Election
April 30, 2010
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The Advocate 5
eet your ASG presidential candidates
Photo Photos by Devin Courtright/The Advocate
From left: Nikki Jauron, Heather Nichelle-Peres, Richard Ison, Dee Hawes Sr., Larry Collins-Morgan, Jon Francis.
Nikki Jauron Jordan Tichenor The Advocate
If the name Nikki Jauron seems familiar to those who spend time in the College Center, it is likely because her name and picture hang on the wall with the other past Associated Student Government presidents. Jauron has the unique position of already having been elected to the position for which she is now campaigning. She served as ASG president in the 2001-2002 academic year, and then transferred to Portland State University, which she attended for four years and earned a bachelor of science degree. She then worked as an engineer for KPTV’s Good Day Oregon for two years before coming back to MHCC this term. “I missed the feel of this place,” said
“I want to create something that will last.” Nikki Jauron ASG president candidate Jauron. She came back to learn more about both the production and the performance aspects of music. Jauron said that as soon as she came back, she knew that she wanted to campaign again. Asked about what she wants to do if elected, Jauron said, “I want to reas-
sess priorities.” She said she wants to let people know what is happening in student government, and do things such as create a message board on the MHCC website where students could give their input on what is happening around campus. “I want to create something that will last,” she said. Jauron also said that she, along with her running mate Heather Tarabella (also known as Heather Nichelle-Peres), want to “establish a working ASG/SAB, (and) a working senate.” She also said she wants to work toward making student government “a supportive environment for everyone involved.” “This is one of the toughest jobs you’ll ever love,” said Jauron.
Larry Collins-Morgan Jordan Tichenor The Advocate
While Larry Collins-Morgan can most often be heard on the KMHC campus radio station, he is committed to making changes around campus. “I don’t need to get elected to make the changes, because I’ll be doing them no matter where I go — but I think being elected helps,” said Collins. Collins-Morgan graduated last year from Open Door Christian Academy. He said that while he may be naïve to think that he and his running mate, Jon Francis, can accomplish many of their goals, he has a faith in what they can do if elected. Collins-Morgan is the youngest of the three presidential candidates, but said he thinks his age qualifies him, as it puts him closer to the average age of
“I don’t need to get elected to make the changes, because I’ll be doing them no matter where I go — but I think being elected helps.” Larry Collins-Morgan ASG president candidate the student body. Asked what he wants to change in student government, Collins-Morgan said, “It’s a change of direction and a change of thought processes.” Collins-Morgan said he believes
there is a disconnect between the student body and the student government because “no one is getting involved.” He talked about setting up programs to get the student body more involved in student government, such as something he calls “Whine for Beer,” in which students would turn in complaints and, in return, get a cup of root beer. He has also said he wants to set up an exploratory committee, in which students could come and talk to members of student government about any issues they are concerned about. He said he has also talked with MHCC President John Sygielski about setting up an intramural sports program as a means of unifying the student body. “How about letting the people speak?” said Collins-Morgan.
Dee Hawes Sr. Jordan Tichenor The Advocate
Dee Hawes Sr., the director of Student Organizations and Clubs, has been involved in MHCC activities all year — but only decided this month to run for Associated Student Government president. Hawes did not make up his mind to run for ASG president until April 1, at which point he began to collect signatures and was approached by Richard Ison, who expressed interest in running with him. He said he is grateful to have Ison as a running mate, and was happy to discover they were a good balance to each other while having the same goals. “I’m going to count on Richard a lot,” said Hawes.
“Leadership is not about power and glory, it’s about service.” Dee Hawes Sr. ASG president candidate Hawes said a big issue he wants to change is “the lack of communication between the student body and ASG.” He has talked about instituting town hall meetings where students can express their concerns to members of student government, as well as giving “state of the student” addresses. Hawes
said he thinks if the communication problem is addressed, it will help many other problems that he sees in student government. Hawes has also emphasized he wants to have a wheelchair ramp installed at the Main Mall steps, as well as having one under the library and in general make the campus more wheelchair accessible. Hawes has a bachelor of education degree from Tennessee Temple University, and worked as a manager in the transportation industry for some time before retiring two years ago and coming to MHCC last fall. He said he is working toward a masters degree in computer science. “Leadership is not about power and glory, it’s about service,” said Hawes.
6
A&E
The Advocate
April 30, 2010
'Funny, happy, loving, passionate'
With opening night on May 6, ‘Godspell’ lead Coleton Sticka takes a look at what he wants the role of Jesus to be
Story by Chelsea Van Baalen Photos by Brett Stanley
W
The cast of “Godspell” rehearses in the Studio Theater Wednesday. The musical will open May 6 and features Coleton Sticka, standing in center above, in the role of Jesus.
hen Coleton Sticka auditioned for However, Sticka has enjoyed the “Godspell,” being cast in the lead role improvisation in the play. of Jesus wasn’t exactly on his radar “Rick (Zimmer, the director) has been letting screen. us bring whatever we want to the table,” Sticka “I wanted to do ‘Godspell,’ I wanted to be said. “It’s awesome. He gave us a ton of free in it,” Sticka said. But he was sick during his space to play around.” second callback, and he said, “I Zimmer said Sticka’s dedication, didn’t think I’d be cast as Jesus.” creativity, demeanor and the respect Now, after several weeks of he has for the cast, director and rehearsals and the May 6 opening technicians, as well as acting itself, swiftly approaching, Sticka is have helped him as an actor. Zimmer looking to what he can bring to the said, “His talents matched the needs character and what he hopes the of the role. He was the best “fit” for audience gains from the play. the part.” Sticka said he doesn’t want the Aside from the improvisation, audience to see a traditional Jesus Sticka has been enjoying the who is “quiet, humble and nice.” musical aspect of “Godspell.” Since “I want this Jesus to be exciting, working with Dave Barduhn, vocal funny, happy, loving, passionate. director for “Godspell” and director Coleton Sticka Someone who loves the people of Genesis (MHCC’s vocal jazz around him,” Sticka said. “That’s ensemble), Sticka said his “singing something I want to bring to the role.” has improved ten-fold.” He said the role of Jesus brings some “It’s not normal musical songs,” Sticka said challenges and that “Godspell” is one of the of the “Godspell” songs, adding that they’re more difficult shows he has done. similar to songs that could be heard on radio. “The biggest challenge with this role is being Sticka hopes the audience has a positive on stage non-stop and the scenes changing experience. “I hope they walk out feeling like so fast,” Sticka said. “Everyone has to work they’ve learned something and feel good about together and watch each other.” themselves,” he said.
"The biggest challenge with this role is being on stage non-stop and the scenes changing so fast. Everyone has to work together and watch each other." Coleton Sticka, Jesus
The Box Office
May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. Performance Studio Theater
Dates:
May 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Studio Theater
Admission General seating at $15 per person Cost:
April 30, 2010
A&E
MHCC's got talent
The Advocate 7
First-place winner takes talent show title with a perfect score of 30 points David Gambill
a card with each contestant’s score. Each judge could award a score from one Olivia Monti posted a perfect score of 30 points through 10. Seventeen acts performed over a twoto win the Student Activities Board “Rites of Spring” talent show Tuesday in MHCC’s Vista Dining Center. hour period. The performing styles included The original plan was for the stage to be set in the 12 musicians, two poets, two dancers and a Main Mall, but Seasonal Events Coordinator Collin martial artist. Monti played guitar and sang her original Miller said a 90 percent chance of rain necessitated song, “Tattoos,” in front of an audience that filled the move indoor. After a month and a half of planning, Miller said Vista on her way to winning the competition. McWhorter said, “I feel I could hear that on he was slightly disappointed in having to move inside. He said he was praying for sunshine but when it was the radio right now, that it would be a hit,” before moved to the Vista, he was praying for rain. “I didn’t awarding Monti her 10. A concert and dinner package of her choice, valwant us to be in the Vista and have sun outside,” he ued at more than $200, will be awarded to Monti as said. The festivities began at noon with master of cer- the first-place prize. Monti, in her third quarter at MHCC, said she emonies D. Moe Funk (SAB health and wellness coordinator Dan Moe) introducing the judging panel. usually just plays at campfires and for friends. She On the panel were Miller, Adviser to the Executive said she saw the sign for the talent show and looked at Cabinet Meadow McWhorter and Student Life Book- it for 30 seconds before deciding to sign up. “Once I got up here, and I had my friends here, it was all fun,” keeper/Receptionist Mary Burlingame. Miller and McWhorter wore multi-colored wigs as she said. Asked where she might spend her prize, Monti a preview for the wig contest that occurred Thursday said, “I’ll probably do something at Clark County as part of the Rites of Spring skating party. The stage was set up the night before in front of Amphitheater because I really like the outside conthe west window in the Vista. The windows were cov- certs.” Second place, and a Nintendo Wii game console, ered with pastel color curtains. Directly behind the stage were tall, inflatable blue flowers. Pastel color bal- went to Jacques Guitron with his ribbon dance set to the music of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” loons also were used in the décor. Daniel Tumsuden cleared out tables to make space For refreshments, SAB provided snow cones and on the floor for his third place martial arts show. TumRho Theta gave away root beer floats. The first act was student Jennifer Holland and her suden’s head came dangerously close to the concrete floor as he performed flips that drew oohs and aahs band. The three-piece played a Johnny Kline song. Between each act the judges gave their comments from the audience. The third place prize was a $50 through the public address system and then held up gift certificate to I-tunes. The Advocate
Photos by Brett Stnaley/The Advocate
Top Left: First-place winner Olivia Monti. Top Center: Second-place winner Jaques Guitron. Top Right: Third-place winner Daniel Tumsuden. Left: Contestant Zachary Funk.
Astronomy instructor looks to bring blackholes to MHCC with show Ron J. Rambo Jr. The Advocate
Black holes, how they form and how they were discovered will be the topic of Monday’s planetarium show put on by astronomy instructor Doug McCarty. “We’ll be talking about how they (black holes) were first predicted and first discovered,” said McCarty. “We now know there is a super massive black hole in the center of each galaxy, and it’s about the size of a solar system. Our sun is equal to one solar mass; these holes are many, many solar masses. Billions. The question is how they form.” As of November 2008, according to NewScientist.com, galaxy OJ 287 contains the largest black hole known, with a mass estimated at 18 billion solar masses. Despite their immense size, McCarty said there is no danger to Earth. The nearest black hole is millions and millions of miles away of Earth, McCarty said. “It could engulf an entire solar system, throw planets out of orbit, and affect us in other ways, but this is highly unlikely. The greater mass, the more powerful the black hole – but this is so un-
likely. There is no risk to us. The only risk would be if someone were to get close to one, but they’re so far away.” The recently created Large Hadron Collider, which stretches 17 miles beneath France and Switzerland, was originally thought by some scientists to have been able to create a black hole on Earth. But the LHC, said McCarty, was built to recreate the start of the universe. “The Large Hadron Collider might create a black hole, but it would last for a billionth of a second,” said McCarty. “They’re trying to measure the energy signals they receive from accelerating particles; particle accelerators have been around for a long time. It would not pose any threat.” The show starts at 7 p.m. with an encore at 8:15 p.m. on May 3. The event is free to students, and $1 to anyone else who’d like to attend. But, McCarty warned, they’ve been filling up fast. “I would suggest not being in line any later than 6:30 p.m. for the first show,” said McCarty. The show will also explore prominent constelWeb Photo lations visible throughout spring.
8
The Advocate
MUSIC
April 30, 2010
The Sounds of Culture:
A Gabriel Alegria Benefit Concert The Gabriel Alegria Sextet visited MHCC Monday in the College Theater to provide a taste of "very unusual, highly rhythmic sound," to the college community, according to MHCC Jazz Band Director Susie Jones.
Photos by
Brett Stanley Right: Gabriel Alegria plays the trumpet during a benefit concert. Below: The Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet played a variety of instruments including a “jaw bone,” said Susie Jones, director of MHCC Jazz Band.
MHCC Jazz Band Below: The MHCC Jazz Band and Susie Jones, director, opened for the Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet Monday in the College Theater. Jones said, “The real treat for jazz band students was to see such high caliber, world class performers like the Gabriel Alegria Sextet.”
David Douglas High School Below: Directed by Jennifer Muller, the David Douglas Jazz Band performed at the MHCC sponsored benefit concert Monday in the College Theater. The proceeds from the benefit are to be divided between the MHCC Jazz Band and David Douglas, according to Susie Jones, director of MHCC Jazz Band.
MUSIC
April 30, 2010
The 'Everyday guys' take to the stage to perform for Rites of Spring event Story by Jen Ashenberner
The Advocate 9
CD Previews
Everyday Life
Godsmack The Oracle
The fifth studio album will be a ‘monster,” according to Godsmack’s drummer Shannon Larkin. “It’s gonna be much more like the first record; much heavier, with simple, catchy guitar driven riffs,” he said according to winxperts.net. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony The Everyday Life performed on Wednesday in the Vista Dining Center. During their performance the group handed out copies of a five track sample CD that Knight said, “I promise it’s 100 percent free.”
omegrown pop/rock band “The Everyday Life” made The details aren’t chiseled in stone yet, according to the trio, but its MHCC debut on Wednesday in the Vista Dining they also are booked to tour with Item 9, another local band summer Center as part of SAB’s Rites of Spring week events. 2010 from Portland to Texas. The Everyday Life consists of three “wild and crazy” artists, Two of their singles “Dark in the Shadows” and “Let me go” are second-year MHCC broadcasting student Jon Fromm on drums/ getting radio play on KMHC, said Irish. He also encourages listenpercussions, first-year MHCC broadcasting student Logan Irish on ers to check out his radio show on KMHC Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 bass, and Ryan Knight on vocals/guitar/piano. p.m. Fromm found Ryan Knight on craigslist. “It’s about conspiracy theories,” Irish com two years ago and the two hit it off imsaid. “I like to think of it as speaking the mediately as both friends and bandmates in truth to those who seek the truth.” the Portland band. F-Records, started and ran by Fromm, NOW PLAYING “Our main inspiration is Blink 182,” has signed the band and Knight said they said Fromm. “Our sound is like My Chemiare trying to put together a “package” they cal Romance, but we have some hard stuff can send out to other labels like Fueled by The Everyday Life that sounds more like The Used.” Ramen, who has signed bands like Panic Knight said, “We all came from differat the Disco, Paramore, and Taking Back “Tell me that you hate me” ent styles of music but I grew up with The Sunday. Doors, The Who, all the groups that have Knight said, “They do a lot of upstart Go to The Advocate online at ‘the’ in the name. Then when I got into bands. They look for bands that are already www.advocate-online.net to hear this music. my high school days, I started listening to playing shows, already producing their own hard rock and punk and a lot of that comes stuff, and already getting their name out through in the music.” there. They will help them along, put them Fromm and Knight both inherited the in a recording studio, record them, promote artist’s gene from their parents. Fromm’s them.” parents were both professional musicians The Everyday Life EP, a 13-track album and although he couldn’t recall the bands is in the works and fans can expect to hear a they worked with, he did recall learning to play the drums. variety of music on the tracks. “My dad died when I was 5 and my mom had old drums that I Knight said, “On the album there will be a lot of the more softer learned on all by myself,” he said. piano songs, ballad songs. It’s a really good mix of music.” Knight said, “My dad played for some big bands in East Chicago. Written on a napkin at Shari’s years ago, Knight said the memHe played for Al G and the Fun Guys and Green Onion which is a bers of The Everyday Life each have their own meaning behind the pretty notable band.” name. “For me, no matter where our music goes, whether it goes Irish, who joined the group a couple months ago to make it a trio, somewhere or it doesn’t, I feel like we’re just everyday guys. We hang picked up a guitar in middle school out of boredom. out, we do everything everybody else does, so even if we ever did “I was trying to find my calling. I tried skateboarding and that become famous, that’s what it means to us. We’re just normal guys. I was fun for a while but I kept falling down and getting hurt,” he said. don’t care if ten thousand people listen to it or just ten people listen “Most people that are dedicated to that would mend and keep going to it as long as I can keep doing it.” but I said screw this. I picked up the guitar when I was 13 and the The Everyday Life’s music can be heard at www.myspace.com/ rest is history.” theeverydaylifemusic.
Music department creates an opportunity to recruit for MHCC
Uni5: The World’s Enemy
Back together again, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone set out to release the eighth album in this posse’s repertoire, “Uni5: The World’s Enemy,” scheduled to hit shelves Tuesday. Toni Braxton Pulse
Toni Braxton’s first studio album in five years, “Pulse,” will be released Tuesday. According to amazon.com, “The album is shaping up to be Toni’s most powerful and personal musical statement to date. Braxton personally chose to collaborate with a veritable who’s-who of red-hot producers and songwriters.”
B Music y e at l k e e W FRE E Larry Collins-Morgan and Jon Franscis
APRIL 30
Present
Jen Ashenberner The Advocate
About 1,500 junior high school and high school students will be coming to the MHCC campus May 8 for the NW Jazz Band Festival. Susie Jones, director of the MHCC Jazz Band, said, “The students will be mostly on the south side of campus. We are using the Vista Dining Center, the music department, and the Town and Gown Room.” She said that while the visiting students will be using these areas, they might find time to wander around campus to check it out. “It’s a great opportunity for recruiting,” she said. “The students that are recruited won’t all be music majors, but some will come for other majors as well.” The event offers a free opportunity to hear great jazz music, said Jones. Byron Stripling, a trumpet/vocalist, will be guest appearing as well. According to Jones, the festival is a competition and gives students the chance to win the division title. “They are awarded a trophy and bragging rights,” she said. There are 73 bands registered and a few more on the waiting list. The schools registered include schools from Seaside, Hillsboro, Portland and Battleground, Wash.
MAY 1
Cost TBA
Satyricon
PDX Punk Rock Collective The Muddy River Nightmare Band, Motorama, The Anxieties, & Guests
Located at
1:30 p.m. May 3
125 NW 6th Avenue Portland
Vista Dining Center
7 p.m. All Ag es
Berbati’s Pan
ABK, Twisted Insane, Tragedy, Knothead LOCATED AT 231 SW Ankeny St. Portland
$10 Advance tickets $15 at the door www. ticketmaster.com
8 p.m. Ticket s
MAY 6
Roseland Theater
$30
Presents
B.O.B and special guest Dosage LOCATED AT 125 NW 6th Ave. Portland
www. ticketwest.com
All Ages
10
SPORTS
The Advocate
April 30, 2010
Burright becomes surprise ace of MHCC pitching staff Saints head to Clackamas Saturday for a Southern Region clash Jon Fuccillo The Advocate
The first-place Saints baseball team split a doubleheader Saturday at Oslund Field against the third-ranked Chemeketa Community College Storm. Freshman ace Jeremy Burright (6-1) has been near perfect this season for the Saints and he was no different in game one against the Storm. He pitched eight innings before handing the ball over to the bullpen and closer Michael Seifert, who picked up his sixth save of the season. Seifert is well on his way to breaking the school’s record of 10 saves in a year, set by Brooks Lindsley during the 2006 season. Lindsley is playing in Class A short-season for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in the San Francisco Giants organization. Left fielder Derrick Hough joked in an interview Wednesday night that prior to the season, he wasn’t sure if Burright would even slip into the starting rotation. Hough has since swallowed his words since and said, “He has been amazing for us all season long.” “It’s crazy,” said Hough who is third on the team with a .346 batting average. “Coming into preseason I didn’t really think he would make the rotation. People just can’t hit his 81 mph fastball. The dude just comes out and brings it on every outing.” Burright’s battery-mate, catcher Corey Davis, agrees that his teammate has excelled on the mound this season. He said he feels a lot of it has to do with poise and the awkward movement Burright puts on pitches. “He does such a great job of keeping batters off balance,” said Davis. “He wears and tears batters with his ability of controlling his pitches. The thing that I love about him most is that he goes out there and gives it his all and says ‘this is what I’ve got.’ The kid isn’t scared at all to face anyone. He isn’t your everyday pitcher. He is like a Jamie Moyer (Philadelphia Phillies veteran pitcher) out there. He won’t beat you with speed.” After missing 16 games due to lower back injuries, shortstop Tanner Hodges rejoined the team and ended the games 2 for 6. Both hits came in game one where the sophomore went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI single. Last season Hodges played a pivotal part
Photos by Brett Stanley/ The Advocate
Above: Freshman pitcher Jeremy Burright pitches during a home game earlier in the year against Linn-Benton Community College. Burright is 6-1 with a 1.54 ERA and 25 strikeouts. Left: Sophomore infielder Tanner Hodges returned to the Saints lineup after a lower back injury that sidelined him for 16 games. Hodges went 2 for 6 at the plate in his first doubleheader against Chemeketa Community College Saturday.
in the Saints success at the plate and in the field. He ended the 2009 season with a .301 batting average, three homeruns and drove in 27 runs. He was awarded first team AllNWAACC for his offense and first team ALL-NWAACC Gold Glove at shortstop for his defense. “He’s a real tough kid,” said Davis on getting Hodges back in the lineup. “His doctor wanted him to sit out another month and he said ‘forget that’ and came back and helped out right away.”
In game two the tides turned and the Saints couldn’t string together timely hits and were outpitched by the Storm’s Grady Wood (6-1) for the second time this season. In two games against the Saints, Wood has been perfect (2-0) and tossed two complete games and struck out 12 batters. The Storm went on to win 3-1 behind Wood and his excellence. Davis drove in the only MHCC run in the fifth inning with an RBI single up the middle that scored Fowler from second base. “He straight up shut us down,” said Hough on Wood’s performance and beating the Saints on consecutive outings. “We had prepared all week for his slider by hitting off the machine (that throws hard sliders). We were prepared to hit a lot of balls to opposite field. But we never figured him out.
He was throwing in and away from us. He is filthy out there” Head Coach Bryan Donohue wasn’t impressed with his team’s approach against Wood at the plate and admits that due to a bad start defensively, that it kind of “set the tone” for a bad outcome. “What sucked,” said Donohue, “was we shot ourselves in the foot and gave up runs defensively with some mistakes in the outfield. We knew that their number one was going to pitch and we prepared for it all week at practice. But he (Wood) made some adjustments because he knew that we had made adjustments at the plate.” The team heads to Oregon City Saturday to play in a doubleheader against the Clackamas Community College Cougars starting at 1 p.m.
Lady Saints prepare for home stretch Chelsea Van Baalen The Advocate
With six doubleheaders left in league play before the NWAACC championship opens May 21 at Delta Park East, MHCC’s softball team heads to Clark Community College today for a doubleheader against the Penguins at 3 p.m. The team stands third in the Southern Region with five wins and three losses in league play and and a 20-6 record overall . “It’s amazing how fast this has gone by,” McWhorter said. “It makes me sad really. You get so attached to the team, a group of sophomores, and then it’s time to say goodbye.” After the doubleheader against Clark Community College, the team travels to Southwestern Oregon Community College on Saturday. The team was set to play Tuesday against Lower Columbia Community College, but the games were rained out and rescheduled to Tuesday. The team was disappointed about the rainout, McWhorter said. “They really wanted to play Lower Columbia.” The Saints played Clackamas Community College April 23, losing 5-3 and 4-0 in the doublheader. “In both games, we beat ourselves,” McWhorter said. “We had runners in scoring position with two outs and we were not able to execute and score the runners.”
McWhorter said Clackamas has a good team this year and that “all around it was an off-day for us.” However, McWhorter felt that on the defensive side, “both pitchers threw well enough for us to win both games.” Myranda Sawyer and Chelsea Schriber pitched, with Schriber having seven strikeouts in five innings. On April 24, the Saints returned to MHCC to face off against Chemeketa Community College, and won both games, 8-0 and 7-1. The team held Chemeketa to four hits on the day, two in each game. “I was proud of the girls on how they bounced back after the Clackamas doubleheader,” McWhorter said, adding that the team “made the adjustments they needed to make.” She said the team “put hits together” and “had great defense all day.” “One of the goals we had going into the Chemeketa game was to score every inning,” McWhorter said — and the team did average at one run per with 15 runs in 14 innings. McWhorter said the team sets goals prior to every doubleheader and that “it does help, it brings the focus.” In practices, McWhorter said, “We’re going to create some more pressure situations” and “we’ll be working on bunting.” ”Our main goal is to get that berth into the NWAACC tournament,” McWhorter said. She said the team is taking it one game at a time because “you can’t get too ahead of yourself.”
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SPORTS
April 30, 2010
The Advocate 11
Saints prepares for NWAACC Multi-Meet at home Sanne Godfrey
Jon Fuccillo The Advocate
Saint's baseball and Trail Blazers share similar struggles
T
he Saints baseball team can relate with our beloved Portland Trail Blazers, at least in understanding injuries. Other than that, the two share nothing else in common, besides a well-rounded group of class acts (minus Greg Oden, of course). Here are a few of the MHCC injuries: star first basemen Taylor Ard (out for season), starting shortstop Tanner Hodges (16 games due to lower back strains), and ace Nic Fowler moved from pitcher to second base (elbow injury). The team took the biggest blow of them all and slap to the face when All-American and big man on campus Ard had to shut it down with a broken left hand after only six official at bats. Talk about a freak accident. The kid breaks his hand doing what he does best, “crushing balls” in batting practice. Something he will be back to doing next season. The question of where he will be is still up in the air. Three possible options for Ard next year: back to MHCC, Washington State or the pros. “But Jonnnnn, baseball consists of a whole team, and not just one individual player.” WRONG! and semi-true. The reason for the wrong response: Mr. Ard set school records a season ago in a handful of offensive categories including my favorite: batting average (.490)! Are you kidding me? Along with 12 homeruns and 49 RBIs. That’s a game changer. Saints skipper and former player Bryan Donohue has been the man in charge for the past three seasons. And if you ask me, the guy has done a damn good job with this program. And that’s what columns are for, they are all me, me, me! (My opinion). As the head coach, Donohue has won Coach of the Year honors in consecutive seasons in the Southern Region and will have another shot this year. In his first two years, his teams have gone 67-26 and have won the South in both seasons. I’m just going to throw this out there. The coaches here deserve a lot more money than they receive, especially in the baseball and softball departments where we excel the most and are noted as some of the top programs in the Northwest. That’s a whole other issue. Back to the positives. Never in a million years would I have thought a guy like freshman Jerremy Burright, a six-foot-five, tall drink of water righty who throws a little over 80 mph, would be on pace of tying/setting a school record in wins on the hill. Good for him! The record is 12, set by Austan Mason in 2006. The team is once again in a place where they feel the most comfortable: first place in the Southern Region with a record of 10-4 in conference and 17-11 overall. Once again, they are on their way to another NWAACC Tournament appearance in Longview, Wash., on May 27-31, but a lot can happen with 16 games left in the regular season. It’s been an up-and-down battle for the Saints this season. Hopefully, the team can come back with an NWAACC title sooner than later. They are headed in the right direction with the players and coaching staff.
The Advocate
The MHCC track and field team will focus on the Pacific Twilight this Saturday in Forest Grove. According to Head Coach Matt Hart, said the team has performed well historically at the Pacific Twilight. Hart said he expect the athletes to perform well again this year, but “it’s kind of frustrating weather. Baseball and softball get rained out, but we don’t. It does interfere with the performance and training.” Last week the team focused on cardio training and longer intervals, but this week the team is working on fine-tuning the speed. Hart said he has high expectations for all the athletes. At Monday and Tuesday’s NWAACC Multi Championship at MHCC, sophomore Markus Stevens is the only athlete from MHCC competing. Hart said that only 10 men are competing in the decathlon and Stevens is ranked somewhere in the middle. “My hope is for him to become All-American (which means he needs to place within the top
Jr. Velasquez Track and Field
Contributed photos by Matt Hart
Saints Nick Mulick (center) runs away after grabbing the baton from Zach Young in the 4x100 meter relay at the Pioneer Open at Lewis and Clark College April 17. The Saints team set a personal record of 42.60 seconds.
three). I think that’s a good goal and realistic,” said Hart. The team did not have a meet last weekend but, according to Hart, one of the best things about this season has been the team cohesiveness, the hard work the athletes have put in and the talent. “We’re right where we anticipated to be at this point in the season,” said Hart about his expectation for the team this year. Hart also said that eligibility is something that really hurt the team this year and that they lost key individuals which made it harder to build a team. “Student athletes need to own their academic and athletic skills at college. Otherwise they either flip out, flake out or flunk out and we’ve had athletes in all three of these categories this year.” Another thing that
has been hurting the team is the weather and there were a few injuries this season, including Brian Howelton, who has a severe ankle sprain and perhaps a ligament sprain, and Chris Zeller who also hurt his ankle. Zeller was able to practice this week but Howelton’s injury is more severe. “Howelton’s performance from the first meet still has him ranked third in the triple jump. Just imagine what he could have doing if he wasn’t injured. Losing that much talent hurts. It hurts our program and it hurts him,” said Hart. Hart said Howelton went to the doctor, but didn’t get a lot of answers. He was jogging on it this week, but was wincing. “It bodes not well,” said Hart. Early in the season, Hart said, “I can see two immediate MHCC records getting broken this year.” Asked if this is still possible, Hart
Upcoming Schedule • Baseball plays Saturday vs. Clackamas • Softball plays today vs. Clark at Vancouver in a doubleheader. Games at Oregon City in a doubleheader. start at 3 p.m. Games start at 1 p.m. • Baseball plays Tuesday vs. Linn-Benton • Softball plays Saturday vs. SW Oregon at Albany in a doubleheader. Games at Coos Bay in a doubleheader. Games start at 1 p.m. start at noon. • Baseball plays Thursday vs. Lane at • Softball plays Friday, May 7, Eugene in a doubleheader. Games start vs. Clackamas at Mt. Hood in a at 1 p.m. doubleheader. Games start at 3 p.m. • Baseball plays Saturday, May 8, • Softball plays Saturday, May 8, vs. vs. Lane at Oslund Field in a Chemeketa Storm at Salem in a doubleheader. Games start at 1 p.m. doubleheader. Games start at 2 p.m. • Track and field competes Saturday, in the Pacific Twilight Invitational at Pacific University in Forest Grove.
• Track and field competes May 3 and 4 at home in the NWAACC Multi Championships.
Athlete of the Week Jeremy Burright- Starting Pitcher In his last two starts, Burright has gone 2-0 with wins over Linn-Benton 11-1 and Chemeketa 5-2. He is 6-1 on the season and has an era of 1.54.
“It’s kind of frustrating weather. Baseball and softball get rained out, but we don’t. It does interfere with the performance and training.” Matt Hart Track and Field Head Coach said that when it comes to records being broken, there is one that is realistic, one fairly realistic, one probable and one a dark horse. The most realistic record to be broken is the men’s shot put event where Jr. Velasquez threw 53’7.5” in last week’s meet. The school record was set in 1970 by Don Philpot at 54’6”. “Jr. is just one throw away from knocking that thing off,” said Hart, “potentially at the next meet.”
Softball conference standings School
W-L
Pct.
Clackamas Lower Columbia Mt. Hood SW Oregon Chemeketa Clark
8-0 1.000 21-6 6-2 .750 26-3 5-3 .625 20-6 3-5 .375 23-5 1-7 .125 15-13 1-7 .125 10-17
Sat. April. 24 - MHCC’s field
Game 1: Mt. Hood Saints 8, Chemeketa Storm 0 WP - Chelsea Schriber
LP - Bre Hendrick
Game 2: Mt. Hood Saints 7, Chemeketa Storm 1 WP - Kayla Anderson
LP - Katie Millard
Baseball conference standings School
W-L
Pct.
W-L
Mt. Hood Clackamas Chemeketa Lane SW Oregon Linn-Benton
10-4 9-5 8-6 5-7 5-9 3-9
.714 .643 .571 .417 .357 .250
17-11 14-13 19- 7 14-12 10-14 7-19
Sat. April. 24 - Oslund Field
Game 1: Mt. Hood Saints 5, Chemeketa Storm 2
"He's been the most consistent guy for us all year. He stepped up ever since his first start and we play real well behind him. He hits his spots and is real confident." Bryan Donohue Head baseball coach
W-L
WP - Jeremy Burright
LP - Jason Wilson
Game 2: Chemeketa Storm 3, Mt. Hood Saints 1 WP - Grady Wood
LP - Matt Pechmann