The News Argus by The News Argus

Michael Eric Dyson to address 1,000 graduates

Bianca Pender Copy Desk Chief

bpender107@rams.wssu.edu

More than 1,000 Winston-Salem State undergraduate and graduate students are expected to walk across the stage during the 2012 commencement ceremony at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum May 12. Michael Eric Dyson, a well-known

author, radio show host will be the commencement speaker. Dyson is also a professor of sociology at Georgetown University. Dyson has been named one of the 40 most inspiring African Americans by Essence magazine and one of the 150 most powerful African Americans by Ebony magazine. Dyson will receive an honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters on

the recommendation of Chancellor Donald J. Reaves. This year marks Reaves’ fifth WSSU commencement as chancellor. “Time has really passed quickly, and I am very pleased about my five years at WSSU,” Reaves said in an email interviews. “We have made a tremendous amount of progress towards our academic goals, and I look forward with

enthusiasm to next year. “ Reaves said graduation rates are measured in four-to-six-year time periods. “Graduation rates are longer term measures, usually taken at four and six years. So it’s too soon to look at six years,” he said. “We have seen an almost 4 percent-

Graduation

continued on Page 6

WSSU tackles security issues Jamal Williams Staff Reporter

jwilliams210@rams.wssu.edu

The increase in the number and the type of police presence is a part of a new security plan to ensure a safe and drug-free environment on campus. The new procedures were implemented following the shooting at the Anderson Center March 22. “We are implementing an increase in police as a direct result of drug and weapon use on campus,” said Marcus Sutton, the deputy chief of police at Winston-Salem State. The changes include placing Winston-Salem city police officers at campus entrancesbefore 10 p.m., campus check points and gate closings. “We want to show visibility to drug activity as well as the local community to make sure that everyone is safe,” Sutton said.

Police

continued on Page 2

Hip Hop concert coming

Wiz Khalifa will be performing at Winston-Salem Entertainment Sports Complex in Winston-Salem on May 1. The concert will also feature Juicy J, Chevy Woods, and DJ Bonics. Tickets are still available at various ticket outlets. Wiz Khalifa will be performing songs from his newest albums O.N.I.F.C., Rolling Papers, and Taylor Allderdice. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, starting at $39.70. Source: www.khalifa.com

Sex changes occurring?

On a lush tropical island in a remote area of the Caribbean something, very peculiar is happening. The young girls in one village are turning into boys. This sex change is occurring naturally, and a team of scientists sent to the island say the changes could throw a new light on fundamental aspects of human nature and sexual identification. Source: www.majorityrights.com

Knuckle cracking is good

Cracking your knuckles or any other joints can have therapeutic relief. When you crack one of your joints you are actually pulling the bones, that are attached at the joint apart from each other. This method stimulates your tendons, relaxes your muscles and loosens your joints. Chiropractors do this for spinal joints when your back is sore and stiff, but you can do this on your own for your knuckles, toes, knees and neck. Source: www.omgfacts.com

News & Features Page 2

The News Argus

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

www.thenewsargus.com

Campus to be saturated with lifesaving defibrillators Kanesha Leak Staff Reporter

kleak108@rams.wssu.edu

The University is placing automated external defibrillators, in buildings throughout the entire campus to increase the survival chances of anyone who may experience a sudden cardiac arrest. According to American Heart Association, AEDs are lifesaving tools. Each year, sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of at least 250,000 people. The only known treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is the use of a defibrillator, which uses a powerful electric shock to stop the abnormal rhythm so that the heart can return to a normal beating pattern. AEDs are portable units that recognize one’s heart rhythm. According to heart.org, an AED can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock and can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. The average starting cost of an AED is $1,200. The American Heart Association recommends placing AEDs in targeted

public areas like sports arenas, gated communities, office complexes, physician’s offices, and shopping malls. “All the buildings on campus including resident halls will have an AED by the summer time,” said Patricia Norris, campus police chief. Campus police officers will carry AEDs in their cars. “Glad we have them,” Norris said. “Last year an incident occurred [on campus], and a young man died,” she said. Norris said that she did not know whether an AED would have saved the man. “But it would have been nice to have it and maybe could have helped.” A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical activity becomes disrupted, and the heart beat gets dangerously fast ventricular tachycardia or chaotic ventricular fibrillation. “When someone goes into cardiac arrest you have six minutes to get the rhythm established,” said Michael Isler, a informatics and clinical services coordinator at A.H. Ray Student Health Services. When the AED is turned on and the pads are attached, it quickly analyzes the heart rhythm.

If a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED tells the user to stand clear and press the shock button. Some AEDs will shock automatically without the push of a button. All the building coordinators and campus police officers have been trained to use the AED machines Norris said. The University will be offering class for students, faculty, and staff to be trained to use the AEDs. Vanessa Hood, director of Campus Fitness said she will have her cardiopulmonary resuscitation class referred to as CPR and AED training April 28 and will be trained to be an instructor May 8. CPR is an emergency procedure performed to manually preserve intact brain function until measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest. “Students should be trained to use the AEDs,” Isler said. “It is very easy to use them; it tells you exactly what to do.” All UNC-system schools are placing AEDs on their campuses.

Police The Campus Incident Report is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Certain incidents may lead to News Argus articles. Friday, April 6

At 12:45 a.m. a campus police officer responded to a call about an intoxicated student outside of Wilson Hall. After being questioned by the officer, the student admitted to drinking alcohol and being intoxicated. EMS arrived to evaluate the student, but the student refused. The student was given a citation for consuming alcohol underage and a court date has been set. The case is closed.

Sunday, April 8

At 4:31 p.m. campus police took a report from a student whose debit card had been stolen. The student said the card was lost in Lot DD on April 3. After an investigation, a campus officer found that the card had been used to purchase items online. The case is still open and pending further investigation. At 8:31 p.m. a campus police officer took a report from a student who said money had been stolen in Moore Hall on March 28. The student said that $50 was taken from a wallet on the student’s pillow. The student reported that a roommate along with two other individuals were in the room during the time of the theft. Due to the lack of evidence, campus police was unable to charge anyone. The case is closed.

Wednesday, April 11

At 12:10 p.m. campus police took a report from a student whose book bag went missing in Whitaker Gym. The student said the bag

contained the student’s credit cards and cell phone. The bag had gone missing on April 10. The student had searched Whitaker Gym and was unable to find the bag. Campus police advised the student to cancel all credit cards and end the cell phone service. There are no leads. The case is closed.

Thursday, April 12

At 5:23 a.m. campus police responded to a call about a disturbance in Wilson Hall. Two students had been involved in a loud verbal altercation. Campus police helped both students settle their differences and recommended both individuals separate for the night. The students agreed and were referred to Judicial Affairs. The case is closed.

Friday, April 13

At 12:47 a.m. Winston-Salem City Police received a call about a disturbance in progress behind Foundation Heights. The police reported that four students including two that were in an argument that was about to escalate into a fight. One of the students said his minor scrapes and cuts came from the other students trying to hold him back from fighting. The students admitted that they had been drinking alcohol. All were referred to Judicial Affairs. The case is closed.

All information provided in the Campus Incident Report was provided verbally by the Campus Police. These were the most updated reports available before The News Argus deadline. Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Daniel Braswell, Staff Reporter

Photo by Kanesha Leak

Defibrillators like this will be placed in all campus buildings.

continued from Page 1

There are 19 WSSU police officers and five W-S city officers. SGA President Austin Grier said that the student body has noticed the police presence. “There have been different responses from students about the increase in police but people feel safe,” Grier said. Grier, a junior political science major from High Point, is also the newly elected vice president of external affairs for the 2012-2013 academic year. Chancellor Donald J. Reaves sent an email to the WSSU community April 10 to explain the new procedure and the zero tolerance policy. “We certainly want to ensure that the campus is as safe as possible throughout the year,” he said. “We will, for example, employ the same number of officers year-round. We also will make any adjustments in our plan that appears necessary for the summer or for any

other time in the future.” “The zero tolerance policy was instituted primarily for illegal drugs, including marijuana because we know from law enforcement that there is a much greater likelihood for there to be guns on campus when there are drugs on campus. “We will, however, continue to enforce the laws and policies in place dealing with alcohol, and you can see that in the Campus Incident Report printed in the April 10 issue of The News Argus,” Reaves said.” The Argus publishes reported criminal activities verbally provided by campus police. The police presence has increased on campus but law enforcement still encourages students to help with the prevention of criminal activities. “Just because we have a presence on campus does not mean that activities cannot be reported by students,” Sutton said.

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News & Features Page 3

The News Argus

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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With rising gasoline prices, Phi Mu Alpha chapter commuters should consider celebrates 33 years, less expensive alternatives

new plot, probate Jennifer Rooks staff reporter

jrooks109@rams.wssu.edu

The campus grounds received yet another addition to the landscape, only this time in the form of a new Greek plot. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a music fraternity, joins the small list of Council of Independent Greek Organizations members to receive a Greek plot. The plot, which is in front of the Fine Arts Building, was constructed in celebration of the chapter’s 33-year existence on Winston-Salem State’s campus and in honor of Sinfonia’s first new member probate in five years. The fraternity presented its seven members to the campus March 24. “I figured it would be a great addition to everything that was going on, and for the boys to come back to a plot after they probate,” said Gerrod Williamson, a junior political science major from Baltimore, and Sinfonia member. The 7-foot-wide, black, red, and gold plot is the first one the organization has had since the installation of the Clock Tower in 2004. Williamson credits the long absence of a plot to the inability to find suitable members as well as the organization’s instability at the University. “You have to find members who are willing and determined to make the organization what it needs to be,” Williamson said. “When people graduate, you have to bring new people in. It takes a while to stabilize.” Other members of CIGO holding a joint plot on campus are Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc. KKPsi’s and TBS’ plot are near the Fine Arts Building almost directly parallel to Sinfonia’s plot. Sinfonia’s plot has been met with solid support from the student body including members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other mem-

bers of CIGO. Matthew Goodman, a senior music education major from Greensboro, and KKPsi member said that the plot will be a positive addition to the school. “I feel it gives prestige to the University,” Goodman said. “It draws the eye in and it’s a visual for them as well as the University.” Goodman also said that he feels that every organization should have an area for its own. He referenced NC A&T as an example, where every active Greek and fellowship has a plot. “If the organization is active on campus and is doing stuff in the community, then it should have somewhere on the campus to be visually recognized by people in passing,” he said. Otwon Kelly, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. agreed. “If you go right down the street to A&T, every Greek organization whether it’s Divine Nine or a non D9 organization, all of them have a plot,” Kelly said, a senior justice studies major from Greenville, N.C. Williamson said that Sinfonia will continue to increase its presence on campus well into the fall semester, with the possibility of performing in the homecoming step show. However, Williamson said the organization is more focused on increasing its impact on campus. “It would be nice, but there are other things we are trying to do. We are trying to increase our service, and we are trying to increase our impact musically on this campus just a little bit more,” he said. Williamson says that more work will be done on the plot. He said he hopes an umbrella and possibly a picnic table will be added so that the members of the organization can have a place to sit. “This is just phase one, as far as the permanent representation of us on campus, and us being a household name as far as campus goes,” he said.

Mallory Green Staff Reporter

mgreen107@rams.wssu.edu

With gas prices reaching a new high for this year, it’s pricey for students, faculty and staff to get back and forth to campus. The national price of regular gas is $3.87, according to GasBuddy.com, a site that provides real-time, national average price searches for gas by city, state and zip code. The price of gas around the Triad has reached up to $3.86 per gallon, a whopping 53 cent more than six months ago when it was $3.33. Prices at the two gas stations near the campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive during the third week in the month of April average to $3.86. These prices fluctuate throughout a day because the cost of gas is directly influenced by the cost of crude oil, according to Financial Nut, a business, finance and economics website. “I spend around $40 to $60 a week in gas driving back and forth to campus,” said Jimmy O’Neal, senior management information system major, from Fayetteville. O’Neal lives in Winston-Salem. “I have no other choice but to drive to school,” O’Neal said.

“The average citizen is bearing the cost of about $4,000 for fuel annually per vehicle,” said Brent McKinney, director of Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation. “You can take a nice vacation with that.” Alternatives and less expensive solutions for WSSU commuters are the Triad’s public transportation options: PART, Winston-Salem Transit Authority, High Point Transit, and Amtrak. PART provides connections between major cities and counties throughout the Triad. “PART is a unique public service and may be the only service provided by the government that allows the users to save large amounts of money,” McKinney said. “Ridership is tremendously heavy.” For the past six years, PART, along with Triad Air Awareness, has been sponsoring the Triad Commute Challenge. “The Triad Commute Challenge is a push where we get out and about in the community to try to get folks to do something different other than drive alone,” said Chantale Wesley, the project manager for the Challenge. “We’re promoting carpooling, riding the bus, vanpooling or working from home,” Wesley said.

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Opinion The News Argus

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

www.thenewsargus.com

Cartoon by Brandon Coley // 2012

Page 4

With no tears shed As the 2012 spring step show came to a close I hugged my line brother and we realized that our time at WSSU is coming to an end. Normally when you read a goodbye piece, you see people telling you how to live and what to do during your time here; I’m going to do that but not in the same way that others have done. The first thing that I want to do is say my goodbyes to all of those who have shaped Jordan “Killa” Holloway into the guy that I am. To my crew of brothers ,“200”, thanks Jordan for the constant support throughout my Holloway endeavors as a Ram. Everyone needs to have Sports editor people in their corner rooting them on and I wouldn’t trade you guys in for the world. From the parties to the “real talk” conversations that kept me grounded I thank you for all that you guys have done for me. To my brown and gold family, I told you guys this a million times, “I love you.” We have had our ups and downs, many victories and defeats. Whenever I needed you, you have been there and I am so grateful for that. Thanks for knowing how much The News Argus means to me and letting me fulfill my duties to the newspaper without anyone telling me that the frat was more important than what I do for the paper. I leave this university having obtained more than a degree, but a better understanding for life and the things that happen in it. I have lived in situations that will forever change how I think and view things in this world. I will always remember one conversation I had with my friend, Justin Jenkins, when he told me “These are the days that we will tell our children about make sure it’s a good story that they hear.” I just want to say thanks for all the help I received from the Mass Communications Department in obtaining my degree. Thanks Dr. Saddler for remaining hard on me even when I wanted an easy route to an “A” grade, and thanks Dr. Cobb for nailing that point through my head. After completing the work for the courses that you two taught I realized that I need to apply myself and go beyond the call to get the results that I wanted. I know that wasn’t an easy lesson to teach, but it was a lesson learned either way. To the coming staffers next year, please know that this is not an office hour’s kind of job. You will stay late and even sacrifice a Saturday or two per semester to make sure that this work gets done. Good luck Rams, and see you at homecoming.

Argus Letter Policy

As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of The News Argus at

thenewsargus@yahoo.com

The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Corbin Bradford and Sierra Thompson

WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff. To view the complete responses visit www.thenewsargus. com.

ALESHA GRIMES FRESHMAN, BIOLOGY ATLANTA “Somewhat. Now it’s okay because they [police] are actually putting their foot down.”

The University’s new heightened security measures involve police officers from the city of Winston-Salem and an increase in the of number campus police.

Their joint objectives are to keep WSSU safe and maintain a drug-free environment.

This issue’s Campus Crew asks...

Do you feel safer with the increase in the number of police officers?

ANTHONY TUCKER

SOPHOMORE, INFO. TECH. WINSTON-SALEM “I don’t really feel any safer, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea. You can’t have too much security.”

BRIDGETTE PARKS SENIOR, BIOLOGY KANNAPOLIS, N.C. “I don’t feel safe because locals can still come and walk on campus.”

STEPHANIE PEREZ JUNIOR, REHAB STUDIES GREENSBORO “Yes, I feel safer. I feel like I don’t have to worry about anything when I walk to my car or walk to my class.”

MALCOLM REID FRESHMAN, BIOLOGY HIGH POINT “Honestly, I feel the same. I don’t see the police officers like that cause most of the time I’m in class or in the library doing work.”

Opinion

www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The News Argus

Page 5

WSSU, I thank you

Will George Zimmerman receive a fair trial? Yes

26% No

30% Case won’t make it to trial; there will be a plea bargain.

44%

To participate in the poll, register online @ thenewsargus.com

This has been a long yet fulfilling journey through my college career. I had many ups and many downs, but I can always count on my experiences to be life lessons. Having a good support system while in college is vital. There were times when I felt like I BIANCA wanted to give up, but PENDER I kept going. Copy Desk Chief Without the people that I have in my life, it would have been a much greater struggle. I would first like to thank God for blessing me with so many great opportunities and for watching over me. I couldn’t have gotten through it without him. Not matter what I chose to do in life my

parents are behind me. They always want me to have all of the opportunities that they didn’t have. Thanks to my mom for always being by my side from day one and for being my cheerleader. Thanks to my dad for making sure I had everything I needed and making sure I never went without. I hope to continue to make you proud. Much of my appreciation goes to my best friend Jocelyn Boyd who reminds me all the time that I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to. Words can’t express how grateful I am to have Issiah Norton in my corner. Through all the good and bad, you let me know that I will always have your support. For that, I thank you. The professors of the Mass Communications Department have taught me a lot not only about journalism, but also life and the real world. Dr. Jeter and Dr. Cobb alone have

taught me the very important lesson: “Don’t wait for something, Go get it.” Thank you to all of The News Argus staffers that I have worked with. We have accomplished so many great things and I am proud to say that I did it with you guys. I wish all the best for the future staff members and that they use working on the paper as much needed experience. It is a lot of hard work that goes into the Argus, but it will pay off. There are moments where people would stop me to give me compliments on a story that I had written. Those are the moments that are the most rewarding. Winston-Salem State will always have a special place in my heart. I hope to one day be able to give back to the Mass Communications Department and continue to see The News Argus succeed. I can truly say I am proud to be a Ram.

News & Features Page 6

The News Argus

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Graduation continued from Page 1

Photo courtesy of WSSU Media Relations

Dyson has been a commentator on National Public Radio and CNN, and host of The Michael Eric Dyson Radio Show.

age increase in the four-year rate, which in 2006 stood at 14 percent.” Nigel Alston, executive director for Marketing, Alumni and Community Relations said he is excited about the possibilities for graduates as they depart to serve. “I am equally looking forward to the dynamic, thoughtprovoking speaker Michael Eric Dyson,” Alston said. “Graduation is one of those memorable moments and I know Dyson’s message will linger long after the day is over.” SGA president Austin Grier, who will deliver the welcome at the ceremony, said it is good

to see students work hard for their degree and to be able to share this milestone with family and friends. “I am excited about students getting to embark on life after Winston-Salem State,” Grier said. During the ceremony, Judge Joseph D. Johnson will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Retiring after 40 years of service at WSSU, Merdis J. McCarter will also receive an honorary degree. McCarter is the senior associate provost for Academic Affairs.

Two win drum major slots with Red Sea of Sound marching band

Jennifer Rooks staff reporter

jrooks109@rams.wssu.edu

The Red Sea of Sound, Winston-Salem State’s marching band, has two new drum majors for the 2012-2013 band season. Drum major tryouts took place April 20. Joshua Hayes and Braxton Allen defeated three other participants trying out for Chain Reaction, the drum major squad for the Red Sea of Sound. “I don’t have any words right now,” Hayes said. “I’m just happy.” Hayes is a freshman biology major from Richmond. “I don’t even know how to describe how I feel because it hasn’t hit me yet,” Allen said. Allen is a junior music education major from Greensboro. “I know that later on tonight, I’m probably going to realize that I am a drum major, and I am in Chain Reaction.” The five contestants were required to demonstrate vari-

ous skills including showmanship, mace work, and voice projection in front of a panel of six judges. The judges included Michael Macgruder, Red Sea of Sound director and Lakeith Stevenson director of Food Services. The competition also involved two freestyle portions where the five contestants were given two minutes to improvise their own routines, one with music accompaniment and one without music. The annual drum major tryouts usually begin during the spring. For about a month, aspiring drum majors practiced from 30 minutes to one hour daily to prepare for the 45-minute tryout. Allen said that he practiced on the tennis court in the complex where he lives. “I would go in the tennis court even after it would close,” Allen said. “Just me and the mace out there practicing every little

move, every little detail, making sure it [the routine] is perfect.” Norris Day, a senior music business major from Charlotte and former drum major, said he understood why Allen had been chosen as the second drum major. “I think he [Allen] was chosen solely on his musicality,” Day said. “He is a music major and he can do well with leading the band as well as teaching music.” Rontavion Armstrong, a sophomore music education major from Charlotte, said that the selections were good and that both contestants were the best people for the job. “I’m very satisfied, ” Armstrong said. The two newest members of Chain Reaction now have to start training over the summer, but Allen said that he is ready for the challenge. “I know that I will stick it out the same way I did in the try-outs.”

www.thenewsargus.com

Non-traditional students involved as much as their counterparts Mallory Green staff reporter

mgreen107@rams.wssu.edu

In recent years, the economy has been in a recession, depression or just bad. Jobs are few, and both the old and new ones require new skills. To meet these challenges, some non-traditional students are entering WinstonSalem State for the first time or returning to complete a degree. The non-traditional students or “learners” -- 24 years old or older -- make up about 30 percent of the enrollment at the University. Non-traditional students have at least three options: Distant, Evening and Weekend and Traditional Learners. The Distant courses are taught primarily online. The Evening and Weekend option is an accelerated program where most of the students work on their degrees in eight-week blocks, instead of the 16 weeks. This option gives the adult students a chance to earn their degree in four years or less. The traditional learners comply with “routine” academic curriculum, involving face-toface instruction. “Most non-traditional students are full-time and honor students,” said Dr. Esther Powell, director of NonTraditional Student Services. “A very high percentage of these students that complete their undergraduate go right in to graduate school,” Powell said. WSSU’s non-traditional students are involved in many of the same activities as traditional students including community service projects, social

events, fundraisers and study abroad programs. Some have traveled to Africa and France. This year one non-traditional student will be going to Brazil. All adult students are members of the Non-Traditional Adult Student Organization, developed by Powell. Adult students become active members when they pay dues in the organization. NASO has about 75 active members. McDaniels says she tries to encourage non-traditional adult students to join the organization. “It’s important to belong to an organization,” McDaniels said. “Being a part of an organization at school shows that you have tenacity because most of us work. We have families, and we’re also involved in the community.” McDaniels said that participation in a university organization shows people that nontraditional students are not just taking classes. “It [an active membership] shows that we’ve again pioneered through the process, the same process of a traditional student.” Royal Grantham said he is a member of NASO is a second degree teaching major from Louisburg, N.C. Grantham graduated from WSSU in 2005. “I decided to come back to see if I could do it again,” he said. “School hasn’t change, but the people, yes. The challenge with school is not actually school. It’s actually trying to survive now that I am going back to school and not working full time.”

Sports www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, April 24, 2012

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Page 7

Men’s, women’s teams fail to capture intramural basketball championships

Corbin Bradford Videographer

cbradford107@rams.wssu.edu

Winston-Salem State’s men’s and women’s intramural teams failed to bring home the top prize as they traveled to Raleigh for the ACIS Basketball Regional and National Championships on April 13-15. In the women’s bracket, the No. 1 seed, Rams were upset by East Carolina, 51-50 in opening round women’s club of division play. For the ECU Pirates, Carman Perocozzi scored 19 points including 8 of 9 shots from the field. Amanda Keehan posted 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds. WSSU’s LaToya Armstrong air balled the game-tying free throw with less than one-half second left in regulation but led all scorers with 20 points including five 3-pointers. In the women’s second game, the Rams failed to bounce back by losing to UNC-Chapel Hill in a lack luster effort 46-24, ending their run to compete for a national championship. Armstrong continued her strong play by contributing 13 points. “We’ve had a lot of inconsistencies this season with the girls, which I think contributed to our horrible play not just in this tournament, but throughout the whole season,” Coach Dash McNeil said.

The Lady Rams failed to get past pool play in all but one tournament this intramural season. “We had a hard time getting players to practice and to games,” McNeil said. “There was no desire to play basketball from these ladies, the desire and passion that they had in the past.” In the men’s bracket, the Rams demonstrated a little more effort, by winning three out of five games played in two days, before losing in the Elite Eight. In the opening round of play, the Rams defeated Georgian Gwinnett, 48-41. On day two, the field of 71 teams narrowed to 14 with the championship set in the women’s intramural division and Final Four teams in men’s and women’s club and men’s intramural divisions. Pool play concluded for men’s club teams and women’s intramural teams with the 9:35 a.m. games. The Rams lost to Cornell in the second game of the tourney 55-43. Johnny Anderson posted 12 points and eight rebounds for WSSU. In the Rams third game, WSSU defeated Elon 69-43, advancing to play UNC-G. Timothy Carmichael of the Rams, led all scorers with 19 points, nailing five 3-pointers, and Cameron Ashford contributed 12 points.

Coach Robert Pettis said, “We have a good chance of winning the entire tournament, if we keep up our play and intensity like this. Everyone played great and to their full potential. Hopefully, we can keep it up throughout our tough schedule.” In the fourth contest of the tournament, the Rams found themselves in a dog fight with the UNC-G Spartans. Down by 7 points at the half, injuries, costly turnovers, missed assignments, and free throws put the Rams in a hole. In the second half, coach Pettis depended on his bench more than ever because of injured starters Carmichael and Ashford. Mikkell Terry, Jamaal Bowden and Art Mcillwain all provided sparks on and off the bench, combining for 26 of the teams 30 second half points, ultimately bringing the team back to defeat the Spartans 51-48. “This is a major win for the team,” Pettis said. “It shows that we have the heart to compete. We bounced back and beat a team that had a better all-around game than us. I believe we can beat anyone.” In the final game of the day, fatigue plagued the Rams, as they faced host NC State University. NC State’s big post presence was too much for the Rams as they fell 59-53 in the Elite Eight.

Lady Rams win CIAA title

Jordan Holloway Sports Editor

jholloway106@rams.wssu.edu

The Lady Rams (30-17, 15-1 CIAA) softball team repeated as CIAA champions April 21 when they shutout the Virginia State Lady Trojans (21-22, 12-4) 3-0 in the CIAA championship game. The Lady Rams defeated the Lady Trojans on VSU’s home field in Ettrick, Va. Britney Cato, a junior right hander from Las Vegas said that the win was expected. “I have been there before as far as winning a championship,” Cato said. “I was excited and had the confidence that the team would win the title.” Nikki Lynch, a junior right-handed infielder from Wilmington said that the team did what they knew they were going to do. “I feel like winning the conference is something that we should have done,” Lynch said. “It is no surprise that we won. We have a lot of talent on

this team.” Lynch said that the championship was special but she really wanted to win it for the freshman on the team. “It was very satisfying to help the freshman win a ring in their first year,” Lynch said. Yasmin Lee, a sophomore transfer pitcher from Greensboro, said that winning the title gave vindication to the reasons she transferred. “It felt good getting the win in the title game,” Lee said. “Coach [Hilliard-Gray] said that it was my time and believed in me and my teammates backed me up.” Lee is a transfer from Maryland Eastern Shore from the MEAC. Lee was the starting pitcher for the championship game. She said that the reason for her transferring was her relationship with the coaches at UMES. “I didn’t like the coaches too much there,” Lee said. “I wasn’t happy at all.” With the conference tourna-

ment over, the Lady Rams are focusing their efforts on winning the national championship. Cato said that she wants this team to be a history maker. “We have an opportunity to become the first HBCU to win a game in regionals,” Cato said. “Our ultimate goal is to win regionals.” Cato had to fight back from a high ankle sprain that she suffered in a game against Johnson C. Smith April 5. She wasn’t able to take the field, but she was able to hit as a designated hitter during the tournament. “I wanted to take my time and make sure I didn’t further injure myself,” Cato said. She said that she wants to play during the NCAA Tournament and knows that her injury will hamper her chances at playing well. “I want to get out there and give it all for my team,” Cato said. “But high ankle sprains take a long time to heal.”

Cruz Vargas-Sullivan Jordan Holloway Sports Editor

Cruz Vargas-Sullivan, a freshman sprinter from Fayetteville, was chosen by Head Track and Field Coach Inez Turner as the Game Ball recipient. Coach Turner said the sprinter is doing what she needs to become great. “She is doing everything she can in her training to be one of the best athletes we have,” Turner said. Vargas-Sullivan set her personal record in the 400meter run during the meet at Johnson C. Smith. “She really showed off her true talent during that meet,” Turner said. Vargas-Sullivan qualified for national’s in the 400 and coach Turner said that she was so proud of her. “I know that she will want to go back next year after going her freshman year.” “This is going to really boost her confidence and improve her performance.”

Sports

www.thenewsargus.com Tuesday, April 24, 2012

The News Argus

Page 8

Rams baseball wins regular season title Daniel Braswell Staff Reporter

dbraswell110@rams.wssu.edu

The Winston-Salem State baseball team followed last year’s CIAA championship victory with another successful season. The team won the 2012 CIAA regular season conference championship with a 15-3 conference record. Overall the Rams finished the regular season with a 31-17 record. “We fell a little short of the games we tried to win,” said Head Baseball Coach Kevin Ritsche. “But we did a good job especially within the last month of the season because we started out slow.” The Rams started the season losing seven of their first nine games. Ritsche said that the team had a very challenging season. “This year I scheduled a dozen games against top 25 teams in the country because those are the teams we want to play with and against,” he said. The 25 teams included on their schedule were Millersville University out of Millersville, Pa. and Armstrong Atlantic State out of Savannah, Ga. The Rams second win of the season came in an upset triumph over Millersville on Feb. 11. Of the surprises Ritsche said he had this season, he said the biggest came from players German Reyes and Aaron Jones. Both finished at the top of the conference in several categories including batting average. Jones led the CIAA with a .473 batting average, and Reyes followed with a .424 average. “Usually I don’t think of us as being an offensive team. But this year we were really good offensively,” Ritsche said. On how he was able to play so well this season, Reyes said it came from preparation and hard work. “I made some changes with my swing and started working hard [on my game] last fall. I have had a positive outcome,” said Reyes, a junior from the Dominican Republic. Reyes had to make an adjustment this season when the coaching staff decided to move him to second base. Previously, Reyes had played third base. Reyes said that the position change was not that difficult. “Coming from the country, I’m from I always played different positions in the infield. I’ve played third base, shortstop, and second base. So it wasn’t a big

change for me.” “I know the game and felt pretty confident,” he said. Junior first baseman Jones, who was also named the 2012 CIAA Baseball Player of the Year, said he contributed his strong play to his teammates and trying to be consistent. “It made it a lot easier when I had those guys batting around me in the lineup,” Jones said. “I just tried to show up to the ballpark with the same swing every day and just focus when I was out there.” Reyes and Jones both made the AllConference first team. Joining them on the first team is teammates Brandon Harrison, Travis Moore and Michael Robbins. Looking forward to next season, the Rams are returning eight of their nine starting players. Coach Ritsche said that he and his team would again have high aspirations. “When I came here my goal was to set this program up to being a national contender,” Ritsche said. “I want to get to the top level and compete with the best teams.”

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Rams lose pitching coach

The Madison Mallards, from Madison Wis. announced April 24 the signing of Keith Ritsche as their pitching coach for the 2012 season. Ritsche, Winston-Salem State’s pitching coach, was in his second year with the Rams. [Keith’s brother is the Rams head baseball coach, Kevin Ritsche.] Ritsche led the pitching staff at Winston-Salem State to a No. 7 ranking in NCAA Division II for strikeouts per nine innings in 2011, and back to back CIAA Championships. He also oversees infielder player development, strength and conditioning, and recruiting for the Rams. Ritsche playing experience far exceeds his experience as a coach. Ritsche attended the College of St. Scholastica where he was a four-time All-Conference pitcher, and was named the 2006 Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a pitcher and first baseman. He finished fourth on the all-time wins list at St. Scholastica compiling a 23-4 record. He also had a career batting average of .364, playing first base, and shortstop. The Mallards are members of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the nation’s largest summer collegiate league.

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