The Daily Aztec - Vol. 95, Issue 95

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Vol. 95, Issue 75

THE

DAILY

w w w. T h e D a i l y A z t e c . c o m

AZTEC

Tw i t t e r : T h e D a i l y A z t e c

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1913

I N S I D E T O D AY OPINION

New athletic director hired

HEALTH CARE Republicans should work toward a health care solution rather than complain about it. page 2

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

MARDI GRAS Find out where to go in San Diego for this year’s wild and colorful Mardi Gras festivities. page 4

SPORTS see SPOR T S on page 5

FRIDAY NIGHT ACE Find out which SDSU pitcher will start Friday nights for the Aztecs this season. page 6

TODAY @ SDSU Film screening 7 p.m., Cross-Cultural Center The Africana Studies Department is hosting educational and social events for Black History Month. “American Violet” will be screened today.

For more of today’s headlines, visit:

www.thedailyaztec.com

CONTACT GENERAL INFORMATION 619.594.4199

EDITOR

IN CHIEF, FARYAR BORHANI 619.594.4190 EDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

CITY EDITOR, WHITNEY LAWRENCE 619.594.7781 CITYEDITOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

FEATURES EDITOR, NICOLE CALLAS 619.594.6976 FEATURE@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

SPORTS EDITOR, EDWARD LEWIS 619.594.7817 SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

OPINION, ALLAN ACEVEDO 619.594.0509 OPINION@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

TEMPO EDITOR, ALLIE DAUGHERTY 619.594.6968 TEMPO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ART DIRECTOR, ELENA BERRIDY 619.594.6979 ARTDIRECTOR@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

PHOTO EDITOR, GLENN CONNELLY 619.594.7279 PHOTO@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

WEB EDITOR, MYLENE ERPELO 619.594.3315 WEB@THEDAILYAZTEC .COM

ADVERTISING 619.594.6977

INDEX OPINION.........................................................................2 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE...............................................4 SPORTS.............................................................................6 CLASSIFIEDS....................................................................7 THE BACK PAGE............................................................8

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Student trustee Red tape delays position to open work, some say R E E M NO U R S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

A student representative position will be opening in July on the California State University Board of Trustees. The board is responsible for the oversight of the rules, regulations and policies governing the CSU system.

The CSU Board of Trustees establishes policies concerning student fees, admissions criteria, financial aid, student housing, parking and other areas that directly impact students.

“Serving as a student trustee presents a unique opportunity to shape higher education policy for one of the largest systems of higher education in the world; it is the highest and most powerful office a student can hold within the CSU,” according to the California State Student Association Web site.

San Diego State student and California State Student Association Vice President of Finance, Alyssa Bruni, said her experience in the CSSA has been rewarding and worthwhile. She encourages interested students to apply for the student trustee position.

“Your voice, which is ultimately the voice of 450,000 students, will be voiced and heard,” Bruni said.

“Getting involved in the shared governing structure of the CSU and voicing the students’ opinions is a great opportunity,” she said.

“We have participated in ambitious policy agendas and set some really high goals that we can achieve,” Bruni said. “We’ve really had a monumental year and there’s a lot that we’ve done and still a lot more we can accomplish.”

The primary responsibility of students who serve on the CSU Board of Trustees is to serve as the voice of the CSU students and represent their collective demands and requests, Sarah Vagts, CSSA director

of university affairs, said.

Bruni agreed with Vagts that students’ issues should be the main focus of any student trustee.

“One hundred and 20 percent you are the voice of the students and that’s the only thing that matters,” Bruni said. “That’s the only thing you should care about!”

In addition, student trustees are required to attend all regularly scheduled and special meetings of CSU Board of Trustees held at the CSU Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, attend the CSSA meetings held every month, advocate action for issues on behalf of CSU students and work with other student leaders across campuses to resolve student issues.

Candidates must attain at least junior class standing by July 1, be continuously enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student until June 30, 2012 and be in good academic standing with at least a 2.0 GPA. Vagts said candidates should also demonstrate quality communication skills, acknowledge the political environment in the state, be passionate about advocacy and be diplomatic.

The student trustee is a two-year term position, with a voting position in the second year only.

Applications for the position are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9. Information on how to apply and where to send the application is available on the CSSA Web site, at www.csustudents.org.

The Initial Review Board, a body elected from the CSSA Board, will screen applications to meet the minimum requirements. Candidates will be notified of acceptance by April 27 and their applications will be forwarded to an interview panel, of which two to five finalists will be determined and interviewed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the final decision.

S A R A H K O VA S H S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

During the busiest months for graduate affairs, some are questioning the use of the Institutional Review Board and its role in research at San Diego State.

Graduate and Research Affairs at SDSU receives the highest volume of research proposals in February and March, as graduate students are hurrying to finish their graduation requirements in the spring.

The IRB consists of faculty and community members who review research proposals with the ultimate goal of protecting human research subjects.

However, amidst the shuffle of research proposals, the IRB is felt by some to stand as a roadblock in beginning research.

“I think there’s a lot of important things about the IRB,” Toby Hopp, a journalism graduate student said. “It prevents any sort of abuses … one of the problems is that it is a bureaucratic type of institution so it delays things and in some cases unnecessarily.”

Hopp, who is working on his thesis, had to spend approximately 20 hours arranging his research proposal for the IRB and had to wait for approval before starting his research, which consists of surveying individuals to find out what blogs they read and for what reasons.

“There’s very little harm that I think can be done to them by answering these questions,” Hopp said.

Instances such as Hopp’s raise the idea that the IRB might be creating unnecessary hurdles with excess bureaucracy.

According to Camille Nebeker, director of the Division of Research Affairs, because SDSU is federally funded, the university

has to have an IRB to review research and protect the rights of research participants.

“It can be bureaucratic because it is driven by federal regulations and we try very hard here to not be bureaucratic and regulatory,” Nebeker said. “It’s more of a ‘how can we help you do your science and be of service and help you design a study that is ethically sound and take into account these ethical principles of the Belmont Report?’”

The Belmont Report is a guideline for ethics in research developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which largely affects the institution of the IRB. Although the IRB is noted for its participation in protecting human subjects and the integrity of research conducted, one professor still feels that the IRB has overextended its role.

Dr. David Dozier, professor of communication and public relations at SDSU cites one instance when his research, consisting of surveying homeowners who had taken measures to protect themselves against wildfires, was halted by the IRB because of a typographical error in his survey.

“My reaction was, ‘Where in the world did you become the research police and why does my typographical error have anything to do with protecting human subjects?’” Dozier said.

He uses this reference to indicate that the IRB’s red tape has become “increasingly ponderous” and has little to do with protecting human rights.

Although Dozier disagrees with some of the IRB’s methods, he acknowledges its efforts saying, “This isn’t a critique of the people that actually do the work, they’re trying to do a job.”

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The Daily Aztec

OPINION

FLAMING LIBERAL

POINTS TO PONDER

Education candidates essential

T

his year, students have taken a stronger interest in learning who their representatives are and trying to influence the way those elected officials vote.

This is a worthy and logical battle to fight. We need to hold our representatives accountable to the students and the people who benefit from higher education funding.

More importantly and strategically, we should be focusing our energy on getting to know the candidates who are running to be our representatives and helping elect those who are in alignment with our values.

If students want to see more funding for higher education, then we need to do our research to find out which candidates support education and put our resources behind electing them.

We have this opportunity right now.

Assemblymember Mary Salas has already thrown her hat into the state senate race to replace current Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny who is leaving her assembly seat open. Two Democrats have entered the race and will definitely give each other a run for their money.

Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustee member and past president, Pearl Quinoñes has been running a grassroots campaign since last summer to replace Salas. Her contender is current San Diego City Councilmember Ben Hueso who hosted his campaign kickoff early this month.

Quinoñes has served on the SUHSD Board of Trustees for the past 10 years and has worked professionally as a dropout prevention specialist in San Ysidro School District for nearly 20 years now.

With the reality of budget cuts to public education, it is refreshing to see a progressive educator willing to step up to run for such an important position. As students, we need to ensure we’re electing

A L L A N AC E V E D O OPINION EDITOR

people with the right experience and values. Education needs to be a priority of our legislators when they are writing legislation and approving budgets. If students are able to think proactively and learn about the candidates before they are elected, we can ensure they will have a much bigger impact once in office.

When looking at her experience, it is clear that Quinoñes understands the importance of local public education as she is a graduate of San Diego State for both her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree in public administration.

Her experience and background make her best suited to champion the issues that are important to us and make sure that education does not continue to receive budget cut after budget cut.

Quinoñes and the SUHSD board has taken leadership roles regarding key issues such as working to pass Proposition O in 2006, which created $644 million in modernization bonds for the establishment of Gold-level Certification standards in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in new construction. This is an environmentally friendly standard for construction that cuts waste and increases efficiency.

Taking a leadership role in understanding the correlation between sustainability and student success underscores the innovative and forward-thinking leadership we need in Sacramento.

Quinoñes was also instrumental in founding the district’s teen pregnancy prevention task force, where she has served as its chair. While most elected officials and educators would want to shy away from the issue of teen pregnancy and sex, Quinoñes has taken a hands-on leader-

ship role in the development of innovative programs benefitting not only the schools, but also the community.

All these changes have come while improving test scores and minimizing dropout rates. SUHSD is very diverse and includes many award-winning schools.

Last year, Newsweek named Sweetwater High School one of the top 1,500 schools to watch in the country. This year, Granger Junior High was named a model school in California.

Sacramento desperately needs innovators and leaders who will be champions for student, women and working-class issues. We’ve seen what more of the same has brought us in Sacramento, and we need to make sure when filing Salas’ vacancy that we elect someone who will fight for us and has a proven track record of doing so.

Change can come to Sacramento. The youth that voted in 2008 now need to come out a bit earlier to work, volunteer, donate and educate themselves about the candidates who are running for local offices. The people we elect closer to home will have a bigger impact on our communities, our education and our future.

Election day may not be until June 8, but it will be here closer than we think. If we don’t put our time and energy into educating ourselves and others about candidates such as Quinoñes, then we will lose the battle before it even begins.

—Allan Acevedo is a political science and comparative literature junior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

GOING ROGUE

GOP avoids health care summit

T

he Republicans are at it again.

It’s not enough they have spent the last year vehemently whining about President Barack Obama’s supposed ruining of the country, but now they are halting any chance of bipartisan agreement for a health care bill.

On Feb. 12, Obama formally invited Republicans to openly discuss health care in a nationally televised summit on Feb. 25.

Many Americans are still confused about what kind of legislation has gone into the bill, and this form of public dialogue would hopefully clear up any misconceptions there have been in the past year.

But in typical Republican fashion, conservative leaders are declining the invite. GOP leaders have stated unless Obama completely scraps the existing health care bill, they may not attend any form of open debate.

This childish strike is solely a political move for the GOP. Obviously politicians are expected to behave this way occasionally, but enough is enough. It is ridiculous to completely terminate the existing bill and in doing so the past year of health care debate goes completely to waste.

Republicans are ultimately embarrassing themselves by not attending the health care summit. This shows they are unprepared and unwilling to compromise. The GOP has done nothing but complain for the past nine months about health care, and now when asked to give their input on a situation, they wish to remain silent.

If they want to move on from the yearlong debate, Republicans must attend the health care summit. They need to put their ideas on the table and show the country they are actively trying to find a solution to the health care problem.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

SA RA H GR I E C O MANAGING EDITOR

But instead, they’re criticizing yet again.

Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner has already expressed his disdain to the slanted Fox News Channel.

“I want to have this bipartisan conversation, but ... I don’t want to walk into some trap,” Boehner said.

But Obama’s motives do not appear to be sinister. The Obama administration is simply fed up with the continuous hold on health care. Inviting the Republicans to discuss options makes sense after months of going nowhere with the bill.

Obama has aggressively reached out to Republicans throughout the past year of his presidency. Former President George W. Bush never made such efforts with Democrats. Obama has personally met with many significant Republican leaders and conservative opinion leaders asking for their input and still they refuse to give him the time of day.

The Democrats hold partial responsibility in this health care debate as well.

They had the largest majority in years, yet they were unable to formulate a reasonable health care bill between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Ever since liberals lost their majority with the recent election of Scott Brown, their numbers are decreasing. They need to take full responsibility and use assertive action by opening themselves to this televised debate.

Both sides need to look at the options and observe the states that have working government-mandated health care systems, such as Massachusetts and Hawaii.

One of the biggest issues Americans face involves the current health care situation and a new system is necessary if this

country is going to get back on its feet.

The GOP has plenty of time to get together before this debate and prioritize their agenda. Between today and Feb. 25, there is more than a week to organize the voices of the Republican Party and bring forth their best objectives.

The GOP has done nothing but complain for the past nine months about health care, and now when asked to give their input on a situation, they wish to remain silent.

So Republicans, pull it together. The party is finally winning back the hearts of middle-class Americans after a year of unfulfilled promises made by Obama.

Seize this opportunity for transparency.

Unless, of course, the GOP is too afraid the public will see right through them. If that is the case, then their constituents need to elect someone who will fight for them, not cower in a corner.

—Sarah Grieco is a public relations junior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

2010 Olympic torch relay

Duration of the journey:

106

days

Number of towns visited: more than

1,000

Number of torchbearers:

12,000 Distance traveled:

45,000

kilometers

Afghan offensive Population of Marja: approximately

85,000

Number of troops: more than

6,000

Estimated of Taliban in Marja prior to the coalition assault:

400 1,000 to

Size of Marja: about

80

square miles

Tijuana, Mexico slayings

Killings in Tijuana in 2008:

844 Killings in Tijuana in 2009:

657 Drug-related killings throughout Mexico in 2008:

5,200

Drug-related killings throughout Mexico in 2009:

6,500

—Compiled by Assistant Opinion Editor Renée Villaseñor

OPINION

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

3

FREEDOM HAWK

Technology innovation may help border security

MCT Campus

Technology innovations being developed by San Diego State’s Department of Homeland Security may help increase border security from illegal immigrants and drug dealers. Technology will increase efficiency of border officers.

H

igh tech surveillance strategies used in the War on Terror may now be utilized by the U.S. on our borders at home.

The U.S. government is planning to fly unmanned drones along the border to locate criminals in transit in places less accessible to border patrol agents. By using high resolution images taken from airplanes, satellites, and Predator surveillance drones, agents will be able to uncover new trails created by illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. With the current war zone-like areas of Mexico, it is now more vital than ever to secure our borders. Drug cartel violence and kidnappings are not just an incident in our neighboring country, but have spilled into the U.S. because of our extremely lax border security. In the last two years, 30 San Diegans have been kidnapped and taken to Mexico where some were eventually murdered.

Many were likely held for ransom from their families.

During a question and answer session with Sheriff Bill Gore of San Diego, a former FBI Agent, Gore stated that the estimates the FBI comes out with in regards to

P AT R I C K W A L S H S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

murder and kidnappings of Americans are very low. This is primarily because the majority of cases are unreported by families because of the fear of further retaliation.

Kidnappings and murders have been rising from drug cartel operatives in the U.S. The implementation of the surveillance drones, which has had overwhelming success in Iraq and Afghanistan, will deter the increase in kidnappings, drug trafficking and illegal immigration. We must put an end to this for the security of our citizens.

The national government’s first and foremost priority must be to defend the borders and protect the people. With this new program, the U.S. is showing it is beginning to take national security more seriously.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are a smart step toward stopping the flow of illegals and drugs into America. For decades, the problem has been getting worse as our government has failed to find a way to adequately address the problem. Now, with the new technology born from post-9/11

warfare, it seems we have found a better solution. The advances we have made in locating individuals without the need for “boots on the ground” will not only make securing our border an easier task, but will also help take our border agents out of harm’s way.

San Diego State has been selected to help aid the government in detecting illegal immigrant routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. Our university is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Center for Border Security and Immigration, which is based at the University of Arizona. The federal government works with universities to conduct research on national security technology.

SDSU is developing a computer program that would take images from UAVs, planes and satellites and crop the images into a continuous picture of the entire U.S.Mexico border, as well as the U.S.-Canada border. Using the constant live image, authorities will be able to make precise deployments of officers along the 2,000 mile border at any given time. It will elevate the notoriously lethargic U.S. Border Patrol into a precise, decisive law enforce-

ment department with the same speed as the U.S. Special Forces.

The possible mega-image of the entire border will allow officials to monitor new trails, tunnels, trends and changes along the border. The computer program will then be able to analyze these changes and give authorities the upper hand on new drug and human trafficking tunnels as they are being developed.

It fills me with pride to see SDSU leading the way in U.S. national security. Along with our strong ROTC presence, our Homeland Security program is fulfilling its invaluable duty to secure America. I am extremely optimistic about this new border security strategy. It seems we now have a viable solution to our current crisis and I urge the government to move ahead with this plan with haste. Time is of the essence.

—Patrick Walsh is a political science junior.

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Include your full name, major and year in school.

Letters policy The Daily Aztec welcomes letters on all subjects, sections and stories. Letters may be edited for brevity, libelous and overtly offensive content. Letters must include the writer’s year in school and major or professional title.The Daily Aztec offices are located in the basement of the Business Administration building. Please send e-mail to letters@thedailyaztec.com.

MCT Campus

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The Daily Aztec

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Ultimate mardi parties San Diego has a plethora of places to celebrate Mardi Gras A M I N AT A D I A S TA F F W R I T E R

Forget Taco Tuesday; today, bigger celebration is in order: Fat Tuesday.

Mardi Gras is finally here, and with a city like San Diego for a playground, there’s no shortage of parties to attend. Grab a mask, throw on some beads and get ready to flash some … smiles.

Carnival Celebrations MCT Campus

The Mardi Gras colors were chosen by Rex, king of carnival in 1892; they are purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power.

Mardi Gras Gaslamp District The streets of downtown will transform into a block party screaming with purple, green and gold. With different events taking place along the streets, chances of becoming bored are less than likely. A danceoff along E Street, an all-female lineup of disc jockeys one block away and acrobatic performances are just a few of the featured activities.

Tickets for the 21-and-older event can be purchased online at www.gaslamp.org.

Ninth Annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras Hillcrest is also hosting a street festival for Fat Tuesday tonight with entertaining drag acts and delicious food. With Absolut Vodka as the primary sponsor, this party is sure to make for a wild Mardi Gras.

Cajun flavin’ Bud’s Louisiana Cafe This tiny joint packs a big punch with its spicy food. Inspired by French Quarter food from Louisiana, this restaurant will make diners forget they’re not in the vibrant, southern state. Open only for lunch today, Bud’s will be serving up its Creole specialties, some of which include gumbo, jambalaya and Po’ Boy sandwiches.

Bud’s is located at 10425 Tierrasanta Blvd. and can be reached at 858-573-2837.

Chateau Orleans Frog legs, gator bites, catfish nuggets and fried dill pickles are just a few of the southern dishes offered at Chateau Orleans. Brace yourself and then embrace the Cajun-style food for an authentic Mardi Gras dinner. Chateau Orleans is located at 926 Turquoise St. and can be reached at 858-488-6744.

Zatarains presents Mardi Gras: New Orleans Style - Bourbon Street Package The House of Blues is bringing in a New Orleans flair for Fat Tuesday with a southerninfluenced buffet and Creole-influenced music. HOB is also putting a unique twist on the party’s traditional accoutrement by decorating an entire wall with just Mardi Gras beads. For Thinkstock more information about the event Popular Mardi Gras practices are mask and costume wearing, dancing, drinking and the general overturning of social conventions. check out www.houseofblues.com.

GivING up LOVED ITEMS for lent Celebrators of Lent traditionally give things up for 40 days

some addictions in which many college students adhere. The following are a few ideas of what to forsake for Lent.

Facebook SA RA H GR I E C O MANAGING EDITOR

Tonight, many people will be dancing and drinking in the streets of San Diego for the Mardi Gras celebration. While Mardi Gras may be a fun-filled evening of overindulgence, it is also a reminder that Lent starts tomorrow.

Many people will spend the next 40 days giving up something to represent the time Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness fasting. This tradition is centuries o l d a n d people typically do this to atone their sins. But Lent doesn’t need to be solely for religious repentance. Individuals can use the next 40 days to teach themselves self-discipline.

This year, instead of bypassing a month of sacrifice, try giving up something that will ultimately improve quality of life or health.

The next few weeks may be difficult, but by the end of Lent one may have the strength to beat

The popular social networking tool that was once solely used to connect with friends has now become a typical part of one’s day. Students obsessively check their Facebook pages multiple times a day, on either their computers or their smart phones. While Facebook has fulfilled its duty to keep people connected, many feel addicted to reading News Feed or tagging pictures.

So this year, try giving up Facebook.

Forgoing Facebook may sound impossible and may feel like social suicide, but it may be worth it in the long run. Studies have confirmed lower test grades directly correlate with time spent on Facebook. By using the time formerly spent on Facebook, students may find more time to study or spend with friends instead. For a seven-step process to get rid of a Facebook addiction, visit www.wikihow.com/Quit-Facebook.

Alcohol For a college student, giving up alcohol sounds blasphemous.

Weekends without a night of boozing with the bros or drinking late into the night in Pacific Beach seems horrible. But 40 days without alcoholic consumption has many benefits.

“Once I stopped drinking, I lost 10 pounds almost immediately,” interdisciplinary studies senior

Trevor Bishop said. “I feel a lot healthier. It is a little socially awkward at first, but it’s totally worth it.”

Forfeiting alcohol will also improve mental clarity and provide one with more free time that was formerly wasted at a bar or club.

Embracing a new hobby will help ease the initial pangs of margarita cravings and getting friends to collectively forgo drinking will make the sacrifice easier.

Dining out It’s no secret that going out to eat for every meal will take a toll on one’s waistline. But spending money on breakfast, lunch and dinner will also put a dent in any bank account.

That latte at Starbucks may only cost about $3.50, but throughout the course of a month it can add up to around $105. Add eating a meal at Panda Express or Taco Bell and hundreds of dollars are lost each month to a fast food fix.

Students can save money by buying groceries and cooking meals instead of constantly going to their favorite restaurants. In the spirit of Lent, people can instead donate the savings to a worthy cause such as Help Haiti Now. Lent doesn’t have to be a terrible experience and many people may find themselves enlightened by the time Easter arrives. So take a look at something that can be sacrificed for 40 days and enjoy something beneficial instead.

Thinkstock

Lent, which spawns from the Christian religion, begins four weeks before Easter Sunday.

SPORTS

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Daily Aztec

5

Sterk named new AD

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Former Washington State University athletic director Jim Sterk was hired as San Diego State’s new athletic director yesterday.

E D WA R D L E W I S SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State President Stephen L. Weber announced yesterday that Jim Sterk will be SDSU’s new athletic director.

Sterk comes to the university after serving as Washington State’s athletic director since 2000. “(He is) a person whom I believe will provide vision, leadership and experience necessary to help us realize the potential of Aztec athletics,” Weber said.

Sterk will fill the position previously vacated by Jeff Schemmel, who resigned in November after a scandal involving the misuse of university money.

In his 10 years at Washington State, Sterk increased WSU’s annual gifts from nearly $3 million in 2000 to more than $13 million in 2008. In the last three years, 13 Cougar teams have been to NCAA post-season tournaments.

“It’s a difficult time because I’ve been at Washington State 10 years, great friends, great colleagues and staff and I just think the world of them,” Sterk said. “But this

s o c a l ' s

was an opportunity for me that I couldn’t turn down both from a family and professional standpoint. My peers in the Pac-10, Mountain West and around the country have always referred to San Diego State as a sleeping giant with just a huge upside.”

“My peers in the Pac10, Mountain West and around the country have always referred to San Diego State as a sleeping giant ...”

—Jim Sterk, athletic director Weber said Sterk and SDSU have an agreement in principle, which they are trying to finalize. He said the deal could “take a week or so” and the school would release the details of the agreement when it was finalized.

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SPORTS

The Daily Aztec

BASEBALL

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

SOFTBALL

Aztecs nearly sweep All-American closer Kajikawa Classic in AZ gets Friday night nod D AN P E R E Z S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R

Glenn Connelly / Photo Editor

Junior pitcher Addison Reed was an All-American closer last season who compiled a .65 earned run average and a nation-leading 20 saves. This season, he will be the Aztecs’ Friday night starter.

E D WA R D L E W I S SPORTS EDITOR

Reed will start Friday night Addison Reed may not have been dominant in Saturday night’s intrasquad scrimmage — giving up four runs in five innings — but apparently he’s shown San Diego State baseball head coach Tony Gwynn enough to be SDSU’s Friday night ace this season.

“I think he’s our best pitcher,” Gwynn said after the scrimmage. “I just think Addy (Reed) is built to be a starting pitcher. And I think right now, where they’re at, he’s the best guy.”

Reed, a junior, threw five innings on Saturday in an intrasquad scrimmage under the lights at Tony Gwynn Stadium. He gave up six hits, four runs and two walks and struck out four batters. Gwynn said he threw 85 pitches.

“Today was kind of a test,” Reed said.

“This was the determining factor of how it’s going to be. If I didn’t hold up, if everything didn’t feel good, then it was going to be kind of iffy on Friday. But that was the main concern; just getting out of here healthy and everything feels good. Knees, arm, everything’s holding up and feels good.”

Reed was an All-American closer last season and entered this year as a preseason AllAmerican. In the fall, he was still projected to be the Aztecs’ closer, but prepared in the spring to be a starter. In the past three weeks, he’s thrown a three-inning scrimmage, a four-inning scrimmage and now a five-inning scrimmage.

“Obviously there were some doubts just because it was something I’ve never done since I’ve been here,” Reed said of starting.

“Everything has fallen exactly how I wanted it to go. Everything’s felt good.”

Reed said the longest outing he’s ever had was a seven-inning start in high school. But after Saturday’s scrimmage, he

said he could have thrown “two or three more innings, easily.” Hhe said he will be on a 90-pitch count against Oklahoma at 6 p.m. on Friday.

“I’m just going to need a little more hard work to get into shape and get that stamina up and I think everything will be well,” Reed said. “I’m not worried one bit.”

After two extra-inning games and one walkoff home run, the San Diego State softball team is 5-1 this season. SDSU kicked its season off at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. last weekend and outperformed five of the six teams to leave with the best overall record.

“The weekend overall was a truly successful TTU 6 one,” head coach Kathy Wyk said. “We SDSU 1 Van played five games with so much heart, so much energy and I was really proud of everyone.

This was a really good start to the season.”

The Aztecs collected victories against Creighton, Kentucky, Purdue, Southern Utah and Oregon. SDSU made things exciting right off the bat, with its first game of the season going right down to the wire.

The Aztecs opened up the classic with a game against the Creighton Bluejays that was settled with the bat of freshman catcher Kristin May. She connected in the bottom of the seventh inning and knocked the ball out of the park for a two-run walk-off home run with a final score of 5-3.

“Kristin (May) was a really pleasant surprise for us this weekend,” Van Wyk said.

“She really stepped up for us in the clutch and was one of the big reasons that our bats carried us a long way. It was nice to consistently put up runs.”

The next day of the tournament includ-

Gwynn still figuring out rotation Gwynn said after Reed, he’s “not sure yet” about SDSU’s pitching rotation.

Sophomore Ryan O’Sullivan is the obvious choice for the No. 2 spot, having started 11 games at pitcher last season. After that, Gwynn threw out names such as junior Steven Moranda and freshman Bryan Crabb as possible starters.

“We’ve got five guys who I think could be starters for us,” Gwynn said. “And they’re all going to pitch here.”

As for the back end of the rotation, Gwynn said senior Drew Leary would most likely get the nod to be the team’s closer.

Although he did hint that the Aztecs could use a closer by committee.

Colwell to redshirt Senior outfielder Pat Colwell will most likely use his redshirt this season after suffering a calf injury in the off-season. Despite the bad wheel however, Colwell has been playing with SDSU and even hit a mammoth home run off freshman pitcher Kyle Shaver in Saturday night’s scrimmage.

“I told him, ‘If you want to go less than 100 percent, it’d be your call,’” Gwynn said.

“He just doesn’t feel like he’s ready so he’s going to redshirt.”

Gwynn said he told Colwell, “You’re good enough for me right now,” but Colwell didn’t want to play his senior season less than 100 percent. Gwynn said if Colwell were to play this year, he would play “probably every day.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL AT A GLANCE

David J. Olender / Assistant Photo Editor

At the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz., San Diego State junior pitcher Samantha Beasley went 4-0 and racked up 32 strikeouts in 22.1 innings and only allowed 10 hits. SDSU finished the weekend 5-1.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

WHEN: 5 p.m., tonight WHERE: Fort Worth, Texas WHY TO WATCH: The San Diego State men’s basketball team will try to extend its winning streak to three games tonight against the Horned Frogs.

SPONSORED BY

FOR SDSU SOFTBALL

Advanced Test Preparation

5

Wins for SDSU this past weekend

1

Loss for the Aztecs last weekend

4

Wins for junior pitcher Samantha Beasley

2

Extra-inning games for SDSU this past weekend

1

Walk-off home run for the Aztecs at the Kajikawa Classic

.31

VS.

ed a 4-0 shutout against the Kentucky Wildcats and the first of two extra-inning games for SDSU. The Aztecs fought back twice against the Purdue Boilermakers to force extras. When finally in the 10th inning, SDSU produced the game-winning run, making the score 7-6.

“Coming back multiple times and playing every game to the finish was a really good sight to see,” Van Wyk said. “Us coming back and not giving up is a really good show of heart and our energy was a good level.”

The next extra-innings game would follow the Aztecs’ 9-4 win against Southern Utah. SDSU went to seven innings against the Oregon Ducks and May was the hero once again, hitting a two-out double to give the Aztecs the win.

In the final game of the tournament, SDSU didn’t come out with enough energy and dropped its first game of the season to Texas Tech.

“The last game was disappointing but it always feels like that with a loss,” Van Wyk said. “We just need to analyze what went wrong and make sure to come out with more energy next time.”

Overall, the Aztecs played well-balanced games for most of the weekend, mixing hitting with solid defense and relying on perfect pitching.

“I love the attitude this team has come out with,” Van Wyk said. “And we need to keep it that way. We showed heart and endurance, and it’s only been the first week of the season.”

5

Earned run average for Beasley this season RBI for freshman Kristin May

.350 Batting average for senior Monica Alnes this year

Advanced Test Preparation

Score Higher, Aztecs!

Tuesday February 16, 2010

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The Daily Aztec

DAILY HOROSCOPE

HUMOR: LIFE ON THE SHARP SIDE

A phobia for everyone

I

hate opening presents.

You are probably thinking I am crazy right about now, but it’s true.

Opening presents is quite possibly one of the most terrifying things I am expected to do in my life. And believe me, I’ve bared witness to a 6 foot by 8 foot picture of my intoxicated dad mooning the camera plastered to the side of a houseboat. So stick that in your juice box and suck it.

Just the thought of getting a present is enough to make my stomach turn worse than “2girls1cup” or Mr. Hands, from “2guys1horse,” who apparently died from internal injuries after shooting his bestiality video. But that’s a topic for a different type of article.

I know presents are supposed to be something you get excited about, but for me, the thought of having to unwrap one in front of people is almost as hard as it must have been for former President Bill Clinton to finally admit to his “transgressions” while in office.

The reasons for my moronic fear are well-founded, much like the theory of global warming, or excuse me, “climate change” as it’s now being dubbed. My fear is founded on the idea that giftgivers never really know what the recipient wants.

I can drop hints like Kobe Bryant hitting 3-pointers at the buzzer and still end up with a knitted sweater from granny on Christmas morning. Then, inevitably, my mom busts out the camera like MC Hammer busting a move in the ‘90s in order to capture my twisted grimace on film.

Not cool mom, not cool.

M A L L O RY S H A R P S TA F F C O L U M N I S T

Almost more terrifying, if not equal to my present-opening horrifiganda is going to the dentist. Yet this fear is more rationalized. The dentist pokes around in a very sensitive area, it hurts, I bleed and therefore it should be on the list of cruel and unusual punishments.

Also, it was a dentist who invented the electric chair. Case closed.

Now I’ll be the first to admit I have quite an array of irrational fears, but none of mine quite compare to the following.

People of this world are afraid of everything, and I really do mean everything.

Prime example, there was a kid on my residence hall floor freshman year who had what I believe to be the worst phobia of them all — Ablutophobia. The man was afraid of bathing, which meant he washed himself maybe once every two weeks and, sadly, never got laid.

It doesn’t help that this man holed himself up in his room, eating Sbarro four nights a week and ramen noodles the other nights, probably all while playing with himself while watching the aforementioned videos.

The worst part was that my poor friend Kevin was forced to occupy the same space as this germ-infested bathing-phobe. It was because of these grueling circumstances that Kevin was forced to take action. Kevin recreated the Berlin Wall right inside his room; it was made with trash bags and duct tape, complete with ketchup graffiti. Those were the glory days.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

And what about Euphobia, the fear of hearing good news? Well, these people are lucky because the economy tanked. Unless of course, they are one of the people still receiving their $1 million bonuses while students are being cut and left bleeding, according to the signs around campus.

One that stands out is Ithyphallophobia, the fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect … well, you know. Luckily this phobia doesn’t seem to be an issue with Tiger Woods and his mistresses or at San Diego State, so moving on.

Koinoniphobia, which is the fear of rooms, must have people running for the hills, literally. But don’t run too far, there are still mutants from when we were doing nuclear bomb tests. Just watch “The Hills Have Eyes” and that will keep you from ever taking the Route 395 North. Trust me.

My personal recent favorite is Baracknophobia, as cited on “The Daily Show” as the irrational fear of hope. Well, I just hope I never fall victim to Arachibutyrophobia, the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.

Yet, I know if peanut butter once again falls victim to contamination like last year, those with Arachibutyrophobia will have the last laugh. Well, as long as there is no peanut butter stuck to the roofs of their mouths.

—Mallory Sharp is a journalism junior.

BY LINDA C. BLACK, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (2/16/10) Although you'll need to put in the time during the coming year, creativity becomes a prominent source of joy.You understand the practical demands of situations at home (and elsewhere), and you use your heartfelt excitement to expand on a mystical or traditional theme and make it your own.

ARIES (March 21 - April 19) - Today is a 6 You get to work creatively with a partner or team member.You surprise yourself with the flood of ideas and emotions flowing into your projects.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - Surprise yourself with a new twist on an old theme. Get out of a rut you've worn, and bring a good friend along for the ride.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Show your face early as you develop a concept that has been rolling around in your subconscious. Feedback keeps you on target and in motion.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 Change is certain now.The only question is how you'll handle it.Think early and long before you make decisions that cannot be reversed.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 - Take all the time you need to evaluate creative ideas that surface as you go through the day. Make notes for future reference. Get your ducks in a row.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is an 8 Reveal your creative genius by utilizing an

image from a dream to enhance a presentation. Surprise others with your use of classic oldies.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is an 8 The key to progress is imagination and creativity. Don't worry about the finished product.You can always make changes later.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is a 7 - You get a bit of breathing room where family issues are concerned. Remain in close contact to strengthen a relationship.

This will pay off.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 7 - Household discussions focus on immediate needs. Spend money now to save it later. Choose durable products or parts.Teamwork gets it done quicker.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is an 8 - Sometime today you change your thinking, big time.This will interrupt the flow, but it gets you into the mainstream, where you want to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is an 8 - Money arrives from a peculiar source.

Verify the amount before spending.

Encourage your partner to make an important change, but keep it private.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is a 7 Your partner would just love to take the reins of authority and keep them. Let that happen today, but reserve the right to take over when necessary. © 2010,TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES INC.

SUDOKU

BY THE MEPHAM GROUP

Level:

—This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.

1 2

3 4

Instructions: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

LOOKING THROUGH OUR LENS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com © 2010 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

CROSSWORD

JUST BREATHE Staff Photographer nicholas santiago captured this photo of a couple of curious Koi fish in the pond by Scripp’s Cottage taking a fresh breath of air.

ACROSS 1 Western Florida city 6 Rice-__ 11 Air gun ammo 14 Catherine of “Beetlejuice” 15 Binary system digits 16 Exercise unit 17 *Relaxing soak 19 Brew in a yard 20 “Just __ suspected!”

21 “... have you __ wool?”

22 Company whose calling is calling 23 Bio kin 26 *Great concert turnout 29 Sympathetic connection 31 Cease 32 Blood system letters 33 Confirmation, e.g.

35 Outperforms 39 *Many an exec’s remuneration 43 Work with hair 44 Pre-coll. catchall 45 Bit of Internet mirth 46 Binary system digits 49 Pulls an allnighter 51 *Unlucky selection 55 Course with many problems 56 Hip-swiveling dance 57 Beachgoer’s shirt 58 Rioting group 60 Former California fort 61 What you can say about sketches, and about the answers to the starred clues

EDITED BY RICH NORRIS AND JOYCE LEWIS

Solution available online at www.TheDailyAztec.com 9 “Almost ready— be patient” 10 Suffix with Brit 11 “Top Chef ” network 12 Downstairs, at sea 13 Blow, as dough 18 Well driller 22 Skin care maven DOWN Adrien 23 Uncouth 1 Heavy weight 24 Good thing to 2 Bigeye or yelkick lowfin, at a sushi 25 Hobbyist’s glue bar 27 Westernmost 3 Cheese partner Aleutian island 4 Radio signal 28 Kurt of Nirvana booster 5 Sighs of content- 30 Point in the right direction ment 6 HIV-treating drug 34 Preceding, in poetry 7 Masonry-rein36 Tex-Mex dip forcing rod 8 Tree-dwelling apes 37 “Rainbow” fish

66 NFL’s Cardinals, on scoreboards 67 Free-for-all 68 McDermott of “The Practice” 69 Soap-making need 70 “__ my case” 71 Figure out

38 Mythical air dweller 40 Regional plant life 41 Corsica neighbor 42 Skeptic’s demand 47 Her book is read during the Jewish holiday Purim 48 “Remington __” 50 Pre-fetus stage 51 Shallow sea area 52 Speed things up 53 Song from the past 54 Three-time N.L. stolen base champ José 59 Gambler’s concerns 61 Pa. plant in the 1979 news 62 Like Gen. Powell 63 Every last one 64 Sound file suffix 65 L.A.-to-Helena dir.