Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Features Sports

V is for Vagina

Batter up

Famous monologues return to APSU’s stage

Venable leads Lady Govs with eight home runs

page 4

page 7

The voice of Austin Peay State University since 1929

MARCH 15, 2006

Volume 77, Number 22

First copy free, additional copies 50 cents each

APSU, South Sudan make history

G-Link provides Web home for APSU groups New database will offer more structure and organization

By PATRICK HORTON Staff Writer

APSU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Representatives of the new Southern Sudanese government cheer and applaud the ceremonies coinciding with the events that will build a partnership for future leaders of the country and our university. The U.S. government introduced a new program in November called the Strategic Language Initiative. They will invest money in the education bill to teach more of what are called strategic languages. They are called strategic because these are the “hot spots”or up and coming countries, according to Kufmann.

‘Memorandum of Understanding’ defines partnership

By DAVE CAMPBELL News Editor

Delegates representing the newly named Government of Southern Sudan (or GoSS) came to Austin Peay State University Saturday, March 4 for what is being viewed as an ‘unprecedented’ moment in APSU’s history.

APSU President Sherry Hoppe and South Sudanese Foreign Minister, Nhial Deng Nhial signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will foster the newborn republic’s structure.

The Memorandum will provide detailed plans to a partnership based in educational goals, making their future leadership strong in the principles of democracy and building upon the principles laid out by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

The GoSS will be fully interactive in this process.“At this kind of level is about pledging support, cooperation, mutual assistance and specific opportunities of the sort,” director of the Institute for Global Security Studies, Greg Kaufmann said.

The South Sudanese “are in need of the kind of education, training and consulting services that we can provide,” Kaufmann said.

APSU is prepared to help the Southern Sudanese reach the educational goals that they have set. Kaufmann said that developmental agencies and NGOs

APSU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Kaufmann oversees the signing of the Memorandum with Hoppe and Nhial.

(Non-governmental organizations) are working with bringing people, who are trained, into the diaspora (or disbursement of people forced from their homeland). This will help them develop sustainable goals for the future.

The response that their government officials are making right now is that “we need to start looking at growing our future leaders in a proper manner,” Kaufmann said.

“We’re not talking about any short term fix for these people. There are plans to make at-distance education available he says. But the main proposal is a four year in-residence program here for future government officials.”

Kaufmann also spoke about the possibility of students going into

Southern Sudan to intern in various humanitarian projects.“This will give students a chance to apply the various theoretical lessons they have learned.”

What about this event is historical though? The idea began “coincidentally,” Kaufmann said.

He explains that it was last September when this idea was first being considered.“[It] started out with a number of Hoppe’s personal contacts.”

He also said that the pastor of Hoppe’s church was instrumental in helping initiate this collaborative effort toward establishing democracy in South Sudan.

Kaufmann said that her pastor had a long history of working with The Lost Boys Project.“This project was designed around the orphan boys and girls who

APSU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Nhial speaks at the events which was not open to students or the public.

escaped into Ethiopia and Kenya to flee the conflict and seek refuge,” Kaufmann said, wandered around until they made it to these [refugee] camps. He said mainly faith-based groups would support those that made it to America and help them get educated.“At last count, there were about 3,000 Lost Boys and Girls in the U.S.” The group formed in the 80s as a result of the conflict that began in 1956,

see Sudan, page 2

As of Feb. 22, Austin Peay State University has added an innovational online tool called G-link.

G-link is an online database for all of APSU’s registered student organizations.

This new technology will allow organizations to post current events, give an overview of what their group does and most importantly, let students view this information much easier.

By making this information easier for students to access, university officials hope more students become involved with campus life.

Bryan Huffman, a sophomore majoring in business said,“Now [students] don’t have to go to each individual Web site to find out the organizations information, it has all been condensed.”

Bryan also is interning at the office of Student Life and Leadership, which is in charge of G-link. Forty students comprise the G-link information team, charged with the duty of helping to inform the student body understand and operate this new Web site.

Students will be able to browse the different organizations, numbering around 90, and see for themselves which organization might suit them best.

It is also possible to send some groups a message stating interest, and you can join online.

Parker Goolsby, a junior Political Science major and SGA senator thinks that acquiring the help of G-link will help boost the number of students in campus organizations.

“By giving more information about these organizations, it (G-link) helps involve more students,” Goolsby said.

The online organizations include social greeks, honor societies, religious groups, special interests groups and sports based organizations.

Even some non-student organizations are being added. Some of them are Disability Services, Student Affairs, Student Life and Leadership and Campus Recreation.

This new way of connecting student life will make us the second university in the United States to obtain such cutting edge technology, the first being Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Mass.

G-link was modeled after Wentworth’s version called SA Link, but was adapted to APSU’s format.

One of the founders of Collegiate Link’s SA Link actually came down from Boston to teach Lindsay Mazer and others how to set up and use this technological innovation.

Although SLL will be able to access all of the organizations, the groups will be run by designated leaders of that organization.

The information posted on the Web site will be the responsibility of the leader to fill out and update.

Members will have to login with a screen name and a password that will be provided for them; however members will be able to change it when online.

G-link has a link on APSU’s website under Student Life and Leadership, or visit www.apsu.glink.com. ✦

Financial aid affected by student income

By APRIL MCDONALD Staff Writer

Forty-two percent of Austin Peay State University students worked more than 11 hours per week during the fall 2005 semester, but it could be hurting them more than they know.

“The more a student earns the more it will affect their [financial aid] eligibility,” Greg Ross, associate director of Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs said.

Financial need is the difference between the schools cost of attendance (including living expenses), as calculated by the school, and a students Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

This means that the more income the student and their family makes, the higher the EFC will be, and the lower the amount of financial aid a student will receive.

With talk of tuition increases, the amount will not be released until early summer for the upcoming year some

students are wondering how they will continue to pay college expenses.

Currently, 1487 APSU students receive lottery scholarships, which are only available to students straight out of high school who graduated in or after 2003 and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

In addition, President Bush and Congress have approved changes to begin July 1, 2006 in the deficit-reduction bill passed in February which also cut $12 billion from student loan programs. These changes, included in the Higher Reconciliation Act of 2005, will have several effects.

There will be a fixed-rate interest on Stafford loans of 6.8 percent for students and 8.5 percent for parents, per-year loan limit increases for freshmen from 2,625 to 3,500 and sophomores from 3,500 to 4,500 with the total loan limit of 23,000 staying the same.

Also, students will no longer be able to consolidate their loans while in school, or with their spouse’s at any time.

Other changes according to Ross include: •Extended loan deferments for military service • Elimination of origination fees for student loans.

•Freshmen receiving loan checks the same time as other students, loan forgiveness of up to $17,500 for highly qualified teachers of math, science and special education who teach in lowincome schools for five years.

•Active duty military will automatically be considered independent for financial aid purposes.

Tennessee Senator Bill Frist created the National Smart Grant program that is included in the Higher Reconciliation Act.

see Working, page 2

JAROD LEONARD/STAFF

Freshman nursing major Katherine Richardson works at the inofrmation desk. Some students are not aware that working more will reduce the amount of their financial aid.

News

THE ALL STATE PAGE 2; WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006

Good Morning APSU

Working: Student aid is hindered

Campus Community Calendar

_____________

from page 1 According to Senator Frist’s Web site,“SMART grants will provide $4,000 per year to Pell Granteligible students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and major in math, science, engineering, technology or foreign languages critical to national security during their third and fourth years of college.

The bill also provides Academic Competitiveness Grants to first and

second year students.

Seven hundred fifty dollars will go to first-year students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and $1,300 will go to second-year students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and maintain a 3.0 GPA in college.”

Sophomore Ashley Mayes, a social work major, said,“Financial aid needs to be more available to everyone who goes to school;

everyone needs the opportunity to be able to receive it.”

Mayes also said that family expenses should be taken into account. The Expected Family Contribution is calculated by considering the students’ family income and assets.

Other factors that are considered include the total number of family members in the home and the number of family members in college. ✦

SGA elections SGA Elections will be held April 6-9. For information about candidacy contact SGA Chief Justice, Feras Sadik.

E-mail: sgacj@apsu.edu Phone: 931-221-7262 For complete details: http://www.apsu.edu/sga/ APSU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department, David Kanervo outlines how South Sudan will form party structures within their new government.

Sudan: APSU helps new republic thrive _____________

from page 1 though there was a 10 year peace treaty that began in the early 70s.

The conflict was portrayed as religious in nature initially, but Kaufmann said it was “a little bit of everything.What it really comes down to is Islamic fundamentalism and the imposing of Sharia law, which is a broadly applicable set of laws that apply to both the secular and religious Muslim.

The Christians in the South wanted nothing to do with it. xKaufmann said the conflict also is about natural resources.A map that Kaufmann showed of Southern Sudan depicts a very fertile southern land, while the Northern half was mostly desert.“Oil has been found [in the South] now,” he

said.

Though it’s not as simple as the Northern Sudan wanting to get their hands on the oil because “in a way they’ve already got their hands on the oil because the North still has some control binding from the peace treaty.Some may have wondered why this wasn’t as well publicized.

Kaufmann says that the they wanted this to be strictly an opportunity for APSU. “It’s not a secret. If people have questions we’ll answer them.

He doesn’t deny that it is a business opportunity, but stresses that it’s also a humanitarian opportunity and will mean so much more for our university and this part of the country.

He said that this is all fitting along with things like the five-year plan and increasing globalization. ✦

Tutors needed High School Upward Bound needs tutors in Math, English, Science, Social Studies and Spanish. Please contact 221-6226 or come by Dunn 259 if interested. For more information contact John Howard at barfields@apsu or 221-6226.

Business students conduct free tax preparation sessions In partnership with the IRS-VITA Program, accounting students in the school of Business will have free tax preparation sessions. APSU’s site will provide basic tax returns utilizing the IRS e-file program. The session will be 10 a.m. - 2p.m., Saturday, March 18.

Documentation is required and taxpayer must earn less than $35,000.

Private Mandarin lessons Are you interesteed in learning Mandarin Chinese? Maybe you simply want to brush up on your conversational Mandarin? Private lessons are available. Contact 270-6401766 .

Spring break soccer shool APSU soccer is offering a soccer clinic during the Montgomery County spring break. The clinic is for boys and girls ages 5-14 and will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. No experience is needed. The fee is $90 for the week.

Early dropoff and late supervision will be available for an additional fee. Call 931-221-7972 for information, or visit www.sureshotsoccer.com.

Latin dance classes start this week Free dance lessons with Juan Vazquez at 11 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the fitness studio of the Drew Simmons Fitness Center. Classes run Tuesday, March 14 through Thursday, April 20.

Sponsored by the Hispanic Culture Center and University Recreation. For more information please contact Tina Tracey at tarpey14@apsu.edu or 2216645.

Want to be an ASTAR coordinator/leader Applications are now being accepted for 2006 ASTAR Coordinators/Leaders.

The deadline to apply for the coordinator position is Fri., March 17.

The deadline for leaders is Fri., March 24. For more information please contact Toya Richardson at 221-6100.

Evolution vs. intelligent design Join SL&L, Dr. Reed and Rev. Welchance at 6pm, March 15 in University Center 303 for an open forum on Evolution vs.

Intelligent Design. For more information please contact Shaun Ketterman at kettermans@apsu.edu or 7431.

Fall employment Opportunity: Be a peer tutor The Academic Support Center is seeking applicants to serve as peer tutors for the 06-07 academic year. This is a great opportunity to help others, build a resume, and earn money for college. Applications must be received by 1 April 06. For more information please contact Martin Golson at golsonm@apsu.edu or 221-6553.

Breast cancer awareness Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, INC. Rho Mu Zeta Chapter wants you to Come and join us as we are reminded of the importance of Self-Examination. March 25, 2006 from 4-6 PM at the Public Library. Refreshments will be served.For more information please contact Sanita Miller at millers@apsu.edu or 221-6162.

Gay-Straight Alliance meeting The GSA will meet on Tuesday, March 14th at 4pm in UC-213. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information please contact Trish Halstead at halsteadt@apsu.edu or 2217431.

Teach in Spain

Apply now for a 2-year scholarship, leadership development, and financial security through the ROTC SUMMER LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP! For details, contact Major Darren King at 931-221-6149 or kingd@apsu.edu

The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain is pleased to announce that the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science will be sponsoring a North American Language and Culture Assistant Program for elementary and secondary schools in Spain. This program enables US citizens to work as English Language Assistants in Spain for the school year 2006-2007. For more information please contact José Francisco Olivares Ruiz at norteamericanos@mec.es 202-7282335.✦

Opinion WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006, PAGE 3

THE ALL STATE

WE WANT YOUR OPINION

OUR TAKE

Send your letters to the editor in a Word document to theallstate@apsu.edu by 4 p.m. on Friday.

Please include your name, classification and major or job title.

Sunshine Week ignites fire in open discussion about sunshine laws Welcome back.We hope your Spring Break was fun as well as productive.As we begin the second half of this semester, our nation enters Sunshine Week. This is used as a national attempt to openly discuss the need for open government such as political and community meetings. It also brings to the forefront the need for obtainable information through the freedom to access what should be public documents. This includes police records, crime logs and secret meeting minutes any organization might hold (i.e. nursing homes, school boards, hospitals, etc.)

During Sunshine Week, attention will be directed by newspapers, radio, television and magazines, among others, to the importance of accessible information to everyone—not just the media, but average citizens as well. If a decision is being made that will affect your community, you have a right to know.

If politicians plan to vote on public issues, you have a right to sit in on these meetings. Public access is crucial in trying to maintain honesty instead of letting others make decisions for us all behind closed doors.

Secret meetings can include e-mails, phone calls and small gatherings where an issue is discussed and parties included decide how they will vote beforehand. The punishment for breaking these laws against secret meetings is only $50. It’s barely a slap on the wrist for offenders.

How will this small penalty discourage such behavior? Honestly, it won’t.Advocates for open meetings and access to records are pushing for more severe punishment. This requires the need for a meeting and the penalties will be voted on. How ironic.

Secret meetings should be unacceptable anywhere. Since the 9/11 attacks many states are cutting back on access to information. Many government officials think information pertaining to security needs to be concealed for our nation’s protection. Understandable, as long as this loophole isn’t abused.

The laws surrounding secret meetings have been in effect in Tennessee since 1974.

This unfortunately does not mean that

secret meetings aren’t held.And since the law does not specifically state consequences for breaking it, does this mean those who ignore the law will go unpunished? Quite possibly.

We here at The All State require access to public information to report accurately.

We sometimes run into problems when seeking what should be public records from campus police.

We are also given the run-around by administration; it is sometimes almost impossible to schedule a time for an interview to discuss issues that affect those at Austin Peay State University. Mind you, these are busy people; however, it takes us being pushy to get what we need. It is our job as journalists to bring forth all issues decided on at this school. It is also important that students know of any criminal activity reported and arrests that have been made.

Freedom of information and access to meetings are our rights as students at this school. Our money is what keeps APSU in business.Any decisions to be voted on should be announced beforehand so that students may let their opinions be known.

This happened with the smoking bill through Student Life and Leadership.

Kudos to them. But APSU President Sherry Hoppe and her committee ultimately make the decisions that affect this campus.

This is just like any community; if APSU wants to spend money on beautification, we should know. If a faculty or staff member faces the possibility of termination, especially due to inappropriate behavior, we should be informed.We have the right be notified of any decision made on this campus.

Sunshine Week is the tool needed to keep those in power in line. It is up to not just journalists, but American citizens to make sure meetings are kept public and information is obtainable.

That’s what the sunshine laws are for— shedding light on the actions of those in power.We have to hold those who make decisions about our country, state and community accountable for trying to keep us in the dark. ✦

Virtual reality replaces real experiences and friendships I recently tried a new way of life. It is called reality. It seems that everywhere I go I talk to someone who asks me “Hey, are you on MySpace?” I admit, I once was a MySpace junkie, but I am in recovery now and I am feeling a lot better.

Internet sites similar to MySpace.com and Facebook.com are attempting to replace personal contact with your friends. If you need to say OPINION something or show Micheal someone something, simply Weakley log-on, download and leave a message. The personal connection between friends is being lost and some are obsessive about it.

Recently I was behind a girl in one of my classes who spent the entire hour reading the news on everyone’s MySpace account, leaving messages and looking at pictures.

We are in college, right? College is different from high school, right? But I refuse to be a hypocrite with my articles so I will admit that I too have wasted countless hours checking my account, reading others’ blogs

and leaving messages. That was until I removed the needle of MySpace from my arm and disabled my account.

Why? Well, I realized that several of my friends only communicated with me through this account (which on their behalf I am impossible to get in touch with sometimes), and it was starting to interfere with not only my friendships but my intimate relationship as well. I needed to end the madness, and by doing so, I accomplished so much.

In the week that I have not been on MySpace I have finished a book that I had been reading for a year, I exercised (I know, crazy concept) and I applied for graduate school.

I am not saying that ending my MySpace.com account empowered me to apply for graduate school; it just happened the same week. My point? I get a lot more done living in reality versus virtual reality.

Just try it for a week. It is sort of like quitting smoking. Just try one week without it and see what all you get accomplished.

Possibly homework, some studying, time for a book, focus on an intimate relationship or actually talk to your friends.

Now, I will have my tea. I have stopped coffee and MySpace all in the same week; it’s hard letting go of vices. ✦

We want your letters!

Write to allstateopinions@apsu.edu Include your name, classification and major.

THE ALL STATE is not an official publication of Austin Peay State University. The views herein do not necessarily reflect those of The All State, Austin Peay State University or the Tennessee Board of Regents.

WHO WE ARE editor in chief Natalie Gilmore managing editor Mandy White

By Joseph M. Frazier

Westboro Baptist Church represents hate group minorities; ignore their ignorance I’m sure that many of you are aware of a group calling itself the Westboro Baptist Church. Based in Kansas and led by a homophobe of epic proportions named Fred Phelps. they have made a name for themselves by picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers, bearing signs that OPINION read “Thank Phil God for Grey Dead Soldiers,” “Fag Vets” and “God Hates Fags,” the last being also the name of their website.You should check it out sometime, if only to give yourself a frame of reference regarding the difference between religious fundamentalists and religious extremists.

The Westboro Baptists (who are not, by the way, associated with any of the mainline Baptist congregations) are interesting in a sort of bizarro-world way. For one thing, they spend more time talking about, fretting about and writing about homosexuality than probably any other group of people on earth, to include Iranian mullahs.

To call it a fixation is to put it mildly; these people are absolutely consumed with the subject, to the point that other gay-bashing groups actually think that these

misanthropes are a front for gayrights advocates.After all, the example that they set is so unabashedly disgusting and hateful beyond description, it is hard to see how their shtick could do anything other than to send people running in the other direction.

However, the “Godhatesfags” folks claim not to care how many people they put off religion as a result of their public hate-fests, usually conducted in places and in situations that the average person instinctively knows are (or should be) off-limits to this kind of streettheatre of the damned. They don’t care because they are, by God, going to heaven and the other 99.9999 percent of us are going to hell, sent there by our loving Father to endure an eternity of torture.

Meanwhile the two hundred or so saints of Westboro Baptist will presumably be sitting on a cloud someplace, clinking champagne glasses and egging Satan on to turn up the heat for us.

Now I know that it would do no good whatsoever to point this out to these pathetic fools; a God that could conceive a system of justice whereby only a small fraction of a percent of humanity doesn’t get punished for eternity is no God at all. He is a sick, psychotic sadist.

He’s a kid with a box of M-80 firecrackers, a roll of duct tape and a basement full of cats kidnapped from Cats-R-Us.And we should bow down and worship that?

The point is, the god of the Westboro Baptists sounds more like Satan than God when you come right down to it.And the only reason I’m bothering to write

about them is this: in America they are a miniscule minority. They might dance and celebrate with glee at the deaths of others, but I’d be a lot more worried for this country if there were hundreds of thousands of them.

If I looked at my TV and saw a huge crowd of them throwing their hands up in the air like they just don’t care, praising God for destruction and carrying signs threatening death to the rest of us, I’d be really scared.

Fortunately for us here in America, the Westboro Baptists are a cipher. They are a footnote. They are a curiosity and a minor irritation. They are proper objects for derision and even pity. But they are not worth dismantling our system for, as some think we should do.

Speaking as a veteran of our armed forces, sure, they disgust me.

In that black part of the mind where the light of civilization fails to penetrate, I entertain a thought or two about how I would like to deal with their next protest at a soldier’s graveside. But then that would be exactly what they wish for: for someone to give them the martyr’s status that they so desperately crave as the one possible justification for their stunted and twisted lives.

No way.You’re not worth it. So long as you’re not forcing me to mouth your creed at gunpoint, go ahead and wave your signs and spit your poison. I hope you choke on your hate, but I won’t stop you, because you’re necessary.We need to see you to understand what we don’t ever want to be. ✦

Government parties abuse environmental issues to further own political agendas Environmental topics should be approached as non-partisan issues.

They should not be considered Democrat or Republican concerns; they are matters of the people.

These issues should be approached moderately, but the environment simply cannot be OPINION discussed Kasey without criticizing Henricks the Bush administration.

The great conservative Teddy Roosevelt once said,“The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.”

This commitment has been abandoned and therefore our children’s well-being will be in question.

It seems as if society is backtracking to primitive roots as our current government evades the safeguards to our health.

Back in the day, the Romans established this innovative policy.

The Justinian Code guaranteed access for all citizens to the “public trust,” and denied the right to injury of the environment that would interfere with the enjoyment and use by others.

This idea has been a government fundamental since the establishment of our constitution,

but not any more.

The administration has been quite elusive to disguise its agenda for the future of our environment.

Whether it’s deceptive wordplay, misleading scientific data or simply turning back on what’s already been pledged, the Bush administration utilizes all of these ploys to further its own environmental-disregarding agenda.

Do you remember the Bush administration’s “Healthy Forest” initiative? This idea promoted the clear-cutting of older timber.

President Bush seemed like he had the right motive in trying to curb the rising epidemic of rapidly spreading forest fires, but the appropriate action was not taken.

A unanimous scientific consensus found that logging can actually increase fire risk.

The Bush administration disconnected itself from the scientific world and took the initiative that would only benefit a select few.

Furthermore, what the “Healthy Forests Initiative” actually does is limit the public involvement in land decision-making, and it opens up free access to national forests for logging companies.

Bush’s “Clear Skies” program should also leave a little discomfort in your stomach. This initiative has suggested repealing several crucial provisions within the Clean Air Act. The Environmental Protection Agency has projected that by enforcing the existing air protections laid forth through the Clean Air Act, the mercury levels of

this dangerous toxin emitted through coal-fired power plants would be reduced to five tons per year by 2008.

Through the “Clear Skies” initiative, the Bush administration states that they plan to weaken that annual limit to 26 tons a year. So what the administration is meaning when they say weaken the mercury emission levels is actually increase them by 520 percent more mercury air pollution.

During his most recent State of the Union address, President Bush called for the reduction of oil purchased from the Middle East to 75 percent by 2025.

The next day, the energy secretary clarified the Bush projection.

What Bush meant was to actually reduce the oil imports by the equivalency of 75 percent of the projected Middle East imports.

So what Mr. President really meant was instead of displacing the estimated six million barrels per day in 2025, we would curb our diet by displacing only 4.5 million barrels per day.

This is not the drastic change needed to satisfy our environmental concern.

What’s sad to see is that it’s the majority of America that will be paying the price.

The water and land are contaminated, our personal health is being imposed on and our Treasury is no more.

The corporate fat cats are getting even fatter while the common man’s standard of living continues to decline.America is being stolen; what are we going to do about it?✦

news editor Dave Campbell sports editor Michael Young features editor Jason Drumm opinion editor Amanda Wadley online editor Stephanie Coward art director Dustin Kramer photo editor Jarod Leonard chief copy editor Megan Steele copy editors Suzanne Albrigt Allison Marrow Elizabeth Walker advertising manager Brittany VanPutten circulation manager Corey Hasty business manager Jamie McCandless staff writers Robert Butler Amanda Cochrane A.J. Dugger Phil Grey Michael Kellum Holly Martin April McDonald Micheal Weakley photographer Lois Jones Krysttel Miller graphic designers Alexander Elliott Wesley Hall Crystal Mefford adviser Kristy M. Galbraith

THE BASICS

On Campus Location: University Center 115 Visit Us Online: www.theallstate.com Campus Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4634 Clarksville TN 37044 E-Mail: theallstate@apsu.edu allstateads@apsu.edu Main Office: phone: 931.221.7376 fax: 931.221.7377 Publication Schedule: The All State is published every Wednesday of the academic year, except during final exams and holidays.

Letters to the editor should be emailed as a text only document or as a Word document including the author’s full name, address and telephone number (plus major and class if applicable). All letters will be checked for authenticity. Letters should be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday of each week for it to be considered for publication. Letters may be edited for clarity and grammar.

Features WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006, PAGE 4

What’s going on on campus: 2006 Homestyle Decoration Contest:

Vagina comes to APSU Review:“The Vagina Monologues”

-Win an iPod -Win a gift certificate to a restaurant -Win a pizza party -Win other prizes

By LOIS JONES Staff Writer

If you have never heard of “The Vagina Monologues,” you must be living under a rock.

Written by Eve Ensler and performed around the world,“The Vagina Monologues” are hailed by The New York Times as “funny” and “poignant” and by The Daily News as “intelligent” and “courageous.” Ensler dispels the mystery and explores women’s experiences through her monologues.

Austin Peay State University, through the Women’s Studies Program, gave students and the community the opportunity to experience “The Vagina Monologues” firsthand. There were many standout performances, from Alexis Alexander reciting “The Flood,” Jennifer Whitcomb-Olivia Reciting “My Angry Vagina,” and Catherine Davila reciting “The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could.” A monologue Davila wrote about molestation, friendship and survival was excellent. Sara Reyes reciting “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” just about brought everyone to their feet.

It is truly an experience to listen to the monologues. They are not for the prude or faint of heart. The language is frank, bold, foul and poignant. Tears are shed in the audience during the performance for many reasons. One reason is when you are laughing so hard you cry, and the other is when you hear about the violence against women and girls, which is still going on today.

Interspersed between the monologues are facts and stories about violence against women and girls. Just as soon as you have gained your composure from laughing so hard your sides ache, you are touched by the reality that violence against women and girls prevails in today’s world.

“The Vagina Monologues” are performed all around the world to support V-Day. According to the V-Day Web site, www.vday.org,“V-Day stands for Victory,Valentine and Vagina, and is a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.” The violence includes rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual slavery. It is the goal of the organization to “educate everyone about the

Applications available now in 121 Miller Hall.

Deadline to apply is Monday, March 20.

Sponsored by the office of Housing/ Residence Life & Dining Service.

For questions, please call 2217444 or email: maddoxk@apsu. edu.

Feminist Film Festival “Calender Girls” Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. in Harned Hall 245.

St. Patrick’s Day Fund Raiser Friday, March 17, 2006. Lambda Tau will be selling food and green drinks at the Sundquist Science Complex from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some proceeds go to a Lambda Tau scholarship.

Word of the Week: ostentatious-adj. marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display

Etymology: the parts of the word each mean `at nothing' or `with a small price' -www.m-w.com

Today in the Past: 1974 “The Godfather opens” Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather opens on this day in 1972. The film swept the Academy Awards, winning Best Picture, Best Actor (for Marlon Brando) and Best Screenplay (Coppola and Mario Puzo, author of the best-selling novel). Its sequel, The Godfather, Part II, was released in 1974 and won six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

-www.history channel.com

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “friendship”

reality of violence against women and girls,” and to ultimately stop the violence.

Many t-shirts of different colors were hung in the lobby of Clement Auditorium.

This is “The Closeline Project,” and the colors represent different types of violence.

White: died in violence; yellow or beige: battered or assaulted; red, pink or orange: raped or sexually assaulted; blue or green: survivors of incest or child sexual abuse; and purple or lavender: violence because of sexual orientation. It was a something to behold, all those shirts representing someone with firsthand exposure to violence.

V-Day is growing rapidly throughout the world. It is in 81 countries, including all of North America,Asia to Europe,Africa and the Caribbean.V-Day is a “catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing antiviolence organizations”.

The 2006 global V-Day campaign is for Comfort Women. These were the women, called “comfort women” who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese troops from 1932 to 1945. They were from various backgrounds and were estimated to range in the numbers of 50,000 to 200,000. These women have been fighting for an apology and compensation for the torture they endured during wartime. Global V-Day Campaign for Justice to Comfort Women is where all the proceeds from the worldwide benefit performances has and is being donated.

The production was on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1 in the Clement Auditorium and helped support V-Day. The proceeds from APSU’s production went locally to the United Methodist Urban Ministries and the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Center in Clarksville.

Tickets were either $5 or $3 and a toiletry donation. The toiletries donated went to Safehouse.

If you pushed past your inhibitions and came to the show, you were engrossed, entertained and enlightened by the powerful presentation of “The Vagina Monologues.”

For more information about V-Day or any of the other projects or campaigns visit the Websites, www.vday.org and www.clotheslineproject.org.✦ LOIS JONES/STAFF

TRIO Student Support Services lend assistance

By A.J. DUGGER Staff Writer

TRIO Student Support Services kicked off this spring semester with an explosive bang.As a matter of fact, there are tons of new, smiling faces involved. Things are looking better than ever.

TRIO Programs first arrived under Title IV of the Higher Eduacation Act of 1965 and has been helping students to succeed ever since. TRIO specializes in helping students in the lower income category and first generation college students. TRIO is also open to students with disabilities.

“We feel this is a great stepping stone for an Austin Peay State University student who may need a little support to definitely take advantage of,” explained Marissa Chandler, the director of TRIO student Support Services.

Chandler became the director for TRIO SSS in October 2005. In recent months, she has been joined by Mark Gray, the new TRIO SSS tutor coordinator, and Kendra Dunn, the new academic counselor for TRIO SSS.All three of them are virtuosos in their positions.

Joy Pigott, a senior political science major, has been the secretary for TRIO SSS for over three years. The annual TRIO day was held on Feb. 22 in the UC Ballroom.

Don Trotter, the mayor of Clarksville, made an appearance.

APSU president Sherry Hoppe graced everyone with her presence and said a few words.

At this event, several current and former APSU TRIO students shared their own personal stories of how TRIO affected their lives and helped them to achieve academic success.

There are five TRIO programs hosted by APSU. One of them is the Educational Opportunity Center. This TRIO group serves

people who don’t have a bachelor’s degree, but have a GED or high school diploma and want to continue their education.

“We are here to assist you,” said John Johnson, the director for the EOC.“We work with adults who are 19 or older.All of our services are free.” The TRIO benefits are nice.

“They plan out good trips,” said Chrismene Guerrier, sophomore nursing major.“Last semester we went to Atlanta, and that was awesome and fun.” Aside from the trips, TRIO provides cultural activities, one-on-one tutoring, counseling and a laptop loan program.

“They loan you things. That saves people a lot of cash,” said Harold Bush, sophomore chemistry major.“They loan you very expensive pieces of equipment, like laptop computers, TI-83 calculators and things of that nature. They loan these things to you for free, and they do this out of the kindness of their heart.All they ask you for in return is to sign a piece of paper saying you’ll give it back.”

However, a lot of people on campus feel that TRIO is relatively unknown. Bush is one of those people.“It’s a tragedy that they’re up in the corner of the Ellington building,” said Bush.“They got a great thing going, but they’re easily overlooked.”

“We are funded to serve 180 students here at APSU. Right now, I think we’re a little over that number,” said Chandler. Despite the lack of massive popularity, TRIO has surpassed some of their goals.

Aside from the trips and the laptop loans, TRIO SSS offers a computer lab, pre-advisement, academic and personal counseling, calculator loans and a tutoring program.

There are three other TRIO groups. One of these groups is called Veterans Upward Bound, and this TRIO group is for veterans who are preparing to take the GED, or go to a college or technical

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kendra Dunn, left, Marissa Chandler and Mark Gray head up TRIO SSS.

school.

Another TRIO group is called High School Upward Bound, and this group serves Montgomery County students who are about to enter a four-year college and provides them with tutoring, counseling and other activities.

The remaining TRIO group, Tri-County Upward Bound, provides these same services to Cheatham, Houston and Stewart County students. They are devoted to seeing students succeed.✦

Self-taught guitarist Jesse Rice mixes it up

“Never explain-your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyway.”

By REBECCA YEATTS Staff Writer

Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915) -www.quotat ionspage.com

Contact Information: Jason Drumm Features Editor: allstatefeatures@ apsu.edu

THE ALL STATE

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The songs on Jesse Rice’s album use many elements and sounds.

As a developing artist, it’s always good to have friends in high places. In the case of Nashville singer/songwriter Jesse Rice, he knows all the right people.

The South Carolina native is a college buddy of the boys of FLOREZ. He is in cahoots with Sam Brooker and the ArtistRevoultion network. He plays weekly gigs with fellow up-and-coming singer/songwriter Adam Tefteller.

But, as in any business, who you know gets you only so far. You have to have the skills to back up the hype. Rice definitely has the skills.

Completely self-taught, Rice’s music is unique, taking cues from a broad range of artists like Johnny Cash,Young MC, John Mayer and Bill Monroe. With so many

influences, it’s easy to understand why no two songs sound alike. One will be heavily bluegrass-infused and the next will have a bridge that is rapped freestyle. Some songs are completely acoustic, some are with a full band and that’s just the way Rice likes it.

“I really relish the ability to write all types of music, and never allow my self to get pigeon-holed into a set form or genre.”

Not only are Rice’s songs completely original, they are also lyrical gems. Some tell stories paint emotional pictures, and some are just all around fun. He started writing early, penning his first song at the age of 12.

“I started writing songs shortly after my dad took me to Nashville for the first time,” says Rice.

“The first time I ever visited, I went to a

Gary Burr show at the Bluebird…It was a great introduction to the Nashville music scene. I wrote my first song shortly after that.”

Rice’s seasoned songwriting has earned him some opportunities. He is currently recording his debut album “Words for the Wasted” in Nashville revolutionary Sam Brooker’s studio and on his ArtistRevolution label. The album, a collection of Rice’s eclectic songwriting skills, is slated for an early April release. He also plays weekly shows at Nashville’s On The Rocks every Tuesday night and is planning a full tour for this summer in support of “Words for the Wasted.”

Rice is truly a developing talent. While he does have a few connections, he’s essentially working his way up from the bottom.✦

Comics WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006, PAGE 5

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THE ALL STATE

THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006; PAGE 7

Sports

March Lady Gov hammers the competition to Lady Govs, Madness Invaluable senior holds all-time kicks off career home run record

By MICHAEL KELLUM Staff Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Duke was selected as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament for a record-tying 10th time Sunday, while Connecticut and Villanova led the Big East's unprecedented eight teams in the field with top seeds of their own.

Memphis was the final No. 1 chosen among tournament's 65 teams.

Duke's 10th No. 1 selection matched North Carolina for the most ever. It is Connecticut's fourth top seeding and the first time for both Villanova and Memphis.

Eight Big East teams broke the conference's own previous record of seven, which it had shared with the Big Ten. The Big East did it in 1991; the Big Ten in 1990, 1994, 1999 and 2001.

The other big winner appeared to be the mid-major teams.

This year's bracket features six teams each from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference. The Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Missouri Valley and Pac-10 each had four teams chosen. The Colonial Athletic Association also got two bids, and Utah State of the Western Athletic Conference, which was left out two years ago despite finishing in the Top 25, made it in this year as an at-large team.

Duke (30-3), assigned to the Atlanta regional, will open the tournament Thursday near home in Greensboro, N.C., against Southern University.Also at Greensboro, eighth-seeded George Washington (26-2), the only Division I team with less than three losses, faces ninth-seeded North Carolina-Wilmington.

Texas is the No. 2 seed in the Atlanta regional. The Longhorns, who lost to Kansas in the Big 12 tournament championship game Sunday, will play Pennsylvania in Dallas in a doubleheader with seventh-seeded California against 10th-seeded North Carolina State.

The other games in that regional are at Auburn Hills,Mich.,with sixth-seeded West Virginia against No.11 Southern Illinois and third-seeded Iowa,the Big Ten champions, against No.14 Northwestern State.

Memphis (30-3), which lost just one game in Conference USA this season, heads the Oakland Regional and will play Oral Roberts, which was last in the tournament in 1984, at Dallas in the first round.

Connecticut, along with Duke the only teams to be ranked No. 1 this season, is the top seed in the Washington Regional. The Huskies (27-3), who were beaten by Syracuse in the Big East quarterfinals, will play Albany, which is making its first appearance, in Philadelphia. The other game in that doubleheader has eighthseeded Kentucky against No. 9 UAB. Those teams met in the second round in 2004, with the Blazers stunning top-seeded Kentucky.

Tennessee was the second seed and the Volunteers will play Winthrop in Greensboro, where No. 7 Wichita State will face 10th-seeded Seton Hall.At Dayton, defending champion North Carolina is the third seed against Murray State, while sixth-seeded Michigan State goes against George Mason, which will play the game without suspended guard Tony Skinn.

Villanova (24-4) is the top seed in the Minneapolis Regional. The Wildcats will open in their home city of Philadelphia against the winner of Tuesday night's opening-round game between Monmouth and Hampton. The other game in that doubleheader has eighth-seeded Arizona against No. 9 Wisconsin.

This will be the 27th tournament for Arizona coach Lute Olson, tying him with Dean Smith and Bob Knight for the most in NCAA history. It is Olson's 22nd straight appearance with Arizona, moving him within one of Smith's record set at North Carolina from 1975-97.

The Final Four is April 1 and 3 in Indianapolis.✦

Brianna Venable’s hitting game has helped her become a leader on Austin Peay State University’s softball team.

Venable, a senior who is on pace to break her 13 home run season as a sophomore, says practice is what got her where she is today.

“Good coaching and a lot of practice really helped me out,” Venable said.“I think I laid down a foundation when I was in high school, and Coach Perrin helped me tweak it, and it all came together this year.”

Venable has eight home runs this season, and the Lady Govs still have at least 25 games to play, not counting the games the team could play in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament at the end of the season.

Venable said she isn’t really trying to get a record, she’s just enjoying playing.

“I really just try to go out there and get a line drive, and if it goes over the fence, then it goes over the fence,” she said.“I just try to go out there and be a consistent hitter every game.”

So far this year,Venable has scored eight home runs with 18 RBI and a .348 batting average. She got APSU’s Hilltopper Invitational player of the tournament.Venable is a two-time second team All-OVC selection and was named as an OVC scholar athlete.

Last year as a junior, she was the only player to bat over .300 with a batting average of .311. She also broke APSU’s career home run record. She led the team in on-base percentage, runs scored, triples and RBI. During her sophomore campaign, she hit 13 home runs, setting a single-season APSU record. Head coach Jim Perrin said Venable’s leadership is what helps set her apart.

“You can always depend on Brianna. She is a good student and a very trustworthy, reliable individual,” he said.

“She’s had a good year, and at the rate she is going I think she could beat her single-season home run record.”

Venable said she tries to lead her team by example.

“I try and work hard in practice and motivate my teammates.You won’t really hear me yell; I just try to be a positive motivator.”

Besides being a leader,Venable also has shown consistency by starting every game of her playing career.

Venable says she really just wants to help her team win.

“We would like to win the OVC Championship. That is our main goal, and we also want to try and make sure that we stay above .500 during the season,” she said.

As far as being an impact for her team,Venable says she just wants to be a positive influence on her team.

“I want to perform on field, get runs in, be a leader and just get things done.”

Despite the team’s losing record,Venable is having a great season, and she’s managing to have fun, too.

“I have had more fun this year than any other year, and I am really enjoying it a lot,” she said.“This is my senior year, and I just want to go out with a bang.”✦

MICHAEL YOUNG/ SPORTS EDITOR

Senior Brianna Venable has led the Lady Govs for most of her career as she has started every game of her playing career at APSU. Venable has established herself as a power hitter during that time as her success during the 2005 season established herself as the new softball career home run leader. With eight home runs so far this season, Venable is on pace for another record season as well as adding to her career numbers as an exceptional hitter and leader on the Lady Govs team.

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Sports WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006, PAGE 8

SPORTS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Wednesday Baseball vs. Middle Tennessee, 6:30 p.m., Clarksville, Tenn.

Thursday Softball vs. Evansville (DH), 2 p.m., Clarksville, Tenn.

Saturday Softball vs. Southeast Missouri (DH), 1 p.m., Clarksville, Tenn.

Women’s Tennis at Western Kentucky, 10 a.m., Bowling Green, Ky.

Women’s Track and Field TBA

Sunday Softball vs. Southeast Missouri, 1 p.m., Clarksville, Tenn.

Men’s Golf at The Intercollegiate at Diablo Grande, Patterson, Calif.

Bat Govs go two-for-three APSU slams seven home runs, five in final game of series

Staff Writer

Sports Editor

The Austin Peay State University baseball team posted two wins during its three-game series over the weekend against the Youngstown State University Penguins. The Govs (10-4) posted 11 runs in their rout of the Penguins in games one and three but fell in the series’ only seven-inning affair Saturday night, 6-4.

Despite struggles at the plate earlier this season, the Bat Govs blasted seven home runs in the threegame series, with three of them coming from first baseman Jake Lane.

“We did a good job of executing as far as getting guys on and then getting around the bases,” APSU head coach Gary McClure said.“We did a real good job of that in the first game.We were able to manufacture some runs with home runs, but for the most part, we just got the guys on and moved them around.”

Lane’s seven RBIs during the Bat Govs’ 11-2 blowout win on Sunday also tied the record for most RBIs in a single game by a Governor player.

“I can’t say enough about Jake Lane,” McClure said.“He hit three home runs and had seven RBIs in that one game. His seven RBIs ties a record for the most in a game so he had a huge day.”

The Bat Govs returned to their comeback fashion in the first game of the series as they used a five-run eighth inning to take a four-run lead over the Penguins. The Penguins (1-9) managed to post two runs in the top of the ninth inning before their late rally was stifled by Govs’ closer Brad Daniel to seal the victory, 11-9.

The Govs were not as successful in the second game of the Saturday twinbill as APSU’s pitching staff allowed all six of Youngstown State’s runs in the first three innings. The Govs posted four runs of their own through four innings but were held scoreless for the remaining three innings, falling 64. The loss snapped the Govs’ four-game win streak and gave the Penguins their first win of the 2006 season.

Despite the loss, the Govs had strong outings from the same bullpen that struggled earlier this season.

“The game that we lost 6-4, we came in and shut them down after the first two innings with our bullpen,” McClure said.“Matt Reynolds came in and pitched three innings and was exceptional. He

JAROD LEONARD/ STAFF

Junior outfielder Jacob Crass (9) congratulates senior third baseman Jacob Schroeder (3) after he blasted a home run in the seventh inning of the Govs’11-9 victory on Saturday. Schroeder’s homer was just one of seven home runs hit by the Govs during the three game series.

got out of a few jams that could have opened the game up for them. Jamie Ganz came in later and got us out of a jam and when you have guys to do that then it gives you a chance to win. That’s the bullpen’s job and they gave us a chance in that game.”

On Sunday, the Bat Govs left no doubt as they slammed five home runs and 11 hits in the 11-2

routing.

“Sunday was just one of those days where our offense just exploded,” McClure said.“We hit five home runs that day, and between that and some of our big innings we had a big day at the plate.”

The Govs will return to action with a nightmatchup with Middle Tennessee State University on Wednesday.✦

By the Numbers

Softball vs. Western Kentucky (DH), 3 p.m., Clarksville, Tenn.

11

32

1

23

Baseball vs. Evansville, 6:30 p.m., Evansville, Ind.

The number of home runs the Bat Govs have blasted so far this season.

Seven of the Govs’ home runs came in their three-game series with Youngstown State. Sophomore transfer Jake Lane leads the team with four home runs, three of which came in the Govs’ blowout win on Sunday.

The number of stolen bases the Govs have accumulated in their first 14 games of the 2006 season. The Govs have only been caught stealing 15 times as seniors Ryan Kane and Cody Youngblood lead the team with nine and eight steals, respectively. Ten Governors have contributed to the total.

The number that the Bat Govs rank among OVC teams so far this season. Though no teams have competed in conference play, the Governors 10-4 start is the only winning record in the conference with Samford and Eastern Kentucky’s .500 records ranking second and third best, respectively.

The number of RBIs that sophomore first baseman Jake Lane has pounded in this season. The number is just one ahead of Eastern Kentucky first baseman Charlie Yarbrough for first in the OVC. Lane also boasts a .707 slugging percentage that includes four home runs, two triples and three doubles.

Austin Peay Player Profile

By MICHAEL YOUNG Sports Editor

JAROD LEONARD/ STAFF

Senior outfielder Cody Youngblood is one of many junior college transfers that have made an impact on the Bat Govs’season in their first year. Youngblood played a key role in the Govs’success during last year’s OVC tournament championship run.

Lady Govs struggle at Hilltopper Classic

By MICHAEL KELLUM

By MICHAEL YOUNG

Tuesday

THE ALL STATE

One thing the Austin Peay State University baseball team likes is junior college transfers.

Most of these players make an immediate impact on the field for the Bat Govs because of their previous experiences in college baseball at the junior college level.

That is exactly what senior outfielder Cody Youngblood did.After two seasons at Grand Rapids Junior College in Plainwell, Mich., Youngblood transferred to APSU and immediately added strength at the plate and on the base-paths for the Governors.

However, the two seasons Youngblood spent at the Michigan junior college served as milestones in his career.

“That was probably one of my best baseball experiences as a player. I really learned how to play the game well.We had a good coach, and every day it was hard work from practices and games. I think that really prepared me to come to the Division I level and play at this stage in my career. I just got well-prepared at the junior college level.”

Last season,Youngblood posted a .290 batting average, which included 13 multi-hit games, while leading the team in stolen bases with 29.

Youngblood played a major role in the Bat Govs’ Ohio Valley Conference tournament crown and trip to the NCAA Regionals in Knoxville during the 2005 season.

For Youngblood, the 2005 season also wielded his two most memorable moments as a Governor.

“For me, the most memorable time would be winning the conference tournament last year,” he said.“That was fun, and also with us

losing that first conference weekend of last season and then we shot through everybody the rest of the year like we should have. That felt good too.”

Youngblood now serves as one of the Bat Govs’ senior leaders on a team that is once again eyeing a NCAA Regional berth. Though most players have to step up to be a leader on the team,Youngblood said that this year’s team makes it easy on him.

“It is pretty easy to lead with the group of guys that we’ve got,” he said.“Everybody gets along with one another, and we all come out ready to work so it is pretty easy.”

So far this season,Youngblood has recorded a .340 batting average as well as eight stolen bases in the leadoff spot for the Bat Govs.

Youngblood, a player that reached base safely in all but five games last season, has picked up right where he left off, accumulating a teamleading .485 on-base percentage.

But out of all aspects of his game, Youngblood believes that his greatest strength is his speed.

“I think that out of hitting, fielding and running, my speed on the bases is probably my best strength.You can take a day off from fielding and hitting and you will still be in tune but you can’t take a day off from working on your speed. That is something that takes work day-in and day-out to improve.”

Every successful player, however, must have a strong mental game,Youngblood said.

“I think that one of my strengths is my attitude towards winning,” he said.

“You can be one of the most uncoordinated athletes on the field, but if you want to win then you are going to try your hardest to get the job done.”✦

Austin Peay State University’s softball team won one game and lost two at the Hilltopper Invitational hosted by Western Kentucky over the weekend. The Lady Govs lost to Illinois State, 10-3, beat Western Kentucky, 3-2, and lost to Belmont 7-3.

APSU beat host Western Kentucky with a walk-off home run for the victory.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, freshman Krista Henke reached on an error before Megan Brooks hammered a pitch over the left field wall. Brooks’ tworun homer in the bottom of the eighth inning secured the win.Western Kentucky went up on APSU, 2-1, before Brooks’ home run.

Picher Natasha Anderson allowed only five hits while walking three batters and fanning six.Anderson was replaced by Lacey Briscoe in the eighth inning and got the victory.

Head coach Jim Perrin was happy with Anderson’s performance. “(Anderson) really helped us get the win against Western Kentucky,” he said.

“Anytime she plays she gives us a chance to win.”

The Lady Govs were looking for a win after getting beat in their first game by Illinois State, 10-3. Illinois State hit five firstinning runs to help secure the victory.

Freshman pitcher Ashley Elrod couldn’t retire a batter in the first before being relived by Anderson.Anderson struck out seven players and allowed one run in the first inning and one in the third inning.

APSU tried to make a comeback by scoring a run in the second and two runs in the sixth, narrowing Illinois State’s lead to a three-run margin, 6-3.

The Redbirds didn’t let APSU get any closer, scoring four more runs to close out the game.

Senior Brianna Venable had a triple and senior Stephanie Eggers had a double.

Eggers,Venable and Ami Bush combined for six of APSU’s eight hits.

Finally, in the consolation game the Lady Govs played Belmont and got beat, 7-3.

Belmont built up a lead and the Lady Govs couldn’t recover.

The Lady Govs got six hits, including two by Sarah Longmire.Venable hit her eighth home run of the season in the loss.

Longmire got two RBI with teammate Venable getting one.Venable, Eggers and Brooks scored the team’s only three runs.

Perrin said they have to learn how to stop runs from getting scored to have success.

“We have to keep teams to two or three runs in order to have a good chance to win,” Perrin said.“We are just giving up too many runs and can’t match them.”

But Perrin said his young pitching staff is still getting the hang of things in college softball.

“Our two freshmen are getting broken in, of sorts,” he said.“They were studs in high school, and now they are facing college hitters. I think our freshmen pitchers will grow up and continue to get better, so we can win more ball games.”✦

APSU Sports Briefs Spring football practice began Tuesday For the first time since 1996,Austin Peay State University's football program is holding contact spring football drills. The Governors, who are returning to scholarship football this fall, began spring practice Tuesday. The Govs won't don the pads until early next week as they use two practice days this week for non-contact work.

12th Annual Governors Bass Tournament set for May 13 at Paris Landing The 12th Annual Governors Bass Tournament is slated for May 13 at Paris Landing State Park. Cost is $100 per boat (pre-registered) with $11,000 guaranteed prize money, including $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third. The increasing popular tournament drew a record 260 boats a year ago, despite threatening weather.

Govs, Lady Govs split break matches APSU men’s and women’s tennis teams split a pair of matches against Division II member North Greenville, last week. The men dropped a 4-3 decision, while the women won, 4-3. Senior Jessica Hawk teamed with junior Izabel Rzeznizcek for a win at No. 1 doubles, while senior Alana Carere and sophomore Virginia Penner won at No. 2 doubles. Additionally, the Lady Govs claimed three wins in the singles competition to take the match. The men continue action with a 2 p.m., Thursday match-up against OVC rival Samford.