The Murray State News January 21, 2016
TheNews.org
Vol. 90, No. 15
Shoe Tree finds new home
More than $19,000 donated in holiday giving challenge Bailey Bohannon
of Racers. The first week was the bbohannon@murraystate.edu Dunker’s Challenge specifically for Racer students to The first-ever integrated donate. Every $500 raised crowdfunding campaign at would become a new scholMurray State was a success. arship next year. The #RacerHolidays cam Each donation was only paign raised $19,391 and cre$10 and each student donor ated 39 new scholarships received a Dunker’s Chaland study spots as the unilenge shirt along with the versity’s first integrated chance to win the Dunker’s crowdfunding campaign Challenge scholarship next Adrienne King said, vice year based on the funds president of Marketing and raised that week. Outreach. Students raised a total of “It utilized multiple com$1,828 the first week, acmunications platforms in an cording to Murray State’s effort to share a message of website. unity and celebration during One donor was Morgan the holiday season, while Johnson, senior from Memalso raising funds for stuphis, Tennessee. dent scholarships and new J o h n s o n d o n a t e d f o r study spaces in the library,” something other than the King wrote in an email. chance of winning a schol The campaign was a sucarship. cess for both marketing “ R e g a r d l e s s i f I a m and fundraising for Murawarded the Dunker’s Chalray State. l e n g e #Racerif I am Ss hc ihpo l aorrH o l i d a y s Regardless increased awarded the Dunker’s not, I am the total Challenge Scholarship or at peace interack n o w tions on not, I am at peace know- ing that M u r r a y ing that I played my part I played State’s so- as a Murray State Racer in my part cial media a Murimpacting another Racer’s as sites, and ray State it e x - college experience. R a c e r c e e d e d - Morgan Johnson, senior from in imMemphis, Tennessee the fund- pacting raising another expectaRacer’s tions which was originally college experience,” Johnset at $15,000 for new scholson wrote in an email. arships. And, all the while, The next week was for the challenge was also defaculty and staff which signed to celebrate unity raised $2,929, according to and the holiday season with Murray State’s website. Racers of all ages and back Much like the Dunker’s grounds. challenge, every $500 would “The campaign message, become a scholarship next ‘Celebrating a season of year. global traditions. United Robert Lyons, assistant as Racers.’ was in honor of dean and professor in the the university’s year-long College of Education and 60th anniversary of desegHuman Services, was a facregation celebration,” King ulty member who donated wrote. and he said he donated to #RacerHolidays was disupport students. vided into weeks with chalsee , 2A lenges for a specific group Staff writer
Nicole Ely/The News
The Shoe Tree was moved just a few feet away from its previous location after becoming a safety concern, but the tree has moved a few times since the start of the tradition in the 1960s. Courtney Scoby Staff writer
cscoby@murraystate.edu
One of Murray State’s most recognizable traditions is beginning a new chapter in the new year. Over Winter Break, the famous shoe tree was taken down and relocated. “The previous shoe tree was taken down in 1999,” Adrienne King, vice president of Marketing and Outreach, said. “The tradition now continues with the new shoe tree located on the Quad outside of the library.” The shoe tree is one of Murray State’s most beloved traditions. “It is considered to be good luck for two people who meet at Murray State and marry to return to campus to nail one of their shoes to the tree to represent their love,” King said.
Even though the shoe tree tradition is well-known on campus and in the community, there is not as much information on the tradition as might be expected. “There is limited documentation of this celebrated campus tradition, but based on what we have been able to find the tradition started around 1965,” King said. In fact, it is still up for debate how this tradition got started in the first place. “There are several rumors about how it started, including as a student art project, the result of a student moving out of their residence hall and not wanting to take their shoes home, and my personal favorite, as a way to illustrate the devotion of love between two people who met on campus,” King said. The recent relocation of the shoe tree is nothing new.
“The new shoe tree is believed to be the third or fourth tree since the tradition started,” King said. However, the decision to relocate the shoe tree is never made lightly and is only made as a last resort. “The previous tree became a safety concern as the limbs began to fall,” King said. “University officials made the decision to take down the tree to prevent any possible injuries.” Not only was the decision to relocate the tree made for the safety of students, but to help protect what is left of the tree as well. “It should be noted that the new tree was also dying,” King said. “Facilities staff worked to trim the tree and seal any injuries before moving the shoes in an effort to extend the life of the tree.”
Arden Mynatt-Stafford, a recent Murray State graduate, as well as one of the first individuals to make use of the new tree, with her husband Colten Stafford, also a Murray State graduate, expressed concerns about the sustainability of the tradition. “I was fine with the relocation of the shoe tree since the old shoe tree was very weak and unstable,” Mynatt-Stafford said. “However, the new shoe tree will also become weak and brittle over time just like the old shoe tree. That is why I believe the next shoe tree should be made out of something that will withstand time and the decaying process. Otherwise, we will have to keep relocating the shoe tree.” Nevertheless, the shoe tree tra-
see TREE, 2A
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GIVING
University honors Martin Luther King, Jr. with celebration Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief
mbradley9@murraystate.edu
Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu
For this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, Murray State on Monday hosted a candlelight vigil, a community breakfast and an collection of food and personal items for local nonprofits in honor of the civil rights leader. Murray State’s Office of Multicultural Affairs partnered with the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Student Life, Office of Regional Outreach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the City of Murray and the Office of Regional Academic Outreach to host its’ annual Martin Luther King Day of Service. According to the website of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, “The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social problems.”
WHAT’S
INSIDE
The celebration of King’s life began Sunday, Jan. 17, as members of the university community gathered for a candlelight vigil outside of Pogue Library. Ivy Anderson, senior from Memphis, Tennessee, attended the vigil as a part of her involvement with the Office of Multicultural Affairs, or OMA. Anderson said the crowd at the vigil was small and the temperature was “excruciatingly cold.” But she said enduring physical discomfort was nothing when compared to the sting of racism. She said that even though Martin Luther King, Jr. Day covers one calendar day, conversations about race and the civil rights movement must continue. In fact, Murray State’s Presidential Lecture Series will bring Martin Luther King III – King’s son – to speak on campus Feb. 8. “Having a speaker like Martin Luther King III opens discussion and dialogue that may have been hard to have,” Anderson said. She said King’s son personi-
fies the civil rights movement, something that happened before her time. “It’s not his grandson or great grandson ... that’s his son,” she said. Anderson not only attended the vigil, but the next day she attended the breakfast and the day of service. She said the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha spearheaded the breakfast, which included keynote speaker Curtis Daniel, a pastor and radio personality from Ohio. President Bob Davies, Mayor Jack Rose, Director of Office of Multicultural Affairs S.G. Carthell, Interim Provost Tim Todd, Vice President of Student Affairs Don Robertson and others attended the breakfast, which was held in the Curris Center Ballroom. After 10 a.m., students and staff from the Office of Multicultural Affairs collected items for local nonprofits as part of the service project. Anderson said donations went to charities such as Need Line.
Emily Harris/The News
Several events are held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., including a community breakfast, a candlelight vigil and a day of service.
DELTA ZETA
OUR VIEW
DOUBLE LOSS
LOOKING FORWARD
New sorority to come to campus next fall, 6A
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is more than a holiday, 4A
Murray State men’s basketball lose two on the road, 1B
Prepare for some of the biggest events of the spring, 5B
The News
News
2A
January 21, 2016
Professor dies after battle with cancer
TREE From Page 1
Alicia Steele || Staff writer
dition is important to the couple. “It is cool that we can leave our mark on Murray State campus and partake in a very wellknown MSU tradition,” Stafford said. Looking to the future, Murray State officials are making sure that the history of the shoe tree tradition is well-documented from this point forward. “The university is currently gathering stories from shoe owners for a new series called Racer ‘Sole’ Mates which will be shared next month,” King said. “These stories will also be maintained in the Sid Easley Alumni Center for future generations.”
asteele5@murraystate.edu
Kit Wesler, Jesse D. Jones endowed professor of geosciences, died at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee on Monday, Jan. 4 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer. Wesler completed his B.A. summa cum laude in anthropology at Washington University St. Louis and completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to Murray State in 1981 as a staff archaeologist. In 1983, he was appointed director of the Wickliffe Mounds Research Center (now known
as Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site) in Ballard County after it was turned over to Murray State. The site was to be developed into an academic research facility dedicated to student training, Wesler public education and preservation of the site, according to The University of Alabama Press. During his time as director of the Wickliffe Mounds Research Center, Wesler’s team
removed skeletons that had been on display for decades, performed carbon dating and DNA tests on them and reburied them to honor the requests of various Native American groups. “I know Kit was very proud of this project,” said Bob Lochte, department of journalism and mass communications chair. Wesler returned to Murray State in 2004 to teach and continue his research. He celebrated 30 years with Murray State in 2011, according to a social media post from the department of geosciences. According to Wesler’s Murray State faculty biography, during his lifetime he also
served as a project archaeologist for the Maryland Historical Trust and was a Fulbright Lecturer and Researcher in archeology at the University of Ibadan Nigeria and the University of the West Indies in Mona Campus, Jamaica. He conducted archaeological field work and published more than a dozen major publications, including his book “Excavations at Wickliffe Mounds” in 2001. According to the JH Churchill Funeral Home Obituary, Wesler also served as a foster parent for the Humane Society of Calloway County, “willingly adopting those cats who did not find other homes.” Wesler is survived by his
wife, Renae Duncan, associate provost for undergraduate education and professor of psychology at Murray State, and one sister. The Department of Geosciences noted on social media that a memorial celebration of Wesler’s life was held on Jan. 8. The post said, according to Duncan, “given that Dr. Wesler’s idea of dressing up meant putting on black jeans instead of blue jeans, dress is casual.” The post also notes that expressions of sympathy can be made to the John E. and Ann N. Wesler Scholarship for Field Schools in Geosciences, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
GIVING From Page 1 “Times are tough for everyone, and students are no exception,” Lyons wrote in an email. The third week was the Alumni Challenge and this week brought in the most funds with a total of $8,470. The alumni could choose which academic college to donate to, and every $500 raised would become a scholarship for students in that college next year. The last challenge of #RacerHolidays was the Library and Athletics Challenge which raised $2,830, according to the Murray S t a t e website. Every $500 raised would either go toward a new lib r a r y study spot for students or a King new scholarship for next year. “The campus community really rallied together to help out our students,” King wrote.
Karaoke
Jenny Rohl/The News Graphic courtesy of Murray State’s Facebook
The challenge raised $19,391, exceeding the $15,000 goal.
SHOOTING HOOPS: Did you miss a few Racer basketball games during Winter Break? Don’t worry – we have updates for you on page 1B. Also keep an eye out for live tweets at @MSUSportsNews of tonight’s men’s basketball game against Eastern Illinois at 7 p.m. in the CFSB Center and catch a full story online at TheNews.org.
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January 21, 2016 News Editor: Kayla Harrell Assistant Editor: Abby Siegel Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews
POLICE BEAT 6:51 a.m. Racer Patrol advised Mur-
Jan. 13
1:26 a.m. Public Safety and Emergency Management reray State Police of an abandoned ported an interior light on in a golf cart outside the Lowry Center. vehiclewere in the College Officers notified and Courts an infor700 block. Public Safety atmation report was taken. tempted contact vehicle 11:42 p.mtoAn officertheconducted aowner. traffic stop at 121 North and 6:03 a.m. Public Safety received Coldwater Streets. A citation was a fire trouble alarm for in the Col-to issued to the driver failure lege Courts 1200 block from the wear a seatbelt. The passenger alarm center computer. Central was arrested on an outstanding Heating and and was Cooling were warrant taken to notiCallofied.County Jail. way 8:20 a.m. A caller reported a res-
Jan. 14
12:39 p.m. Murray State expeidential college flag missing. The rienced a campus-wide power Housing Office was notified. outage. Public Facili- a 11:22 p.m. A Safety caller and reported ties Management were notified. motor vehicle accident with no 10:21 p.m. Public Safety reinjuries at White Residential Colceived an emergency call and box a lege. Officers were notified activation the residential colreport was in taken. legep.m. circleAn because a mechan- a 7:17 officerofconducted ical malfunction. traffic stop at the Business Building parking lot. A citation was is-
Jan. 15
9:09 a.m. Public Safety received numerous fire alarm sued for driving on aactivations suspended because of an electrical power license. outage across campus causing 8:51 p.m. A caller reported the mechanical malfunctions. Pubsmell of gas at Hart Residential Collic Safety andMurray Facilities Managelege. Officers, Fire Department Central were notified. ment, Heating and Cooling 6:41 Murray p.m. AGas caller a Plant, and reported the State Fire possible were medical emergency at Marshall notified. A report the taken. CFSB Center. Patient was was uninjured didn’treported require a 12:01 p.m. and A caller emergency medical attention. sparking outlet in the 300 block of College Courts. Officers, the
Jan. 16
9:59 a.m. An Department, officer conducted Murray Fire Cena traffic stop for tral Heating and speeding Cooling near Plant the the intramural fields and a verand State Fire Marshal were bal warning was issued. notified. A report was taken. 10:38 a.m. AnMurray officer Police reported 4:57 p.m. The Dean illegally parked vehicle at partment was notified of a mediAlexander Hall.at The was cal emergency theowner Volleyball notified and the vehicle was Courts. Officers and Murray Ammoved. bulance Services were notified. The patient was transported and
Jan. 17
Racer Patrol rea12:00 reporta.m. was taken. ported several vehicles parked 3:46 a.m. Officers conducted a illegality in the fire lane at Faccheck of a person on North 12th ulty Hall. The owners of the Street. The person was arrested and vehicles were notified and the transported to Calloway County Jail vehicles were moved. for alcohol intoxication in a public 10:26 a.m. Public Safety conplace. A report was taken. ducted a traffic stop in the Rite 9:09 p.m. A caller reported parking lot for careless driv-at aAid smoke detector activated ing and aResidential verbal warning was is-to Springer College due sued. a hair dryer. Officers were notified and no threat of fire was found. An
Jan. 18
12:40 p.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop ontaken. Regents information report was 4:42 p.m. reported a theft Drive andAacaller citation was issued of forproperty failure tofrom wear aa vehicle seatbelt.from Alexander Officers were no11:37 p.m.Hall. Public Safety contified and a report was takeninfor ducted parking enforcement theft of under college $500 by unlawful the residential circle and taking from a vehicle. seven parking citations were is6:12 p.m. A caller reported the sued. smell of marijuana at Hart. Officers
3A
New Franklin to be ready before fall Bailey Bohannon||| Staff writer bbohannon@murraystate.edu
The construction of New Franklin will be completed as scheduled before the Fall 2016 semester begins. New Franklin is a continuation of a plan 15 years in the making to replace all the old low-rise residential colleges. J. David Wilson, director of Housing and Residence Life, said New Franklin is one building in the middle of this plan put together by members of Housing, Facilities Management and Student Affairs working alongside each other with the budget office. “The residential facility is scheduled for occupancy and will be opened in August,” said Adrienne King, vice president of Marketing and Outreach. New Franklin will be ready to welcome students in the fall 2016 semester, but it will not be the last residential college to be redone. Wilson said when the original plan was made more than 15 years ago, it concentrated on replacing the low-rise buildings, but recently the plan has been revised to include renovating the high-rise residential colleges along with building brand new residential colleges. “Once Franklin is finished, we still have to look at Springer, Hart, Regents and White,” Wilson said. The completed building will consist of 388 units and will most resemble James H. Richmond and Lee Clark Residential Colleges. There will be a few differences in the buildings, including more four-person suites. The main differences will include a small classroom and a multipurpose room that will be located in the center of the hall, very close to the entrance.
McKenna Dosier/The News
New Franklin is making progress and is on track to be completed before move in day for the fall 2016 semester. “The [classroom and multipurpose room] will be used by students and staff who live in the building,” Wilson said. “There could be classes held in the classroom or group meetings. The large multiple purpose room will be used as a lounge/lobby, but can also be used for presentations and programs put on by the RCC and the hall staff,” he said. The residents will be made up of all different students; however, housing has already set aside space for certain students. “There is space set aside for members of the Honors College, and we will work with staff of the Honors College to identify the students who will fill those spaces,” Wilson said. “For the remaining spaces in the
hall, current Franklin residents would have first priority, then other students on campus, and we would also need to set aside spaces for incoming freshmen,” he said. Current Franklin residents like Tanner Nettleship and Katie Schoenborn said they look forward to being near the top of the list, and they will be taking advantage of that benefit. However, they said they are both still attached to the old Franklin because of all the good memories and close community that it has provided them with during their first semester at Murray State. Schoenborn, freshman from St. Louis, said although she will be applying to live in New Franklin, she is a little sad to leave old Franklin. She said old Franklin has pro-
vided her with many friends, but she is excited to have the opportunity to live in New Franklin where she will not have to climb three flights of stairs every day. “I have visited friends in much nicer residential colleges, like Lizo, and am both anxious and excited to be upgraded to both counter space and elevators like them,” Schoenborn said. Nettleship, freshman from Louisville, Kentucky, said the cost of Franklin is what he will miss the most, but he looks forward to being able to live in a newer and bigger residential college. “Although I like the cheap cost of the Franklin I am currently in, I think it will be well worth it to have a nicer, more comfortable room to live in,” Nettleship said.
Faculty salaries to increase as funds are ‘drying’ Mikayla Marshall || Staff writer mmarshall5@murraystate.edu
In President Bob Davies’ State of the University Address, he called for an increase in faculty salaries, an estimated 1 – 2 percent increase, in order to secure faculty members. Like other public universities, Murray State will continue to have funding cut by the state. Faculty members said they don’t expect the increase to make a huge impact. David Pizzo, associate professor of history, said the real issue is salary compression, where experienced professors are being paid the same as inexperienced professors. He does not think that the new model will address those gaps. He said he knows that the administration is trying very hard to fix this issue, but state funds are drying up
and not much more can be cut. “It is a rough time to be in public education,” Pizzo said. According to kypolicy.org, Kentucky was placed at or near the bottom in several categories for its continued cuts to public college and university funding. That disinvestment threatens to limit access to higher education and opportunities for economic growth. The cut-perstudent was the highest in the nation last year, with $179 per student. Kentucky governor Matt Bevin has said he believes there should be a limit on the federal government’s role in the education system, allowing states and local towns to make education decisions that best suit the unique needs of their communities. “Education reform has been a success in Kentucky over the past 20 years,” Robert Lochte, professor and
department chair of journalism and mass communications, said. “Now we have brighter, eager high school graduates who can benefit from what we offer but cannot afford it.” Lochte said the salary situation is more of a morale problem and is constantly looking to make working conditions better and have faculty make a little more each year. However, only so much can be done with job design and supplemental income. Western Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky offer similar faculty salaries to Murray State. University of Kentucky offers a higher salary, but the city of Lexington has a higher cost environment. Public universities and colleges across the state will continue to have diminishing funds. There are a higher number of jobs in departments like history, while
science jobs are less numerous. Faculty in math or science positions will be paid higher a majority of the time. Lochte said that at some point, the university is will need to create innovative solutions and forego state funding in exchange for the title to the state assets at the university. This would give the university the chance to create their own business plan to support the strategic academic plan. “I have been here 28 years and will retire at the end of June,” Lochte said. “I came to work here as my first job in a new career, because Doc McGaughey offered me a position and I was close to family in Tennessee.” He said he stays because of the good program with motivated faculty, staff and students who desire to learn.
Jan. 19
10:35 a.m. An officer conducted a traffic stop on Waldrop Drive. were notified and an information report was taken. A citation was issued for speeding 35 mph over the speed limit and for reckless driving. 2:47 12:43p.m. p.m.AAcaller personreported reportedan unauthorized company selling being stuck on an elevator in the products on campus at Winslow Oakley Applied Science BuildDining Hall. The caller was reing. Public Safety and Facilities ferred to Student Affairs. Management were notified. 6:12 p.m. A caller reported the smell of natural gas at the Old Fine Arts Building. Officers, Central
Call of Fame Jan. 15, 9:05 a.m. A caller reported a person stuck on an elevator in Alexander Hall. Public Safety and Facilities Management were notified.
Motor and assists - 3 Plant, Murray Heating Cooling Escorts 1 Fire department, Murray Gas and Arrests - 0 Marshall were notithe State Fire fied and a report was taken.
Love Police Beat? You can check it out Mary Bradley, Assistant News Editor, every week online, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by too, Public on Safety and Emergency Management. TheNews.org. Motorists assists – 8 Racer escorts – 1 Arrests – 2
Not all dispatched calls are listed.
Abby Siegel, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.
WINTER WOES
For more on recent and upcoming winter weather, check out page 6A and stay tuned to TheNews.org and our Facebook and Twitter for updates. Photos by McKenna Dosier/The News
4A
January 21, 2016
The News
Opinion
Opinion Editor: Allison Borthwick Phone: 270-809-5873
Our View
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It’s more than a holiday
Selena McPherson/The News
The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. Allison Borthwick Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 aborthwick@murraystate.edu Connor Jaschen Features Editor • 270-809-5871 cjaschen@murraystate.edu Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 krandolph3@murraystate.edu Kelsey Watznauer Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 kwatznauer@murraystate.edu Austin Gordon Online Editor • 270-809-5877 agordon4@murraystate.edu Jenny Rohl Advertising Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Kalli Bubb Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 kbubb@murraystate.edu Cameron Witte Chief Videographer cwitte@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges, Ryan Alessi Adviser, Co-Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu, ralessi@murraystate.edu
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Every third Monday in January is a holiday. It is a day that is set aside for our nation. It is a marking of a moment. It is a celebration. It is a day of remembrance. Every third Monday in January, we set down our notebooks and we turn off the computers because a man named Martin Luther King Jr. died for the progress of our nation. With each passing moment during this day, we remember where we, as a nation, came from. We read his outcries against severe injustice, but those cries are not heard without the reminder that we still have a long way to go. According to a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in July 2015, titled “A Growing Divide on Race,” race relations in our country have not only declined, but “deteriorated.” When more than 1,000 people were asked, “Would you
say there’s been real progress getting rid of racial discrimination?” 71 percent of all respondents said there has been progress. However, 75 percent of white respondents said there has been progress while only 56 percent of black respondents said there has been progress. In other words, almost half of black respondents asked said they feel there has been no progression toward equality. Additionally, authors of the poll state that “Blacks are eight times as likely as whites to say they have been stopped by the police because of their race, and almost two-thirds of black men report having been racially profiled by the police.” This is unacceptable and we must change this. As a university, we have made attempts to mend racial divide but there is always more we can do and will do. In 2011, the Board of Regents approved a 52-page Diversity
Plan, with measures that were to be implemented from then until 2015. Since controversial and racist comments were posted anonymously on Yik Yak at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year, students, faculty and staff joined together and held the event, “Eracism,” to talk about race and racism on our campus. Just this week, with the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., the annual traditions of a day of service and the candlelight vigil were held. Next month, King’s oldest son, Martin Luther King III, will speak to the university community for the Presidential Lecture Series on Feb. 8. King’s lecture is regarded as the capstone to the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of Murray State. Mary Ford Holland stepped foot onto this campus in the summer of 1955 because she desired a better life for herself,
and she did so regardless of the color of her skin or what society told her was unacceptable. She embodies the mission King desired and spoke for, and her enrollment came right as he was beginning work for the civil rights movement in the mid-1950s. Whether discussions are spurred by King’s lecture or whether they are a continuation of conversations that already exist, we cannot let these conversations recede. As scholars and students, we know and can acknowledge that the progression of society depends on reaching beyond our comfort zones to make a change because our futures rely upon it. Every third Monday in January is a holiday, but it is so much more than that. Martin Luther King Jr., said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Do not become silent.
Some Things Considered
My resolution Of all the pseudo-meaningful phrases that get tossed around from Christmas until Valentine’s Day, “New year, new me” is my favorite. It’s short, sweet and usually false. Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as guilty of empty New Year’s promises. Hallie Beard While never Junior from successful, my Louisville, Ky. resolutions are usually the same from year to year and probably the most popular in America (lose a few pounds, get organized, read more). I don’t take resolutions very seriously, and usually do a mental eye-roll when someone makes a declaration of personal transformation, backed with, “This time, I’m serious!” That being said, I’ve been hit with a bit of a wake-up call that prompted me to make a resolution of sorts for this semester. Over break, I caught up with a cousin I
hadn’t seen or talked to since early high school; with that much time to cover, it’s hard to know where to begin. As conversation started, I expected the stiff Q & A we know too well: how are you, good, good, how’s school, all right, all right, etc. etc.. Those questions are boring, sure, but easy to knock out with vaguely positive and usually impersonal answers. Instead, when talking about college, she surprised me by asking, “What are you working on right now that you really love?” Suddenly I couldn’t remember what I spent my time doing at school. The moment felt cartoonish – I scratched my head, idled and dumbly repeated, “Uh, what am I working on? That I love?” I should have had some golden response at the ready: learning a new language, making art, helping the homeless, something inspiring and impressive. All I could manage, though, was rattling off my jobs and classes – things I do love but just didn’t seem like the right fit to such a defining question. Long after the conversation ended, I was still thinking about those words, and how I could have answered differently. Didn’t I have something exciting to share? As someone studying creative writing and literature, I should be the prime example of a student doing what she loves rather than what’s practical, right? In my head, a giant spotlight and drum roll waited for my
gem of artistic realization. It’s still rolling but perhaps getting a little quieter. Here’s the thing: anything can become mundane if we go about our days, weeks and semesters without checking and pushing ourselves. The most heartfelt passion can dull if we get too caught up in the dayto-day mechanics of making it through the week. My resolution, then, is not to find some new hobby that sounds impressive or inspiring but to rediscover the joy in what I do in and out of school. So often we forget that going to college – and getting to work on projects we love – is a privilege full of opportunities we won’t have again. Whether or not we have jobs or certain classes, we are constantly working in college; we establish our voices, we craft relationships, we make things. This is the work we forget to call work because it’s unscheduled and without a contract. This is how we spend our time. I’m tossing my resolution out to you, readers. If you’re looking for new motivation this semester or something to bring excitement back into the daily grind of classes and work, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate and remember why you love to do what you do. Let me know what you find, and here’s to a great spring semester.
The News
Opinion
January 21, 2016
Letter to the Editor Excerpt from Constantine W. Curris’ Commencement Address Dec. 12, 2015 “ ... Commencement by definition denotes the beginning, and for each of you it is the beginning of your journey beyond college days. In ten minutes or less (and I know several of you are looking at your watches and will time me), I want to talk about three things: 1) that which you cannot change; 2) that which you must change; and 3) that which you should keep from being changed. First, what can you not change? The answer: The fact that you are an alumna or alumnus of this university. That is perpetual. There are many things in life’s journey you can change: If you do not like your work, you can change jobs or begin a new career; if you do not like where you live, you can move; if you do not like your car or truck, you can trade it in for another vehicle. And I hope not, but if your marriage does not work out, you can change that, too. But you cannot change the fact that you are a graduate of Murray State University. Its reputation in the years ahead will reflect on you and on every other graduate. If MSU continues to grow in quality and stature, that recognition will augur to your benefit. On the other hand, if it slips in quality and is seen by the public as a lesser or mediocre institution, people will wonder why you attended such a poor school. To say, “It was a good university back when … ” will not be very convincing. In short, you have a vital, personal interest to
support your alma mater, to nourish it through gifts and recommendations and to help it grow in quality and prominence. Now, my second point: what should you, what must you change. Everyone needs to fulfill his or her responsibilities as a citizen in this democracy and that includes participating in local, state and national elections. In last month’s statewide elections in Kentucky, only 30 percent of eligible voters went to the polls. 7/10 Kentuckians chose not to exercise their constitutional right to select their representatives. One year ago, nationwide, only 36 percent of eligible voters went to the polls to elect their senators and representatives. That was the lowest turnout in Congressional election in 70 years. Even more disturbing is the pathetic turnout of voting age citizens under the age of 30. In national elections, as a general rule, only 20-30 percent of voters your age go to the polls – that is the lowest turnout of any age group, and makes you the least influential voting bloc. Let me bring this home. Last year, the average graduate of a public university walked across the stage with over $28,000 in educational debt. When I graduated from college, hardly anyone had any debt. What happened? In the intervening years, in state after state, appropriations for higher education remained stable or declined, resulting in tuition being increased be-
5A Mary, Mary, Quite Opinionated
Dump Trump yond inflation. In Washington, Pell grants and other scholarship funding were reduced and in their place, Congress expanded loan programs, with the result that student borrowing became the primary way students paid for their college education – and student debt has increased every year since. Students are the big losers. For your good and for the good of the country this has to change! And you can make change happen. Register and vote – and persuade your neighbors to do likewise. The fundamental lesson of Political Science 101 is that even if your preferred candidate loses, when you vote, you win! Third, there are some things that must be safeguarded. Specifically, we cannot allow others to take away or attenuate the fundamental rights embodied in the Bill of Rights, especially the freedoms of free speech and religious liberty. These freedoms are in some jeopardy largely because religious extremism at home and abroad threatens our peace and security. These are difficult times. Issues of national security and personal safety dominate conversations, and current and would be world and national leaders are proposing restrictions that would fundamentally impact our liberties. I am realistic in that we expect our leaders to keep the country safe. But all such proposals should be carefully considered. It is not either/or. We can have both our civil liberties and national security.”
I’ve Got A Story For You
It is a new day in a new world. The slate is clean (if you don’t look too closely), and we can remake ourselves into the people we really want to be. The start of this promising makeover is the commitment to make a change. Often, at this time of year, we hear people discussing their “New Year’s Robert Valentine Resolutions.” The Senior lecturer fact is that you can of advertising make a life-changing resolution at any point on the calendar. The only difference between January 1 and June 23 is the fact that the calendar is still pretty clean in January. By June, we may have fallen into old bad habits. Even in mid-January, as we resume classes without yet having missed one (we hope), the record is clean enough to encourage a hopeful change. Go ahead: put your greatest aspiration into words, write the words on your bathroom mirror, say them out loud every day and become a different person. There is still time.
I resolve ...
In fact, there is always still time – until the day before the funeral. Why not now? When I asked some friends for suggestion of resolutions, I got two that were pretty funny. They are also fictitious, I am sure, but they represent the kinds of friends I have. Here they are: “I resolve to speak my mind without fear of the consequences.” – Donald Trump
“
Articulating what we want to change can be hard, but it is nothing compared to the challenge of actually following through.
”
“This year, more hand-written notes; emails are so impersonal.” – Hillary Clinton Murray State’s Retiree-in-residence, Bob McGaughey, offered this life-altering goal: “On Jan. 1, I resolved to lose 10 pounds. I only have 14 to go.” Murray State President Bob Davies said: “I resolve to increase the number of times I say, ‘Go Racers!’” That’s going to be a tough one to keep without replacing the words, “Good Morning, Cindy,” with “Go Racers!” My neighbor, Elmer, made an interesting reso-
lution for a man of his age: “Me? I’m going to be more decisive in 2016. Maybe, ‘more assertive,’ you know? Well, maybe not ‘assertive,’ but more definite. Well, ‘definite’ isn’t the word; maybe more sort-of, uh, clear-ish about what I kind of want to, you know, maybe say or kind of intend. You know?” In the midst of all, we got a message from an Murray State alum named Greg Teffertiller. (As uncommon as it may be, it is not a made-up name.) Greg was here in the last century, to be sure, but he has made a nice career for himself in the tough marketing industry. Does your class schedule present a challenge to you? Well, Greg’s business poses that challenge, multiplied by a factor of four and presents it to him every day. “Getting better” has to be a way of life to survive as long as he has. He has children, too. Greg reminded all his friends: “Creating goals without changing behaviors is fruitless.” He’s right: articulating what we want to change can be a hard, soul-searching and sobering task, but it is nothing compared to the challenge of actually following through. So think about it. Put it into words. Write it in your planner and post it on Facebook. Then do the important part: make it part of everything you do, every day. Quit smoking, stop procrastinating, ask that girl for a date, finish writing that book – whatever your heart desires. You can do it. Me? I’m going to have more fun, work a little less and grow my hair back. Two out of three ain’t bad.
Jeers to ... a Bowieless world.
Cheers and Jeers
Cheers to ... a fresh start. New Year’s Day is a chance to reset our engines and plan out our goals from the upcoming year. Some people want to lose weight, master a skill or just be a better person, and while some goals may be unattainable, it’s still early enough to give us hope that we can achieve them.
Musical icon David Bowie died earlier this month at the age of 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer. The world mourned his loss, which was followed quickly by the death of Harry Potter’s Alan Rickman. It was too soon. May Bowie and Rickman rest in peace.
Cheers and Jeers is written by The Murray State News’ Graduate Assistant.
Jeers to ... Mother Nature.
Cheers to ... being reunited.
Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to ndixon1@murraystate.edu
Comic
During Winter Break, we were dealing with flooding, but Mother Nature has decided to throw another curveball. More than four inches of snow are expected to fall on the area. As usual, she’s shown us women do run the world.
Five weeks of Winter Break was great. We slept. We laughed. We traveled. We did all the things students do when they take a break from classes. However, nothing is better than being back at Murray State with some of our greatest friends at the “finest place we know.”
When I think of the future of this nation, I am certain about a few things that I believe need to be achieved. First, we need to take care of our incomprehensible (but very Mary Bradley real) amount Editor-in-Chief of debt. Second, there are glaring and deep-seated racial issues that have continued to this day. Third, and arguably the easiest to achieve of this list, is that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump cannot become President of the United States. Let me tell you why. As an average millennial, I am quite active on social media, which is perhaps one of the strongest tools a presidential candidate can use to reach people my age. Oftentimes, posts I see regarding Trump’s candidacy are not based on the sound policies he wants to enact. They are outcries against full frontal racism he shows toward Muslims and Mexicans. They are criticisms of a man whose responses to opposition often contain insults that are more commonly known than his political agenda. He, quite simply, is a disappointment to the great democratic experiment that is our nation. As someone who is polling the largest numbers of all Republican candidates, it is hard to me to imagine why someone of his character would be in the lead. But, when referring to point No. 1 on my list, we have a money problem to take care of and he’s making some promises. Within the last 10 years, the economy hasn’t been great. Actually, it’s been awful, which is why Trump’s biggest selling point is his economic plan. His plan is basically this, as reported by Politico Jan. 11: He relies on big import tariffs and mass deportations. On the surface, these plans look good to the average person. According to Politico, tariffs will come back to hurt U.S. citizens in the form of higher prices and deportation of 11 million undocumented workers would create a depression, along with lowering the nation’s gross domestic product. I will give him credit where credit is due. He sees an issue and he is proposing a plan to solve it. Additionally, Trump has proposed some massive tax cuts, which will bring taxes lower than they have been since the mid-1900s. But with tax cuts come spending cuts. According to money.cnn.com, Trump’s plan would require that “Just in 2025 alone, the Tax Policy Center estimates that federal spending would need to be cut by at least 20 percent. That would amount to more than 100 percent of defense spending or 82 percent of domestic program spending or 41 percent of Medicare and Social Security spending.” But perhaps another horror of Trump’s candidacy is the response from other nations. Let’s take the United Kingdom, for example. Hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition to ban Trump, which drew enough attention that just this week, the U.K. Parliament held a three-hour debate on whether to ban him. In other words, people and politicians who cannot vote in our election feel so strongly that he should not be our president that they quite literally want to stop him from ever coming on to their land. If one of our nation’s oldest allies is already saying, “No, thanks,” to someone who is only a candidate in a race that is months from the finish line, I think we need to take a step back and look at what is really happening. I am not demanding to know whom it is you want to vote for. I am not questioning your allegiance to one party or another. All I ask is one thing: don’t pick Trump. mbradley9@murraystate.edu
Animals > People
By Jade Simpson
The News
News
6A
January 21, 2016
University prepares for incoming weather
Kayla Harrell
News Editor
kharrell4@murraystate.edu
Before snow fell Tuesday night, Campus News sent out a weather procedures summary and President Bob Davies sent out a weather briefing to all students, faculty and staff Tuesday as weather reports suggested incoming snow. T h e r e p o r t i n c l u d e d three categories of inclement weather actions the campus would take if inclement weather is present within the region. The three categories are university weather advisory, university weather cancellation of classes and university campus closure. The university weather advisory is issued as a safety advisory, not a cancellation of classes or closure of campus, according to the Campus News email. The university weather cancellation of classes is issued as a cancellation or delayed starting time of classes. However, the campus will remain open, according to the email.
When the university campus closure is issued, all events will be canceled and facilities, except the residence halls and Winslow Dining Hall, will be closed, according to the Campus News. “The primary concern is the safety of our students, faculty and staff traveling to and from, and on, our campus,” Davies wrote in another email. Davies wrote that the decision will be communicated to students, faculty and staff as quickly as possible after the decision is made. “Please give us some time to get the word out and be assured we will do so as quickly as possible,” Davies wrote. Weather notifications will be communicated by all user email, the university Facebook account, the university Twitter account, Murray State’s home page and WKMS-FM, according to the Campus News. This notification will also be sent through the university’s mobile alerts. “Stay warm,” Davies wrote. “Please watch for the well-being of others and be safe.”
For weather updates, follow our social media accounts! Twitter: @murraystatenews Facebook: The Murray State News
Nicole Ely/The News
Facilities Management clears the snow for residents on campus during the 2015 snowstorm.
McKenna Dosier/The News
Murray State approves Delta Zeta addition Ashley Traylor
Contributing writer atraylor@murraystate.edu
Murray State announced that the Greek Life program is expanding in Fall 2016. Delta Zeta will be Murray State’s newest sorority, increasing the total number of sororities from five to six. Murray State began the extension exploratory process in 2011. Two years later, they received presentations from five sororities. Murray State chose three sororities to add to their Greek Life program, including Kappa Delta, which was re-established in 2013, Delta Zeta and Phi Mu. “The extension (invitation) and expansion (colonization) process for a campus is both long and extensive,” Evan Ditty, coordinator of Greek Life and student leadership programs, said. The Panhellenic Council must vote to open extension. If the vote is approved, then an exploratory and extension committee is formed. The purpose of this committee is to decide whether the university is ready for extension based on recruitment numbers, retention and university enroll-
ment. The National Panhellenic Conference must approve the university for extension. Once approved, all organizations without a chapter on campus are informed the university is open for extension. Interested chapters inform the National Panhellenic Conference, the exploratory and extension committee approve the organizations and the organizations will give presentations. The exploratory and extension committee will decide which organization will benefit the community the most. Once they decide on the organization expanding to the college campus, the committee creates an expansion schedule. A university must meet several requirements before it is approved to expand Greek Life programs. The statistics include: women participating in recruitment, retention of chapters, university enrollment and the number of women who participated in recruitment but did not receive a bid from a chapter. The highest number a chapter’s membership can reach is 140. Murray State is a small institution, so “by bringing in new organiza-
tions, it helps bring that number down over the course of time so that it is more reasonable,” Ditty said. Professional staff and leadership consultants from Delta Zeta’s headquarters will be heading Delta Zeta’s recruitment in the fall. Murray State does not have a minimum number of girls for Delta Zeta membership. Delta Zeta will make these goals, but they are unknown at this time. Alfa Lloyd, Mary Collins, Anna Keen, Julia Bishop, Mabelle Minton and Anne Simmons founded Delta Zeta on Oct. 24, 1902 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. There are 165 collegiate chapters in the United States and Canada all working together to raise money for Delta Zeta’s national philanthropy, speech and hearing. Throughout the spring semester at Murray State, representatives from Delta Zeta’s headquarters will be on campus to meet with different officers and student groups. Any questions regarding Delta Zeta should be directed to Evan Ditty, coordinator of Greek Life and student leadership programs.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Delta Zeta headquarters are located at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Beta Alpha Psi hosts volunteer income tax assistance service Tierra Reese
Contributing writer treese1@murraystate.edu
Beta Alpha Psi, a national honor society of accounting founded in 1919, is back with its traditional income tax services. States give their yearly volunteer tax services to students and community members, and Murray State is participating. In 2014, Beta Alpha Psi was unable to participate in the annual tax services due to the
death of Floyd Carpenter, an accounting tax professor and head adviser of the event. Ray Rodriguez has taken over for Carpenter and is carrying on the tradition for the 2015-16 year. Rodriguez, assistant professor in department of accounting, plans to attend the five dates of tax services as a supervisor but ultimately leaves everything in good hands of the volunteers. “I set them up for success, the students do everything,”
Rodriquez said. “I try to stay out of it and just watch.” Beta Alpha Psi’s IRS-certified volunteers are qualified to do federal and all state tax returns with no appointment necessary. There are three different levels of volunteers: basic volunteer prepare domestic tax returns, advanced volunteers perform domestic tax returns and review them and foreign volunteers prepare and review domestic and foreign tax return. Members are available for
these services on five dates: Feb. 19, March 4, March 11, April 1 and April 8. Beta Alpha Psi will host the services in the Business Building, from 12 to 4 p.m. in Room 353. “The IRS has a really structured training system which everybody has to go through,” Rodriguez said. “It doesn’t matter whether you have been volunteering for years or this is your first time, everybody must go through the training and testing.” Awards are given each year
from the International Honor Organization for financial information students and professionals, which the Epsilon Nu chapter was awarded for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) most outstanding chapter in 2014-15. “We’ve helped a lot of people and so there has been recognition with that when there was no other service available,” Rodriguez said. “In 2013, the organization did over 100 tax returns services and predict 2015’s tax returns
will double,” said Erika Brunson, Beta Alpha Psi’s president. Brunson said she hopes that this year the number will double because people will know more about their service and when it will be available. “My goal this year is for more people to trust that our volunteers are all IRS-certified and qualified to handle these tax services,” Brunson said. Hopefully, more people will show up at our set dates knowing that they are in good hands.”
January 21, 2016
Section B
The News
Sports
Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Assistant Sports Editor: Mark McFarland Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews
Jenny Rohl/The News
Racers fall flat Men’s basketball loses first two OVC road games
Kelsey Randolph || Sports Editor krandolph3@murraystate.edu
Finishing their first weekend on the road in the OVC, the men’s basketball team (2-3 in the OVC) left with two heartbreaking losses against Belmont 81-73 and Tennessee State 73-71. The team traveled to Nashville to take on the Bruins, who hold last year’s OVC Championship title. In the 2015 tournament finals, the Racers and Bruins were tied with three seconds left and the Bruins’ Craig Bradshaw, senior guard, banked a fadeaway three and took home the championship title. Returning to once again face the Bruins was a feat for the Racers and their fans. On Thursday, Jan. 14, the Bruins were true to their No. 1 name, making a 20-0 run and shooting 42 percent from the three-point line. Junior guard Bryce Jones shot a game high of 20 points and senior guard Wayne Langston managed eight rebounds, but also took six personal fouls. During the game, freshman forward Brion Sanchious came down from a layup, injuring his knee and limping out of the game. Racer Head Coach Matt McMahon said he
“Everyone is disappointed, but it is what it is. We didn’t get the job done this weekend, but we have to get back to work. We have to be extremely positive and we’ve got to be great teachers. We’ve got to use the film to study and learn and get better from it and we’ve got to do a great job on the practice floor to get the team better.”
–Matt McMahon Men’s Basketball Head Coach will have to rely on junior forward, A.J. Patty and other postplayers to help relieve the pressure on the team. He said the team will work on building depth and play a four-guard line up to provide opportunities to the post players to give up front depth. According to a statement released Tuesday by Murray State Athletics, Sanchious will miss the rest of the season because of a torn ACL in his right knee, McMahon announced after test results from an MRI on Monday. “I am disappointed for Brion and our team,” McMahon wrote. “However, Brion possesses
the character, work ethic and toughness it takes to come back from this injury. I’m extremely excited about his future at Murray State.” McMahon said Sanchious provided a start at defensive rebounding. He said he thought Sanchious did a good job of keeping pressure on Langston, but now it is time for the post players to come in offensively and help the team in any way possible. Going into the second road game of the conference, the Racers played in Gentry Center on Saturday, Jan. 16. With ten minutes left in the game, junior guard Damarcus Croaker
made a two-point layup that pushed the Racers into a tie. Pushing forward, the Racers made a 3-pointer, a few layups and some freethrows to take the lead. With 23 seconds left in the game, Jones made two free throws, tying the game. The Tigers’ redshirt junior guard, Tahjere McCall jumped for a two. Junior guard Justin Seymour tried to score with three seconds left, but the Racers lost at the Gentry Center for the first time since 2008. “I thought we had our opportunities to win a good fight,” McMahon said. “We did a good job building our way back in and built our lead. We had opportunities to extend the lead and we were unable to do so.” McMahon “Everyone is disappointed, but it is what it is,” McMahon said. “We didn’t get the job done this weekend but we have to get back to work. We have to be extremely positive and we’ve got to be great
see MEN’S, 2B
Women’s basketball begins with a win Racers start the OVC with two wins, drop against Jacksonville State Mark McFarland
Assistant Sports Editor mmcfarland1@murraystate.edu
Chalice Keith/The News
WITHROW INVITATIONAL: Barbara Schläpfer, freshman from Gais, Switzerland kneels during a fall match at home. The Racers host the University of Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Tennessee State, Nebraska, Memphis, Ole Miss and UT Martin in the Withrow Invitational on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range. See page 3B for a full story.
WHAT’S
INSIDE
The Murray State women’s basketball team started off the conference season over break going 2-1 playing close games. The Racers started off their conference schedule at home with games against Morehead State, where they won 83-79, Tennessee Tech, winning 56-50 and Jacksonville State, losing 71-74. Sophomore forward and guard Ke’Shunan James, finished the game with a double-double, scoring 32 points and 12 rebounds. Followed by senior forwards, Kyra Gulledge and Bianca Babic, scoring 14 points each, and Gulledge coming through with 13 rebounds to cap off her double-double, in the Morehead game. Murray State was able to put together a good second quarter outscoring the Golden Eagles 17-7. James again led the Racers with 19 points and was followed by junior guard LeAsia Wright with 15 points of her own. Jacksonville State was able to get the best of the Racers after the lead changed 11 times and was tied eight different
times. James and Wright led the team in scoring for the second straight game with 26 and 18 points each respectively. Murray State then traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to play Belmont and Tennessee State losing both games 87-61 and 69-58. Offensively, the Racers could not finish as James scored a combined 11 points in the two games, and the team shot 31 percent both games. Head coach Rob Cross said shooting 31 percent against Tennessee State, makes it tough to beat the defending conference champions. “The energy on the defensive end is predicated on whether y o u ’ r e making shots,” Cross said. Cross “And that is really what happened.” In both games the Racers got down quick as Belmont jumped out to an early 17-0 lead in the first quarter and
Tennessee State scored the first 15 points of the game. Wright led the Racers against Belmont with 13 points and senior forward Jashae Lee led with 15 points at Tennessee State. Cross is happy with how his team was able to battle back from a 15-0 deficit to start the game. “We need to play 40 minutes, we played 35 minutes against Tennessee State,” Cross said. “We did a nice job after the big deficit. We came back and took a lead at the end of the third quarter and it felt like we were fatigued and worn out.” Murray State defensively has let its opponents score 1,146 points and have let them shoot 71.6 percent. The Racers have scored 1,080 while shooting 67.5 percent on the year. Cross has related the defensive issues to the offensive end not producing enough energy and not making the easy shots early. “That second unit went in [Tennessee State] and did a really nice job playing with energy, got some baskets in transitions and made a couple
see WOMEN’S, 2B
RACER TENNIS
TRACK FIELD
MUSIC REVIEWS
DANCE COMPANY
Men and women’s tennis outlined for the season, 3B
Racers race back from the Comodor Invitational, 4B
Catch up with Panic! at the Disco, 5B
Detailing the ins and outs of student organizations, 6B
The News
Sports
2B
WOMEN’S
MEN’S From Page 1
From Page 1
teachers. We’ve got to use the film to study and learn and get better from and we’ve got to do a great job on the practice floor to get the team better.” The Racers return home to host the Eastern Illinois Panthers (3-3 in the OVC and 6-12 overall) at 7 p.m. on Thursday and the Southern Illinois Edwardsville Cougars (1-5 in the OVC and 4-14 overall) at 7 p.m. on Saturday. McMahon said the Panthers have a lot of firepower coming off of a winning weekend and he expects the Racers will have to fight hard. “We’re excited about the semester starting and students coming back in,” McMahon said. “It’s always tough playing those big games without the student fans. We look forward to getting them back to the bank.”
of shots and we fed off that,” he said. “And then look at the stats sheet and you shoot 31
January 21, 2016 percent–that’s going to be awfully tough to win a game on the road. That has to be better, but that should not affect our defense like it did at the begging of the game.” Murray State returns home for a conference game against
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Saturday, Jan. 23. This will be the first game they have at home starting off the new semester. Cross said they are looking forward to getting back in front of the home crowd.
Kalli Bubb/The News
SALUKI LOSS: (Above) Damarcus Croaker, junior guard, jumps for a layup during their Dec. 18, 2015 game against the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Saluki’s. (Below) Senior forward Jeffrey Moss comes down from a dunk during their game against the Saluki’s.
Jenny Rohl/The News
TOUGH OUTLOOK: (Left) Senior forward and guard Jashae Lee attempts a layup during their December 2 game against the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Salukis. The Racers lost 7057. (Below) Head Coach Rob Cross talks to the team at halftime about increasing team morale during their game against the Salukis.
What you missed over break Winning games, dropping the ball and competing on an Olympic level – the Racers weren’t just binging Netflix over Winter Break. December 14 Rifle athletes show
Olympic strength
Several members of the Rifle team had strong points to show from the 2015 Winter Airgun Championships/2016 Olympic Team Trials part I in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ivan Roe, sophomore from Manhattan, Montana, Ben Estes, sophomore from Ozark, Missouri, MacKenzie Martin freshman from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and Alathea Sellars freshman from Puryear, Tennessee advanced to the final event, but Roe led the squad and finished the trials third.
January 2
Two Racers score doubledoubles
Sophomore forward and guard Ke’Shunan James of the women’s basketball team finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while senior forward LeAsia Wright finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds. James also led the Racers with 19 points.
January 7
Football player arrested for burglary and loitering
Junior running back Roman Clay was arrested at his Pennsylvania home on January 7. Clay was charged with five counts of felony burglary and an additional count of loitering and prowling at night, according to Fox43 News. In a statement by Murray State Athletics, Clay has been suspended from the team.
former Racer staff member
Racers start 2-0 in conference play
The men’s basketball team topped triple points against Brescia on December 30 in the CFSB Center, winning 101-75. After playing on a five-game losing streak, the Racers banked their second triple-digit score this season. The win over the Bearcats marks the fourth time the Racers have played.
The women’s basketball team won 83-79 against Morehead State and 56-50 against Tennessee Tech. Murray State’s senior forward Kyra Gulledge and sophomore forward and guard Ke’Shunan James finish with a double in the game against Morehead.
December 30 Triple digit win against
Don’t miss the next games! When: 7 p.m. Thursday Who: Eastern Illinois University Where: CFSB Center When: 7 p.m. Saturday Who: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Where: CFSB Center
Follow our live tweets and send us your photos!
@MSUSportsNews
January 2-7
January 2
Men win opener
conference
For the eighth-straight year, the Racers won the OVC opening game 62-57, this time against the Morehead State Eagles on January 2. The game was truly back and forth with 15 changes in the lead and 13 ties between the two teams.
January 14
Face off between Racers and Bruins
Taking on the Belmont Bruins and last year’s OVC Championship title holders on Jan. 14, the men’s basketball team came head-to-head with the No. 1 team picks in the OVC East. The Racers lost 81-73 after a stalling second half. Freshman forward Brion Sanchious took a fall and senior forward Wayne Langston took six personal fouls.
The News
Sports
January 21, 2016
3B
Rifle continues hot streak Staff Report The long Winter Break didn’t cool off the barrels of the Murray State Rifle Team. They came away victories in a tri-match with No. 8 Nebraska and No. 16 Mississippi Saturday at the Patricia C. Lamar National Guard Readiness Center in Oxford, Mississippi. The No. 2 ranked Racers finished with a score of 4687 to edge Nebraska’s final score of 4672. The Rebels came in a close third with 4593 points. The Racers scored 2319 in smallbore and 2368 in air rifle. “We’ve had one match and I thought they did a good job,” said Head C o a c h Alan Lollar. “We’re back to work and some of it wasn’t our best and some of it wasn’t our Lollar worst. It was normal for the holidays.” Murray State’s Ivan Roe, sophomore from Manhattan, Montana, paced the Racers with 581 points in smallbore and a score of 595 in air rifle. His 595 points tied his career high. Roe’s total of 1176 was the high score for the day. Roe wasn’t the only Racer setting personal records in the win as Alathea Sellars, fresh-
man from Puryear, Tennessee, had a career-high 583 in smallbore and 590 in air rifle for an aggregate score of 1173. “Ivan has been doing a great job,” said Head Coach Alan Lollar. Roe will be in Europe competing with the USA Shooting team for about a week, according to Lollar. MacKenzie Martin, freshman from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, took second behind Roe with a final score of 1175. Tessa Howald, senior from Ozark, Missouri, scored 1169 and Barbara Schlapfer, freshman from Gais, Switzerland, finished at 1167. Ben Estes, sophomore from Ozark, Missouri, finished with 1160 and Robert Broadstreet, sophomore from Ozark, Missouri scored 569 in smallbore and 586 in air rifle with a score of 1155. Lollar said he looks for consistency in every match. He looks for the athletes to shoot they way they train every day. “I expect that they are shooting the best shot they can shoot,” Lollar said. “The only people they can be is their own best. That’s what we always expect from each of them and that doesn’t ever change.” Murray State returns home at 9 a.m. Saturday for the 2016 Withrow Invitational at the Pat Spurgin Rifle Range. Junior shooters will be in attendance along with University of
McKenna Dosier/The News
Two members of the shooting team at practice. The team returns to Murray for a tournament Jan. 23.
Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Tennessee State, Nebraska, Memphis, Ole Miss and UT Martin. Entering the rest of the season, Lollar said his biggest goal is to simply shoot the way they do in practice. “I am happy if we can shoot matches the way we train,”
Lollar said. “If we train at the level we can meet then we can carry it into matches. We can’t stop another team but they can’t stop us from shooting good. If we can train well enough and carry that into a match I can’t ask for anything better if they can do in a match what they do in practice.”
Tennis prepares for spring season John Morris || Staff writer jmorris36@murraystate.edu
Sarah Combs
Contributing writer scombs4@murraystate.edu
Men and women’s tennis return for their spring season with challenges for both teams. Coming off of a losing season, the men’s team looks to compete for more power. Coming back from an OVC championship, the women’s team looks to repeat another win after losing a few players to transfer and graduation.
USTA/ITA Regional Championships October 15-19 in Knoxville, Tennessee. They competed but ultimately fell short in their matches. The Racers men’s team will return to play Jan. 22 when they take on Lipscomb in Nashville, Tennessee. WOMEN’S TENNIS Women’s Tennis Head Coach, Jorge Caetano expects big things because of the teams successful season last year and their stackup of talented players. While other students were able to enjoy some time off and holidays with family, the Racers were making last minute improvements before their season opener on Jan. 29. “These girls have a lot of passion for the game of tennis so we talked about what they should work on while they are home,” Caetano said. “Coach David Land, strength and conditioning coach, gave them a package with the different workouts they must do every day over the break and they always do a great job in following it and coming back in great shape so we don’t miss a beat in our preparation for OVC.” Between the hard work and
preparation, the team still emphasizes enjoying their sport. Caetano said they or able to have fun in practices while still working hard. He said it’s more of a journey to continue getting better in order to achieve their goals. He also said the five new girls assimilated quickly. After returning only half of their team from the previous year one of their keys for success will be adjusting their freshmen early in the season to
Patton, senior from Memphis, Tennessee; Suzaan Stoltz senior from Brisbane, Australia, and Megan Blue, senior from Mississauga, Ontario. Combining their hard work and love for the sport, they provide a great experience for the spectator, said Caetano. “The girls love to compete and they play with a lot of energy and passion,” Caetano said, “Always giving 100 percent on the court so the fans can expect a talented young group
Marky Mark Talks Back
Stan Kroenke Sucks The NFL and the now Los Ang e l e s R a m s owner S t a n Kroenke decided last week to move Mark McFarland the St. L o u i s Assistant Sports Rams to Editor Los Angeles. A bigger and better market happened to be one of the main reasons for the move. That same “bigger and better” of Los Angeles in 1994 had more than 80 percent of the stadium empty for its last season opener. A “bigger and better” market where only 100 fans showed up to the teams first official press conference since having the team back. In 1995, the press conference in St. Louis had more than 3,500 fans to welcome the Rams. Kroenke, a billionaire, married into the Walton family, creators of Walmart and Sam’s Club, and is set for life. He has not needed to work for anything since being married, yet it never seems to be enough. Kroenke has enough money that he either owns or partially owns the Los Angeles Rams, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids and Arsenal Football Club in England. This seems to be a bit excessive for someone who is already rich. In 1995, Kroenke helped bring the Rams from Los Angeles to St. Louis, saying “St. Louis deserves a football team,” leading the fans to believe that St. Louis would have them forever. He then took over as the sole owner of the Rams in 2010, after Georgia Frontiere died in 2008. Six years later he moved the Rams back to Los Angeles, the city the Rams left to go 21 years earlier. Sports fans in St. Louis are furious. Furious would be an understatement-sports fans in St. Louis are livid. Days after the news, the St. Louis Blues arena erupted in a “Kroenke sucks” chant. All season long Rams fans held signs at home and at road games begging and pleading for the NFL and Kroenke to have a heart and stop worrying about money and keep the team where it needs to be. Kroenke not only ripped Rams fan in his proposal to the NFL, but the city of St. Louis. The entire city that has been there and supported a team that has quite frankly sucked for most of its 21 years in the city. Back in the day, even the Rams enjoyed success in St. Louis. The Greatest Show on Turf had players like Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Marshall Faulk and Orlando Pace, plus plenty more. They won two NFC championships and a Super
Bowl in 2000. Kroenke then has the guts to say, “St. Louis can’t support three professional teams,” and “Economically St. Louis is hurting.” How can he say they can’t support three teams? The city was able to do it for 21 years. The St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues all would partner with the Rams and all three teams would go out in the community to make St. Louis better. In fact, St. Louis is actually not hurting as bad as Kroenke makes it sound. In a letter to the NFL, St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay displayed his frustrations with the decision and wrote, “St. Louis hosts 19 Fortune 500 companies’ headquarters here.” That’s right, there are 19 of some of the best and biggest companies in the United States that want their headquarters in St. Louis. Why would they want them in a city that is hurting economically? Back to Kroenke. Remember when he said “St. Louis deserves football?” In the official press conference after the deal was made to move the team to Los Angeles, he said the Rams organization and he himself had been working on a plan to move to Los Angeles since 2002. That is just appalling to people in St. Louis. St. Louisans might not have gone to every home game or a lot of home games but most St. Louis TVs were tuned to the Rams almost every Sunday to watch their team lose yet another game. The passion and drive the fans have or had is almost matched by other big market teams. Many people in St. Louis are so outraged with Kroenke and the NFL that some are saying they will not give another penny to the NFL, period. Many are saying they are done shopping at Walmart. Anger and disappointment are words that describe some fans in St. Louis, but there are stronger words to describe the majority of Rams fans. Many have grown up with season tickets in their families, going to games almost every Sunday. Others grew up going to the Edward Jones Dome to try and buy tickets the day of the game. St. Louis wants the NFL to know, and so does Mayor Slay, that the city does not want another team from the NFL in St. Louis. The city feels abandoned and misled. Trying to make money is one thing, but being greedy when an organization like the NFL already has plenty of money is sad and quite frankly something the city does not want to support. The tears that have been shed in the last week in St. Louis are not just tears of sadness, but tears of pure outrage. Kroenke is not welcome in St. Louis, and if he does decide to visit he will most likely do it with a full security detail because of the way he treated the beautiful city.
gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org “ s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org gTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org s.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.orgTheNews.org MEN’S TENNIS The Racers tennis team looks toward to a fresh start this weekend to open the season. The Racers had a total of one win and 17 losses in their last season that one win being over Tennessee State in the 2014-2015 season. They look to improve on that performance in 2016. The men’s tennis team competed at the Louisville Invitational Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. They showed competitive drive in their matches but could not get the win. Murray State men’s tennis opened up fall play at the 2015
These girls have a lot of passion for the game of tennis so we talked about what they should work on when they are home.
”
- Jorge Caetano, Women’s tennis head coach
perform to their potential. “I think our biggest challenge is the fact that we have a group of four incoming freshmen so we will have to find a way to get in our comfort zone during the matches so they can play to their full potential,” Caetano said. Six out of the eight players on the team are international students. Returning from last season’s team is Alina Schibol, junior from Hamburg, Germany; Erin
of girls who are very focused and determined to win the third consecutive OVC title.” Although there are some good-looking teams this year, like Eastern Kentucky, Southern Illinois, and UT Martin, Caetano said he is still confident in his team’s ability to perform this season and is preparing to bring home another OVC title. The Racers will be opening their season against the University of Evansville on Jan. 29 at Kenlake State Park.
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Track competes well in Vanderbilt Invitational during break John Morris || Staff writer jmorris36@murraystate.edu
Murray State track and field tested its horsepower against a variety of competition over winter break. The team competed at the Commodore Invite in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday and a variety of competition at Vanderbilt on January 15-16, 2016. Murray State was led by the freshmen and imSwieton provement by the upperclassmen, when the Racers competed in the Vanderbilt Invitational last year. “It was a very similar meet. It is just nice to compete a little closer to home,” Head
Coach Jenny Swieton said. Swieton expressed that she was pleased with where the team seems to be at this point in the season. “We are in a good place, there is still work to do but I am happy with where we are starting from,” Swieton said. The Racers made some positive strides with the upperclassmen meeting and besting some personal records and the freshman starting off well. The Racers strong weekend had some stand out moments and good results to build on. “The group that ran the 200 meter did very well,” Swieton said. “Tamdra Lawrence had a really good meet,” Sweiton said. “The 4x800 [meter] and Brittany Bohn also had a good start.” Freshman sprinter, Tamdra Lawrence led the Racers in the 60 meter as she finished in seventh with a time
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Taylor McCammon, sophomore hurdler and jumper hurdles in practice. of 7.63 seconds. Sophomore jumper and hurdler, Taylor McCammon ran a season best 7.93 seconds. Sophomore sprinter, Deja Rodgers finished with a time of 7.98 seconds. Freshman sprinter, hurdler and jumper Jabreuna Brimlett finished her race 8.04 seconds in the 60 meter. In the 400 meter, freshman sprinter and hurdler, Jocelyn Payne 1:00, sophomore
sprinter, Anna Curlin 1:00 minute and junior sprinter and hurdler Taylor Adcock set a season-best time in the event by finishing 1:01. In the 800 meter junior Tia Weston finished with a time of 2:21. Senior distance runner, Kimmy Siebert finished with a season-best time of 2:43. In the mile run, senior distance runner Brittany Bohn
led the Racers as she finished tenth with a time of 5:03. Senior distance runner, Ali Hester (5:09) and junior mid distance runner, Emily Evans (5:52) ran season-best times in the event. Freshman distance runner Ida Mutai set a personal record as she ran 5:30. Freshman high jumper Aubrey Main competed in the high jump. She cleared 1.56 meters (5’1.25”). Freshman thrower Christina Meinhardt competed in the shot put. Meinhardt finished twelfth with a throw of 11.00 meters (36’ 1.25”). Sophomore thrower Darcy Sullivan also competed in the shot put, throwing 8.74m (28’ 8.25”). The Racers had two teams compete in the 4x400 meter relay. The team, made up of Payne, Lawrence, Brimlett, and Curlin, finished with a time of 4:01. The team composed of junior sprinter
Victoria Yocum, Adcock, Weston and Rodgers finished with a time of 4:08. Swieton also noted that focus and teamwork were key for future success. She wants the team to do the little things that it takes to be great. Overall, Swieton thought it was a good weekend for her team, especially for the freshmen. “They look good; you never know how freshmen will handle the competition but they did well. We are trying to get fit for OVC,” Swieton said. After running with the variety of competition the Racers will be back in familiar territory in the next meet. The Racers will be in OVC territory in their next meet on Jan. 22-23 at Eastern Illinois. The Racers will be back in action Friday at the John Craft Invite in Charleston, Illinois.
The News’ pick of the week - Basketball Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor Tyler Dixon Graduate Assistant Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief Mark McFarland Assistant Sports Editor Dave Gesler Associate Professor
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Features Editor: Connor Jaschen Assistant Features Editor: Gisselle Hernandez Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures
Spring semester looking forward Gisselle Hernandez || Assistant Features Editor ghernandez1@murraystate.edu
After a five-week-long Winter Break, an agenda brimming with events awaits Murray State students this semester. For the next several months, the university has planned musical, theatrical and entertaining functions where students have an opportunity to take a break from studying.
Miss MSU SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT The Annual Miss Murray State University Scholarship Pageant is a contest that has been around since the 1970s and allows young, scholarly women to represent their university. Last year, Tanelle Smith, sophomore from Henderson, Kentucky, was crowned queen. On April 9, Smith gets to walk across the stage of Lovett Auditorium to crown the queen of this year’s Miss MSU Scholarship Pageant. The theme of last year’s pageant was “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” with the 15 contestants dressed in pearls and black dresses.
Campus Lights: “HAIRSPRAY The Broadway Musical”
After interviewing an ample amount of young women, this year’s contestants have been narrowed down to another 15 women. The women will undergo three stages in the selection of the final five contestants: the five-minute interview (held earlier in the day), the stage interview and the evening gown. The final five contestants will strut their final runway walk as the judges’ scores are calculated to crown this year’s winner. The pageant will take place at at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9 in Lovett Auditorium with presale tickets costing $7.
To kick off the semester, one of the bigger events the university has planned for returning students and newcomers is the annual student-produced and performed musical, Campus Lights. Members of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Sigma Alpha Iota will be hosting the 79th Annual Campus Lights production at Lovett Auditorium from Jan. 22-24. This year’s Campus Lights’ performance, “HAIRSPRAY The Broadway Musical,” is based on the 1988 John Wa-
All Campus Sing At Murray State, spring semester is where many students take the opportunity to unmask their vocal talent and flaunt their moves on the historic steps of Lovett Auditorium. For 57 years, despite inclement weather, thousands of students have participated in one of the most anticipated events at Murray State: All Campus Sing. The singing competition was first organized by Sigma Alpha Iota, the Iota Beta chapter, in 1958 and has since been a tradition at Murray State that allows Greek organizations, residential colleges and student organizations to compete for a number of awards. Award categories include Residential Colleges, Independent and Professional Or-
ganization, Panhellenic and NPHC Sororities, IFC and NPHC Fraternities and Instrument Drive/Spirit Award. Last year’s All Campus Sing estimated 1,000 spectators huddled under umbrellas, raincoats and tarps at the Quad. This year, in case of rain the event will be held inside Lovett on the choir risers. However, rain or shine, students seemed to enjoy the president getting pied in the face and a cat being lifted into the air to imitate Simba, two of the many highlights in last year’s All Campus Sing. For this year’s show, students can attend the 58th Annual All Campus Sing on the steps of Lovett Auditorium at 3 p.m. April 13.
ters film “Hairspray.” Alan Saltzman, chair of this year’s Campus Lights, said “Hairspray” was chosen because the show is well-known and also focuses on a central theme of desegregation. “This year is the 60th anniversary of desegregation on Murray State’s campus,” Saltzman said. “We found it very fitting to present this show in 2016.” The melodic tradition has been held at Murray State since 1938, and this year’s show has a larger cast than in
previous years. It will also be the first year the production will use the newly-renovated lighting system in Lovett, so audience members can expect a more intense color scheme on stage, Saltzman said. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $7 for children under 12. A portion of the proceeds raised will contribute to two music scholarships. The show will run from Friday, Jan. 22 and Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m.
All Majors Career Fair While some events might allow students to take a break from academics, one of them, the Annual All Majors Career Fair, allows students to network with potential employers for a future career or an internship with participating organizations. This year’s All Majors Career Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2. in the Curris Center. The university hosts more than one Career Fair a semester, but the All Majors Career Fair caters to students in the following disciplines: Business, Education,
Human Services, Humanities and Fine Arts. Both students and alumni are invited to attend. This year’s participating organizations include Heritage Bank, Pella Corporation Murray-Calloway County Hospital and Lincoln Memorial University, among others. Career Services lists tips for the required business professional attire, resumé and on how to successfully navigate Career Fair at their website, www.murraystate.edu/headermenu/ Offices/CareerServices/.
Panic! At The Disco’s new album Music comes to outshines the band’s previous work lighten up Murray State with Campus Lights
Nick Erickson Staff writer
nerickson@murraystate.edu
Even if it’s not their forte, it would be safe to say that most people with Internet access have stumbled upon four words: Panic! At The Disco. The indie-pop veterans, whose name is more often abbreviated as “P!ATD,” have been a big deal to millions of young adults and teens since their debut album hit shelves in 2005, “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out,” which is still the band’s best charting record. Known for immense vocal acrobatics, dramatic lyrics and overall theatrical approach to modern music, it’s no surprise they are as successful as they’ve become. P!ATD’s newest release has just been unveiled to the masses this January, “Death of a Bachelor,” and it’s bound to turn the heads of all types of music listeners. Ten years have passed since their debut album. Some things have changed, while others have only been improved upon greatly. The improved songwriting on this
Craig Taylor
Contributing writer jtaylor6@murraystate.edu
Photo courtesy of consequenceofsound.net
record is the most noticeable it’s ever been. While always having been the primary songwriter, the charismatic front man Brandon Urie has proven to be a jack-of-all trades, as he is now the sole member of P!ATD, albeit with a group of other musicians for live performances. Urie unleashes his talent through every instrument he can get his hands on with “Death Of A Bachelor.” Each song channels a different vibe. From full brass ensembles to the tinkling of pianos and Hammond organs to synthetic drum kits, this album screams “creativity” and seamlessly hops and mashes up a variety of genres. Lead single from the album, “Hallelujah,” tackles religion and taking responsibility for your own actions, and the mood is set by none other than a church choir, which fills out the atmosphere of the track and makes listeners feel as if Urie was performing for them at their local chapel. Sampling from the main gui-
tar riff from the B52’s 1970s hit “Rock Lobster,” Urie unleashes melodies to hook everyone with pounding drums and feel-good lyrics on “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time.” As he sings of roaming the town one night and having too much to drink, one could only put themselves in Urie’s shoes as they sing along. On the title track “Death of a Bachelor,” Urie channels his inner Sinatra, singing low over some delicate, synthesized chords, only to take a 180 during the choruses and display his mesmerizing vocal range and his tasteful use of falsetto. The piano-driven ballad “Impossible Year” could very well be a lost Queen track, where Urie puts on a oneman show behind the ivories and a microphone, which would have made Freddy Mercury proud. “LA Devote” features bass grooves and silky vocals and a surprising key change toward the later half that catches the attention of all ears. Coupled with a very dramatic and artsy music video
that shows Urie’s descent into the underworld and a transformation from a demon to an angel, the single “Emperor’s New Clothes” is arguably the strongest track on the entire record. This track showcases just how wide Urie’s vocal range truly is, and with backing chants and orchestra, this track feels like it could come right out of a horror movie soundtrack. Previous fans of P!ATD from their 2005 beginnings are bound to love this album to no end or at least until Urie composes his next work. Those who have never listened to them before will find that there is truly something for everyone to be found in this album. It’s inevitable that the band would progress over time, and within just 11 tracks, Urie shows that he can handle all responsibilities on his own and make the most explosive record of his career. “Death of a Bachelor” masses all sorts of influences of Urie’s and touches on every variation of hip hop, pop, and rock known to man. Prepare to be impressed.
Campus Lights is a student-run organization of members from Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Sigma Alpha Iota that produces a musical each year to raise money for scholarships for music students at Murray State. This year is the 79th year, making Campus Lights the longest-running student-produced and performed musical in the south. Campus Lights is one of the many traditions here at Murray State, but what really goes into the whole production to make it such a big tradition? Mallory Priddy, senior from Russellville, Kentucky, is a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota and serves as the treasurer for Campus Lights. “The Gamma Delta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia founded Campus Lights in 1938. The show originated as a fundraiser to pay for the fraternity’s charter,” Priddy said. “During World War II, the sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota stepped in to help the continuation of Campus Lights and renamed Campus Lights to Campus Dim-Out, while the brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia were serving our country.” She said after returning from the war, both organizations decided to rename the organization Campus Lights and to partner to keep the tradition going here at Murray State. The process of producing such shows for Campus Lights is quite lengthy and is all started in the spring semester of each year. Members of both organizations, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Sigma Alpha Iota, can serve
on the Board of Producers. “The Board of Producers are the people who handle the logistics and the pre-planning for Campus Lights,” Priddy said. “Each year we decide on different shows and finalize the show ideas down to five and present them to each organization.” “There’s actually a lot of planning that goes into producing such productions that we perform,” Priddy said. “We have literally three weeks to build the sets, have the cast memorize their lines and songs, gather tickets and publicize before opening night.” Campus Lights has many different supporters through alumni, departments and offices. “We honestly couldn’t keep doing what we’re doing if it wasn’t for all of the supporters,” Priddy said. “We have the Office of Development, Student Affairs, Alumni Student Association and many other great supporters that help the funding and the life of Campus Lights, and we’re super grateful for them.” “This year is the 79th year for Campus Lights and we’re excited to announce that Campus Lights will be presenting ‘HAIRSPRAY The Broadway Musical.’” Priddy said, “This year is also very special to Murray State because it’s the 60th anniversary of integration on Murray State’s campus.” This year’s production of “HAIRSPRAY The Broadway Musical” will be held between Jan. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $7 for children. For ticket reservations, visit campuslights.org.
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The dangers of hoverboards have become apparent after several explosive incidents.
Hoverboards now banned on campus because of fires
have received national attention, there are serious hazards to the body as well. He said they have contracts with hospitals that give them real time data on incidents and have received reports of bodily injuries sustained from hoverboard accidents. “Some of these injuries have been serious,” he said, “including concussions, fractures, contusions or abrasions and internal organ injuries.” While people continued to buy hoverboards over the holiday season, many universities have released bans on them. College USA TODAY released a list of universities with total and partial bans on hoverboards Jan. 9. In total, more than 30 universities nationwide have issued a total or partial ban on hoverboards. The list of partial bans includes the University of Arkansas, Louisiana State and others. The list of total bans included American University, Boston College, University of Evansville, University of Kentucky and as of Jan. 17, Murray State. In a statement sent to the university community, Murray State announced their ban on hoverboards. The ban is effective immediately, but is temporary, the email stated. The ban prohibits use, possession, storage and charging of hoverboards in any campus building at the Murray State campus and regional campus locations. To put this all in perspective, the United Kingdom’s National Trading Standards reports over 500,000 hoverboards bought throughout December, and nearly 15,000 have been seized due to violations in fire safety codes. According to the email, “The ban will remain in effect until more information and better safety standards exist for all models of the equipment.”
Brianna Willis || Staff writer bwillis2@murraystate.edu
In September 2015, CNN iReport
published a story titled “Hoverboards are the Hot New Trend of 2015.” In the months following, many celebrities such as Justin Bieber, who is credited as the initiator of the trend, Wiz Khalifa, Jamie Foxx and others were photographed riding on these new inventions. Many even made note of hoverboards becoming a reality in the year 2015 as seen in “Back to the Future II,” despite not exactly being what the movie envisioned. Hoverboards, as they are commonly referred to, do not actually hover. The technical term is “self-balancing electric scooter.” They have a technology similar to segways, but these scooters have no handle attached and rely on the balance of the user. What started as a trend of technological advancements has now turned into one of safety concern. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, released a statement regarding safety concerns about fire incidents. Chairman Elliot Kaye of the CPSC released an official statement that expressed his concern about the lack of safety standards placed on hoverboards. “Retailers should always be asking their suppliers if there is an applicable safety standard in place before agreeing to sell those products,” Kaye said. “The absence of any standard should cause retailers to require extra proof of sound design, manufacturing and quality control processes.” This statement came after several reports to the CPSC, as well as cases across the country of hoverboards catching fire. Kaye wrote that while the fire hazards of the hoverboards
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Sarah Showalter, president of the Murray State Dance Company, organizes the dance company’s practices and showcases.
Dance company plans for spring show Monika Staszscak || Staff writer mstaszscak@murraystate.edu
Student-run organizations, such as the Murray State Dance Company, face many hardships to exist on a campus, where every year they battle for space and resources. This dance team operating at Murray State gives students and alumni an opportunity to express themselves through dance. Founded in 2008, the company is an alternative for students after the dance minor was removed from the curriculum at Murray State. Even though it is fully student-run and operated, the company is not recognized by Murray State as an official student organization. Students who run the organization have to fight many battles and sacrifice much to keep this dance team going. A lot more goes into organizing a performance than an average audience member realizes, and organizing it all as a fulltime student can be a struggle. Everything starts with recruiting team members. Auditions are held every September and all Murray Student students and alumni are welcome on the team. One can audition to be in many different dance style teams, such as modern, African, jazz, contemporary, kick, Bollywood, hip hop and ballet. The end goal for the dance team is the end of the year showcase, the final performance, where the team presents what they have achieved throughout the year. This year the show is on April 23-24 in the Robert E. Johnson Theatre on campus. “It’s what all of our effort goes
toward for one payoff at the end of the year,” said Sarah Showalter, the Murray State Dance Company president. Profits from the show are important for the team, since that is how they fund the costumes, dance shoes, tights, rent and workers for next year’s show, Showalter said. “It’s really rewarding to see peers getting along and learning from one another and building a relationship through the dances,” she said. Angelica Aconfora is a former member and president of the dance team, and although she graduated in December, she is still acting as president and fights for the dance company. When she joined the team, it only consisted of 15 members – now it has 28. As president, Aconfora said she worked on expanding the company and building a good relationship with the Murray State faculty and staff. She put a lot of effort and her personal time into the company to keep it afloat and make the showcase happen. “We give students a family and a place to freely explore their abilities” Aconfora said. In order to be able to operate on campus, the company has to endure many difficulties. Just to schedule rehearsals in the Carr Health Dance Studio, they have to go through a month-long process before the season starts. This process entails emailing their staff and signing up for approved time slots on an online form system, Aconfora said. It is the same difficult and time-consuming process every
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year, even though the dance company has been using the same dance studio since its founding in 2008, Aconfora said. Scheduling the spring showcase in the Johnson Theatre is even more difficult. Heidi Ortega, the company’s adviser assists with this process, Aconfora said. “Johnson Theatre is the only theatre on campus equipped properly for our show and we love the space,” Aconfora said. To use the theater, they have to work around all the Murray State theatre productions. After scheduling the performance, the company has to hire Murray State approved theater students familiar with Johnson Theatre to run the lights and sound for the show, Aconfora said. Other options on campus could be the Curris Center ballroom or Lovett Auditorium, but both cost hundreds of dollars a day to use, not including hiring a technical crew, all of which the company cannot afford, Aconfora said. To help with the financial side, the company gets involved on campus. They have volunteered at the CFSB center for cleanup after games. They hope to be able to apply for scholarship money so the company has financial freedom to actually utilize what the campus has to offer, Aconfora said. “We have been waiting for the day that the Murray State Dance Company is recognized by Murray State in terms of what we do and our mission to incorporate all people of all dance experience and give them the opportunity to express themselves,” Aconfora said.
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#ThingsThatShouldBeIllegal Auto DMing. If I was going to follow you on InstaGram or download your mixtape before I’m not going to now 7:05 pm 18 Jan 2016
Harry Cook
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@CalebHowe #ThingsThatShouldBeIllegal Using the phrase “this is why we can’t have nice things.” 8:54 pm 19 Jan 2016
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Photo courtesy of screenrant.com
Natalie Dormer’s acting as Sara in”The Forest” makes the supposed horror film worth a watch.
Promising “horror” plot proves anticlimactic, lacking in terror Adam Winn || Staff writer awinn@murraystate.edu
Photo courtesy of www.latimes.com
Jada Pinkett Smith Boycotts Oscars Actress Jada Pinkett Smith announced on Monday that she is going to be boycotting this year’s Academy Awards because of a lack of diversity among the nominees. Pinkett Smith, whose husband, actor Will Smith was considered for a role but not nominated, shared in a Facebook video that she will also not be watching the Oscars. “Begging for acknowledgment, or even asking, diminishes dignity and diminishes power. And we are a dignified people, and we are powerful,” she said. “So, let’s let the Academy do them with all grace and love. And let’s do us differently.”
To start off the new year, most moviegoers go into theaters with the hopes of seeing a great film, and while there may be quite a few of them out right now, the newly-released horror film “The Forest” is not among them. The film is about a woman named Sara (Natalie Dormer) who travels alone to Japan to search for her missing identical twin sister, Jess. Sara soon discovers her sister was last seen entering Aokigahara, a forest located at the base of Mount Fuji that is famously nicknamed the “Suicide Forest” because it’s a place where countless people have gone to kill themselves. During Sara’s search, she decides that she will have to go into the forest herself to find her sister, fearing that if she doesn’t, something bad will happen to her. At a nearby hotel, she runs into a man named Aiden (Taylor Kinney) who is a journalist and is writing a story on the forest itself. After a night of drinking together, he decides to allow her to join him and his local tour guide in the hopes of helping Sara find her sister. The next day, the group enters the forest, and almost immediately Sara begins seeing and hearing strange things, which intensifies the longer she stays there. She eventually cannot distinguish between what is real and what
isn’t, leaving her in a constant state of panic. One of the major flaws about this film is the fact that it’s a horror film that’s not scary. All of the “terrifying” parts are predictable and the film relies completely on cliché jump scares to attempt to frighten the audience, most of which fail. The film does have a great premise, with the story taking place in a supernatural forest where people go to kill themselves. It also takes the film a long time to get into the main plot, which involves the main character actually entering the forest to find her sister. Once she does finally enter the forest, nothing seems to really happen. This leaves the viewers in a perpetual state of wondering when something good is going to occur. The script itself just lacks any sort of focus or general direction, as if the scriptwriters were all just making the whole thing up as they went along. When the movie does end, the viewers are left with more questions than answers, such as why a certain character did something or if something really happened or not. The acting, however, was pretty convincing and was arguably one of only non-sucky parts about it. Actress Natalie Dormer, who is known for her parts in television shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “The Tudors,” did a great job playing the dual role of
both Sara and her identical twin sister, Jess. The same can be said of actor Taylor Kinney. After a while, the audience can’t tell if his goal is to help Sara or if the character has something more sinister planned for her. Was “The Forest” one of the worst horror films ever made? No. Some parts were mildly creepy and the acting was good, but most audience members will leave the movie feeling disappointed and with several unanswered questions. Those desiring to still see the film should just wait until it ends up on Netflix in a few months.
Want to read a review of a movie before you see it? Let us know! Send an email to our Features Editor, Connor Jaschen, at cjaschen@murraystate.edu.
An Exercise in Control I heard a quote recently that stood out to me, and it has been rattling around in my brain for a few days. N o w , Connor Jaschen I’m not one Features Editor for those “inspirational quotes” over some sappy background calling itself motivation, but as a writer, I admit words have a profound effect if used wisely. So now every week instead of racking my brain for something to rant about, something mostly random, these columns will be centered around some quote I thought was profound. Or funny. Basically, anything I feel like doing because I’m the boss between these lines. The quote goes, “No man is free who cannot control himself.” It was originally from the ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagoras. I’m not going to tell you what it means, because of the clichéd “it will mean something different to everyone” deal. It’s pretty simple and if you can’t figure it out yourself, you probably have bigger problems. Really what this quote did was make me aware of how I see other people. I wrestled through high school. That meant heavy practices, early mornings, late nights and weight cutting. Weight cutting is the slowing of nutritional intake (including food or water) in order to make it to a specified weight. Needless to say, it was not fun. But I learned a lot about myself and the discipline it takes to become fully in control of myself and my surroundings. While it may not have been the healthiest of routines, for those moments I was cutting weight, I was in full control – not even the instinctive drive to eat could hold me down. Nowadays, though, not many people are disciplined. Sports that shine are the ones with the flash. A slam dunk is fun to watch. A Hail Mary is a cool play no matter who you are. But those things don’t matter; instead, the values learned while teaching yourself to do those things are important, however washed out those lessons become. Control really is the only shot we have of maintaining our own freedom. Pythagoras is teaching us lessons even thousands of years later. For the sake of moving away from being overly mushy, let’s just take a look at how it relates to your everyday college students. We all know someone with their addictions. Whether it be Netflix or drugs, an addiction will take control from a person. While I’m not here to tell you to let go of all of your vices for some sappy existential reason, it’s best to keep the idea in mind. College is the first place many people are allowed any semblance of freedom. Don’t give that up because you can’t maintain self-discipline. Having the freedom to choose is a double-edged sword. Choose something addictive, and lose the freedom to choose. cjaschen@murraystate.edu
Out this week
Read It
“A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara
See It
“The Fifth Wave”
Hear It
“Above the Prairie” by The Pines
Rent It
“Jem and the Holograms”
Play It
“The Witness”
The News
8B
January 21, 2016
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS The Murray State University Student Government Association is now accepting applications for the following Awards:
Jim Baurer Outstanding Staff Service Award
Ralph H. Woods Memorial Award
Established to honor and recognize a staff member who has gone above and beyond the call of prescribed duty and shown exceptional dedication with regard to the students of Murray State University. Application deadline Noon, February 19, 2016.
Established to honor and recognize a student or students who have made an outstanding contribution in service and leadership to Murray State University. Application deadline Noon, March 11, 2016. Applications are available in the CSI office, MSU News and www.murraystate.edu/sga. Please contact the SGA in the Center for Student Involvement office for additional information 270-809-6951.
Max Carman Outstanding Teacher Award This award is given in recognition of the recipient’s teaching excellence as evidenced by his/her effectiveness and ability to motivate and inspire students in the classroom and outside the classroom. Application deadline Noon, February 19, 2016.
NOMINATION FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION'S MAX CARMAN OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD I,
(your name)
nominate (professor)
, would like to for the award.
Please complete the following information: 1.
2.
4. What qualities do you feel this professor has that would qualify him/her for this award for outstanding classroom performance?
What department does the faculty member teach in?
*REQUIREMENT FOR AWARD: FOUR (4) YEARS FULL TIME TEACHING EXPERIENCE AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY Student's signature
Date__________
Major
Phone_________
Have you had the professor in class? If so, what classes? Email address________________________________________________
3.
DEADLINE - NOON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016
Is the professor available for assistance outside the classroom?
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION RALPH H. WOODS MEMORIAL AWARD APPLICATION Form to be filled out by nominee or person making nomination and submitted to Jeanie Morgan, Student Government Association, Center for Student Involvement office, with three (3) letters of recommendation, no later than NOON, FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016. NOMINEE ________________________________________________________ Campus Address__________________________________________________ Email Address___________________________________________________ NAME OF NOMINATING ORGANIZATION OR INDIVIDUAL _________________________________________________________________ ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
ACTIVITIES
NOMINATION FOR STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION'S JIM BAURER OUTSTANDING STAFF SERVICE AWARD I,
(your name)
nominate (staff )
, would like to for the award.
Nominee name______________________________________________ Campus address____________________________________________ Campus telephone number___________________________________ Email address_____________________________________________ Please complete the following information: 1.
2. What qualities do you feel this staff person has that would qualify him/her for this award?
What area does the staff member work in?
*REQUIREMENT FOR AWARD: FIVE (5) YEARS FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY Student's signature
Date_____
Major
Phone_________
Email address________________________________________________ DEADLINE - NOON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016