The Murray State News March 27, 2015
TheNews.org
Zachary Orr || Staff writer zorr1@murraystate.edu
Students attending the Government and Law School Career Fair on April 6 can expect to discover a plethora of career opportunities, including 88 federal, state and city agencies and 12 law schools. The Government and Law School Career Fair differs from the University-sanctioned All Majors Career Fair in that government agencies are in need of workers from a variety of educational b a c k Ferreira grounds, Bertus Ferreira, criminal justice professor and organizer of the Government and Law School Career Fair, said. The fair is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6 in the Curris Center Ballroom. Ferreira said the All Majors Career Fair underrepresents a large portion of the student population and he hopes to offset some of that imbalance with the Government and Law School Career Fair. “I can’t fix everybody’s lives,” he said. “But here I have a massive solution to part of the problem.” Ferreira volunteered to bring more federal agencies to the All Majors Career Fair last semester. When he was turned down because of lack of space at the fair, he decided to make his own. With no outside help, Ferreira organized the Government and Law School Career Fair in hopes of showing students just how many opportunities there are for students of all majors in the government. Students, such as Desiree Isaac, senior political science and public relations double major from Topmost, Ky., see more specific career fairs such as the Government and Law School Career fair as a solution to the problem of underrepresentation in the All Majors Career Fair. “While the all majors fair is helpful, the Government and Law School Career Fair offers a wide variety of options for students in specific studies that are sometimes not heavily focused on in the general career fair,” Isaac said. Joe Caudell, assistant professor of biology, said his past experience working career fairs for a federal agency led
him to believe that generalized career fairs, such as the All Majors Career Fair, are not beneficial for most students. “As an employer, I went to some generalized career fairs,” Caudell said. “I think it was a waste of my time. I might see a handful of students interested in what our agency had to offer.” Caudell said he is excited about the opportunities the Government and Law School Career Fair is giving his students, with recruiters coming from several wildlife agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Careers in wildlife biology are highly competitive, Caudell said. Students are encouraged to accumulate two to three internships over their college careers in order to be competitive after graduation. “Any contact whatsoever with people in these agencies will be good for the students,” Caudell said. Ferreira said the demand these government agencies have for students is overwhelming. The FBI is seeking foreign language students. Correctional Facilities and the Military Branches are seeking nurses as well as musicians to play in military bands. Almost all federal agencies are in need of accounting students and computer science students, who often overlook serving their country through government jobs for better-paying corporate jobs. “I want students to understand that there is an honorable thing in working for the government,” Ferreira said. “You can serve your country working for the government.” Ferreira said he is impressed by his success in recruiting 88 government agencies and law schools to come to the fair in its first year. He credited his success to actively contacting agencies himself, as well as not charging the $200 a table Career Services does for the All Majors Career Fair. “Big companies, they don’t care,” Ferreira said. “$200 is pocket change for them. They write it off as a business expense for recruitment. Small police departments, sheriff departments, and corrections agencies don’t have $200 in their budget to pay. That’s why many of them simply
see GOV’T, 2A
Photo c
ourtesy
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$1,
Raising the bar Since Murray became a wet city, revenue has poured in, but not without a few issues.
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Government and Law Career Fair offers new opportunities
Vol. 89, No. 25
Lucy Easley || Staff writer
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leasley@murraystate.edu
Hannah Fowl/The News
People watch TV at Nick’s Sports Pub, a popular spot to drink in Murray.
Winter weather changes schedule of Panera, not Station 74
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the amount of alcohol sales revenue since Murray became a wet city within dry Calloway County. 395 percent: the increase in revenue since changing from moist to wet. Prior to the law changing, annual regulatory fees produced r o u g h l y $145,000 for the city. In the 201213 fiscal year, regulatory fees totaled to $572,586. Revenue continued to rise in the 2013-14 fiscal year, bringing in $1,030,078. This revenue is from an 8 percent regulatory fee placed on the sale of alcohol, which goes to law enforcement to help pay the cost of enforcement, regulation and administration of alcohol laws in the city. Kendra Clere, Alcohol Beverage Control, or ABC, Administrator for the City of Murray, said she predicts the 2014-15 fiscal year will produce comparable numbers. According to the City of Murray’s website, 12 percent of the 2015 fiscal year’s general fund operating budget is based on alcohol sales fees. This is the third highest contributor, behind only property and insurance tax.
Julia Mazzuca|| Staff writer jmazzuca@murraystate.edu
Despite February’s ice and snow, the new Station 74 apartments will open on time, but Panera Bread will not. The set completion date for Station 74 is still July 15, but Panera many not open until May 1 – a week after the original April 22 deadline. Trey Long, one of the four managers of the new Panera Bread, noticed the setbacks the winter storms brought to Panera. “Because of all the snow and ice, we are definitely a week behind,” Long said. Long believes the completion date could be pushed back to May 1 because of slowed progress. The new Panera Bread will include the cafe and bakery, and will also cater events. As of right now, different businesses around Murray call in catering at Paducah’s Panera, which is then driven all the way to Murray. “The new Panera Bread is hiring for all positions,” Long said.
Restaurants, bars, convenience stores and package stores all contribute to this grand total and are accountable for certain regulations based on the type of liquor license they operate under. When Murray was a moist city, restaurants had to adhere to a 70:30 food to alcohol sales ratio, Clere said. Now, they must follow a 50:50 ratio and local popular restaurants such as Mr. J’s Grill and Pub, Nick’s Sports Pub and Agave all follow this licensure. Additionally, bars, restaurants and package stores are not permitted to sell alcohol on Sunday and even despite the large increase in regulatory fee revenue the law will probably stay that way, Clere said. James Hutchens, owner of Mr. J’s Grill and Pub, said he chooses not to open up his restaurant on Sundays because of the limitations of liquor laws. If the restaurant were to be open on Sundays, food could be served but liquor bottles and beer taps would all have to be covered and locked up. All establishments operating under restaurant licenses are required to follow the same restrictions if they choose to serve food on Sundays. Some restaurants, such as Applebee’s, remain open while others close their doors. “It’s too big of an ordeal to cover and lock everything up,” Hutchens said. Hutchens said the business does well enough other days of the week that the legislation doesn’t impact the business much, and he does not typically have problems meeting the 50:50 ratio required by law. “I see why they don’t allow it and I see why they should,” Hutchens said. “I’ll go either way. I think overall they should just do what’s best for the community.”
Applications can be found online. Carlton Stroud, superintendent to the general contractor for Station 74, and his team worked through some of the bad weather. Stroud said 80 percent of the asphalt was finished for Station 74 in November, which helped the completion date remain the same. Although the asphalt took abuse from the freezing weather, he said it was well worth the time to get it finished and set so that the team could work through the winter. He said the construction workers continued their work after taking days off due to the snow and ice. They took overtime and are dedicated to the deadline and will keep pushing until everything is back on track. Station 74 didn’t experience any physical setbacks besides losing a couple days of work. The only financial setbacks are paying the construction team for the weekends of overtime required in order to finish on time. The Preiss Company, a management firm,
see SCHEDULES, 2A
Honors Program transition into Honors College begins Lucy Easley || Staff writer leasley@murraystate.edu
The Honors Program received approval to begin its two-year transition into the Honors College with the hopes of increasing participation and the creation of a designated residential section for its students. The college will include new curricula models, more faculty and residential life elements. Funding is also increasing in a twostep process, beginning in fall 2015 and continuing into the next academic year. Warren Edminster, director of the Honors Program, said the new Honors College will take education outside of the classroom and engage students in a number of ways. In 2009, 146 students participated in
WHAT’S
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the Honors Program. This number has steadily increased in the past six years, with 195 students participating in 2013. Edminster said he hopes this number continues to increase. A residential component is being developed, though it is still in the early stages. Members of the administration plan to visit schools such as Baylor University that already utilize these systems and come back with a recommendation for implementation. By fall 2016, floors and wings of a residential college are planned to be devoted to Honors College students; however which residential college or colleges has not been designated by the program yet.
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see HONORS, 2A Members of the Honors Program meet Tuesday night, led by the executive members.
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GOV’T From Page 1 won’t come.” Ferreira also succeeded in recruiting some key political figures to encourage students to serve their country through government jobs. U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield will be speaking at the fair at 11 a.m., he said. Following this trend, the U.S. State Department will send foreign service officer Mark Powell to recruit students from all majors for foreign service careers. Powell served as a U.S. Consul General in Leipzig, Germany and worked most recently as Senior Advisor to the Coordinator of the Department’s Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications in Washington D.C. Among the 88 confirmed attendees are the Peace Corps, the Red Cross and the Secret Service, along with the Kentucky and Illinois National Guards, the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard. Ferreira recruited 12 law schools to come to the fair, compared to the two coming to the All Majors Career Fair. “You’ve never seen these law schools at Murray State,” Fer-
reira said. One of the two law schools attending the All Majors Career Fair is unaccredited by the American Bar Association, which Ferreira described as “a kiss of death.” Also among the recruiters coming to the fair are the Kentucky State Forensic Laboratories, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana State Police and Missouri Highway Patrol, which are seeking chemistry students to participate in forensic research, Ferreira said. Ferreira felt that it was his obligation not only to make this opportunity available to the students of Murray State, but also to the surrounding universities and colleges. He invited 23 universities and colleges, many of which are sending students from hours away to take advantage of what the fair has to offer. “It is a big deal for the University to serve the community colleges in Kentucky,” Ferreira said. Anticipating the success of this year Government and Law School Career Fair, Ferreira has already booked dates for more fairs in the next two semesters. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime for students to have this,” Ferreira said.
March 27, 2015
WHO WILL BE THERE? Note: Not a complete list
FEDERAL
STATE
• US Forest Service • US Peace Corps • US Postal Inspection Service • US Secret Service • US State Department • American Red Cross • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives • Drug Enforcement • Administration • Federal Bureau of • Investigations
• Arkansas State Police • Indiana State Police • Kentucky State Police • Missouri State Highway Patrol • Kentucky Department of Corrections • Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice • Kentucky Probation and Parole • Kentucky Department of Corrections
COUNTY SHERIFFS
• Calloway County Sheriff’s Office
MILITARY
LAW SCHOOLS
• US Air Force – General Officer Programs • US Air Force • US Army • US Coast Guard • US Marines – Officer Selection Station • US Navy – General Officer Programs • US Navy • Kentucky Army • National Guard
• Indiana University • Mississippi College • Northern Kentucky • University • Ohio State University • Samford University • Southern Illinois University, Carbondale • University of Kentucky • University of Louisville • University of Memphis • University of Missouri • University of Tennessee
SCHEDULES
UNIVERSITIES
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From Page 1
sent in Chelsey Gilbert from North Carolina to manage the new Station 74. “Honestly, our construction team is really hard working and the construction workers catch right back up with anything that they may get behind on,” Gilbert said. With rooms beginning to fill up as the semester winds down, Gilbert isn’t worried about students moving in on the expected August 14 date. At Station 74, a two bedroom apartment costs $630, while a four bedroom apartment costs $499. This price includes all utilities, a pet friendly environment, stainless steel appliances, a 24 hour fitness area, lounge areas, and pool access among other things. “I haven’t missed a completion day my whole career and I don’t plan on making this my first,” Stroud said.
“The idea is that you create a living and learning community,” Edminster said. “So students take classes together, but they are also in same living area and have extra curricular programming available.” Increases in faculty include a student development position, which will help students find scholarships and internships that fit their areas of study. This role includes working with top students both enrolled in the honors program and outside of honors. A curricula model is also being developed for international students. International, baccalaureate-seeking students will have honors courses available that encourage English education and travel within the U.S. as an educational experience. Students will have the option of completing a certificate program, which allows participation in certain
Haley Hays/The News
Tinseltown
Tuesday
aspects of the honors curriculum but does not require meeting all the honors requirements. The program is also changing their acceptance standards for freshmen applicants. In fall 2014, incoming freshmen were accepted to the Honors Program if they had an ACT score of 28 or above and a GPA of at least 3.5. Students may apply to the program if they meet one of three requirements: a minimum 28 ACT score, minimum 3.5 GPA or being in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. “This incoming class we’re bringing in for next semester we are looking at a little more holistically,” Edminster said. “We are considering leadership, extra curricular involvement, letting students make their case.” Despite the impending changes, some aspects of the program will remain the same. “We are going to maintain the small class sizes,” Edminster said. “That’s a challenge but we’re going to be working with departments on that.”
March 31
The Passion of the Christ
New Life Campus Ministry Curris Center Theatre - 7 p.m.
Kentucky • Louisville Metro Police • Madisonville Police • Murray Police • Murray State University Police Indiana • Evansville Police • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Tennessee • Brentwood Police • Memphis Police
• Criminal Justice Program & Criminal Justice Society, Murray State • Master of Public • Administration (MPA) Program, Murray State • Transfer Center, Murray State • Southeast Missouri State Master’s Program. Criminal Justice & Sociology
HONORS
Construction workers work outside of Panera Bread, which is predicted to open in about a month.
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March 27, 2015
News Editor: Amanda Grau Assistant Editor: Mari-Alice Jasper Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
POLICE BEAT .
March 19
11:26 a.m. A person at Five Points intersection reported that an unsupervised child was close to the roadway. Officers and the Murray Police Department were notified and a report was taken. 11:39 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop at The Keg on 16th Street. A verbal warning was issued to the driver for having improper equipment on their vehicle.
March 20
11:01 a.m. An officer reported an unsecured door at the Robert E. Johnson Theater. The building coordinator was notified and the building was unlocked and then secured. 8:59 p.m. Racer Patrol reported an unlocked door at Faculty Hall. Central Heating and Cooling Plant was notified. The building was unlocked and then secured.
March 21
10:37 a.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop in the Taco Bell parking lot. A citation was issued for not having a registration plate and failure to maintain their insurance. 1:35 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop at 5 Star Gas Station. A verbal warning was given to the driver for having a broken break light and turn signal on their trailer.
March 22
2:43 p.m. A caller from Franklin Residential College requested assistance moving their vehicle from a barricaded area. Central Heating and Cooling Plant was notified. 6:27 p.m. A caller from College Courts reported a verbal altercation. Officers were notified and an information report was taken.
March 23
11:17 a.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop in the Curris Center parking lot. A citation was issued to the driver for careless driving and for driving with a suspended driver’s license. 11:26 p.m. A person reported a motor vehicle collision in the Richmond Residential College parking lot. No injuries were reported. Officers were notified and a report was taken.
March 24
1:31 p.m. A person at the Crisp Soccer Complex reported a theft of property. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft of items valued less than $500. 8:27 p.m. An officer conducted parking enforcement at the Faculty Hall parking lot and issued three citations. 11:23 p.m. Officers were notified to be on the lookout for a suspicious vehicle after the Murray Police Department received an attempt-to-locate call.
March 25
8:09 a.m. A caller reported stolen property. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft of items valued less than $500. 8:04 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop on Payne Street and issued a written warning for careless driving and for not being in possession of a driver’s license.
Call of Fame March 23, 4:43 p.m. A person reported theft of property to Public Safety and Emergency Management. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft of a debit/ credit card from a vehicle and fraudulent use of the card up to $500. Motor Assists: 10 Racer Assists: 1 Arrests: 0 Mari-Alice Jasper, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
You also can find Police Beats online at TheNews.org
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‘Maneuver Murray’ calls for creativity in motion Abby Siegel || Contributing writer
evens out.” Co-chair Jessie Hedrick, sophomore from Palatine, Ill., said she believes the The Honors Program Student Council is event is a “fun, unique way to do philanready to get the community curious and thropy” because it is an “everyman’s race.” active in the annual citywide Maneuver Brett Shewcraft, Murray State adminMurray competition April 18. istrative support technician, was part of Maneuver Murray is a philanthropic the 2014 winning team. He said it felt good event planned by the Honors Program Stuwinning the race and was proud of his dent Council to raise funds for the Murray team’s effort. nonprofit, Need Line, which provides food Shewcraft’s favorite station was at Need and help with paying for utilities and other Line because many teams were there at necessities for struggling families. once. Teams of between two and four people “It reminded me of those close moments use clues to find different local businesses watching ABC’s “Amazing Race,” Shewand accomplish a task to craft said. get the next clue. As for this The catch: all transyear’s clues, portation must be “they are non-motorized. Whether locked down by bike, skateboard or secrets,” Hedon foot, the first team to - Demi St. John, senior from Edwardsville, Ill. rick said. accomplish all 12 tasks T h e wins – and gets $200. clues are cre The race features all types of challenges. ative and challenge participants as they try Last year, competitors had to identify yoto find their next stops on the scavenger gurt flavors at Yogurt Your Weigh, fold hunt, Hedrick said. pizza boxes at Baldy’s Grill, paint on can Individuals participating in the event vases at Creative Canvas, play giant Jenga are exposed to what Murray offers. and answer Cash Cab trivia questions in Last year’s volunteer at the giant Jenga the Wal-Mart parking lot. station, Anna Collins, sophomore from “It is set up for lots of different skill Shelbyville, Ky., said the event allows peosets,” said Maddie Mucci, senior from Nople to “discover their town.” lensville, Tenn., and founder of the event. “The diversity of the station location “Everyone is good at specific tasks so it all sites is wonderful for getting to know asiegel@murraystate.edu
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It’s one of those things that people just need to do to realize how awesome it is.
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Murray and all its nooks and crannies,” Collins said. “Really the whole event centers around building a stronger community.” In addition to the fun and exposure for local businesses, the competition is a boon for Need Line. Last year’s event raised $700 from the 72 participants. Mucci said she believes this year’s event will bring in more money because participation has gone up each year since its start in 2012. “We are hoping to raise even more now because Need Line does so much for our community, and sometimes we miss that being students on Murray State’s campus,” Mucci said. “The community does so much for Murray State, and it’s incredible for us to give back to the community.” A two-person team costs $40, and a three- or four-person team cost $60. Cash prizes for first and second place will be awarded, as well as additional door prizes. For a guaranteed T-shirt and swag bag full of coupons and other free items, registration must be completed before April 3. Additional information and registration for the event can be found at maneuvermurray.com. “It’s kick-butt awesome,” said Demi St. John, senior from Edwardsville, Ill., who has planned and participated in the event since its beginning. “It’s one of those things that people just need to do to realize how awesome it is.”
Lawmaker to update students Abby Siegel || Contributing writer asiegel@murraystate.edu
Murray State’s College Republicans are bringing state Rep. Kenny Imes to campus April 2 to explain the issues Kentucky’s state legislature has been wrestling with in Frankfort. The 2015 General Assembly adjourned Wednesday to conclude this year’s 30-day session. Members of any political party are encouraged to attend Imes’ talk. Imes, a Murray native, is a Republican who represents the 5th state House district that covers Calloway and part of Trigg counties. Imes first served in the state House as a Democrat from 1972 to 1979. Then he won the seat as a Republican in 2012 and is running in the May 2015 Republican primary for the nomination for Kentucky state Treasurer. Those who attend the April 2 meeting will learn a “great deal about issues legislature dealt with this last term,” said James Humphreys, associate professor of history. Some of the issues the legislature debated included whether to automatically allow felons to get back their rights to vote after serving their time, whether local communities could vote to increase their sales tax and several agricultural issues. This week, the General Assembly passed a measure to increase penalties for dealing heroin and improve treatment for addicts. “The main reason for the discussion is not to campaign, but to talk about the issues that have been brought to state
Courtesy of Legislative Research Commission Public Affairs
State Rep. Kenny Imes, a Republican from Murray, addresses a legislative committee during the 2015 General Assembly session. legislature and how they affect college students and the lives of Kentuckians,” said Desiree Isaac, senior from Topmost, Ky. The discussion is intended to get college students and members of the community involved in and informed about issues affecting Kentucky legislature. Isaac said she believes college students are more interested in national politics than state government. Humphreys offered other reasons to encourage students to attend. “Politics can be a powerful agent of change in society,” Humphreys said.
He said he is encouraging students to attend the event because he believes it allows individuals to affect change in society. He also said that learning about current issues and policies helps students’ education. One issue that’s not likely to fall down party lines, however, is support of the Racer basketball team. Imes is a big fan, Isaac said. “He loves Murray State basketball and comes to all of the games,” Isaac said. The discussion will be 7 p.m. April 2 in Faculty Hall, room 208.
Schooley sets goals for next three-year term as staff regent Abby Siegel || Contributing writer asiegel@murraystate.edu
Murray State’s staff re-elected Phil Schooley for another term as staff regent, tasking him with serving as their advocate on the Board of Regents for a seventh consecutive year. Running unopposed, Schooley was elected two weeks ago with 115 votes cast by staff.
Staff Congress President Laura Lohr said she believes other individuals will run for the position in three years when the term is up for re-election, and they are preparing now. But she said that’s not a knock against Schooley. “Everyone is happy with the work Phil has done on behalf of staff and Staff Congress,” Lohr said. Before being elected as staff regent, Schooley
Hannah Fowl/The News
Phil Schooley will serve as the staff regent for the seventh consecutive year after being re-elected earlier this month.
served as Staff Congress president from July 2008 to July 2009. Lohr has worked closely with Schooley for at least four of her eight years at the University and is currently serving her first term as Staff Congress president. “We all have a high regard for Phil,” she said. “He is an excellent representative of Murray State and Staff Congress, and is always in support of staff issues and always wants to do what is best for staff.” Schooley said the position of staff regent includes representing the staff during discussions of pay raises and benefit changes, advocating for staff members and working with SGA to improve the University. Schooley said he believes the challenge of the position is the time commitment. The staff regent is encouraged to attend different events on campus and is required to prepare for board meetings by reviewing 600 pages of documents related to each board meeting agenda. Despite that commitment, Schooley said he enjoys the position. “It gives me the opportunity to work with the MSU administration, faculty, staff and students across the board on our main campus and our extended campuses,” he said. “I want to see MSU continue to grow and move forward, and I want to contribute to its growth and forward movement.” Schooley’s goals for his new term include continuing to work with President Bob Davies to establish a cost-of-living adjustment for faculty and staff salaries to be built into the budget. Schooley said he’s also looking forward to see-
ing through the completion of the University’s science complex and new Breathitt Veterinary Center being built in Hopkinsville, Ky. Schooley said his ongoing goal is to “protect the interests of Murray State University staff members” and continue to work with the Staff Congress, administration and Board of Regents to insure that projects and policies are in place to aid the staff. Not only does Schooley advocate on behalf of staff, but he said he wants to help students succeed. “I want students to know that I’m always happy to help them if they should need it,” Schooley said. Lohr said that’s one of Schooley’s strengths. “Phil listens to everyone and he wants to make this a good place for students and staff,” Lohr said. “He is very much an advocate for this University and we are very lucky to have him.” Schooley taught industrial arts and computer technology in public high school for 33 years before coming to Murray State in 2001. Since joining the University, he has worked with the University Research and Scholarly Activity Office and the Institute of Engineering’s Telecommunications System Management program as an adviser to online and transfer students. Schooley said his love of Murray State runs deep within his family. His son and daughter-inlaw are Murray State undergraduate and graduate alumni. Schooley said he believes “once a Racer, always a Racer” is a phrase that is deeply rooted in his family. “Murray State is in my blood,” Schooley said.
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March 27, 2015
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Nixed out of NCAA tournament seed The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. After watching the Racers win 25 games in a row, we thought we had a strong chance to get a bid into the NCAA Tournament. Losing to Belmont in the final round of the OVC Tournament by one point didn’t dilute the idea that we deserved a spot, regardless of the seed. To the surprise of fans, rivals and analysts, Murray State was denied an invitation to The Big Dance. There is more to our case than rooting for our University’s team. By the record, the talent and the criteria, Murray State deserved to be in The Big Dance. Teams make it to the tournament by winning games. Murray State remained undefeated from Nov. 30 to March 7. Analysts have continually used our schedule as a demerit against us, but winning that many games in a row is difficult, no matter what conference we’re in.
Head Coach Steve Prohm pleaded his case to the NCAA selection committee and gave a persuasive argument. We broke the mold of other bubble teams by winning as much as we did. In our place were teams like Indiana, who lost at home to Eastern Washington. Michigan State lost at home to mid-major team Texas Southern. Purdue lost at home to Gardner-Webb and North Florida. Miami lost to Eastern Kentucky, a team in the conference that analysts doubted. Students, fans and coaches are not the only ones who thought the Racers deserved a bid. Our conference rivals stated our case. Rick Byrd, head coach of Belmont, said “Murray State is a NCAA Tournament team and not just a team that can win a game in the tournament, but can win multiple games.” Sean Woods, head coach of
Morehead State, that “(Murray State) is worthy of an at-large bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.” Upon hearing Murray State didn’t get a bid, Dick Vitale asserted the NCAA Tournament rewards mediocrity by giving bids to teams that lost an upward of 13 games in the regular season. Despite the fact Murray State lost its conference tournament, he agreed with us – the current system is unfair. Murray State had an incredible amount of support nationwide. The hashtag #RacersDeserveABid was the third-highest trending topic on Twitter at one point. Alumni and people who have never stepped foot in Murray said we should be there. The University even made a music video, claiming the “Racers are for real.” The momentum we created both within the University and
outside its walls were commendable. To think it was all in vain is disappointing. As students, we’re especially hurt. It’s an injury to our pride. If anything, we should be thankful the Racers have their chance in the National Invitational Tournament as a third seed. If we can prove that we deserve to be in the NCAA Tournament, the least we can do is prove that we are talented in another tournament. With more than 300 Division 1 teams in the nation, it’s fair to say choosing teams based on our hearts isn’t the best. It’s not just our passion for Murray State basketball that everyone believes in – it’s what they accomplished. Murray State’s denial into a tournament it deserved to be in should make the NCAA reconsider its criteria for who does and doesn’t get in.
A Creative Take
In response to the bathroom wall I’m in a bathroom stall, wondering about a couple of things. The first, why do bathroom doors open inward? The second, who brings sharpies into the bathroom with them? And third, where is the respect for ourselves? I’ll explain. Bathroom Kaylan Thompson doors really Graduate student should open outward, othfrom Murray erwise you’re stepping in the stall and over the toilet just to make your way out. What is important, though, are the conversations being etched permanently in Sharpie onto the walls of the bathroom stalls. I can’t speak for the guys on campus, as I’ve never been in the men’s restrooms (except once on a road trip … the situation was dire), but if you’re a woman spending more than a couple of hours at a time at Murray State, you’ve probably been in one of these bathroom stalls and you know what I’m talking about.
I’m talking about the posters on the back of the stall door informing us of the dangers of eating disorders. This is great and I applaud the effort. What concerns me is the vile commentary taking place on the walls in response to said poster. With my Sharpie out, here’s my addition to the discussion.
“
Your spirit, your mind, your body. All of these account for your being and they all make you incredibly amazing. - Kaylan Thompson
”
Let me address one comment in particular, a comment that struck to the heart of the body-hating war consuming our society: Why does everyone need to be fixed? Wow. Just wow! Little did Miss Cursive know, she hit the nail on the head. Maybe she was trying to condemn others with her sarcasm, trying to accuse the poster advocating a healthy lifestyle of fat-shaming, but she brought up a fascinating point. That point is this: we see ourselves as broken, but don’t want to be “fixed.” Fat shaming. Skinny shaming. It’s not about looks. I’m going on record with my Sharpie in
hand to say it’s not about any of these things. It’s about realizing your health is a gift. Your spirit, your mind, your body. All of these account for your being and they all make you incredibly amazing. Here I am, feeling sluggish and tired and depressed and I can’t figure it out. I’m thinking it may be the way I eat and the way I don’t care for my body, but people on one side are yelling “Love who you are,” “Be content,” “Why do you have to be fixed?” On the other side people are listing the impossible – unachievable heights I must climb to reach the golden precipice of health. Our society does not make it easy to be healthy – that is true. In fact, we are fed the wrong information about what health is the majority of the time. What spins my mind in circles is that we live in a society where people write on the bathroom walls, “Why does everyone need to be fixed?” I’m not going to say there isn’t a health problem, because that would be a flat-out lie. But the comment transcends body image and health. It addresses self-image. If people see themselves as broken in any way whatsoever, why would they question their need to be fixed? Where is the respect for ourselves? People in bathrooms are questioning our desire to change, voting that we stay apathetic and unhappy. What if self-respect is the first step in your personal journey of a flourishing, healthy life? Instead of asking “Why do I have to be fixed?”, we should ask “Why would I want to keep myself broken?
The News
Opinion
March 27, 2015
Letter to the Editor It’s appalling that this article would be published in a public forum branding Murray State’s name. The article is inherently misogynistic, and it exclusively heteronormative message is offensive and degrading. Its author addresses “gender stereotypes,” yet seems not to understand how these stereotypes perpetuate inequality. Perhaps the author should have more carefully considered her subject, and should also realize that a woman’s place should be where she chooses rather than “where the boys are.” A woman is no less a woman for being unable to make a lemon meringue pie. Attitudes like the one presented in this article are as harmful as explicit sexism. I truly hope the author educates herself and broadens her cultural understanding. Further, I hope The Murray State News understands the frustration caused by the publication of this article.
You are entitled to your opinion on this subject, but a “man-catching lasagna?” Thank you for setting women back to the 1950s. If the only way to “win” your man’s heart is through his stomach, your relationship is doomed to fail. If cooking is your forte, more power to you. But your significant other should love you for more than your housekeeping skills. I’m not saying cooking isn’t a useful skill. Just understand that while this is your opinion, there are other women, like me, who found this to be insulting against those that want a different path for themselves.
Bailey Boyd
Former student from Murray
Did she really say that? Much ado about face wash
When I first saw Jazz Jennings, nothing struck me as peculiar. She looked like any Are you concerned about a other vibrant, certain issue on campus or charming and charismatic want to share your opinion? teenage girl. I assumed is always accepting that her age Letters to the Editor. For a and on-camCarly Besser era presence chance to get your letter Opinion Editor made her an published in print or on ideal candidate as a representative of Clean and , email us at Clear. She fit the mold of what you letters@thenews.org. see for something targeted at younger audiences. Teenagers get pimples and she’s a teenager – it works. It’s not until it’s mentioned that Jennings is transgender that people start to stir, debate and wonder why a brand of face wash tries to “force” our youth to accept something so perverse. The backlash from parents is horrifying. I was used to seeing opponents attack adults on the Internet, but Jennings is a child. “Concerned parents” were saying that we should burn “it” at the stake, that she is wearing dresses to get attention or that she should just admit that she is a homosexual boy. Teaching children that saying these hurtful things about others will influence them far more than a commercial will. I’ll admit I came late to understanding what transgender really means. It’s our reflexive instinct to associate sex with gender, but they are entirely Dubbed “The West Memphis Three,” two of separate. According to the Journal the defendants were sentenced to life in prison. The third was sentenced to death. They now have of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, sex refers to biological difbeen released. The cause of the West Memphis ferences; chromosomes, hormonal Three became a celebrity cause in the media/ profiles and organs. Gender describes entertainment industry. Three documentaries, several books and TV programs such as the CBS’s the characteristics that a society or “48 Hours” and “Piers Morgan Tonight” continu- culture defines as masculine or feminine. ally raised the question whether the West Mem If a boy in elementary school dephis Three were wrongfully convicted. cides to wear a dress to class, parents In 2002, recording artist Henry Rollins enfear he’ll grow up to be gay. But did listed vocalists from various hip-hop, punk and that boy decide to wear a dress so he metal bands to create a compilation album. The could make a bold sexual statement? proceeds were used to fund legal defense for the Probably not. West Memphis Three. Sensational media reports about ongoing inves- By this same context, what is so tigations and prosecutions are now in the form of wrong with a transgendered child promoting face wash? The #SeeTheadvocacy. RealMe campaign is a move that asks The matter is not simply whether audiences people around the world to share have formed opinions about defendants. Rather, courts must recognize that media encourages au- their personal coming-of-age stories diences to have specific opinions. This increased through social media. In a video for the brand, Jennings tells her story entanglement of media and criminal trials reabout growing up and learning about quires adopting new judicial remedies if Sixth her identity. Amendment rights are to have any significant She isn’t asserting that we should meaning. all have the same story as her. She Relying on a potential juror’s own estimate of their ability to disregard opinions already formed isn’t saying that children should be transgender. Instead, we should celeand be “unbiased” is not reasonable. Justice was probably done in the Routh convic- brate our different stories. Jennings isn’t the face of the camtion. Maybe justice was done in the case of the paign in an attempt to push some West Memphis Three. Hopefully justice will be sort of agenda. She’s the face of the done in the upcoming trial of Robert Durst. When campaign because she’s different. By life or liberty are at stake, “probably,” “maybe” our own convictions, we reject what and “hopefully” aren’t good enough. we don’t understand. It’s part of na So, do you want to watch the movie, or wait ture, and the concept of transgender until the trial comes out? is still relatively confusing for people. Instead of reacting to different people ... Phil Robertson. with violent threats, we should listen to them. The Duck Dynasty co-star made We shouldn’t react to these campaigns with hostility. We should aca graphic anti-atheist speech, that not everyone is going to fit a complete with visions of rape and cept binary that our society creates. If you don’t want to buy pimple murder. That may be a little over cream because you don’t agree with the top for normal people, but he’s its spokesperson, don’t. That’s your choice. That’s how a free market used to saying offensive things. works. When Chick-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy ... Mo’ne Davis. said he didn’t support gay marriage in 2013, people who disagreed decided After a college baseball player not to eat there. When Oreos made was kicked off his team for calling an advertisement in support of gay marriage in 2010, people who disthe little league pitcher a “slut” agreed stopped buying Oreos. Don’t support a business you don’t on Twitter, Davis made a statebelieve in, but don’t attack a teenage ment saying he should get another girl because she is representative of chance to play. An unexpected act something you don’t support. The faces of campaigns are still human. of class. cbesser@murraystate.edu
Both letters are in response to a March 9 features column titled “Embrace the Housewife.”
Kimberly Willett Former student from Murray
Issues, Observations and Sometimes Rants
5A
We still want to hear from you. The News
The-
News.org
Academy Award-winning trials The Clint Eastwood-directed feature film “American Sniper” set industry box office records in its opening days. Millions watched this dramatized biography about Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. In the last scene, Kyle was murdered. The film depicted the hero that Kevin Qualls Chris Kyle was. Professor of It then closed mass communications with his senseless death as he and a friend were shot by a third veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Eddie Ray Routh. Just days after the film won nine of the 27 Academy Awards for which it was nominated, some of its audience served on the jury that convicted Routh. Go ahead, read that sentence again. It was noted during that jury-seating process known as “voir dire.” When asked, several jurors indicated that they had just seen the movie. It was met with little controversy. The court trusted those jurors who affirmed they could disregard anything they knew about the trial from media depictions. They pledged they would make a decision only on the evidence presented at trial.
The Sixth Amendment right to an unbiased jury rests upon this pledge. I wonder how and if they were able to do it. The murder trial of Robert Durst, a millionaire real estate heir charged with first-degree murder, promises to be a significant media event. It, too, has all the trappings of a movie. In fact, it already is. The Home Box office documentary series “The Jinx” profiles the life of a man whose wealth is exceeded only by his eccentricities, and a number of murders for which he was suspected but never convicted. Subtitled, “The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” the making of this film resulted in the recording of what may be an actual confession. Taking a break during filming, Durst spoke out loud to himself while still wearing a microphone. “What did I do? I killed them all.” In this example, media produced evidence that precipitated the arrest of Durst. Here, media producers are players in the story they are telling. “The Jinx” is one of several contemporary examples where investigation and prosecution are mingled with the entertainment industry. Of course, to be entertaining, the emotional aspects of the story must be emphasized. No worries about hearsay or other evidence not permitted at trial. It’s about the story and, ultimately, the box-office receipts. Unless, of course, the media content is an agenda-driven documentary or feature film such as “Devil’s Knot,” with Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth. With name-brand stars and a big budget, “Devil’s Knot” is the most recent of many films supporting the cause of three teenagers who were convicted in the 1993 murders of three children in West Memphis, Ark.
Cheers and Jeers
Cheers to ... JK Rowling. When a fan tweeted to the “Harry Potter” author that head wizard Albus Dumbledore didn’t look gay, she responded with “gay people look just like ... people.” The fan deactivated her account.
Cheers and Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor.
Jeers to ... Ted Cruz. The newly-announced Republican presidential candidate said he will sign up for Obamacare, a system that he fiercely spoke out against in the past. He then went on to criticize it more. Can you say hypocrisy?
Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to cbesser@murraystate.edu
Comic
Jeers to
Cheers to
Spring Cleaning By Katie Wilborn
The News
News
6A
March 27, 2015
Studying in the US International students come for academics Emmanuel Adu
Contributing writer aadu@murraystate.edu
When international students walk into Murray State classes, they quickly realize there are some major differences from their universities. David Jephthah, freshman from Nigeria, said the relationship between professor and student is more relaxed than in Nigerian universities. “Studying in Murray is the definition of a flexible system of education,” he said. “I can walk up to any of my professors when I have questions, unlike my country’s educational system where you have to follow protocols before gaining access to professors.” A flexible education system and a good student-to-professor ratio allows for quick learning and better communication between students and professors at the University, Jephthah said. While Nigerian education tends to rely on online courses, Murray State offers outside educational experiences, changing the way students learn, he said. When Jephthah wants to participate in educational extracurricular programs on
“
campus, he never struggles to find one, he said. “The Curris Center is always up to the task by providing informative programs I benefit from every time,” Jephthah said. The extracurricular facilities are an additional perk Murray State offers international students, Jephthah said. At his home university, sporting events are free but students are charged a monthly fee for access to the gym. “I have free access to the gym and I can go see the basketball games anytime it’s on,” he said. Not all the differences are good though. “I was not allowed to join the school (basketball) team because I am a freshman,” he said. “This is not so in my country. In my former school, you can join the school team whenever you want to irrespective of your status.” Despite restrictions on sports teams, the University’s system of writing out assignment schedules and providing students with syllabi helps improve understanding of what professors expect from students each semester, he said. In Nigeria, assignments
I can walk up to any of my professors when I have questions, unlike in my country’s educational system where you have to follow protocols before gaining access to professors.
”
- David Jephthah, freshman from Nigeria
aren’t typically pre-scheduled. Instead they’re assigned when the lecturer feels like it, Jephthah said. There’s no excuse for failure in a Murray State course when every due date is scheduled for students in advance, he said. Professors write out the path to success in their syllabuses, Jephthah said. Assignments are scheduled with deadlines by professors to help students in studying what has been learned during the week, said Kenneth Allen, professor of mathematics. While the assignments are pre-planned, many classes share due dates. Dealing with the onslaught of assignments
from multiple courses is a struggle, Yoon Jae Kim, sophomore from Korea, said. “I still have difficulty in meeting up with deadlines due to the fact that I have multiple courses with the same deadlines,” Kim said. “Starting my homework early and not waiting for deadline has been a great strategy for me in handling deadlines.” Yumeko Yoshihiro, freshman from Japan, said she chose Murray State because of the emphasis on academics. But attending classes and taking quizzes does not limit Yoshihiro from doing other extracurricular activities like cooking and shopping with friends, she said. “Murray Campus is concentrated on learning and that is why it’s my choice of school,” said Yoshihiro. But the learning experience is still dotted with homesickness and some culture shock, she said. The differences between home and Murray State started reminding Yoshiro of what was missing from university life in the U.S. “I really miss my country, especially the food, weather and my family,” Yoshihiro said.
Hannah Fowl/The News
Algahtani Abdulaziz and Alghamdi Abduirhman, from Saudi Arabia, discuss classes.
Jenny Rohl/The News
Murray State offers cultural and educational programs each semester, like A Taste of Africa.
Students use Spring Break for work, volunteering Julia Mazzuca || Staff writer jmazzuca@murraystate.edu Spring Break often calls to mind rowdy beaches crowded with college students drinking and partying until the wee hours of the morning. Lead the Break, a movement started by The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, is showing many students don’t spend break with stomachs full of alcohol. FAAR, in conjunction with Responsibility.org and the BACCHUS
Initiative of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, hold an annual Instagram contest called Lead the Break to share this side of Spring Break. BACCHUS stands for “Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students,” the main goal of Lead the Break. To enter the Lead the Break contest, students should take a photo of their non-alcohol-induced Spring Break and post it to Instagram with the caption #LeadtheBreak.
Participants will be entered for a chance to win big prizes. Prizes include a Macbook Air, an iPad and an iPad mini. Along with physical prizes, a donation will be made to a BACCHUS chapter or to begin a peer educator program on Murray State’s campus. According to a survey Responsibility.org took in 2014, 31 percent of college students spend time at home with family and friends, 26 percent of students work and 22 percent of students study and catch up on school work due after break.
Wes Claiborne, Racers for Christ campus minister, first planned a mission trip to Atlanta, but it fell through because most students wanted to go home. “I challenged the students to take one hour of their time and use it for service over spring break,” Claiborne said. Lindey Hunt, sophomore from St. Petersburg, Fl., went home and took her one hour of service to the beach. “During the week, my friends and I took water bottles to the beach and gave them to people who may just be
Please join us …
thirsty, or may need a drink to help sober up a little,” Hunt said. Kayla Rhodes, Murray State graduate student from Farmington, Ky., spent her Spring Break making up hours for her clinical placement at Lourdes hospital because of the snow Murray received last season. “I honestly didn’t mind it,” said Rhodes. “It was a good experience to stay at the school for an extra week.” For more information on how to enter the contest for a chance to win and contest rules, visit the foundation’s website at responsibility.org
Equal education and employment opportunities M/F/D, AA employer
Rendering of future Engineering Physics Building
Friday, April 10, 2015 Engineering and Physics Groundbreaking Gene Wells Ray Science Campus • 11 a.m. (CST) Located at the corner of 16th and Olive Streets
Investiture Ceremony President Robert O. Davies Lovett Auditorium • 2 p.m. (CST) Remarks given by Governor Steve Beshear Reception immediately following Pogue Library • Wells T. Lovett Grand Reading Room
For more information visit www.murraystate.edu/investiture
Dr. Robert O. Davies
View live streaming of the Investiture at
murraystate.edu/streaming
March 27, 2015
Section B
The News
Sports
Sports Editor: Mallory Tucker Assistant Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
The road ends here Mallory Tucker || Sports Editor mtucker11@murraystate.edu
It was a fairytale season with a nightmare of an ending – an ending that was all too familiar for the Murray State Racers as they lost on a buzzer-beater three from Old Dominion University on Wednesday during the quarterfinal game of the National Invitation Tournament at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va. After junior forward Jeffery Moss hit a 3-pointer to tie it up with just nine seconds left on the clock, it appeared the Racers had come back to push the game to overtime. The sellout crowd in the Convocation Center fell silent until the Monarch’s junior guard Trey Freeman shocked not just the fans, but the nation with a deep three to end the Racers’ season 72-69.
see BASKETBALL, 2B
Photo by Jenny Rohl/The News
WHAT’S
INSIDE
BASEBALL OPENER
PERSONAL RECORDS
RALLY CHANGE
SPRING FEVER
Racers win over weekend but lose at home opener, 3B
Track and field opens indoor season with more records, 4B
The Night sees some major changes, 5B
Find out what is coming up for your spring at LBL, 6B
The News
Sports
2B
BASKETBALL From Page 1B
The last-second shot echoed the OVC Championship game against Belmont when the Racers lost in the last seconds pushing them out of the NCAA Tournament. “I’m extremely hurt for my guys,” said Head Coach Steve Prohm. “We’re 27 and two in our last 29 games, and both our games we’ve lost on a fadeaway 3 and a bank 3-pointer. God’s blessed this team abundantly.” Down by 10 points with 3:39 to play, the Racers stepped it up in the final minutes of the game in hopes of ending their season in New York, but instead Old Dominion was able to finish out a perfect home season with their 20th consecutive home win. Murray State was off in every aspect of their game during the matchup, shooting just 37.7 percent from the field and 23.8 from behind the arc. “When you come on the road, you’ve got to go 28 for 35, or 30 for 35,” Prohm said. “I don’t think we took many deep, contested threes. We probably took a couple. I bet 16 of those misses, I bet half of them were probably pretty good looks.” Prohm said the players on this team know what it means to play for the Murray State program now. As the third winningest team in Murray State’s history, the team holds: • The second-longest winning streak in the country this season • The longest winning streak in the program • The longest winning streak the conference’s history • The most road wins in the country • Is one of only five teams
Murray State
Jenny Rohl/The News
HEARTBREAKING LOSS: (Above) Head Coach Steve Prohm times out to rally the Racers in the last few seconds of the NIT quarterfinals. (Bottom, left) Senior forward, Jarvis Williams jumps for a shot in the second half against Old Dominion. (Bottom, right) Senior forward, Jonathan Fairell stands in defeat after the Racers take a loss in the last moments of the game.
Old Dominion
Racers
69
in the OVC’s history to run the table and go undefeated. The 2014-15 Racers are not soon to be forgotten. “To me, I really haven’t just thought about everything and just let it all come to me yet,” said senior forward Jarvis Williams. “I’ve just been focusing on trying to play the next game and just trying to prolong my senior season as much as I can. But now I’ll be able to reflect on it. Just growing with my brothers was the most important thing to me.” The other two seniors, forward Jonathan Fairell and guard T.J. Sapp, ended the season in much different positions than where they began it. With just two losses since November, one to Belmont and one to Old Dominion, they provided the leadership that returning players will remember as they continue their careers at Murray State. Prohm said he is excited to see where the three men go. Despite a loss and despite the statistics, the Racers have made an impact on the nation, breaking records of past Racer teams and setting the standard for teams to come. With various high-major coaches tweeting at Prohm about setting up games for next season including former Murray State coach and current University of Cincinnati Head Coach Mick Cronin, the coaching staff and remaining players are looking ahead and continuing their battle for respect. “Until people come watch us play, I don’t know how you get the respect of the naysayers,” Prohm said. “But if anybody wants to come to Murray and play us, we’ll play them. See if those teams will come. I think there’s no question. People know we’re legit.”
March 27, 2015
Monarchs
Vs.
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March 27, 2015
3B
Baseball loses at home opener Blake Bernier Staff writer
dbernier@murraystate.edu
Coming off a series win at home over the weekend, the Racers (8-17, 4-5) lost 14-6 Tuesday to Arkansas State University (10-11). The eightrun drubbing though was an improvement from last seasons 27-7 loss against Red Wolves. After four innings, the Racers led 5-3 but the Red Wolves scored four runs in the top of the fifth to take a 7-5 lead. Sophomore John Lollar started the game and struck out a career best six batters over four innings while allowing four runs. The Racers have struggled to pitch well in games in which the offense is scoring and have failed to hit when they are getting strong starts from their pitchers. “If we can get both sides flowing at the same time, that would be awesome,” said Derek Yoder, a senior left fielder. Losing affects the morale of the players in the locker room. “Its quiet after a loss,” said Brad Boegel, a junior starting
pitcher. “We’re usually hanging out or playing ping pong, but it gets pretty dead when we lose.” Last weekend, the Racers played their first home games of the season which came against Austin Peay State. The Racers won the series by winning two out of three games. “It was great playing at home finally,” Yoder said. “We’ve been playing so much on artificial turf, and we actually had a really good crowd for the games.” Starting pitchers for the Racers combined to throw 270 pitches in the first two games. Brock Downey, a senior, went eight and two-thirds innings on Friday night throwing 137 pitches. Downey earned the win and allowed three runs on Friday while junior Cody Maerz came in to get the last out and earn the save. Teams were tied 3-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning when Nick Moore, a junior second baseman, hit a sacrifice fly to deep right field scoring Yoder from third. Neither team was able to score after the fourth inning.
Haley Hays/The News
Sophomore pitcher Tanner Edge, from Owensboro, Ky., pitches the ball at the Racers home opener Tuesday. Downey then played in the field Saturday following his long outing and threw out a runner at home from right field. “He has a rubber arm,” Boegel said. “It’s crazy that he can throw that many pitches and the next day make that throw. I think my arm would fall off if I tried that.” In the second game, Boegel nearly matched Downey’s
pitch count from the night before and threw 133 pitches. Boegel gave up two runs, one earned, over eight and a third innings. The Racers had five hits in the 2-1 loss against the Govs. In the ninth inning Moore reached on an error and Yoder scored from second base giving the Racers their only run for the day. In the final game of the
series, the Racers battled back from a 4-0 deficit by scoring three runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Junior centerfielder Taylor Mathews scored the go ahead runs with a bunt that led to an error by the Govs pitcher scoring Moore and Yoder. The 6-4 win earned the Racers the series win– the second conference series they have won this season.
Women and men’s tennis open spring season Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu
UT Martin sophomore Hitomi Naito was undefeated in conference singles play until Tuesday when she played Murray State senior Andrea Eskauriatza at Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts. The match was back and forth with Eskauriatza winning the first set 7-5 and losing the second set 6-1. In the deciding set Eskauriatza was able to take control of the match and win 6-2. Eskauriatza’s win was part of a 7-0 victory by the Racers (10-3, 4-1) against the Skyhawks (5-5, 2-1). The match was previously scheduled for March 18 but rain forced the coaches to postpone it. “It was raining a little during warmups but the courts were still playable,” said Head Coach Jorge Caetano. “After we got started the rain started to accumulate on the lines so we talked about it and they (Skyhawks) are only a 45-minute drive from us so we thought it was better to postpone than to try and wait it out.” During Spring Break the women and men’s teams played three OVC matches starting on March 17 with Austin Peay State at Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts. Despite wind gusts up to 20 mph, the women made quick work of the Lady
Govs (2-13, 0-5), winning 7-0. The men’s team (0-12, 0-3) tried to continue the winning for the Racers but lost to the Govs (8-4, 3-0) 6-1. Sophomore Anjan Kashyab won his first collegiate tennis match 6-3, 6-2 and provided the lone point for the Racers. Next up for the Racers women’s team was Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (7-8, 3-1) on March 20. The women started with the first point winning the doubles portion of the match and collected four wins in singles to earn the win 5-2 over the Cougars. Wins continued to elude the men’s team as they lost to the Cougars 6-1. Senior Max McLean won the Racers’ only point. “This has been a tough year so far but we are getting better,” said Head Coach Mel Purcell. “I’ve got freshman Will True playing in the one spot and he’s gaining a lot of experience there.” After the match against the Cougars, the teams traveled to Charleston, Illinois to play Eastern Illinois on March 21. During the doubles portion of the women’s match, Eskauriatza began to feel ill and was unable to play in the singles matches. “She was doing fine during the doubles and then she just got to where she
Intramural standings
Volleyball Men
Women
Fraternity
Sorority A
1. Lambda Chi Alpha 6-0 2. Pi Kappa Alpha 4-1
Independent A
1. Tri Sigma A 3-0 2. AGD tied with ADPi 2-1
Sorority B
1. The Expendables 5-0 2. Sso 3-0
1. ADPi Diamonds 3-0 2. Tri Sigma B 3-1
Residential College
Independent
1. Richmond A 3-0 2. Hester A 2-0
1. ASSE 4-2 2. Soccer Chicks tied with BCM Bombers 3-1
Residential College A 1. Hart Ravens 3-0 2. White College Girls A 2-0
Residential College B 1. Springer-Franklin B 3-0 2. Hart Attacks 2-0
Results are as of Tuesday. Standings courtesy of IMLeagues.
Nicole Ely/The News
Freshman Will True, from Bowling Green, Ky., practices singles. couldn’t move and said she didn’t feel right,” Caetano said. “We had to move everyone up a spot and I don’t think any of them were really prepared for that change.” The women lost 4-3 and it was the first OVC loss for the season. “I think if they had known that Andrea wouldn’t be playing then they could’ve been mentally prepared,” Caetano said. For the men, the match was another
6-1 loss. The win this time coming from number five sophomore David Hess. The women’s team plays at 10 a.m. Friday at Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts against Eastern Kentucky (8-6, 3-0). The men’s team will play the Colonels (11-5, 4-0) at the conclusion of the match. The women’s team will play again on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. against Morehead State (5-6, 3,0). The men’s match against the Eagles (4-10, 2,2) will follow the women’s match.
Softball wins at home Da’Sha Tuck || Staff writer dtuck@murraystate.edu
While most of the Racers were enjoying their Spring Break on beache the Murray State softball team had their first home opener where they hosted 13th ranked Kentucky, traveled to face Belmont, and back home to play Tennessee State. The Racers fell 5-2 in the first game and 1-0 in the second. Head Coach Kara Amundson said that they played really well against Kentucky. She said they attacked the zone well and did what they needed to do offensively. “We outhit Kentucky in game two. They had to bring in their number one pitcher and were not planning on throwing their number one in either game,” Amundson said. Sophomore catcher Jocelynn Rodgers put the Racers on the board in the sixth with a double. Sophomore pitcher Mason Robinson had a no-hitter going through the fifth inning during the game but it was broken up in the sixth inning. Amundson said that they had to bring out their number one pitcher because after seeing the Racers they thought twice about underestimating Murray State softball. Murray State also traveled to Nashville, Tenn. to play Belmont over the break. The team played two games. They won the first 9-0 in only five innings and they fell 7-3 in the second game. Amundson said she had mixed feelings about the Belmont series but the team did well. The Racers are ranked No. 1 in the country for double plays over all Division I schools. “We talk about maintaining our team dynamic and our identity which is to at-
tack the zone early and let our defense go to work,” Amundson said. Amundson said she thinks the team lost intensity when it came to game two in the Belmont series. The Racers were expected to win so they approached the game underestimating the competition and fell in game two. The Racers turned around and played Tennessee State at Racer Field the next day. Racers topped Tennessee State 10-1 and 9-1, scoring 19 runs total. Amundson said the team took a different approach to Tennessee than they did with Belmont and that worked out for the best. Offensively, she said she was happy with the team’s performance. “We have all kinds of talents on this team,” Amundson said. “One of the most talented teams I’ve ever coached, we have to have that identity all the time and we did that a lot better this time then we did with Belmont.” Tuesday night the team took to the field again and defeated Southern Illinois University 6-4. Amundson said the team had a few errors but they converted on the things SIU was giving them and ended up turning them into runs. “Mason came out and threw a much better game. She had been struggling a little bit and had lost three straight and came out and was a focused pitcher yesterday and made good adjustment,” Amundson said. The Racers did a good job moving runners Amundson said. Moving forward into this weekend the Racers will play Eastern Illinois in a three-game set starting on Saturday. “I encourage our kids to realize that they can play with anybody if were doing the things that were talking about every day like the offensive adjustments and doing what we need to do defensively,” Amundson said.
From the Sidelines
Accidentally in love I joke about a lot of things – almost everything, in fact. I can make light of almost any situation. It’s a quality Mallory Tucker in myself Sports Editor that I both love and despise at the same time. Some find it endearing, others find it obnoxious, but such is my personality. I so frequently say “my life is a joke,” that at times I start to actually believe it. Lately, though, the reality of my life is smacking me in the face. I may be a college student, but my work as a student journalist is nothing if not full-time. I get paid on salary, (although it’s nothing to write home about) many of my travel expenses are covered and I’m absolutely never off the clock. As long as there are studentathletes at Murray State, there is always breaking news for my section. And when a team is as successful as our basketball team has been this season, I’m constantly on the road, hunting down the most current story. As I begin this column, I’m on the road. I’m in the back of a Toyota Camry rented from Hertz Automotive on the way to Norfolk, Va., with only short pit stops in Murray and Knoxville for clothes and sleep. I’ve been following the Racer basketball team all season, giving completely new meaning to the term “jersey chaser.” After a second-round NIT victory over Tulsa and Illinois State’s annoyingly close loss to Old Dominion University, a staff photographer, the staff from the local newspaper and I regrouped to decide how we would get from Oklahoma to Virginia. A short night’s sleep in a hotel bed and an early morning breakfast were all that stood between us and the open road, chasing the Racers as they flew overhead to the NIT quarterfinals. Traveling 8-15 hour days for three hours of media work at a game and staying in random hotels and eating out of Pizza Hut/Taco Bell/Burger King truck stops isn’t the most glamorous job, but I have to say it’s one of the most fun. The footwork is tedious but the real work is glorious. Watching one of the best basketball programs in the nation day-in and day-out just to write stories and tweet about them is a dream come true – albeit a dream I never dreamt for myself before it fell into my lap. When I applied at The Murray State News, I was hoping to sell advertisements. When the Sports Editor at the time, Ryan, graduated and left a void in his position, I saw the opportunity as a resume booster, but I never thought it would be something I’d enjoy as much as I do. A year ago at this time, as I was just about to transition into this role, I never could have imagined the journey this job would take me on. This week alone, I’ve stayed in two states that I’d never set foot in before. I joke about the occasional crappy hotel and revel in the fancy ones, but at the end of the day I’m living a life that most people would kill for. And it’s all by accident. The people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve seized and the games that I’ve watched are something I will never be able to replace. Now, as I finish this column, I’m sitting courtside at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk watching two of the best mid-major basketball teams in the country warm up. I could reach out with my left hand and touch one of Old Dominion’s coaches, while other students are simply watching the game on ESPN2 from their couches. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself. When my friends say things like, “Ugh, I have to go to work,” I pity them. Every game day I wake up with a smile on my face and say, “I get to go to work today.” I never, ever meant to be an editor or a sports journalist, and I definitely never meant to fall in love with this career, but somehow I managed to do both. The joke’s on me, I guess. mtucker11@murraystate.edu
The News
Sports
4B
March 27, 2015
Track and field continue personal records Kelsey Randolph
Assistant Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu
The track and field outdoor season began for the Racers in rainy Tuscaloosa, Ala., at the Alabama Relays March 19. Despite unfavorable weather, the team left with two personal records and a career best. Head Coach Jenny Severns said the Racers began their outdoor season with more enthusiasm than expected. The Racers sometimes have trouble differentiating between the indoor and outdoor season because the Racers train all year on an outdoor field. Severns said the biggest difference between the two is maintaining decent weather conditions. “We look at it as one big season,” Severns said. “You work hard at the
beginning of the year always and then when indoor season is over there is just a little more focus on outdoor. It’s not that it’s more important there just becomes more focus.” With five years of coach experience at Murray State, Severns reflects on her and assistant coach Adam Kiesler’s first recruiting class and how several of those members are graduating. “We’re losing a lot of fire power,” Severns said. “We’re going to take some tough losses, especially because this is our first recruiting class. The girls have done what we’ve asked of them and even though we weren’t very good when we recruited them they bought into the idea of coming onto the team to make it better.” Senior jumper Ashley Conway from McHenry, Ill., not only set a
personal record, but beat it again in the same day. “As I approached the board, I thought about what coach told me,” Conway said. “I put my foot down and landed. I felt like it was a bad jump but when I stood up and saw how far I jumped I was surprised.” Conway’s original long jump record was 5.71 meters but at the Alabama Relays Conway first jumped 5.74 meters. Happy with her new record she entered the finals for long jumps and once again beat her record which is now 5.79 meters. Conway jumped a total of nine inches farther. “It feels good to continually set a personal record,” Conway said. “The stuff I put out at practice is still playing out and I feel accomplished.” Other notable accomplishments of the day include junior distance
2015 Signed on soccer players Name
Hometown
Position
1. Caroline Ashton
Fishers, Ind.
Forward/outside
2. Cori Cain
Noblesville, Ind.
Forward
3. Alex Steigerwald
Westchester, Ohio
Goalkeeper
4. Kinsleigh Robb
Norman, Ok.
Forward/midfielder
5. Lauren Nosal
St. Peters, Mo.
Defender
6. Bailey Lankster
Lexington, Ky.
Defender
7. Rachel Gootee
Madisonville, Ky.
Defender/midfielder
8. Katie Brooks
Madisonville, Ky.
Forward/marking back
9. Christin Poole
Henderson, Ky.
Forward/attacking
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“It feels good to continually set a personal record. The stuff i put out at practice is still playing out and I feel accomplished.” –Ashley Conway Senior jumper from McHenry, Ill. runner Alicyn Hester, who set a career best in the 1,500 meter with a time of 4 minutes 38.22 seconds and freshman distance runner Rebekah Priddy, who set a personal record in the 3,000 meter with a time of 11 minutes 59.82 seconds. Severns said the meet at Alabama was on the bigger side of relays and was a more challenging opener for the outdoor season than usual. “I was pretty happy,” Severns said. “Our training volume is at the high-
est it has been all year. Any good performances you can pull out of the weekend are bonuses because they’re all so tired. It shows they are pretty tough.” The Racers travel to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Carbondale, Ill. from Friday to Saturday for their second outdoor game of the season. The Racers will host the Margaret Simmons Invite for their only home meet of the season on April 3.
Soccer comes back Spring practices look good to continue winning season
Kelsey Randolph
Assistant Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu
Spring practices and games give good precedent to Racer soccer. Though their regular season has passed, the Racers meet four teams this spring including Vanderbilt, where they won 2-1, University of Southern Indiana, where they also won 2-0, University of Evansville and finally the University of Kentucky. Spring games do not count toward the team’s record or the individual’s record. However this is a chance for freshmen and players who don’t usually get field time to practice their skills and show coaches their improvement. “Freshmen who don’t get to play in the fall get to compete,” said Head Coach Jeremy Groves. “This is kind of a training and to see them how they play in game situations.” Groves said the team has progressively done better with being consistent with their training and skill improvement. With their last season posing as a turn around of wins, Groves said winning is a habit now and the team has to continue to want it. Training for spring is relaxed for most Groves said he isn’t the type of coach to bring the team back and work the team 20 hours. He said he has to trust the team will train
on their own. Groves said over the summer he gives the team a training packet, but it is ultimately up to the players to keep up for their preseason practices in August. He said a majority of the players will play in summer leagues that help them stay up to par with where they are supposed to be as far as strength. Groves signed nine new members to the team this spring. Among them are four players from Kentucky, two players from Indiana, one from Ohio and one from Oklahoma. “We can’t really count on them to contribute right away,” Groves said. “We predict that probably five or six will push but you don’t really know until they get in your environment. We’ll just see what happens when they report for preseason practice.” Tuesday the Racers faced against the University of Southern Indiana, where the team won 2-0. “Tuesday (Destiny White) played really well,” Groves said. “She came from a local high school and we gave her a chance; she took it and went with it.” The Racers continue their spring games next week at noon on April 3 on Cutchin Field against the University of Evansville and at 6:30 p.m. on April 9 in Lexington, Ky., against the University of Kentucky. “Every game they are getting better,” Groves said. “They’ve done a tremendous job training and my hope is to just continually get better every game.”
March 27, 2015
5B
The News
Features Editor: Breanna Sill Assistant Features Editor: Madison Wepfer Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
Features
Local charity helps to combat local homelessness problem
Madison Wepfer
Assistant Features Editor mwepfer@murraystate.edu
Homelessness exists even though we don’t see it, according to Kimberly Mason, director of the Gentry House. “You may not see them out on the street, but you can’t just look into everybody’s homes and see who is living with them,” Mason said. “It’s hard to see, but it’s there. Homelessness is an issue in Murray and I think it’s probably going to continue because Murray has really limited resources.” In order to combat homelessness and provide resources to those that are homeless in Murray, the Gentry House offers housing and other necessities to help families get back on their feet. The Gentry House offers a place for families to live until they find alternative housing, as well as educational programs. Gentry House staff also assists adults in finding jobs so they can provide for their families. “We have just started two new educa-
tional programs,” Mason said. “One is a financial class that can teach families how to budget and how to save. The other class is teaching women how to make their own soap and cleaning supplies – that way they can save some money.” Last year, the Gentry House served 19 families, an increase from 15 families in 2013. Although they have successfully provided necessities for those families and assisted them in many ways, there is one problem that the Gentry House is constantly facing: size. The facility only contains four rooms for families to live in, meaning that Mason and her staff find themselves having to turn down many families in need or put them on a lengthy waiting list. “Whenever people call me I have to tell them, ‘I’m sorry. All of our units are full because we have four, and we have 10 families on the waiting list,’” Mason said. “You can come fill out an application but you have to wait a year before you can come here.’” The Gentry House is the only family shelter in western Kentucky. There is a women’s shelter in Mayfield, Ky., but that’s for
women and children only. The next closest shelter is a men’s shelter called Damascus Road Inc. in Paris, Tenn. “There’s no other family shelters,” Mason said. “If I get a husband and wife, they’re going to have to split up. They would rather live in their car together than have to separate and go to different shelters.” Mason said homelessness in Murray is always growing, and the Gentry House board is making plans to build another facility to accommodate for that growth. The Gentry House staff tries to plan several fundraisers and community events throughout the year in order to raise money and raise awareness about homelessness. “We take volunteers of all kinds of majors at Murray State,” Mason said. “There’s a lot of things to do in the office, organizing donations in the storage room, weekly inspections, talking with families, helping them get jobs.” Anyone is welcome to come in and volunteer at the Gentry House. Mason said there are always jobs available for willing volunteers to contribute their time.
Take Back The Night rally makes changes Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu
STEPPIN’ IT UP Haley Hayes/The News
Rachel Ross, sophomore from Murray, holds the overall championship trophy on behalf of Alpha Gamma Delta at the Step Off competition Thursday. Breanna Sill || Features Editor bsill@murraystate.edu
The sound of foot beats on hardwood floor drummed through campus as Greek organizations united at Alpha Phi Alpha’s 15th annual Step Show in Lovett Auditorium Thursday night. Sororities and fraternities across Murray brought their A-game and stepped together at the Step Show. Alpha Delta Pi took first place in the sorority division of the competition with their take on circus culture, as well as drawing on themes from shows such as carnivals to create their “Emporium” theme. Sigma Alpha Iota took the second place position for sororities with their alien theme. The fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi won first place in the fraternity division with their “Star Wars” theme, beating out Phi Mu Alpha, who won second place for the fraternity division. Kearron Smith, president of Alpha Phi Alpha and chair of the Step Off, said newcomers to the competition had many theatrics to look forward to with this year’s production. “The audience can expect a spectacular and entertaining show with lots of excitement,” Smith said. Each year, all of the organizations choose their teams in the fall and begin work on their routines with their Alpha Phi Alpha coaches. “Each team is given an Alpha liaison to make sure the show is in good taste and that they are on track for the show time,” Smith said.
Melissa Skiljan, who stepped in the show Thursday night said the ending of the competition was one of her favorite aspects of the night with announcement of the awards. “When they called the name for first place, it felt so great,” she said. “We were a very hardworking team. We played the roles ... and truly could not have asked for a better outcome.” The money from tonight’s event goes to Alpha Phi Alpha’s philanthropy the March of Dimes, which is a charity that helps mothers achieve full-term pregnancies and researches problems that effect the health of babies. Murray State’s chapter has collected the most money for the charity for the past two years with the help of the Step Show. The fraternity had hoped to have around 1,500 people in attendance to the event and by the appearance of the crowd that packed Lovett Auditorium, the fraternity fulfilled their wish. Other themes that were represented during the competition were Alpha Gamma Delta with a Gotham theme, Alpha Omicron Pi with a “Saw” theme, Phi Mu Alpha with a “Ghostbusters” theme, Sigma Sigma Sigma with a gypsy theme, Kappa Delta with a mental hospital theme and Alpha Sigma Alpha with an “Alpha Angels” theme, a play off of “Charlie’s Angels.” However, the overall winner of the entire week of events including not only the Step Show, but the Stroll Off, Change Wars and the banner competition was Alpha Gam.
Murray’s Got Talent rocks Wrather Tiffany Whitfill || Staff writer twhitfill1@murraystate.edu
Talent is presented in many forms. Students often hear about how talented the athletes at Murray State are, but rarely have the opportunity to acknowledge the students. Murray’s Got Talent was formed by the residential college heads to showcase the many talents of Murray State students. After competing and winning their own residential college’s talent show, five contestants representing Elizabeth, Hart, Richmond, White and Regents Residential Colleges, were eligible for Murray’s Got Talent which was held Wednesday in Wrather West Kentucky Museum Auditorium. Lissa Graham, associate professor of humanities and fine arts, helped coordinate the event this year. Graham said the council of college heads held a similar event several years ago called Murray Idol. This event dissolved after a few years and
was not brought back until this year. The difference between the adaptation of the prior event and Murray’s Got Talent, is the option for acts other than singing. Graham said each college’s talent shows featured acts of various talents but ironically every contestant who won their residential college was a singer and played guitar. Prior to the event, Graham acknowledged the quality of the contestants participating. “The kids have been great they are all very enthusiastic,” Graham said. “They are all very talented.” The talent Graham was speaking of was displayed through five acts of musical numbers. Three judges Robert Valentine, Tana Field-Bartholomew and long-time residential college volunteer Russell Schneider had the challenging task of deciphering which talent would win the competition.
see TALENT, 6B
Hannah Fowl/The News
Kelsey McIlroy won first place at Murray’s Got Talent.
The Murray State Women’s Center will host its annual Take Back the Night Monday night, but the event will have changed from past years in several major ways. Take Back the Night is a rally held across the country on college campuses to raise awareness for domestic violence. To combat the fear women may have encountered while walking alone at night, rallies started in Germany in 1973 to end violence against women in particular, according to the University website. Murray State has hosted Take Back the Night annually since 1993. This year, the event will have a theme: bystander intervention. Approximately one third of assaults are in the presence of a bystander, said Abigail French, director of the Women’s Center. This will be the third Take Back the Night she has coordinated, but the first that has undergone major changes. “There are a lot of people who are really impacted by Take Back the Night as it’s traditionally been, but then there are a lot people who sort of walk away and say ‘I don’t really know what to do with all that,’” French said. “‘I know it’s important and I know it’s a terrible thing French that’s happened to these people, but I don’t really know what to do from here.’ And they walk away asking, ‘What does all this mean for me?’ That’s really the component I wanted to add this year.” Take Back the Night has traditionally been held at the University in the fall and on Cutchin Field. The day of the event has been changed so that it now correlates to state and national sexual assault awareness month. Kentucky’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month is March and the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month is April. In September of 2014, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden began the “It’s On Us” campaign to stop sexual assaults on college campuses. Monday’s event will mirror that initiative and voice the need for everyone to be involved and act together to stop assault, French said. University President Bob Davies will be the keynote speaker, at his request. Also on the program is one assault survivor speaker, a spoken word poet and the “It’s On Us” campaign video. At the end of the program there will not be the pledge used in past years that was for the men of the crowd, rather the “It’s On Us” pledge that is all-inclusive. Leading the pledge will be Davies and others from all over campus. Among the numerous representatives will be Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, Jackie Dudley, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services; Re’Nita Avery-Meriwether, director of Student Life and the Curris Center; Michael Young, interim associate vice president of Student Affairs; the presidents of the National Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council; a female and male athlete and more. The purpose of the variety of representatives is to portray that everyone needs to solve the problem of sexual assault together, French said. Another change students will see will be the absence of the candlelight march that normally follows Take Back the Night. Instead, the lights in the arena will go down, attendees will have glow sticks and there will be a moment of silence for those who have died because of assault. As of Wednesday, French is planning on hammering out a few more awareness events for the days following Take Back the Night. She wants to have Public Safety and Emergency Management bring a squad car into the Quad and keep its lights on and have a few people handing out fliers in order to be a visual representative of how disruptive a sexual assault is in a victim’s lives. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a march through campus made by men in high heels to show support for the fight to end violence against women that French wants to make a reality Thursday. “To those who might be intimidated to come, we want to see you,” French said. “We want to hear from you. We want everyone to take ownership of the event, and we’ve tried to demonstrate within the program that this is every single person on this campus, no matter what group you belong to, and so hopefully you see that reflected within the program.”
The News
Features
6B
The week ahead... FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
March 27, 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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10 a.m. Pony Pull, Expo Center
2 p.m. Easter Bone Hunt, Central Park
2:30 p.m. “The Diary of Anne Frank,” Playhouse in the Park
6 p.m. Take Back the Night, Racer Arena
9 a.m. Islamic Culture Exhibit, Curris Center Dance Lounge
All day December 2015 graduation application deadline
7 p.m. State Representative Kenny Imes’s Talk, Faculty Hall, room 208
Spring adventures await at Land Between the Lakes Kayla MacAllister || Staff writer kmacallister@murraystate.edu
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers an escape to Murray State students a mere 30 minutes from Murray State’s campus. Spring began on March 20 and LBL has more than enough land to explore and nature-oriented events to offer to the western Kentucky community. The national recreation area runs more than 170,000 acres and is extremely proactive in providing programs for students and families. LBL hosts approximately 10 activities or programs each day, including classes like “Wool Work,” in which visitors learn to spin sheep wool into yarn, and a wide variety of planetarium shows. “Animal Encounters” is another recurring event where visitors can intermingle up close and personally with bald eagles, bobcats or snakes. If students opt to observe the wildlife instead of interacting, they can stay in their vehicles and visit the Elk & Bison Prairie that’s open from sunup to sundown year round. It costs $5 per vehicle. On the flip side, if students want more vigorous options than Murray’s running loop, LBL boasts more than 500 miles of trails, riding stables and canoe and kayak seasonal rentals. Rocking U Riding Stables
opens Friday, weather permitting, and canoe and kayak rental season information can be found on the LBL website. Stable information can only be obtained by calling the location. Canoe and kayak rentals cost $10 per hour per vessel and require a $10 deposit; paddles and life jackets are included. For student fishermen, the 38th Annual Special Population Fishing Tournament will be held May 16 at Honker Lake. The tournament is held to develop fishing skills of disabled children and adults of all ages. Contestants must fish from the bank only, and the heaviest string of fish will win. There is no charge to enter. Options that last into the summer months, when entertainment is hard to find, are the Laser Light Music Shows and Star Parties that are held from June until August. The laser shows are Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at two different show times, and the Star Parties are held twice a month.
Call: 270-924-2000, then extension 7 for the visitor center staff (Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Nicole Ely/The News
Land Between the Lakes is just a short 20 minute drive from Murray and offers many outdoor activities.
TALENT From Page 5B
Hannah Fowl/The News
Contestants wait to find out who will be named the winner in the Murray’s Got Talent competition Wednesday.
The performances began with Spencer Ray, representing Elizabeth College, who sang and performed a piece on guitar which he wrote for his grandmother called “Homecoming” one month before her passing. Following his act, Justin Carman, representing Hart College, sang a mashup of “Wagon Wheel” and “Don’t Stop Believing” for his talent. The next contestant to perform was Jacob Petritsch, representing Richmond College. He sang a classic which can be heard on “Shrek” as performed by Rufus Wainwright, “Hallelujah.” Representing White College, Kelsey McIlroy sang a quick-tempo song she wrote called “Barefoot Princess.” Rounding out the performances was the last contestant Tara Wolf, representing Regents College, sang a Johnny Cash classic, “Folsom Prison Blues.”
A pair of featured musical performances served as an intermission between the contestant’s performances and the announcement of the winners. The contestants received prizes as well with each residential college awarding some prize to its winner. Murray’s Got Talent’s overall winner, McIlroy, received a one hundred dollar gift certificate to The University Store and the runner-up, Spencer Ray, received fifty dollars to The University Store. McIlroy said she has participated in a few things similar to this competition and some plays. She said she loves to write songs and had an inspiration for the song she performed in particular. “I never found a song that I related to that described me,” McIlroy said. “I wrote that one my junior year of my high school.” After a night filled with musical talents, Graham said she hopes the event will continue to occur on campus on a yearly basis. “The college heads really want to have an event that we are known for like All Campus Sing and Campus Lights,” Graham said. “Hopefully this will become a yearly thing.”
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March 27, 2015
7B Celebrity Encounters
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CHICKEN FRIES ARE BACK
Davide Lee Orr @DavidLeeOrr JUST FOUND OUT CHICKEN FRIES ARE BACK SO I BOUGHT 20 BOXES & NOW MY CAT AND I ARE EATIN GOOOOD 4:19pm 23 Mar 2015 Kerry Ehrin @KE8 Now trending? “Chicken fries are back.” That’s amazing. 8:57pm 23 Mar 2015
Brett Arnold @BrettRedacted EXT. A DESOLATE WASTELAND Nothing as far as the eye can see. A figure appears in the distance. It’s The King. Chicken fries are back. 10:20am 23 Mar 2015 ya boy anthony @LOHANTHONY chicken fries are back at burger king and so is my happiness 2:51pm 23 Mar 2015
WOMEN AIM FOR CHANGE ON $20 BILL Gender equality groups and advocates have created a new campaign called Women on 20s. Their goal is to get a woman to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill by 2020. To promote the campaign, women are tweeting selfies holding up the $20 bill. Actress and women’s rights advocate Susan Sarandon tweeted, “I want to see a woman on the $20 bill. Post your own photo & join me by voting at womenon20s. org #WomenOn20s.”
Photo courtesy of trisandfour.com
Shailene Woodley and Theo James return to the big screen in the second installment of the “Divergent” series, “Insurgent.”
‘Divergent’ sequel pleases and excites John Gruccio || Contributing writer jgruccio@murraystate.edu
ONE DIRECTION GOES IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS
Boy band One Direction has lost a member. Zayn Malik announced that he will leave the band, and fans are blaming his fiancee, Perrie Edwards. Some are calling her the modern Yoko Ono. Regardless of the rumors, Malik has been unhappy with his fandom for quite some time. Sources say Malik’s dislike for fame would have led to his leaving the band regardless of his love life.
Whether it be superhero movies or young adult novels being adapted for the film, our movie culture is fun. The same could be said about the newest sequel in the dystopian world of “Insurgent.” After the events culminating in the destruction of almost all factions, Tris Prior now begins a journey with Four and a handful of friends and family as war stares them all in the face. Sides will be chosen and the darkest secrets will be shown in the light. In order to fight the powerful alliance among them, Tris must risk everything and confront her inner demons as society starts to tear itself apart. Her tremendous struggle will result in the harness of incredible power and hopefully a new world. “The Divergent Series: Insurgent” stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Maggie Q, Zoe Kravitz, Jai Courtney, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Mekhi Phifer and Naomi Watts. Robert Schwentke directs the film with a script by Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman and Mark Bomback. What can you say about the lovely Shailene Woodley that has not already been said? She is as gorgeous as she is tough, and tough is something she shows
‘The Tempest’ to be put on by theater department next month
very much in this film. As Tris, Woodley gives a really solid performance once again. This time, we get to see a little more anger if you catch my drift. It is more than likely because of her age, but Woodley is just wonderful in these coming-of-age roles. Whether it be this or “The Fault in Our Stars” or even “White Bird in a Blizzard,” she can really pull audiences in her emotions. As for the guys in this film, James, Elgort and Teller all do their part, but they are primarily just there to help the story along. This is Woodley’s film, through and through. Just like another young adult adapted role Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) in “The Hunger Games” series, it is hard for the fuel to be taken away from the lead character. Especially when you have these two phenomenal ladies leading those films. One of the main things that amazed me about this film is how well the award-winning actresses Winslet, Spencer and Watts pull off supporting roles. They have been around for a long time and are not the main characters in this film, but do they ever give ground-shattering performances. Especially Winslet who is at her second go as the villainous leader of Erudite, Jeanine Matthews. When the first film was released people were a bit hesitant due its slow
Connor Jaschen || Contributing writer cjaschen@murraystate.edu
As we pass the halfway mark of the semester and the midterm jitters settle in the student body’s collective gut, students are reminded that academics is not the only experience to be had in college. The Murray State theater department is gearing up for a spectacle to set April alight. The man in charge, taking up a tremendous task as head director, is Daryl Phillipy, assistant professor in the college of Humanities and Fine Arts, who is set to tackle the madness that is theater for this semester’s play “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare. “The Tempest” is set on an island and treachery soon wreaks havoc on all its magical inhabitants. The main character, Prospero, is a magician of sorts, using his magic throughout his ensuing adventures. Without giving too much away, a collection of plots and subplots weave their way into forming one story that reaches all the way up to royalty. The story, though, is one that has been told be-
startup. However, that is not the case with “Insurgent.” One of the main reasons this film really pops is not only because of the Oscar winning screenwriter Akiva Goldman, but its director, Robert Schwentke. With Schwentke, we get the same world but a new flavor with it. Another upside for this film is that it is wildly amazing in 3D. I will be the first to say that 3D is way, way overused. I am not saying that about this one however. With this film, the visual effects blew me away. Never speechless mind you, but pretty close. Comments wise, this film does drag in certain areas, which is always to be expected when adapting a previously known novel. However, what kind of let me down was some of the lacking emotions in the male supporting cast. You are never too tough to show one tiny little tear guys. Besides that, the movie was well done and makes you want “Allegiant: Part 1” to come quick, which will be released on March 18th, 2016. It’s less than a year away. If you are looking for a good action/ adventure flick, I would most certainly recommend that you check out “The Divergent Series: Insurgent.”
While I guess it’s no secret, I have a habit of running into famous people. I am not the only person who enjoys the Breanna Sill occasional Features Editor run-in with a celeb. On the sad, but off chance I can’t make the trip to wherever my friends are headed for the next big concert, they always keep me in mind. I have a whole collection of autographs and videos done specifically for me by some of my favorite artists and celebrities. One of my most prize autographs comes from Taylor Swift and reads “Breanna is perfect! Love, Taylor,” that a friend of mine got me in one of her meet and greets in Charlotte, N.C. Another prized I keep in my collection is a video John Rich from the country duo Big and Rich saying how badly he wished I was at his concert. A friend who was working for a radio station in Indianapolis, Ind., at the time got that for me backstage at a 21 and up show he was doing in 2012. At the time I was only 18 years old, so I couldn’t get into the show. “I miss you and I wish you were here, Breanna,” Rich said in the video. “It’s some bullshit they won’t let you in. Just let the girl in, people!” Another one of my absolute favorite videos is one from the same friend who ran into the Jonas Brothers on one of their radio tours during the summer of 2013. Earlier in the day she had seen them out and about and was able to chat and take some pictures with the group, but the idea to get a souvenir for me didn’t entirely ring into her mind until she got a screaming, probably terrifying, call from me to find Joe Jonas and get something for me. She made it her mission for the weekend to find Joe and get a video of him saying hello to me, and she succeeded. Although the video only lasts an entire three seconds, it’s still some of the best three seconds of my life. Just hearing Joe say my name still makes me swoon like the 16year-old fangirl I used to be (and still am) sitting in the front row of their Burning Up tour in St. Louis. If you would like to watch either of these videos I will share them on TheNews.org for you to watch at your leisure. bsill@murraystate.edu
fore and best left to the actors that will undoubtedly bring each and every character to life. A note that strikes closer to home is the experiences our very own Murray State students have in the creation of such a piece of art. One particular student has been raving about his experience in the play. Logan Sapp, junior from Owensboro, Ky., is set to play Caliban, the character some would see as the antagonist, though the young thespian would say differently. Sapp explained his character quite simply. “He’s a monster,” says Sapp, “but he’s trying to learn to be human.” Later, he spoke on the experience of performing as a whole, as well as on his character’s portrayal. “It’s fun (being the bad guy) because you usually don’t get the chance to be mean,” said Sapp. This young actor is no stranger to Shakespeare, either, having performed in several other Shakespearian plays, including “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This play in particular has been more taxing on
the technical side, though, according to Sapp. He explains his character as a “gross fish monster.” Unlike most characters, who achieve their individuality through unique blends of makeup and prosthetics, Sapp will be donning a fully covering head mask and will most likely have to be completely shaven face, as well as sporting a freshly shaven, bald head to allow the mask to fit properly. The cast’s closeness was a subject Sapp commented particularly cheerfully on. “It’s just great chemistry,” he said. Above all else the actors and actresses are friends. Every play has its depth and levels, and as evident by the enthusiasm a member of its cast, this play has already proven itself to be a success in the eyes of the many young thespians intent on taking up their roles. Students and community members are asked to attend the Murray State theater department’s shining debut of “The Tempest.” Performaces will be held April 9-10 at the Robert E. Johnson Theater. Shows are set to run between 7:30 and 10 p.m. each night.
Out this Week
Read It
“The Wicked Will Rise,” by Danielle Paige
See It
“Woman in Gold”
Hear It
“Kintsugi” by Death Cab for Cutie
Rent It
“The Imitation Game”
Play It
“MLB 15 The Show”
8B
The News
March 27, 2015