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The Murray State News TheNews.org

March 6, 2015

Vol. 89, No. 23

Multi-million dollar sorority housing projected Ben Manhanke

Chief Videographer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu

Sorority leadership gathered in the Curris Center Monday night to hear several new building proposals from University administration to help facilitate their organizations’ growing membership.

In the 15 years since the sorority housing in Campus Suites was constructed, membership has more than doubled in size, out growing these spaces that serve as meeting spaces for four of the six sororities, as well as the two sorority houses.

Brittany Marchetti, Alpha Omicron Pi chapter adviser, said in addition

to the $750 per month they’re paying extra for their housing in Campus Suites, the sorority has to spend more money to rent larger meeting rooms around campus.

“Our meeting room is not big enough for the 143 members that we have,” Marchetti said. “And honestly it’s not big enough for 100 members.

The amount we’re spending there is just not worth it anymore.”

Representatives from the other five sororities echoed this sentiment at Monday’s meeting – the culmination of more than a year’s worth of discussion.

Bob Jackson, president of the Murray State University Foundation which owns the sorority housing in

study, sorority members filled out a survey to gauge their interest in several possible building designs and locations.

Using this data, administration from Student Affairs, Facilities Management and Finance and Administrative Services discussed the two most popular building choices that would meet both the University’s and sororities’ needs.

In the survey, 37.8 percent of sorority members chose 16th Street, north of Five Points, as their top choice.

Construction would cost an estimated $13.5 million. Each sorority would pay $950 a month in general rent on top of individual room and board fees the 20 members staying in

Campus Suites, said the University has an invested interest in providing sororities with a new complex.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the Student Government Association or the countless number of other organizations on campus,” Jackson said. “Involvement in campus life is vitally important to Murray State and so we want to make sure that what (facilities) we have are serving the purpose that they should be.”

WHAT SORORITIES WANT

A 2014 study conducted by architectural and housing consulting firm Luckett & Farley looked into the feasibility of building another sorority housing complex. As part of the

each building would pay.

The second most popular choice, gaining 28 percent of sorority members’ votes, was to build the complex on Hamilton Fields at an estimated cost of $12.17 million. Sororities would continue to pay a general rent of $750 along with room and board.

Both projects, currently titled Sorority Village, would include separate housing facilities. All six would be equipped with a 2,000 square foot meeting room, additional storage space and furnishing similar to Lee Clark and James H. Richmond residential colleges.

Students’ housing scholarships still

see HOUSING, 2A

Major discrepancies 65 percent of areas of study are underrepresented at the All Majors Career Fair Zachary Orr || Contributing writer

Hannah

zorr1@murraystate.edu

Although the annual All Majors Career Fair can be a useful tool in connecting students with potential employers, an imbalance of representation causes many students to lose interest before the fair ever begins.

A list of employers participating in this semesters’ Career Fair printed in The Murray State News’ All Majors Career Fair Tabloid indicated that of the 145 majors and areas of study offered at Murray State, 95 majors were not listed as being sought after directly by employers participating in the event, except for those seeking applicants from all educational backgrounds, such as Wal-Mart and the Marine Corps.

The spring All Majors Career Fair was scheduled for Wed. March 4. It was canceled because of inclement weather. The fair will be rescheduled for a later date.

The most commonly sought after graduates at this semester’s fair will be those with a degree in Occupational Safety and Health, constituting about 15 percent of all employment opportunities that will be represented.

Samantha George, senior studio art major from Murray, was among the students who won’t be attending the fair.

“There isn’t much to offer for me there,” she said. “I’ve actually never had drive to go, mostly because of hearing from other students in my department that it was a waste of time.”

During her college career, George participated in two internships, acquired two years of job experience, as well as gathered several letters of recommendation: practically everything that she needs to begin her career. George said all these things were required with the help of the art department, as well as at the cause of her hard work and dedication.

She said she learned not to rely on any help from University-sponsored events, such as the career fair.

“A lot of times it feels as though our department is a complete separate island from the rest of campus,” George said.

The career fair is available to anyone, regardless of area of study, said Ray Karraker, employer relations coordinator and organizer of the Career Fair. Students must often look outside areas that they had originally thought of when getting their first job after graduation.

Karraker said the key to acquiring any job is to first investigate what the company does, and then to sell your particular set of skills to the employers.

The idea of thinking outside the box when obtaining a first job after graduation is a growing trend nationwide. According to a 2010 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, only 27 percent of college grads had jobs in a field related to their majors.

Although the emphasis of employers seeking students as potential job candidates are in fields like Occupational Safety and Health, agriculture, engineering technology and engineering anyone can benefit from attending the fair.

e News

Fowl/Th

Hannah Fowl/T

he News

Major missi s ng:

Total majors/areas: 145 Majors sought: 50 Karraker said one of the most difficult obstacles a student will face when searching for a job is the interview. And the career fair will help students from any major develop interviewing skills.

“The career fair ... gives you an opportunity to go in and talk with employers and find out what kind of questions they’re asking,” Karraker said.

Career Services offers other career fairs that are major specific outside of the All Majors Career Fair, including the Teacher Education Fair, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon March 13, and the Government and Law Schools Fair. That fair, set for 9 a.m. to noon April 6 at the Curris Center, invites all majors, but caters specifically to students from 22 programs, including accounting, nonprofit leadership studies, psychology and agriculture.

Karraker said students need to investigate their area of study and determine if more education is required to be competitive on a professional level than just a bachelors degree. He said students often need to “broaden their base, not just education-

95

ally, but where you are looking.”

The Career Service center offers many tools to do just that.

Racer Tracks, found on MyGate, allows students to create a personal profile on a large job search database to connect with employers from all across the globe. Going Global is a similar service located under the same banner that has an extensive list of job and internship opportunities for students of all areas of study.

Liz Kunkel, senior dietetics major from Carlyle, Ill., said that she had no plans to attend this semester’s career fair when it’s rescheduled.

Kunkel said that although Career Services has been helpful in preparing her resume and cover letters while getting ready for an interview, the fair itself doesn’t offer much guidance to her.

Instead, she turns to the faculty within the Dietetics department itself for help when it comes to taking the next step in her professional career.

“They’ve been in our shoes, so they can offer the most advice,” Kunkel said.

SGA candidates outline agendas for 2015-16 Abby Siegel || Contributing writer asiegel@murraystate.edu

The Student Government Association candidate forum revealed potential presidents’ plans for an improved Murray State.

The Curris Center Stables were crowded Tuesday evening as students attended vetted the SGA candidates.

Themes of clear communication, student advocacy and parking emerged from the discussion.

Candidate for president Luke King, senior from Burkesville, Ky., highlighted his appreciation for the work previously done by SGA, but mentioned his ambition to improve it.

“We continue to make our good better and our better best,” King said. “As

WHAT’S

INSIDE

a leader it is important to under-promise and over-deliver.”

Also running for president are Clint Combs and Michael Mann. If elected, Combs, senior from Benton, Ky., plans to use the position to advocate on behalf of the student body through transparent communication and a revamped SGA website.

Michael Mann, sophomore from Springfield, Ky., feels similarly. From his background in the National Guard, Mann said he believes it is his duty to represent the University’s students through “leading by example.”

Four candidates are campaigning for vice president with intentional goal planning in mind.

Kendrick Settler, sophomore from Belleville, Ill., plans to use goal setting

JOHN GRIFFIN

to prevent repetitive events each year and increase accountability of Campus Activity Board members and senators.

Chantry Carroll, sophomore from Murray, Ky., said he has found his home in Murray State, especially as his parents are in Haiti as full-time missionaries. He said he wants other students to find the same home at Murray State that he has.

“By being involved I’ve had a community to wrap around me,” Carroll said. “I want to encourage people to build relationships, stay at Murray State and love Murray State.”

Carroll plans to increase retention rates by creating events that would encourage students to get involved and “fall in love with Murray State.”

Nathan Payne, junior from Owens-

OUR VIEW

Long-time adviser for Liquor laws prove to be more Regensburg program retires, 6A harmful than not, 4A

boro, Ky., wants to expand social media publicity, implement student ideas and utilize residential college heads as a method for sharing SGA information.

Payne is running on a slate with Combs.

Also on the vice presidential ballot is Robert Gomez, junior from Cicero, Ind., who believes safety and sustainability efforts can be improved.

“I am very ambitious about what needs to be done, and I want to be part of it,” Gomez said. “If I want something to be done, I’m going to make it happen.”

OTHER OFFICES Heather Raley, senior from Henderson, Ky., is running for secretary

see ELECTION, 2A

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Ranked Racers prepare for OVC tournament, 1B

Students participate in the Shakespeare Festival, 5B

News

2A

HOUSING From Page 1 would apply to Sorority Village.

And only those of sophomore status and higher could live there.

WHAT MUST BE DONE

The rooms’ layout are still undecided and will depend on how much sororities are willing to pay and what additional amenities they might need.

Jackson said Sorority Village could be completed in the next 12 to 15 months with the next six to nine months will be spent finalizing the details of the buildings’ interiors with the sorority representatives.

But before the project moves forward, it needs all six sororities’ approval and confirmation that they could supply 20 residents apiece to live in the building each semester.

While all sororities did pledge their support at the meeting, they require approval from their national organizations as well.

Tressa Ross, Alpha Gamma Delta chapter adviser, said the project looks good so far, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.

“I feel like there have been a lot of ideas put around and everything’s been listened to,” Ross said. “We’ve made visits to other campuses to see what they do and everybody is at a point I think is almost ready to move forward.”

Included in the designs for Sorority Village were two additional housing complexes for two new sororities that might establish chapters at Murray State in the next three years: Phi Mu and Alpha Zeta.

Don Robertson, vice president of Academic Affairs, said if Sorority Village is constructed, then the current sorority housing in Campus Suites would be offered to Murray State’s smaller Greek organizations for which the space would still be usable.

The News

March 6, 2015

Unheralded custodians keep it clean Julia Mazzuca || Staff writer jmazzuca@murraystate.edu

Along with the usual flow and noise of students and faculty, the wheezing of a vacuum can be heard each evening in Murray State’s hallways as men and women in a light blue shirts work the hours away.

When most classes have finished, custodians roll in their cleaning carts and attack the messes of the day. They don’t often get praise. They don’t interact much with the students they serve. But they do realize how important their jobs are.

“If it’s not clean, you’re gonna have a bunch of sick people,” said Frank Scott, a Murray State custodian. “It’d be a mess without people doing our jobs.”

Scott came to Murray State to work 30 years ago because it was one of the only jobs at the time that offered a steady wage. Before working at Murray State, Scott delivered newspapers.

These men and women in their light blue shirts are part of the tradition of Murray State, and some of these custodians have worked on campus longer than many of the faculty.

Scott said he stayed because of his love for the people and love for his work as a custodian.

“It is steady work and I like it.” Scott said. “You have to like what you do. You have to absolutely enjoy your job.”

With one daughter and one son, Scott had to pull things together when he got the job in 1985.

The custodian position at Murray

State also attracted Scott because of the benefits that he would receive which included life, health, dental and vision insurance.

Michael Whitlow, a Michigan native who has worked as a custodian for nine years, said his cousin kept encouraging him to take the position at Murray State, and he eventually settled into a house in Mayfield and took the job.

“At first, the amount of students was overwhelming because they were everywhere,” Whitlow said. “But soon everything got normal and I was comfortable.”

Now, Whitlow doesn’t see as many students because of the night shift that he works in Faculty Hall, Wilson Hall and the Nash House.

His favorite building to clean is the Nash House because it is small and only

takes 15-20 minutes, while he said the vacuuming in Faculty Hall takes a toll on his body. The vacuum is worn as a backpack, and Whitlow pokes fun at how it looks.

“I’m not a Ghostbuster,” Whitow said.

“I’m a dust buster!”

Scott and Whitlow both speak highly of their jobs and said their work is an important part of the University even if it doesn’t come with many accolades.

Some people will come up to the custodians and give a word of thanks, Whitlow said. He said that’s encouraging and helpful.

“When one person comes up to you and expresses their appreciation for what we do, it really means a lot and helps to make the back-breaking days worth it,” Whitlow said.

ELECTION From Page 1 alongside Jamie Nuckolls, sophomore from St. Louis, Mo. Both said they want to improve communication between SGA and student body.

Raley said she believes the position is more than just a resume builder, and if elected, she said she would create a platform for student voices to be heard.

Nuckolls said she wants to increase philanthropic activity and would create more opportunities for students to serve if elected.

Rachel Ross, sophomore from Murray, Ky., is the lone candidate for treasurer.

“It’s going to be a great team and I’m ready to be part of that team,” Ross said.

She believes she is prepared for the position because she developed skills through previous leadership roles, and she has taken an accounting class, which is one of the requirements of the post.

Nicole Ely/The News

NOT SNOW BORED: Even though campus was closed Thursday, Travis Nelson,When he invited her group to go on a 20-30 km. bike trip, junior excercise science major, took to Murray State’s slopes to get a workout in. Nelson, who is from Niceville, Fla., spent part of Thursday afternoon snowboarding near the residential colleges.

STUDENTS’ REACTIONS Michael Dobbs, senior from Winchester, Ky., and current SGA president, said he

is pleased with the roster of qualified candidates and the high level of participation.

Dobbs ran unopposed during his election last year and is excited for the increased involvement.

“I wish all of them the best,” Dobbs said.

Among the students who attended the forum were Lauren Thomas, junior from Benton, Ky., and Josie Monarch, junior from Hardinsburg, Ky. Both said they were eager to hear what the candidates had to share so they could be informed voters.

“I’m here because I care about Murray State students and I feel like each student who wants to be represented should be,” Thomas said.

Monarch said it’s important that more students fill out their ballots.

“I feel like the students at Murray State have been too hands off, and it’s time for that to change,” Monarch said.

Voting begins on MyGate at 12:01 a.m. Monday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

Results will be announced at 8 p.m. Wednesday inside Winslow Dining Hall if weather permits along with giveaway prizes and t-shirts.

The results will also be announced outside if students do not wish to pay for Late Night.

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Submit your application to 111 Wilson Hall

The News

News

March 6, 2015

News Editor: Amanda Grau Assistant Editor: Mar-Alice Jasper Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

POLICE BEAT Feb. 27

2 a.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop. A written warning was issued for missing a headlight and failing to provide proof of insurance.

9:24 p.m. Public Safety and Emergency Management received a report in reference to a missing juvenile from Mayfield, Ky. Officers were notified.

Feb. 28

1:38 a.m. A person from Regents Residential College reported the smell of marijuana. Officers were notified. Citations were issued for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

9:05 a.m. Officers attempted to serve a warrant to someone at Lee Clark Residential College, but no contact was made with the person.

March 1

9:04 a.m. Officers served a warrant for another jurisdiction to a person at Clark. Subject was arrested and taken to Calloway County jail.

9:59 a.m. Officers conducted a traffic stop at The Keg. A citation was issued for an expired registration plate and failure to provide proof of insurance.

March 2

3:16 p.m. A caller advised of a person skateboarding in the Kentucky-Calloway Ave. parking lot. Officers were notified and gave a verbal warning.

11:24 p.m. Racer Patrol reported a loud noise coming from Price Doyle Fine Arts building. Officers were notified and a report was taken.

March 3

8:37 a.m. A caller from White Residential College reported seeing a suspicious looking person in the parking lot. Officers were notified but upon their arrival the lot appeared normal.

4:23 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop near the Visual Arts Building.

A citation was issued for failure to wear a seat belt.

Call of Fame

1 p.m. A caller reported an extinguished grill fire in Winslow Dining Hall. Officers, Murray Fire Department, Murray Environmental Safety and Health, Central Heating and Cooling and the State Fire Marshal were notified. The fire suppression system extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of responders. A fire report was taken.

Motor Assists: 1 Racer Escorts: 3 Arrests: 1 Mari-Alice Jasper, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.

You can always find Police Beats online at TheNews.org

3A

Doggie day spa gets tails a-wagging Abby Siegel

Contributing writer asiegel@murraystate.edu

Aspiring veterinarians and vet technician students turned the A. Carman Animal Health Technology Center into a dog’s pampering paradise last Saturday.

More than 225 dogs were brought in to be bathed, have their nails trimmed and have their ears cleaned by the University’s pre-veterinary and veterinary technician students.

In partnership with the Humane Society of Calloway County, dog owners could also have their pet micro-chipped, and canine DNA testing could be completed to determine the breed mix.

Doggie Day Spa typically raises between $2,000 and $3,000, making it the largest fundraiser for the Animal Health Technology/Pre-Veterinary Club. Members use the money to attend state and national conferences, as well as to buy their professors thank you gifts at the end of the year.

The event has occured two to three times a year for the past 11 years. This was the last Doggie Day Spa planned for the 2014–15 academic year.

Lana Hayes, senior from Parsons, Tenn., was the event coordinator. She has been volunteering with Doggie Day Spa since her freshman year.

“I have quite a few under my belt,” Hayes said. “You have to be cool, calm, and collected and a little quirky. We make it happen. It’s awesome-sauce.”

About 100 volunteers are needed to make the event possible, Hayes said.

A large portion of the volunteers were students within the club while others participated as a class requirement.

The event is entirely student-run under the supervision of veterinary technicians and certified veterinarians.

Katie Groves, senior from Elkton, Ky., and the group’s president, said she remembers her first time volunteering at the event five years ago.

“I was very nervous,” Groves said. “But I think the dog was just as nervous as I was.”

In addition to fundraising, the event is hosted to allow students to have hands-on practice for their future careers and sharpen skills that are taught in class.

“It’s a good experience for students, and it’s also good for the community,” James Mackey, freshman from Louisville, Ky., said, while helping microchip dogs with the volunteers from the Humane Society of Calloway County.

Brittney Stinnett, fitness coordinator for the University’s Wellness Center, brought her golden retriever and yellow lab mix, Hester, to the event, as well as Ava, a friend’s yellow lab and border collie mix.

Hannah Fowl/The News

A volunteer at last Saturday’s Doggie Day Spay calms a dog who is getting his nails clipped.

“We heard about the event in the Roundabout newsletter and we wanted to support the pre-veterinary program,” Stinnett said.

Ben Stinnett, a retention specialist for Murray State, said he was excited to bring in Hester and Ava because of the low cost of the grooming.

Hester was microchipped, bathed, had his ears cleaned, nails trimmed and received a new collar and tag for less than $40.

“Hester walked back with the volunteer like it was no big deal,” Brittney said. “He is a ham. He loves this stuff.”

Ava wasn’t as excited about the event as Hester.

“She freaked out,” Ben said. “She

jumped in my lap, and she weighs at least 50 pounds. She was so nervous.”

After having their services completed, the students returned each dog its owner with a special bandana tied around their neck.

The students in the club hand-cut each bandana from purchased fabric, Groves said. The bandanas are simple thank you gifts to those who supported the club.

With new bandanas, wagging tails and dangling tongues, dogs returned to their owners pampered and smelling nicer than when they arrived.

In April, the pre-veterinary and animal health technology students, will set up another spa for cats and dogs as part of Animal Health Technology Day.

Group marks first year of helping Racers in need

Faculty studies abroad too

Brittany Risko || Staff writer

leasley@murraystate.edu

brisko@murraystate.edu Racers Helping Racers is celebrating its

one-year anniversary.

Racers Helping Racers is a food pantry open only to students. Those that are struggling to afford food can get access to whatever they need with their student I.D. Because of the snow, the celebration banquet was postponed.

“We are going to have to send out invitations again because we are going to do an open house so people can drop by and see it,” Re’Nita Avery-Meriwether, director of the Curris Center and Student Life and founder of Racers Helping Racers, said.

Students are able to get a larger variety of products now. In the past, students could only get food products, but they now can get feminine products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, Avery-Meriwether said.

Compared to when Racers Helping Racers began, the organization has seen an increase in students using the pantry.

“We started this semester by sending out information to all the departments to let them know we provide this service to our students,” Avery-Meriwether said.

Racers Helping Racers also has been featured in local newspapers and television news talking about the pantry and word is getting out, Avery-Meriwether said.

Many student organizations get together and donate canned goods and food that will go toward the pantry.

The Panhellenic Council, which governs sororities, participate in a feminine product drive each year in support of Racers Helping Racers.

“If anyone would like to make donations to the food pantry, they would need to take it to Need Line first, since the products are donated through them,” Avery-Meriwether said.

After that Need Line will distribute the products to Racers Helping Racers.

Racers Helping Racers is always looking for peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, juices, and canned foods.

“We like to thank all our faculty, staff and students for their support of the food pantry,” Avery-Meriwether said.

Racers Helping Racers is located on the second floor of Blackburn Science Building in room 244. The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lucy Easley || Staff writer

Murray State students are no longer the only ones globe trotting.

Now, faculty have jumped on the study abroad bandwagon.

Six years ago only 10 Murray State faculty taught abroad. Now, 62 faculty members are taking the chance to bring students around the globe.

Melanie McCallon-Seib, director of Education Abroad, said faculty support for programs has grown over the last few years.

Some permanent study abroad programs already exist that send both students and professors around the world, such as the Regensburg exchange program.

Murray State faculty are recruited to teach courses in Germany for this semester-long program.

McCallon-Seib said the reassurance of having Murray State faculty along for the experience is part of the appeal of this program to students.

If a program or course doesn’t Jenny Rohl/The News already exist, professors have the Kathy Callahan, associate professor of Humanities and Fine Arts, teaches a class in London that she designed. opportunity to design one from help teach a class in London that abroad will help him navigate a the ground up. The study abroad she designed. semester abroad. office supports them with design Callahan said teaching abroad “I think it’s going to be good beand budget. gave her an opportunity to intercause if I ever need any help I can McCallon-Seib said faculty inact with students in a different go to them,” Armstrong said. “It’s volvement has allowed students way. comforting.” that didn’t have “Teaching Louis Dunn, sophomore from the opportunity abroad alNashville, TN, was also accepted before, to go ways gave in the Regensburg exchange. abroad. me a more “I think it’s good for faculty to “Faculty play positive relabe there. It’s nice to have that conan important tionship with nection to something familiar,” role in recruit- - Melanie McCallon-Seib, director of Education Abroad my students,” Dunn said. ing students,” Callahan said.

New programs are developed McCallon-Seib “They still come back to visit and every semester thanks to faculty said. “They know what they want we keep in touch even after the interest and support from the to do with the course and they talk program ends.” study abroad office. it up to students in their classes.”

Students also recognize the dif McCallon-Seib said the study New professors in some deference faculty make in their exabroad office is working to make partments also have created more perience. programs available for all majors, opportunities for students to go Kyle Armstrong, junior from but it heavily depends on faculty abroad.

Nasvhille, was accepted into the interest.

Kathy Callahan, associate proRegensburg program for fall 2015.

“Faculty excitement trickles fessor of Humanities and Fine Armstrong said having profesArts, used her study abroad exdown to student excitement,” Mcsors from Murray State teaching perience from graduate school to Callon-Seib said. “It matters.”

“

Faculty excitement trickles down to student excitement.

Kalli Bubb/The News

Jamesha Rhodes, student worker for Racers Helping Racers, stocks the pantry shelves with food donated to help college students.

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March 6, 2015

The News

Opinion

Opinion Editor: Carly Besser Phone: 270-809-5873

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Our View

The News 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 murraystatenews@icloud.com Fax: 270-809-3175

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Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 mbradley9@murraystate.edu Amanda Grau News Editor • 270-809-4468 agrau1@murraystate.edu Carly Besser Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 cbesser@murraystate.edu Breanna Sill Features Editor • 270-809-5871 bsill@murraystate.edu Mallory Tucker Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 mtucker11@murraystate.edu Adrienne Vititoe Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 avititoe@murraystate.edu Elizabeth Leggett Online Editor • 270-809-5877 eleggett@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Advertising Sales Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Fumi Nakamura Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 fnakamura1@murraystate.edu Ben Manhanke Chief Videographer bmanhanke@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu

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Local liquor statutes remain confusing The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

Not being allowed to buy alcohol on Sunday, bars closing early on weekends and not being able to buy wine at the grocery store are just a few of the requirements outlined in Murray’s liquor laws.

Our liquor laws make it feel like we’re playing a game of chess because we have to strategize when we are going to buy alcohol instead of just trying to enjoy our “wet” status. We were excited to exercise our new freedoms when the vote passed to legalize packaged liquor sales in 2012, but some old laws still get in the way.

Not only does is this an annoyance, but it hinders local businesses. Bars have to push out waves of customers as early as 1 a.m. Bar-goers are forced out the door before it’s technically Sunday. Popular local restaurants like Nick’s Sports Pub and Mr. J’s Grill and Pub close entirely on Sunday, losing a day’s worth of revenue because of these conditions.

We joined a Kentucky minority when we legalized packaged liquor sales. There are currently 32

wet counties in the state, 39 dry counties and 49 moist counties.

Unfortunately, this means the influence of dry counties still affects how we regulate liquor sales. For example, if a county decides to vote wet, a precinct in the city can conduct a re-vote to return to dry status. If a county is voted dry, there is no possibility of a re-vote to go to wet status.

It seems that our laws are tailored to manipulate counties into going dry. Counties that vote wet are subjected to a confusing array of stipulation laws that leave us wondering what we can and can’t do.

It’s city law that restaurants who serve alcohol must have 70 percent of their revenue come from food sales and only 30 percent of their revenue come from liquor sales. Operating this way seems unreasonable because of the college community that enjoys drinking at bars.

The stiff penalties that restaurants face if they don’t comply is unfair, seeing as customers

choose what they want to order.

To make this situation more of a headache, there isn’t a revised list of Murray’s liquor laws available online for people who don’t understand them. The city’s website has not been updated since the vote passed in 2012 and the only information available regarding liquor is a business application for a liquor license. We hear what we can and can’t do through word of mouth, but the statutes are hard to find.

Piecemeal liquor laws aren’t just a problem in Murray. Kentucky’s statewide liquor laws are largely in conflict with each other.

Former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Charles Leibson described Kentucky’s liquor laws as “a maze of obscure statutory language,” whose meanings were “anybody’s guess.” If politicians can’t decipher our laws, then how can we be expected to?

The politics behind our laws should be put aside so we can make sure our local businesses have a better chance to succeed.

The question of whether or not selling packaged liquor was “the right thing to do,” has already been addressed. It was answered when we decided it should be legal. To dilute the process with unorganized jargon is annoying, counterproductive and worth reconsideration.

We can no longer ignore that liquor is a source of city revenue.

According to the Alcoholic Beverage Control quarterly report, 46 Murray establishments yielded $301,824 in revenue for the city from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. This is money we shouldn’t push away and it has potential to grow.

Whether the laws were created with moral or religious intentions is uncertain, but we have to consider changing them if we want to see Murray continue to attract business and create revenue.

During a time of heavy commercialization and growth, Murray should revisit its standing liquor laws. If that’s out of the question for now, let’s at least make our laws transparent.

A Creative Take

We are our first glass ceiling It’s eighth grade, and I’m wearing a baggy T-shirt and flare jeans.

My hairline is receding from the tight ponytails I subject it to each day, but I’d say the look goes well with my braces and glasses. My assigned locker is right beneath Aaron’s, and today is the Kaylan Thompson best day of my Graduate student life because he just dropped all from Murray of his books on my head. I’m seeing two of him, but who would complain?

The more, the merrier.

He asks me if I’m all right; the way he talked to you made you feel like you were the only person in the world.

I say, “Oh, I’m totally fine.”

He walks away, and the only thing I remember about eighth grade is the incessant feeling of “I’m not good enough.”

Now, it’s my first year of graduate school and I’m sipping coffee at the library before my 2:30 p.m. class. I see Aaron on Facebook.

He’s exactly the same, besides the fact that

his hair is shorter, he’s grown a beard and some height, and he’s the new intern at “CBS This Morning.” And my mind reverts back to eighth grade, saying “Of course that’s not you.

He was always going places.”

In defense of my pride, I put up the “Of course, he’s a man” card. Right then, I saw my mistake, the true difference between us. He got the job because he’s likable, empathetic, outgoing, personable and most of all, confident.

He networks, he seeks out relationships, he focuses every conversation on other people.

When I say “He was always going places,” what I mean is that he had a vision.

It’s not that I’m not happy with where I’m at; it’s that deciding and chasing what I want has never been second nature to me. I never trained myself to have confidence enough to take steps toward my dreams. My dreams? I’ve only been stepping into the next space that opens up.

I was reading an article this week about gender inequalities in the workforce, how a woman who wants to be a leader in the business world must balance her personality perfectly between feminine and masculine characteristics. If that balance is slightly tipped in any direction, she will either be viewed as too weak or too assertive. Either one will cost her respect and effective leadership.

A subversive glass ceiling still exists, a barrier put up instinctively by the human mind.

To keep society stable, we have put everyone into a box. And, even when social values have evolved, it takes even longer to transition from traditional mechanics to new ones.

Yes, there are problems for women in the workplace, but the way I see it, the first glass ceiling a woman faces is the one she puts up herself.

Men have no trouble networking because they thrive in competition. Women struggle in the business world because we take hits harder. We feel everything is personal. We see competition as an obstacle rather than fuel, and we see ourselves as our biggest hindrance.

The thing is, women generally don’t see themselves as a viable resource. We are so focused on fixing ourselves in order to be worthy of something rather than just being hungry to learn and accomplish tasks.

We shouldn’t have to put up with inequalities, but we also shouldn’t let another person’s success debilitate us. We should do what we can to fight inequalities in the workforce, but first we need to make sure that when we do fight for them, we are deserving of them because of our mastery, talent, knowledge and most of all, confidence.

Man or woman, when you are presented with a task, you can train yourself to master it.

Let’s master confidence, networking, empathy and our own personality.

Ever heard of Sheryl Sandberg? She kind of runs Silicon Valley. She created a new organization for women called Lean In and she wrote a book with the same name. Look up Lean In, the organization and the book. If you like what you find and are interested in helping me establish a Lean In group for Murray State’s campus, contact me: kthompson29@murraystate. edu.

The News

Opinion

March 6, 2015

5A

Letter to the Editor

Did she really say that?

If you’re reading this, hi mom

Because my minor is criminal Feb. 22 marks a day that people that are affected by Murray State. up to us to make our voices heard. justice, I’ve have waited a long time for. It marks Whether you are on the main cam SGA elections are the time for you studied multhe start of the Student Government pus, a regional campus, alumni, or to start letting your voice be heard. tiple societal, Association elections. Being in the a local citizen interested in the proOn March 9, starting at 12:01 a.m. to familial and March 10, at 11:59 p.m., Murray State meeting room with many of the cangression of the University, you are personal risk didates, one could see the intensity important to Murray State. is holding its elections for the 2015-16 Are you concerned about a factors to and nervousness in the air.

Murray State is one of the most year. Vote! certain issue on campus or juvenile de People were ready to start on the student-friendly universities in the Murray State has made voting easy. linquency. nation. We have a president who short two weeks of campaigning.

All you have to do is log onto your want to share your opinion?

Alongside will make omelets for students at 8 For most students, finals week and MyGate account and on the first page, drug abuse, is always accepting a.m. on a snow day, a basketball team dead week are the two most stressful there will be a section where you poverty and who is taking the NCAA and sports weeks of the semester. However, for can vote for the candidates of your Letters to the Editor. For a antisocial networks by storm and academic these young leaders on our campus, choice. I hope that you will seize this Carly Besser behavior, programs that are exceptional. But the hard work and planning that goes opportunity! chance to get your letter Opinion Editor growing up in most importantly, we have an adinto campaigning rises above the published in print or on a single-parministration that cares about student struggle that many feel during finals ent household is listed as a common concerns. week. So why do we put this extra , email us at predictor of early criminal behavior. stress on ourselves to run for our stu- Self-governance should be the letters@thenews.org.

According to the American Psychodent government? one privilege we hold most dear logical Association, children who The SGA elections are a very here at Murray State. Through our grow up without one of their parents self-governance, we are able to voice important and crucial part of the Michael Mann are more likely to struggle in school, concerns to an administration that success of campus life, campus inSophomore from have strained relationships between listens, and better the quality of life volvement and overall academics at Springfield, Ky. extended family members and act out and education for students everyMurray State. Though many may not as a reaction to stress. where. get to see what effects the student By his own choice, my father has government may have, behind the Though we have this great privbeen absent from my life for more scenes they solely have the students’ ilege of self-governance, it means than 10 years. It’s difficult to know best interest at heart. nothing if we do not practice our these negative statistics are related to From being on campus-wide comright to vote and make our voices people like me. When people find out mittees to working with the Campus heard. Just as with our great nation, that I am detached from one of my Activities Board to get performances exercising this right should be of the parents, their first reaction is to give to come to Murray, the students at utmost priority. me pity. I’ve heard things like “I’m SGA work diligently to improve the We have an outstanding adminissorry,” “That’s horrible,” “Does it University and the lives of the people tration that is ready to listen, but it is bother you?” for more than half of my life.

Issues, Observations and Sometimes Rants I’ll be honest. It doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t spend a lot of time ruminating about how my family isn’t a traditional family. I’m sure most of your families don’t fit that bill either.

Divorces, stepparents or the death of told the students at Oxford that if he had been a at it, try explaining the popularity of Miley Cyrus, a parent shifts the whole definition of The world Renaissance painter he would have been like Piwhatever happened in Benghazi and why it’s not seems to make what a normal family is. The 2.5 child casso, only better. He also told them his shirt cost OK to be skeptical about climate change (formerly household with two married parents less sense every $2,000. Skipping that class should have been an known as “Global Warming.”) day. Strange probably can’t be considered nor Associate Justice of the United States Suexcused absence. things are going mal anymore. According to the Kids preme Court Elena Kagan never served as a on everywhere.

You know that look where a dog is trying really Count Data Center, approximately 24 hard to understand? Picture it: turning its head a judge anywhere before being nominated and then million children lived in a single-parThis is not little to the side, watching closely, really trying to confirmed to serve on the highest court in the about UFOs, ent households in 2013. understand. That’s where I am. Events like those country. She had only two years of law practice ESP or Bigfoot.

I won’t say I held my head high and described above make me feel like a confused experience. In what world does that make sense?

It’s things more puffed my chest out during my parWhen there’s a bombing, the bomber is blamed. cocker spaniel. And it’s a feeling that’s happening incredible than ents’ divorce. No child does. Divorces more and more.

When there’s a drunken driving accident, the that. We are livare hard and emotionally taxing. But driver is blamed. When someone is shot, guns

ing in a Bizarro I never missed out on having people everywhere are blamed. Non sequitur. JP Morgan who loved me and helped me through World. I submit is now charging customers who make large depos- everything. During those times, my the following into its, yet government reports say that the dollar is evidence. mom was two parents in one. stronger than it’s been in years. Interesting? Cer On the very She then married my stepdad, who tainly nonsensical. same day Israeli took on the responsibility of raising Kevin Qualls Prime Minister Eventually, that poor cocker spaniel starts to two troublemaking teenagers withProfessor of whimper. Despite its best efforts, it can’t make Benjamin Netout ever doing it before. He never - Kevin Qualls sense of what’s right in front of it. anyahu speaks to wavered and continued to be there mass communications Maybe it’s not the dog’s fault. Maybe it really the U.S. Congress, through some of the best and worst Kanye West gives a lecture at Oxford University.

Our government sells bonds (debt) to China doesn’t make sense. Maybe that’s why ABC news moments of my life. I try to let him Guess which one was controversial? and then gives money to countries that hate us. reports that anxiety is now the most reported psy- know as often as I can how thankful The leader of one our closest allies speaks about Cue the cocker spaniel. A law that required age chiatric ailment in our country. In this category, I am for him coming around and how verification before accessing Internet pornograthe United States is number one! a concern to both his nation and ours, and it’s he has been nothing but a positive phy was declared unconstitutional. Yet, with all Bizzaro World is highly stressful for those depicted as an insult to President Barack Obama. role model and father figure when I my gray hair, I have to show my driver’s license to wanting things to make sense. Bizzaro World is Meanwhile, Kanye West is doing a “stream of conwas sorely missing one. buy beer. And it’s controversial to require voters one where attitudes are measured and presented sciousness” nearly incoherent babbling presen I didn’t write this to be sappy and to provide evidence of citizenship to vote. That as a meaningful barometer of what must be tation at Oxford University where he boasts that let my mom and stepdad know how cocker spaniel is in danger of whiplash. true. Excuses are offered as reasons and attitude President Obama calls him at home. I hope that great they are (that was only part of Hillary Clinton lies about dodging gunfire in trumps analysis. And most of us go along to getisn’t true. the reason). I’m writing it because I hope it isn’t true that our president refuses Bosnia and she’s still a strong presidential conalong. Stressful. Finally, the cocker spaniel goes I’ve read so many parenting articles, to talk to the prime minister of the democratic tender. NBC news anchor Brian Williams tells beyond the whimper and starts to bark. But, nomotherhood blogs and websites that nation of Israel but calls up the egomaniacal a similar lie and he’s suspended from work. Try body likes a barking dog. They would rather listen say children who grow up without Kanye West for a little chat. By the way, West explaining that to the cocker spaniel. While you’re to Kanye West. their biological father might as well be doomed.

A negative presence is worse than ... Yik-Yaktivists. ... The death of no presence at all. If a pivotal person in a child’s life, like a parent, is cruel, We never thought we cheer for Leonard Nimoy. dismissive or even abusive, there is Yik-Yak, but some Trekkies everywhere absolutely no way to justify that they people on there actively should be around. That’s why I don’t mourned the loss of Nimoy, give people the time of day who say speak out against racism, the original “Mr. Spock.” May things like, “Well you should just homophobia and other social his legacy live long and prosreach out to him. He’s your dad.” issues that tarnished the app’s It’s not the presence of two bioper. logical parents that makes a child’s reputation. life stable and thriving. It’s the love, reassurance and support they re... Men’s basketball. ceive from people who love them ... Ferguson. unconditionally. It could come from The Racers are now ranked A Justice Department civil a grandparent, adopted parents, stepNo. 25 in the AP top 25. rights investigation concludparents- the list goes on.

Questions, comments or concerns should be If you have an iPhone, ask ed that the city’s police and If you are like me and weren’t addressed to cbesser@murraystate.edu raised the “traditional” way, let those Siri who she’s rooting for. courts engaged in “pattern who raised you know how much it We’ll give you a hint: it’s not and practice” of discrimination means to you. You likely would only Kentucky. Good jobs, guys. against blacks. be a fraction of who you are today We hope to see you take home without them. cbesser@murraystate.edu

We still want to hear from you.

The News

The-

News.org

Qualls: Things I don’t understand

“

Bizzaro World is highly stressful for those wanting things to make sense

”

Cheers and Jeers

Cheers to

Jeers to

Cheers and Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor.

Jeers to

Cheers to

Comic

another conference title.

OVC Tournament

By Katie Wilborn

6A

Regensburg director set to retire Amanda Grau || News Editor agrau1@murraystate.edu

Brittany Risko || Staff writer brisko@murraystate.edu

After more than nine years of service with the Murray State study abroad program in Regensburg, Germany, John Griffin, director of the program, is retiring.

Working as an adjunct German professor for the University in the 1980s, Griffin taught abroad in Bregenz, Austria before the Regensburg program was created.

When the first director backed out of the position, Griffin jumped at the opportunity.

“I realized I enjoyed the heck out of (study abroad),” he said.

“It really was a stroke of luck I got the job.”

His first few semesters in Regensburg were rocky, filled with scheduling issues and advice from other program directors.

“There’s always a little bit of trepidation when you’re starting something new,” Griffin said.

“You’d have a good laugh at how many ways we tried to schedule back then. It’s amazing the students stuck with us.”

As Griffin wraps up his time in Regensburg, alumni – such as Rachel Williams – said they are sad to see him leave. He brought personality and made the program a personal experience, said Williams, a member of the 2012 Regensburg group.

“He knew so much about Regensburg itself – the language and the culture and the city,” she said. “He could come up with tips and tricks unique to each individual. He knew what you were into and would tell you where to go to enjoy that sort of thing. He took care of us.”

While away from her home, Olivia Deppen, senior from Louisville, said she looked at Griffin as a stand-in father figure

– someone to guide her through the struggles of being abroad.

When medical issues complicated Becca Kilby’s 2012 stay in Regensburg, Griffin transported her to the hospital and made sure her parents were notified.

Learning to deal with everything from hospital stays to finding the best trivia nights was just part of the job, Griffin said.

It also was a constant work in progress, he added.

“A lot of it you just make it up as you go along,” he said.

“It’s just a fly by the seat of your pants thing.”

He said getting to know the students has been his favorite part of the job, which is what kept him there for so long.

“The best part of the trip is getting to know and having free time with the students,” he said.

While the program provides specific trips to Nuremberg, Berlin, Munich and Dachau, Griffin liked to provide excursions in the Regensburg area to fill students’ weekends.

Paige Dale, senior from Bowling Green, Ky., said she was eager to participate in an activity Griffin loved – riding bikes.

During her time in Regensburg, her group took a 20-30 km. bike trip, “He came to us and basically said if you guys aren’t doing anything, I’m going on this bike ride,” she said. “Riding bikes was something John really liked to do, and doing something with him that he liked seemed like a lot of fun.”

Griffin’s days of riding bikes with the next generation may not be left behind post-retirement, though.

Once he’s not spending six months of the year in Regensburg, Griffin said he’s looking forward to getting to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Griffin hopes one day to take his grandchildren to Europe and show them where he has visited.

The News

News

March 6, 2015

New app turns photos into movies

Taurus Moore || Contributing writer tmoore31@murraystate.edu

A free app, released Wednesday, will allow phones and tablets to become mini-movie editors using nearly any kind of media – photos, GIFs, Vines and video.

The app, called Trio, allows a user to remix images and videos, including those taken from other people’s Facebook pages and Instagram accounts, into mashups on a mobile device.

Misha Leybovich, the creator and CEO of Trio, said he wanted to create an app that would allow people easily to convert images about their experiences into videos through the GIF format.

Photo courtesy of Bekah Russell

John Griffin and Bekah Russell, alumna of the Regensburg 2013 program, stand overlooking the German countryside.

”

“

I hope people use it and understand that this is not just an ordinary social media app.

- Misha Leybovich, creator of Trio

Photo courtesy of Bekah Russell

Griffin sits with students from the 2013 Regensburg program at the Walhalla museum, in Donaustauf, Germany.

Tinseltown

Tuesday

“The main goal of Trio is to simply expand and for people to make mashup videos of their daily lives,” Leybovich said. “I think it is fun for everyone whether you are in high school or in college and to simply make something that is better than Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, etc.”

Leybovich told a technology group in a talk uploaded to YouTube that he came up with the idea after traveling the world and taking part in experiences such as running with the bulls in Spain.

He said he wanted to share those experiences but didn’t have the know-how to edit videos.

Leybovich, an MIT-trained aerospace engineer based in San Francisco, said he hopes that people in smaller cities like Murray will use the app to share experiences and pull closer together as a community.

“I hope people use it and understand that this is not just an ordinary social media app where you can just take pictures and share with your friends. It is something that you can look back on and be creative,” he said.

The app is available on iTunes or through www.trioapp.co.

March 10

Fired Up! March 24

Horrible Bosses

New Life Campus Ministry Curris Center Theatre - 7 p.m.

1813 U.S. 641 Murray, Ky

TheNews.org

March 6, 2015

Section B

The News

Sports

Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Assistant Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews ­­

Racers head to OVC Championships Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu

Jenny Rohl/The News

Sophomore guard, Cameron Payne jumps for the two-point shot against Austin Peay State on Feb. 28.

Murray State’s regular season was a whirlwind of losses at first, but redemption was soon to follow as the Racers broke record after record within both the program and the conference.

As one of only five teams in the OVC’s 67-year history to run the table and go undefeated in the conference in addition to breaking their previous OVC record of longest win streak and holding the second longest streak in the nation, the Racers were ranked for this first time this season on March 2.

Placed at No. 25 on the AP Poll and No. 24 on the USA Today Coaches Poll, the Racers are appreciative of this recognition.

“I think that the AP is great, but the coaches understand what you have to go through,” said Head Coach Steve Prohm. “Regardless of your conference affiliation, regardless of the league, they understand a little bit better how hard it is, night-in, night-out.

To go 16-0 in a conference through the injuries, through the sicknesses, through the day-to-day life of college kids – student athletes – on the road, at home, the pressure to do that is a great, great achievement. I think the coaches respect that, understand that.”

As the No. 1 seed and with a double-bye, the Racers have prepared all week to play their first game of the OVC Tournament at 6:30 p.m. Friday

at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. On Monday, the team lifted and shot around. Then focusing on their own team Tuesday and Wednesday before traveling to Nashville, Tenn.

Prohm’s biggest concern throughout are that his players are enjoying the process and taking it one day at a time.

“We’ll play just trying to win the next game,” Prohm said. “We’ve got a good group. We’ve got a talented group. We can’t get caught up in, ‘hey, what happens if this, what happens if this?’ We’ve just got to go play. And if we do that, whatever happens happens.”

The taste of loss at Municipal Auditorium is still fresh in the Racers’ mouths as they fell to both Portland and Valparaiso at the Challenge in Music City earlier this season.

Almost exactly a year ago, they also faced a loss in this location to eventual OVC Tournament Champions Eastern Kentucky.

Despite the freshness of these losses and the amplitude of a possible letdown, the team itself puts all the pressure on the coaching staff.

“The coaches and my teammates in general do a good job of taking all that away from us,” senior forward Jarvis Williams said. “It’s just a motto, but to get rid of all that pressure and things of that sort, we just don’t think about it at all. The coaches, they say if we’ve got any kind of pressure to put it all on them. I really don’t feel any pres-

see BASKETBALL, 2B

Bass angler Invitational yields two fish Mari-Alice Jasper

Assistant News Editor mjasper@murraystate.edu

The helms of 29 bass boats splashed into the icy waters of Kentucky Lake to compete in Murray State Bass Anglers 2015 Open Invitational Tournament early Saturday morning.

Although the two-day tournament ended with just two fish to weigh, the anglers who competed said the fun they had over the weekend couldn’t be measured.

As the boats came in at the end of the tournament Sunday, the anglers bundled in fishing gear, boots, scarves, hats and gloves all gathered near the scales to see what their fellow competitors had reeled in.

Brothers, Jason and Justin Hopkins, seniors from Western Kentucky Bass Anglers Team, took first place with a 3.91 pound fish and won the “Biggest Bass” award, raking in $1,940 in award money.

Jason said they went out about five miles before they caught the fish around 8:30 am. with a steel shad, a common wintertime bait.

Two other members, Justin Berger, senior from Freedburg, Ill., and Jake Krish, junior from Louisville, took second place – $930, with a fish weighing in at 2.37 pounds.

Twenty minutes before the tournament was over, Berger said, they went out to Jonathon Creek looking for clearer water and caught their fish from about 10 feet deep with a jerk bait.

A jerk bait is one of the most common baits anglers use. It is a hard piece of plastic with treble hooks that bobs and sinks to mimic a bait fish.

“We were so excited we caught a fish you could have probably heard us yelling from the boat ramp,”

Hannah Fowl/The News

Members of the Bass Angler’s team docking their boats at Kentucky Lake Bass Anglers 2015 Open Invitational Tournament.

Berger said. “It’s the proudest two pounder I’ve ever caught in my life.”

Berger and Krish agreed these were the harshest conditions they had ever fished in.

Collectively, the anglers spent more than 15 hours out on the lake fishing in temperatures around 30 degrees and 10 mph winds. Sunday, it rained part of the morning, but thinned out around noon.

Dominick Schenewerk, senior from Smithton, Ill., said the extremely cold weather from the past couple weeks caused the fishing to be difficult during the tournament.

“We did our best to throw our lures right in the fishes face, but they weren’t having it,” he said. “I think I even bumped a few with the boat and they

just didn’t want to have anything to do with me.”

Hosting the tournament in such harsh weather conditions was no easy task. Shenewerk said after the snow fall from last week, members tended to the boat ramp as often as possible to keep it from icing over too badly.

John Parks, titled sponsor of the Murray State Bass Anglers Team, said this is the seventh year the Murray State Bass Anglers have hosted the invitational the first weekend in March, but next year they will probably wait until later into the year because of the bad weather.

“Honestly, these were the roughest weather conditions I have seen on the lakes in 30 years,” Parks said.

Girls get down and derby with Rockin’ Rollers Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu

Most 11-year-old girls are focused on the newest fashion and how to do their makeup. What to wear and which earrings go with which skirt.

The 11-year-old derby girls rock skirts too but their skirts come with ripped tights and kneepads.

Bruised legs and sore bodies are the struggle for derby girls.

The minimum requirement to join the West Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers (WKRR) is being able to skate 25 laps in five minutes or less.

Roller derby girls play hard. They are like football players on wheels. The second member of the team hits the floor and then up the next is another member of the team.

A competition in roller derby is called a bout. The way roller derby is played is simple. Five girls from each team take the floor. Four girls on each team will play defense they are called the pack. These girls use their bodies to create a wall in an attempt to block the jammer. The jammer is the offensive fifth player.

She is marked with a star on her helmets. Their

WHAT’S

INSIDE

main goal is to break the pack up and destroy the defense. When they do that they get to do a victory lap around the track while the pack sets up for her return.

The excitement on their faces when the jammers do break through the pack is clear. The crowd erupted every time.

The team is led by President Kiaya ‘Kaze’ Young.

She started playing in January of 2011 when she was a senior in high school. She said she had seen roller derby in her town and became interested. The Radio Active City Roller girls were the team that first caught her interest when she saw some of their games.

“I first thought ‘oh no I can’t do that­– it’s crazy,’” Young said.

When she found out that an old friend had created her own team called the WKRR she went out to see them at their beginner’s camp. Young went out and tried it for the first time and immediately fell in love with the sport.

Young plays with the adult West Kentucky Rockin’ Rollers. She has been running the youth team since March of 2012.

“We play flat track. There is something called banked track but you don’t get as many good hits with banked. It’s kind of like a race with obstacles.

As the jammers are trying to get through, you’re trying to help your team and at the same time trying to stop the other one. It’s like playing offense and defense at the same time,” Young said.

The WKRR team has skaters from all skill levels ranging from age four to 18. The WKRR girls play on a flat track instead of the banked track which has raised edges.

Once you become a member of a Roller Derby team, it is tradition to be given a “derby” name. A

Correction:

see DERBY, 2B

On Feb. 27, 2015, The Murray State News printed an error in the article, “Rifle qualifies for NCAA Championships in Alaska.” It was stated that the team would travel to Anchorage. That is incorrect. The NCAA location is Fairbanks. The News regrets the error.

From the Sidelines

This is a wakeup call After months of covering Racer basketball, there are a few phrases I’ve heard nonstop. “Our league is so underrated,” Mallory Tucker “We’ve been Sports Editor slept on,” and “There’s a chip on our shoulder,” are a few quotes I pull from interviews weekly.

As a journalist, I get frustrated with sports rhetoric. Players and coaches tell me the same generic things other sources are telling journalists nationwide. As coaches and players, they’re frustrated for their own reason: because what they’re saying is true. When the OVC released their 2014-15 All-Conference Team, I couldn’t help but agree that this team has been slept on. And it’s time for a wakeup call.

Cameron Payne, Jarvis Williams and Head Coach Steve Prohm were all recognized by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors. To no one’s surprise, Payne was named Player of the Year. Also unsurprisingly, Williams was named a First-Team Forward and Prohm was named Coach of the Year. What is surprising is that no other Murray State players were recognized.

With a 24 game win streak, a regular season conference title and being one of only five teams in the OVC’s 67-year history to go undefeated in the conference, it’s true that the Racers have weapons.

It takes a full team of starters and multiple men off the bench to accomplish what they have this year.

The Racers have nine men with minutes almost every game, but only two players from the league’s No. 1 team earned all-conference honors. I’m not an expert analyst, but something doesn’t add up.

After the Racers’ final regular season game against UT Martin Feb. 28, Prohm commented on the impending all-conference awards.

“I would think between them top 10 spots we probably have four guys,” Prohm said. “We’ll probably get three, but you could make an argument for four. When you look at it, there’s a lot of good guys. I mean, Martin’s got three all-league type guys in Smith, Howard and Newell.

And Belmont – Bradds, Bradshaw for sure. EKU’s Stutz, Walden. I can’t say who I voted for on the record. When you take our team out, you’re still looking at about 12, 14 guys that you’ve got to fit into 10 spots. I left two or three really good players off.

Prohm was fully aware of the tough competition for post-season awards, but of all the players he mentioned, his own were the only ones left off the list. Corey Walden and Eric Stutz represented EKU on first–team alongside Belmont’s Craig Bradshaw. UT Martin’s Marshun Newell and Deville Smith were recognized on the second-team while Twymond Howard graced the All-Newcomer list, and Belmont’s Evan Bradds made second team as well.

Payne and Williams were also the only Racers on all-conference teams last year. Named to first and second team, respectively, Payne was also Freshman of the Year and an All-Newcomer. With a 23-11 season and no conference titles, it was understandable. But this season, it seems a little absurd.

Twitter was rampant with complaints immediately after the OVC sent out their press release Wednesday. The majority were lighthearted, but there were evident bitter undertones.

It’s not my job to support the teams I cover. I would never let personal opinions show in my stories or affect my job in any way.

But when I’m off the clock, as a columnist, a Murray State student and admittedly, a fan, it’s difficult to overlook some things. Despite the controversy, I’m sure of one thing.

The Racers are coming out to play in an “underrated league” with “a chip on their shoulders” because they’ve been “slept on” too long.

WRAPPING UP

MONSTAR FINISH

GREEK PHILANTHROPY

OLD DOMINION

Recap women’s basketball as season comes to an end, 3B

Intramurals finish season with back-to-back victories, 4B

Sig Ep invited sororities to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day, 5B

CAB brings country concert to Lovett, 7B

2B

The News

Sports

March 6, 2015

#MurrayCrushMonday Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports reporter Seth Davis has developed an open man crush on sophomore point guard Cameron Payne and tweets about Murray State regularly. Siri has also taken Racer Nation by storm with her recent fandom of the newly ranked Racers.

DERBY From Page 1B

few names from last weekend’s scrimmage included Terminator, J.K Rolling, Sugar Bear and Blue.

The WKRR is a nonprofit organization that works to support locally—owned businesses and local charities.

In order to have funding, the WKRR host events such as car washes and bake sales to help. The group also uses this money to fund travel and participation at their regional competition.

To the young girls that participate in roller derby it’s not just about winning, it’s about building confidence and friendships.

The WKRR team practice every week for two hours a day. The Kingsway Skateland is their home rink where they schedule.

Last Sunday the WKRR hosted a scrimmage at Kingsway Arena. Three teams were present: the Battle Diva’s from River City, the Central, Ky. The Roller Derby Team from Lexington, Ky., and the WKRR. “As a team the WKRR will get experience working well with other kids,” said Young.

A normal game consists of two 30-minute halves but this weekend’s scrimmage was a bit different.

The bout started with the WKRR and Central teams as they played for 30 minutes, then in the final the winner

played the Battle Divas.

After all three teams had played each other the coaches slip the three teams into two teams by giving them either a black shirt or a white one. All the other matches had been very aggressive but this one was the most hard core.

“We wanted the kids in the area to be able to play roller derby,” Young said. “It was a small movement but we had a great turnout.”

Young has a coaching staff of four others that assist her in running the team. There is a head coach, a bench coach, beginners coach and two other coaches that assist as needed.

If interested in joining more information is available at wkrockinrollers.com.

BASKETBALL

From Page 1B

sure, but I am kind of nervous about it. But when I step on that court all that will go out the window.”

As the team came together to practice for the tournament, individuals were recognized by the conference and nationally.

Sophomore point guard Cameron Payne took home OVC Player of the Year alongside Prohm who was named OVC Coach of the Year. The dynamic duo was also named to the Naismith Trophy semifinalist lists for the same awards.

Payne is ranked 13th in the

nation with points per game 20.2, and ranks high in various other categories as well. At the end of the regular season, Prohm tallied 101 wins during his four seasons at Murray State.

Williams joined Payne on the OVC’s All-Conference first team, but he says earning a title in Nashville this weekend is more important to him.

“I mean, I got those accolades last year and it really didn’t change anything about me besides the fact that I got a little recognition,” Williams said. “None of that really matters to me. I’d rather win championships and have fun collectively with my brothers.”

The season has drawn to an end, but the postseason is just beginning for the Racers. The

team is focused on winning the two games in Nashville this weekend, but an at-large bid to the big dance is the end goal.

“I mean it’s a historic regular season,” Prohm said. “It’s 2015 and we’ve done two things that have never been done, ever. If we didn’t win down there and we didn’t get an at-large bid, would you be sick? No question about it. But this team knows they’ve got more work to do and they’re excited about finishing this out the right way.

If we’re fortunate to win, then you move on to the next stage.

This has been a special, special run. The biggest thing is let’s just see how far we can go.”

The Racers return to work tonight as they tip off at 6:30 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

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March 6, 2015

3B

Women’s basketball comes to close Racers don’t receive bid to OVC Championship but prove to have good numbers Kelsey Randolph || Assistant Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu

In case you missed it, the women’s season is over, but not without records, honors and three triple digit wins.

Racer basketball may still be on for the men’s team but the women’s team has had to say goodbye to this season’s 8-21 overall season and 3-13 OVC season.

“I’m proud of the energy our team has played with and the energy in practices,” said Head Coach Rob Cross. “The season hasn’t gone the way we’d like it with all the close losses but our team has stayed in there and I think it says a lot about their character and their heart.”

The Racers preseason offered fans a good outlook for the OVC games, with eight losses and five wins, and three of those wins being triple digits, it’s conference season looked good.

Cross said the team played with energy and did a good job of playing with that energy throughout the preseason games. He said it was a team effort.

The Racers began their season on a disheartening nine-game losing streak. The first six losses were all within 10 points.

Five of those 10 games were only five points or less away from its opponent.

The women’s program saw it’s most points in a game against Brescia 118-50 which was the third of its triple digit wins. The first triple digit win

was against Alabama A&M 102-81 and the second was against Blackburn College 110-31.

With enthusiasm from their wins the Racers entered the OVC season.

Though the team had a nine-game losing streak, it was able to break the streak on the home court against Southeast Missouri State 8681. It wasn’t long after their win the Racers lost again which didn’t allow them to receive a bid to the OVC Championship.

The appearance of the team’s losses is misleading because while the Racers had an overall losing season, they managed to score 2,134 points as oppose to their opponents this season who scored a total of 2,205 points. While their first period overall scores were slightly lower than our

opponents, the Racers tied with 1,142 points in the second period games with their opponents.

The Racers had an overall season three-point field goal average of 7.7 per game which is 1.4 more than its rivals. The women’s team also managed 13.3 assists per game versus their opponents who had an average of 15.7 assists per game.

Players like senior guard Keiona Kirby put up 459 points and freshman forward and guard Ke’Shunan James came in just under Kirby with 447 points.

Looking into the next season the Racers will lose three valuable players who are graduating: forward Chanyere Hosey, forward and center Netanya Jackson and Kirby

Kalli Bubb/The News

Jenny Rohl/The News

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: (Above) Freshman guard Olivia Cunningham pushes through an Austin Peay State player shoot for a two point shot on Feb. 21. (Right, top) Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville tries to rebound the ball as the Racers shoot in the paint. (Right, bottom) Junior forward Bianca Babic attempts to steal the ball from an Eastern Kentucky player on Jan. 22.

Kalli Bubb/The News

Softball wins 4-0 at Sand Dollar Snow Classic Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu

Jenny Rohl/The News

The softball teams scrimmages against each other last semester as they train for the spring season.

Struggles continue for tennis Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu

The men’s tennis team took their sixth shutout loss of 2015 on Feb. 28 to Temple University.

With this 7-0 loss, the Racers have yet to win a match this season and are now 0-8.

With wintry weather in the area, the men had few opportunities to practice over the threeweek schedule break and struggled to knock off the rust as they returned to action in Memphis, Tenn. Of the nine matches – six singles and three doubles – the men won just one doubles match.

“I was disappointed because that was a match we could’ve and probably should’ve won,” said Head Coach Mel Purcell. “We had some tough matches to start the season, but I thought that was a winnable match.”

Murray State’s outdoor tennis courts have been unusable over the past few weeks because of snow-cover. Both the men and women’s tennis teams have been forced to practice at Kenlake, the nearest indoor tennis facility.

The men are still searching for that first

elusive win of the season. The Racers were scheduled to play their first home match on the outdoor courts Friday, but the winter weather has forced them to move the match to Kenlake.

“We haven’t had much time to practice,” Purcell said. “But that’s no excuse. We’ve got to be more competitive.”

The playing order for the Racers has remained constant so far this season, with senior Max McLean playing in the top spot and fellow senior Aleks Mitric getting the second spot. On Saturday McLean lost 6-2, 6-2 and Mitric lost 6-2, 6-1.

As conference play gets closer, the men only have a couple more chances to start putting it all together, specifically against South Dakota State University and the University of Kentucky.

“We’ve got to do better once conference play opens up,” Purcell said. “That doubles point is awful important in college tennis, so we need the one and two team to play well on the same day.”

The Racers play at 2 p.m. Friday against South Dakota State at Kenlake, pending the weather and court conditions.

The Murray State softball team went 4-0 last weekend at the Sand Dollar Snow Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. and scored 19 runs against Wright State. Two Racers were named OVC Player/ Pitcher of the week.

The Racers played Ala.. first in a two game seres on Sunday and they won 12-0. In the second game they played Wright State where they won 3-0. Previously on Saturday the Racers shut down Bradley 7-1 and Wright State 12-3.

The Racers (10-5) were supposed to play in the Tennessee Classic in Knoxville, Tenn. but ended up going to the Sand Dollar Snow Classic because of weather. The Classic was comprised of all teams that were snowed out of their own events.

“Change is always tough to deal with when we are expecting to go one place and having to pick up and go another but they took it and ran with it and we came out 4-0,” said Head Coach Kara Amundson.

Amundson said her players made good adjustments.

“Statistically, we start out average and then in the middle, we score a ton. One time through the lineup and we see the pitcher and make adjustments,” Amundson said.

Sophomore pitcher Mason Robinson was named OVC pitcher of the week for the second week in a row. She went 2-0 in two games including pitching a shutout. Robinson only gave up one run in two games.

Sophomore first baseman Jessica Twaddle was named OVC player of the week for the first time.

Twaddle had four RBIs against Wright State and three against Bradley. For the weekend tournament she hit .538, going 7-for-13.

“I try not to worry about individual type stuff,” Twaddle said. “I just do what I can to put our team in a position to win. I want to continue to push myself. This is the first time I’ve received this award and I am appreciative. I didn’t even know I had done that well.”

Because of this week’s winter weather, the 2015 Southern Illinois Coach B Classic that was scheduled for March 6-7 is canceled. Amundson said she is trying to get some other games schedule for this weekend so the athletes can continue preparation for conference that starts March 16.

In other sports news:

Coach finalizes football staff for 2015 Head Coach Mitch team on the defensive Stewart has comstaff, Cooper gained pleted his staff for the seven years experi2015 season of Racer ence on the collegiate level. Previously Coofootball according to GoRacers.com. per has worked on Among the staff staff with University additions are Branof Tennessee at Chatdon Cooper who will tanooga, Jacksonville State and UT Martin. serve as the linebackers and special teams Another new addiStewart coach and Eddie tion, Hicks begins his Hicks as the cornerbacks first season at Murray State coach. Returning to the team from the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to will be Sean Dawkins at running backs. that he a part of the Califor Before entering the Racers nia Hicks where he served

on the defensive team for the University of Cincinnati. The breakthrough in his career began with Alcorn State in 2012.

Finally, returning to the staff is Dawkins who spent a season at Chattanooga after spending four seasons with the racers. He came to Murray State in 2009 after spending his previous season at Huntingdon College which was his predecessor to West Texas A&M.

The News

Sports

4B

March 6, 2015

Track and field make records indoor championship Kelsey Randolph || Assistant Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu

Though the sun is beginning to shine, the Racer track and field team was set on the indoor championships in Charleston, Ill., Feb. 27-28.

They may not have come out as a team in the top five but there were personal records set and finishes in the top five.

“I think we actually ended up better in a lot of events than what we went in ranked at, which is very good,” said Head Coach Jenny Severns. “Ranks don’t mean much going in because some people have not run in some events yet. Rankings don’t always reflect ability.”

In this case, junior Alicyn Hester from Yorkville, Ill. went into the championship being ranked 12th and freshman Vallery Korir, from Iten, Kenya went into it being ranked 16th but they had both not competed in the 3000-meter race.

Korir finished fourth and Hester finished in seventh. Both run-

ners set personal records and are ranked in the top five best times at Murray State.

“It feels good (to be ranked),” Korir said. “It means all the hard work I have done has paid off. I think it’s a good start and that I can keep building off the previous success that I have had.”

Severns said though this is was an indoor championship, it was difficult to train for because the Racers practice outside.

This proved to be more difficult for some but Severns said it means some people will need to work harder.

“There are definitely areas we need to improve on,” Severns said. “We ended the weekend with two school records and a lot of personal bests though so we can’t be too disappointed.”

With this meet marking the end of the indoor season, the Racers can focus on their outdoor competitions. With an outdoor season, Severns said there are many things to watch for because the weather is never the same and there are always possibilities of mishaps with the track as opposed to indoor where the conditions are always stable.

Even with conditions changing, Severns said the team won’t train much differently since they already train on an outdoor track. She said the priority is to get a few weeks of good training before they think about the next meet.

“We have a lot of freshmen and they’re still learning what hard work really is,” Severns said. “When you win all the time in high school you don’t realize how hard you have to work to be the best you can be. They are figuring it out now. Being great is hard work and not just at practice but you have to make good decisions outside of practice as well and that is new to some people.”

The Racers will travel to the Alabama Relay’s meet on March 19-21 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Korir said she doesn’t know what the weekend in Alabama is going to look like but it’s the first outdoor competition and she said she and the team are excited.

“We won’t think about the Alabama meet too much right now,” Severns said. “It is a very good competition meet though and we are hoping for some great performances.”

Baseball home opener delayed because of weather Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu

Nicole Ely/The News

MEN’S INTRAMURAL: (Above, left) A Blue Ballers player runs for the layup. (Above, right) A Team Lob City player throws a free throw during an intramural game.

Intramural standings Basketball

Inner Tube Water Polo

(Final)

Men

Women

Championship Standings Championship Standings 1. Bad Boys 4-3 2. Racer Hoops 6-1 3. Hart A 7-0 4. Don’t Matter 4-3

1. Monstars 6-0 2. Hart Ravens7-0 3. Racer Mix 5-1 4. AOII Pandas 5-0

Men

Women

Residential College

Residential College

Fraternity

Sorority

1. Clark A, 6-0 2. Franklin A, 4-1

1. Alpha Sigma Phi, 3-0 2. Lambda Chi Alpha 2-1

1. Hart Ravens 3-0 2. Springer-Franklin 2-1

1. Tri Sigma 4-0 2. ASA Ladybugs, ADPi 1-3

Results are as of Tuesday, March 3. Standings courtesy of IMLeagues.

Weather has wreaked havoc on the Racer baseball team’s home schedule as Johnny Reagan field remains unplayable following a second winter storm this week that forced the team to cancel Wednesday’s game.

In addition to weather-related challenges, the Racers (3-9 OVC) have struggled with injuries to two key pitchers and an inconsistent offense.

Those problems dogged the team in a doubleheader Tuesday in Lexington against the University of Kentucky. In Tuesday’s second game, the Racers tied the game 1-1 in the second inning after catcher Dalton West, a junior, homered.

The game remained deadlocked until the seventh inning when the Wildcats broke through with three runs. The Racers used three pitchers in the inning before finally getting out of it. The Racers attempted a comeback in the top of the eighth after Tyler Lawrence, the designated hitter, knocked in two runners to increase his team-leading RBI total to 10 for the season.

It wasn’t enough as the Racers dropped the game 4-3. Earlier in the day the Racers lost to the Wildcats 4-1.

West hit another solo homerun for the team’s only run in the game.

With OVC play set to begin this weekend, Head Coach Kevin Moulder is still evaluating the team to determine the roles of his pitching staff, especially the relievers.

“I’d like to be able to establish some roles on the team,” Moulder said. “I’d like to be able to say, you know, that this guy will be our closer and this guy is our long reliever and so forth, but it’s still early in the season and we are still evaluating the guys that we have.”

Last weekend the Racers had to travel to Georgia to play a series against the University of Dayton and lost two out of three.

In game one, senior Brock Downey pitched into the seventh inning and allowed only one hit. Then Downey struck out a season high 11 batters. The Racers won 8-2 as the Flyers committed six errors.

“They (Flyers) threw the ball around a bit, but a couple of those errors were some really hard-hit balls by our guys,” Moulder said.

Brad Boegel, junior pitcher, started the second game and pitched into the seventh inning as well but allowed two runs on four hits while recording nine strikeouts. The Flyers won 3-1.

In the rubber game, the Racers fell behind 2-0 after the first inning and never came close to taking lead. The final score was 6-2, and the Flyers won the series.

Weather permitting, the Racers are scheduled to begin conference play at 3 p.m. Friday against the University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in what will be the first home game of the season.

Intramural basketball comes to end Monstars take semi-finals for women’s basketball and move on to take final championship.

Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu

Monstars cruise in semifinal game With 7:06 left in the game vs. the AOII Pandas, the Monstars scored two points to seal a mercy rule victory.

The Monstars, led by junior Christiane Soldo and junior Bekah Russell, took the early advantage leading by 13 at halftime. Their opponent couldn’t match up with the size of the Monstars team on offense or defense. The Monstars dominated throughout the second half as well, winning 43-12.

“Honestly, I think it was that they were bigger than us and they seemed like they may have more experience,” said sophomore AOII Panda Erica Strubhart. “Another thing is that I think we were just getting to that point in the season that we were just getting tired. We’ve been playing since January and now it’s March so I think we

were just kind of getting worn down at this point.”

The sorority division was dominated by the AOII Pandas as they went undefeated during the regular season.

steals to go along with her 19 points.

“We don’t get a chance to play the sororities division, and I saw them play a game before and they looked really solid,” Russell said. “I thought they were a good team, but we came

“We’re AOII, so it’s all about playing the sororities to us and we always like to be number one.”

–Shelby Beloate Sophomore from Puryear, Tenn.

“We’re AOII, so it’s all about playing the sororities to us and we always like to be number one,” said sophomore Shelby Beloate, who scored half of the team’s points. “It was big for us to make it this far.”

Leading Monstar scorer, junior Bekah Russell, was active on both ends of the floor, coming up with three

out with only five people and kept the pressure on them. Everyone gets in there and they rebound even if they are the shortest person out there.”

The most experienced player on either team was Christiane Soldo, a former Murray State women’s basketball player who put up 17 points and eight rebounds.

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“I didn’t have enough time to do school work and play and be on the road and my grades were suffering,” Soldo said of her collegiate basketball career. “So I decided to quit and just get involved with school and extracurricular activities.”

After defeating the AOII Pandas, up next for the Monstars was the championship game against Hart College.

“I think we are very prepared for the final,” Russell said. “We haven’t played as many games as we would like– we’ve had to forfeit a couple of games– but every time we’ve come out we’ve played really hard and I think we are ready to go. We’re going to take it. We’re going all the way.

We’re going to win and we are going to get that t-shirt, finally.”

According to IM Leagues, the Monstars were ready, taking home a 47-32 win to end the season and take home the title.

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Retired professor to start club for struggling authors Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer

5B

The News

Features ­

‘Have at thee, thou saucy clapper-clawed canker-blossom’ Murray State held its annual Shakespeare Festival complete with special guests, plays and Shakespearean insult battles.

twhitfill1@murraystate.edu

Even after hours of writing, some authors need an extra push to complete their works.

A retired Murray State professor has formed a club to help students and aspiring writers finish their projects and get published.

Bill Koenecke who retired after teaching for 11 years, will hold the first informational meeting about the group at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at Calloway County Public Library in the library meeting room.

Koenecke’s mother taught at Murray State University as well. However, Koenecke did not start his array of careers in Murray.

Between five degrees and numerous superintendent and principal positions in various Illinois school districts, Koenecke Koenecke was inspired to write his first book.

Although the book is not a thriller, nor will it create an imaginary world with mythical creatures, Koenecke hopes his book will transform students’ lives.

It began when Koenecke was a chemistry teacher in Illinois.

After teaching multiple classes and later observing as a principal, he realized students were not properly forming sentences, spelling correctly or using punctuation appropriately.

So Koenecke developed a 20-page guide to basic English and grammar that he implemented in his classroom to help students learn.

Koenecke decided the sooner people are able to learn the rules of English and grammar, the better they will be later.

After calling about 10 large publishers, Koenecke received the same answer from most: They already had a book like his. That didn’t stop Koenecke.

He began writing a book influenced by his struggle with teaching grammar. The book is close to completion, although Koenecke says he is looking for need for a little inspiration to finish the book. That’s what he hopes can be achieved by starting the club.

The group is open to authors and aspiring authors in the Murray community, including Murray State students.

Koenecke said he has heard of at least two prior attempts to start a similar group. Both have failed.

Although the reasons for the dissolution of those two groups are unknown, Koenecke said he believes that most advisers were probably professors and didn’t have the extra time to devote to the undertakings.

That’s why Koenecke said he thinks his attempt will be different.

The support group does not have a clear goal or mission. However, Koenecke has multiple guest speakers prepared to share stories about publishing books and will leave the agenda for the group members to decide. Anyone who is interested in writing is welcome to join.

He would prefer to facilitate the meetings but is hoping for members’ suggestions and input as to how their purpose evolves.

Koenecke mentioned that he has assisted two writers in successfully publishing their novels by introducing them to the appropriate contacts.

Koenecke hopes for a smaller group to share interests and help one another in their progress, whether they are writing for a hobby or for a career.

All who are interested are encouraged to come to the meeting to determine whether the group could help them.

If Murray State students choose to join, Koenecke said he hopes he can help them publish books.

Koenecke also hopes to benefit from the group himself — getting that final push he needs to complete his grammar book.

If you go What: Writers group, first informational meeting When: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15 Where: Calloway County Public Library meeting room.

Nicole Ely/The News

Top: Some students stood on the staircase above the Rocking Chair Lounge to compete in a Shakespearean insult battle. Bottom: Students compete in the battle for tickets to one of the plays.

Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu

This year’s Shakespeare Festival at Murray State showed how the Bard’s work is as relevant to students’ lives now as it was four centuries ago.

William “Rusty” Jones, director of Murray Shakespeare Festival, said both “Hamlet” and “Much Ado about Nothing” communicate the drama of decision making and gossip that are relatable to the current generation.

The performances began Tuesday with a recreation of “Much Ado about Nothing” by a professional troop from the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia. The comedy about eavesdropping has new meaning in the age of social media.

“You hear one thing, believe it’s true and act on it,” Jones said. “In the Facebook (and) Twitter culture today, you post one thing on Facebook and that’s truth and everyone acts on it.”

Jones explained that in “Much Ado about Nothing,” similar actions happen when characters gossip or have believed something false and the rumors spread quickly. Jones said if something is not true, it doesn’t matter because the “ball is rolling.”

Jones said he thinks students have left “Much Ado about Nothing” with a belief that Shakespeare is more fun and accessible than they imagined.

The similarity between Shakespeare and current generation takes a heavier turn in the second performance of the festival.

“Hamlet” also was slated to be performed by the professional troop.

Jones cited notable similarities from the play to our society’s state.

Jones said “Hamlet” is a college student who decides to leave school to deal with family troubles and princely responsibilities after his father passes away.

see FESTIVAL, 6B

Fraternity celebrates Dr. Seuss Day Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu

The brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon and students of Murray Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss Day and Read Across America Day over the week of Feb. 23-26. The Read Across America program promotes reading and honors the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

Renn Lovett, sophomore from Memphis, Tenn., and vice president of communications for Sig Ep, coordinated the partnership with Robin Brown, a kindergarten teacher at Murray Elementary and Sig Ep alumnus.

Members of Sig Ep read with the children on the mornings of Feb. 23-25 for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour each.

Then, Sig Ep members and Alpha Omicron Pi sisters invited Murray Elementary students and their parents to an evening reading session Feb. 26.

Children and the Murray State students read together, and the children’s parents were able to socialize in a separate room.

“The overall purpose of the event was to provide the children the pleasure of being read to in a fun and relaxing environment,” Lovett said.

“We picked Dr. Seuss because he is an alumnus of Sig Ep – Dartmouth ’25.”

Sig Ep hosted a breakfast at Murray Elementary for the children and their parents Saturday morning as a culmination of the week of Dr. Seuss-themed activities.

“Seeing the kids smiling and laughing meant everything to us,” Lovett said. “We want them to enjoy reading and learning, just as we instill the exact same promotion for bettering our education as brothers of Sig Ep. The kids were outgoing and loved the involvement.”

Lovett described the week as a huge success; many Sig Ep members participated and there

Photo courtesy of Robin Brown

Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon spent Feb. 26 reading Dr. Seuss books to children at Murray Elementary School. was a guest appearance by the Cat in the Hat, he said.

This is not the first time the fraternity has partnered with the elementary school. Brown coordinates an annual pumpkin carving night with his class and his old fraternity chapter, and

in the fall, the fraternity helped renovate the school’s playground. The week of all things Dr. Seuss though, impacted not only the elementary students, but also the University students in a

see FRATERNITY, 6B

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6B

The week ahead...

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

March 6, 2015

If you would like an event to appear on the calendar here or on TheNews.org, email Features Editor, Breanna Sill, at bsill@murraystate.edu. Please submit events by noon Wednesday for consideration.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

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All day University closed

7:30 p.m.

Cinema International: “Gloria,” Curris Center theater

2 a.m.

Daylight saving time begins

All day Last day to register for second-half semester classes

8 a.m.

Quad State Junior Choral Festival, Lovett Auditorium

6 p.m.

Guest artist Ching-Yi Lin, performance, Price Doyle Fine Arts Building

9 a.m.

Peaceful Spirit Yoga, Carr Health Building second floor dance studio

PR club assists local charity Madison Wepfer || Assistant Features Editor mwepfer@murraystate.edu

Nicole Ely/The News

A flash mob in the Curris Center was just one of many events during the week of the Shakespeare Festival.

year, an Austin Peay State University professor had been scheduled to discuss “Hamlet on Film.” The event was canceled because of the weather.

One goal for this year’s festival From Page 5B hasn’t changed from preceding years.

“The drama of having to take a life de “Bring a professional troop from cision is something students can unVirginia to our campus to (offer) afderstand,” Jones said. fordable professional Shakespearean Films have theater to our reoften attempted gion,” Jones said. to update Shake“And to give a spearean works. resource for eduJones cited the cators of all levmovie “She’s the - William “Rusty” Jones, director of the Murray els that will help Man” starring Shakespeare Festival improve their Amanda Bynes student’s appreciaas an adaptation of these fountion of “Twelfth dational cultural Night.” plays.”

Some of the characters from that The end of the festival doesn’t mean movie have the same names as charthe end of Shakespeare on campus. acters from Shakespeare’s work. AnJones suggested that students attend other example Jones mentioned was the theater department’s adaptation of the movie “The Lion King,” which is “The Tempest,” a mature comedy with an adaptation of “Hamlet.” magic elements. It will run from April Students’ experiences with the 9-12.

Shakespeare Festival began with other “The point is, they shouldn’t be modern entertainment including a afraid of Shakespeare,” Jones said. flash mob and acting workshops.

“They should experience ‘The Tem As a new addition to the festival this pest’ done by our theater department.

FESTIVAL

“

A group of public relations students at Murray State got real-world experience in February through the national organization Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Kirstie Willis, Kiaya Young, Michelle Young, Paige Wilson and Maegan Lusk teamed up to take on a local organization - the Gentry House.

Kirstie Willis said the project was part of the Bateman Case Study Competition. Every year, the Bateman competition chooses an organization to promote.

“Bateman’s overall client this year was Home Matters, so the PRSSA teams can either pick an overall client or pick one of the local ones,” Willis said. “We talked to the Gentry House, and we knew that they needed some help, and we asked them if they would register with Home Matters.”

Home Matters’ website says it “builds awareness and raises funds for more affordable homes and better communities.” It partners with 250 organizations.

Willis said they wanted to help a local client instead of a national one because they wanted to directly affect people who are in need in Murray.

“It’s more personal when you can do something local instead of doing an overall campaign because you can see so many personal changes to this organization and see it actually benefit people,” Willis said.

Once the Gentry House became a partner of Home

FRATERNITY

They shouldn’t be afraid of Shakespeare.

”

Matters, the PRSSA group began promoting it. Willis said they did everything from writing press releases to updating the website.

“We have made fliers for them. We have made brochures for them, and we took over their Facebook for the whole entire month of February,” Willis said.

In addition to social media promotion, their group planned a community discussion about homelessness awareness. The three-person panel included Kimberly Mason, Gentry House director; Linda Cherry, Murray City Council member and Gentry House board member; and Laura Barnett, homelessness relief advocate.

Members of the community and students had the opportunity to listen and ask questions about the homeless situation in Murray.

Kiaya Young said they chose to promote the Gentry House because her group liked their mission.

“They (the Gentry House) try to change the homelessness situation,” Young said. “They help (the homeless) get back on their feet with permanent housing and employment.”

The panel agreed that homelessness is still an issue in Murray. Even though people don’t see it, that doesn’t mean that it’s not there, they said.

Mason said the best assistance that students and community members can provide is their volunteer time.

Help is needed at fundraisers sponsored by the Gentry House or with office work.

The next opportunity to volunteer is the annual Kentucky Derby Party in April.

From Page 5B

positive way.

Stephen Carman, senior from Cape Girardeau, Mo., said he was confident the readings made a difference and that he was glad to help the children get excited about reading.

“The amount of joy that a Dr. Seuss book can bring to a child’s face is really an amazing sight, and hopefully we were able to make reading fun and help the kids start a lifelong love for reading,” Carman said. “It’s a great feeling to see kids’ faces light up about reading, and Photo courtesy of Robin Brown it makes it even more fun to be reading Dr. Seuss and celebrating a great Sig Ep Ryan Rist, senior from Millstadt, Ill., reads to children from a Dr. Seuss book for Dr. Seuss Day. brother.”

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The News

Features

March 6, 2015

7B Celebrity Encounters

FEATURED TWEETS

Pop Culture Corner

WINTER STORM THOR

Neil Patrick Harris @ActuallyNPH I kinda like that this winter storm is called Thor. #avengers 3:22pm 3 Mar 2015 Alex Dunbar @AlexDunbarNews How are we supposed to handle a winter storm named “Thor”? Where is Loki when you need him?

11:38am 3 Mar 2015

Leave the night on

Stephen Wallem @stephenwallem Winter Storm Thor is on its way; The foxiest storm of the season, y’all, don’t be afraid.

11:37pm 1 Mar 2015 Jillian Jorgensen @Jill_Jorgensen Why would Winter Storm Thor try to thwart my travel plans? You’ve seen my last name. I’m Norwegian. This is not right.

12:54pm 4 Mar 2015

TWAIN ANNOUNCES FAREWELL TOUR

Country star Shania Twain announced Wednesday that she will be going on a 48-city farewell tour called “Rock this Country,” beginning June 5.

“This is going to be a big, big tour for me because it’s going to be my last,” Twain said. “I’m going to make the most of it. Let’s put it that way.”

Photo courtesy of teaser-trailer.com

Will Smith and Margot Robbie star in “Focus,” directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa.

MAROON 5 MAKES BOY’S DREAMS COME TRUE

Maroon 5’s biggest fan was on cloud nine this week.

Ten-year-old Christopher Warner, who has Down syndrome, got to meet his idol face to face.

Knowing the band was coming to town for a concert, Warner’s teacher made a video of him. The video went viral, and lead singer Adam Levine arranged to meet him before the concert.

Soundbyte “My specialty is seafood, but I also make the sickest mac ‘n’ cheese you will ever taste.”

-Rhianna boasting about her culinary skills to “Elle”

‘Focus’ does not deliver winning hand John Gruccio || Contributing writer jgruccio@murraystate.edu

“Focus” tries so hard to be the next sexy caper and make us believe there is such a thing as a perfect con. The film doesn’t succeed at either one.

As a veteran in the art of misdirection, Nicky has seen it all. That is until he meets fledgling con artist Jess Barrett.

As he takes her under his wing, the two become romantically involved.

When things get too close, Nicky does what he does best and disappears. Later, as Nicky plans the ultimate con in Buenos Aires, he is met again by his former student.

“Focus” stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro, Gerald McRaney, BD Wong. Adrian Martinez and Robert Taylor. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa wrote and directed the film.

Nicky is charming, confident, slick and even somewhat sophisticated. No matter the dedication to the script’s mojo and drama, Smith is never 100 percent believable as a con man.

Sad to say, but Smith has never truly excelled at romantic comedies with the exception of his performance in 2005’s “Hitch.” Since his starring role in M. Night Shyamalan’s “After Earth” in 2013,

Newcomers Old Dominion to perform on April 7

many people have questioned whether Smith will retire. I can definitely say this film is just the beginning of Smith’s return. Even though this movie fails, Smith’s performance shows that he is only getting warmed up.

The absolutely stunning Robbie is quickly becoming one of today’s most impressive actresses. After her breakthrough performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” she shows in this film that she can handle drama. She is not afraid to go toe to toe against any Hollywood heavyweight.

Sadly, the relationship between her character and Smith’s is just not there, and you really want to believe it with the caliber of their performances. No matter how sexy or dramatic, the two of them are just an odd pairing, and that relationship affects the plot. There is no chemistry between these two.

Ficarra and Requa, who brought us the 2011 all-star romantic comedy“Crazy, Stupid, Love,” are also behind this film.

One thing I will praise about is the way they shot the beautiful Buenos Aires.

They sincerely make you want to drop everything and run to Argentina.

The duo also have a real knack for writing comedic bits peppered in over

Breanna Sill || Features Editor bsill@murraystate.edu

The sounds of country music will once again spread through campus when the Campus Activities Board brings the up-and-coming band Old Dominion to Lovett Auditorium next month.

The band has developed a following after opening for larger acts such as The Band Perry, Luke Bryan and Keith Urban. Old Dominion is fronted by lead singer Matthew Ramsey and also includes Brad Tursi, Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung and Whit Sellers.

The band’s new single “Break Up With Him” from its self-titled EP has been rising on the charts. Jeanie Morgan, student activities adviser, said students should take advantage of this free event.

romance and drama. This was probably the most refreshing part of both Smith and Robbie’s characters, seeing that they are actually people, not just con artists.

I really wanted to like this film, but it was not meant to be. Here is to the return of Smith and the rise of Robbie.

Keep your heads held high and move forward.

Quick Facts Title: Focus

Rating: R

Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Adrian Martinez, Gerald McRaney, Rodrigo Santoro, BD Wong, Brennan Brown, Robert Taylor, Dotan Bonen, Griff Furst

Similar to: Catch Me If You Can Ocean’s Eleven The Grifters

On Feb. 23, I braved the remaining snow and ice and ventured to my home away from home, Nashville, Tenn., Breanna Sill to see my Features Editor absolute favorite upand-coming country music act Sam Hunt.

He announced his first headlining tour a few months ago and the closest date to Murray was Knoxville, Tenn., a five-hour drive.

Back when I discovered Sam, barely a soul alive knew who he was besides a small group of fans.

He had just put out his first single to country radio and was virtually unknown.

Well, I have a big mouth when it comes to talking about something I really love, and I talked my head off about Sam on every form of social media.

Almost a year later, he’s on the fast track to being country music’s newest superstar. I give myself a lot of credit for that. I have very few friends who don’t know every word to his songs “Ex To See” or his newest single, “Take Your Time.”

Anyway, back to Monday. I left for Nashville about noon and spent the majority of the day in the office of my good friend who just got hired at Broken Bow Records on Music Row. It was such a cool experience considering she is only 19 years old and working at such a high-profile label.

By the time I got to the show, there were so many more people than I could have expected there for Sam. It was such a “proud mom” moment for me.

While the venue, The Listening Room Cafe, isn’t big, it was packed shoulder to shoulder with excited fans.

The opening acts included Old Dominion, who will be in Murray next month. Then it was finally time for the act we were all waiting for.

Not only did Sam sing his original songs, he also performed a medley of 1990s cover songs including Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name.” That might have been the best part of the night.

While I didn’t get to meet Sam again after the show — he dipped out pretty quickly — it was still such an incredible experience because of the time I spent with good friends listening to such good music. I wouldn’t trade these small, intimate, pre-superstardom concerts for the world, and I know one day I will tell my grandchildren about the time I saw Sam Hunt play for 300 people instead of a stadium full. bsill@murraystate.edu

“It will be a fun night,” Morgan said. “We look to do activities that we think will be educational but also stress relievers.”

One unique feature of this concert will be its conjunction with the Miss Murray State pageant.

The 15 contestants will be on stage for part of the concert doing a dance number to one of the songs.

Morgan said the contestants and the band are excited about this collaboration.

Another reason CAB puts on its yearly free concert for students is to give them the opportunity to learn how to put together a concert event the right way. She said the CAB members gain experience they can take with them into the workforce.

“There is more to it than just saying ‘Oh, we’re having them,’” Morgan said. “You have to do the background, the setup, the advertising; there is a

lot that goes into it. There are a lot of students who want to do this for a job so this gives them a perfect learning opportunity and makes them connections.”

Old Dominion is not the first country act the CAB has brought to Murray. Last spring, Chase Rice performed for an only half full Lovett Auditorium. This year, Morgan hopes to double the number of people in attendance.

Students should be on the lookout for meetand-greet opportunities with the band before the concert. An announcement should be released soon on the group’s Facebook page.

The concert will be at 8 p.m. on April 7 in Lovett Auditorium. Attendance is free for anyone with a student ID and tickets cost $10 for the general public. Tickets are on sale now.

Out this Week

Read It

“Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson

See It

“Cinderella”

Hear It

“Rebel Heart” by Madonna

Rent It

“Pioneer”

Play It

“Sniper Elite 3”

8B

The News

March 6, 2015